An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

There was a small Vessel set Sail from Bristol to New-England, Sept.22. 1681. The Masters Name William Dutten. There were seven Men in the Vessel, having on Board Provision for three Months, but by reason of contrary Winds, they were twenty Weeks before they could make any Land; and some unhappy Accidents fell out which occasioned their being put to miserable straits for victuals, but most of all for Drink. The Winds were fair and prosperous until October 28. when they supposed themselves to be gotten 600 Leagues Westward. But after that the Norwest Winds blew so fiercely, that they were driven off from the Coast of New-England, so that December 12. they concluded to bear away for Barbados. But before this, one of their Barrels of Beer had the head broken out, and the Liquor in it lost. They had but seven barrels of Water, three of which proved leaky, so that the Water in them was lost. When their Victuals failed, the Providence of God sent them a supply by causing Dolphins to come near to the Vessel, and that still as their wants were greatest, nor could they catch more than would serve their present turn. But still their misery upon them was great, through their want of Water. Sometimes they would expose their Vessels ⟨p. 24⟩to take the Rain-water, but oft when it Rained the Winds were so furious, that they could save little or no Rain, yet so it fell out that when they came near to the Latitude of Bermudas they saved two Barrels of RainWater, which caused no little joy amongst them. But the Rats did unexpectedly eat holes through the Barrels, so that their water was lost again. Once when a shower of Rain fell they could save but a pint, which though it was made bitter by the Tar, it seemed very sweet to them. They divided this pint of Rain-Water amongst seven, drinking a thimble full at a time, which went five times about and was a great refreshing to them. On January 27. a good shower of Rain fell; that so they might be sure to save some Water, and not be again deprived thereof by the Rats; they laid their Shirts open to the Rain, and wringing them dry, they obtained seven Gallons of Water, which they put into Bottles, and were for a time much refreshed thereby. But new straits come upon them. They endeavoured to catch the Rats in the Vessel, and could take but three or four, which they did eat, and it seemed delicate meat to their hungry Souls.

There was a small Vessel set Sail from Bristol to New-England, Sept.22. 1681. The Masters Name William Dutten. There were seven Men in the Vessel, having on Board Provision for three Moneths, but by reason of contrary Winds, they were twenty Weeks before they could make any Land; and some unhappy Accidents fell out which occasioned their being put to miserable straits for victuals, but most of all for Drink. The Winds were fair and prosperous until October 28. when they supposed themselves to be gotten 600 Leagues Westward. But after that the Norwest Winds blew so fiercely, that they were driven off from the Coast of New-England, so that December 12. they concluded to bear away for Barbadoes. But before this, one of their Barrels of Beer had the head broken out, and the Liquor in it lost. They had but seven barrels of Water, three of which proved leaky, so that the Water in them was lost. When their Victuals failed, the Providence of God sent them a supply by causing Dolphins to come near to the Vessel, and that still as their wants were greatest, nor could they catch more than would serve their present turn. But still their misery upon them was great, through their want of Water. Sometimes they would expose their Vessels