Our own numbers were also augmented; for we had taken a dozen islanders for the service of our intended commercial establishment.

Their term of engagement was three years, during which we were to feed and clothe them, and at its expiration they were to receive a hundred dollars in merchandise.

The captain had shipped another dozen as hands on the coasting voyage.

These people, who make very good sailors, were eager to be taken into employment, and we might easily have carried off a much greater number.
We had contrary winds till the 2d of March, when, having doubled the western extremity of the island, we made northing, and lost sight of these smiling and temperate countries, to enter very soon a colder region and less worthy of being inhabited.

The winds were variable, and nothing extraordinary happened to us till the 16th, when, being arrived at the latitude of 35 deg.