Recto: The KENT returns to England, where Barlow hears of the death of his father and daughter, and the birth of a son. He signs on as chief mate on the RAINBOW, bound for China. Verso: The RAINBOW finds many Dutch ships at Java. Near Sumatra they run aground a sunken rock, but are able to get off after two hours.

Page 241 and 242 of Edward Barlow's journal.

Page 241 (recto): King's waiters come aboard as they approach England. Barlow hears of the death of his father and his daughter, and of the birth of a son. The men's wages are cut because of a false report of stealing. A few weeks later Barlow takes the post of chief mate on the RAINBOW, a ship hired by the East India Company and bound for China. He describes the cargo. The ship is very full and the commander Captain Polle an anxious man.

Page 242 (verso): The RAINBOW goes round the Cape of Good Hope after visiting the Island of Santiago. The captain does not like to land anywhere nor approach other English ships. They experience a small earthquake at sea. The ship arrives at Java, where there are many Dutch but no English ships. Near Sumatra they run aground a sunken rock, but are able to get off after two hours.

Record Details

Item reference: JOD/4/241-242
Catalogue Section: Manuscript volumes acquired singly by the Museum
Level: ITEM
Extent: 1 page
Date made: 1687-1688
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London