Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Dampier's book, published in 1697, was the first world-span-
ning travelogue in English. It was so packed with incident and ob-
servation that it is not surprising that it ran to four editions in two
years.
Through the catalogue of rare knowledge ran the exciting nar-
rative of Dampier's own adventure and that adventure reached a
high point on 5 May 1688. That was the day that the
Cygnet,
having
coasted to the south of Sumatra, anchored off one of the Nicobar Is-
lands to take on water. Dampier decided that this was the moment
to break with the pirates. His, roughly formed, plans were to remain
in the islands until he had collected a large amount of ambergris, the
principal export; then to make his way to the English factory of Achin
(modern Banda Atjeh), at the north-west corner of Sumatra. There
he hoped to find a homeward passage, trade his precious ambergris
for a large profit and return to his native land a wealthy man.
The scheme almost foundered before it had begun. The captain,
at that time, John Read, agreed readily enough to set Dampier ashore
and had him rowed to the island with his bedding, his gun and the
sea chest carrying his few possessions. But while Dampier was still
on the beach taking stock of his surroundings, the boat returned, full
of armed men to carry the castaway back to the
Cygnet
by force. The
reason for Read's change of mind was the threat of further deser-
tions. As soon as Dampier had gone, several other men had deman-
ded to share his fate. When Dampier climbed back aboard he found
a violent argument going on between the captain's faction and the
would-be castaways, the most vociferous of whom was the surgeon,
Mr Coppinger. Read knew that his men would not sail without a
doctor and so he refused to let
anyone
leave the ship. At that, Cop-
pinger leaped down into the boat which was still alongside, grabbed
up Dampier's gun and threatened to shoot anyone who tried to stop
him. But, before he could cast off, three of Read's men jumped into
