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[Page 2]
0º - 2' north & in Longitude 260º - 31' east. On our way from thence to the Southward we sprung our Main Mast, a few days before we made [Island of] Massafuero on which account it was deemed necessary to touch at this Port: where after passing In Light of Juan Fernandes we arrived two days ago but where I am sorry to observe we are not likely to get another mast ; we must therefore patch up the old one the best way we can. The Governor, Dr. Alava (a Brother of the Gentleman we parted with to the northward charged with the business of Nootka) received us with great civility, & yesterday visited both Vessels ; - but the manner of our general reception is yet uncertain, untill the Messanger returns which was dispatched on our arrival to the Viceroy of Chili, at St. Jago, about thirty leagues inland.
This Town like the other Spanish settlements fall far short of our expectations, either in point of strength, or exterior appearance, it is at best but a shabby looking place, scattered round the bottom of a large bay, but it seems to have considerable traffic, as their are Seven large Vessels loading here at present, with grain, flower & other Articles, which keeps up a considerable Stir to & from the Country - somedays less than four thousand Mules are said to unload in the town. - the Country round it is hilly & of a very moderate height, & looks dry & naked with low scrubby bushes here & there, but not the least appearance of Cultivation near it - The Andes are seen at a great distance covered wt Snow. Apples