Governor Lord Carlisle to Secretary Conventry [extrait]

St. Jago de la Vega, December 1, 1679 [11 décembre 1679].

Since last writing, letters have come from Captain Johnson of H.M.S. Success who was ordered to coast round Jamaica in search of privateers. Johnson has taken one Captain Sawkins with his vessel and sent him to Port Royal, where he remains in custody until the King's evidence be got ready. The Success is now gone to attempt one Peter Harris on board a Dutch frigate lately surprised by him among the South Keys off the coast of Cuba, where the ship cannot safely adventure. Doubts not soon to hear a good account of him. (...)

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source: P.R.O. Calendar of State Papers, Colonial Series: America and West Indies: nos. 1199.

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Governor Lord Carlisle to Secretary Conventry [extrait]

St. Jago de la Vega, December 4, 1679 [14 décembre 1679].

On the very night when I wrote of the intended cruise of H.M.S. Success, I was surprised by the news of her being bilged upon her anchor and become irrecoverable. They say, what I can scarce believe, that her bottom is out, lying run by a current upon a bank of sand in 15 foot water. Have sent provisions and water to the men, ordered Captain Johnson to save what he can, and despatched the Hunter to assistance. I regret the King's loss, and this Island's, and the disappointment of her commander who was a diligent man on board, and by his carriage gave me great hopes of better success. The pilot is in prison till I can hear the matter from Captain Johnson, face to face.

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source: P.R.O. Calendar of State Papers, Colonial Series: America and West Indies: nos. 1202.