Page:A voyage to New Holland - Dampier.djvu/48

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Governors at Laguna and Santa Cruz.

Pearls from thence, which he presented to the Queen of Spain, was therefore, as 'tis said, made General of the Canary Islands. The Grand Canary is an Island much superior to Teneriffe both in Bulk and Value; but this Gentleman chuses rather to reside in this his native Island. He has the Character of a very worthy Person; and governs with Moderation and Justice, being very well beloved.

One of his Deputies was the Governor of Santa Cruz, with whom I was to have Din'd; but staying so long at Laguna, I came but time enough to Sup with him. He is a civil, discreet Man. He resides in the main Fort close by the Sea. There is a Centinel stands at his Door; and he has a few Servants to wait on him. I was Treated in a large dark Lower Room, which has but one small Window. There were about 200 Muskets hung up against the Walls, and some Pikes; no Wainscot, Hangings, nor much Furniture. There was only a small old Table, a few old Chairs, and 2 or 3 pretty long Forms to sit on. Having Supp'd with him, I invited him on Board, and went off in my Boat. The next Morning he came aboard with another Gentleman in his Company, attended by 2 Servants: But he was presently Sea-sick, and so much out of order that he could scarce Eat or Drink any Thing, but went quickly ashore again.