34 Johan Christian Hoffmann
(See also item 27.) Sailed from Batavia November 26, 1675 in the return-fleet, Ternate, Oostenburg, Sumatra, Hoveling, Hendrik-Mauritz, Kouwerven, America, Africa, Blauwe Hulk and the ‘Advys-yacht*’ Posthoorn, under Nicolaus Verburg, whose letter of appointment he reproduces (incidentally signed by Jan van Riebeeck, now Secretary to the Council of the Indies). Reproduces also in full the fleet-orders, signals, etc., and states definitely that the ‘Prince-flag’ was red (not orange), white and blue. Rations detailed.
On the 28th of January we sighted the Cape de boa Esperance with great joy, and made ready to be there soon; but we reckoned without our host, since before we knew it the favourable wind left us, and instead the gloomy air and many-coloured clouds threatened the coming of a mighty storm, which not only chased us out to sea again but so fell on all our ships that not one of them was to be found which had not some damage to sails or elsewhere. When the storm ended after 2 full days we had delightful sunshine and a pleasant south-east wind, which accompanied us into the Table Bay, where we arrived safely on the 4th of February with all the fleet [dr].
Although we fully expected to find there the Ceylon return-fleet, this had not yet appeared. On the other hand we met on our arrival here the ships Printz Wilhelm, Aardenburg, and the yacht* Voorhout, coming from Holland and bound for the Indies [sic: dr 12/1, 22/1]. Also the awaited Ceylon ships Beemster and Spanbroek arrived two days after us [dr 1/3, 2/3].
As soon as the anchors were down, the greater part of the folk went ashore to refresh themselves somewhat after such a dangerous journey. Meanwhile the seamen brought aboard water, firewood, cattle, victuals, and whatever else was necessary for our further journey, so as not to be delayed when the time came for our departure. On this second visit I found the Cape in a far better condition than before, so that it served excellently well to our entertainment, in that it was not only enlarged, but also ornamented with a new Fort*, not yet entirely finished. We had spent six whole weeks at this pleasant place, when:
On the 18th of March, 1676 [dr] we left the shore, entrusting ourselves to God and the sea, and set out, now twelve ships in all, with a favourable and steady south-east wind....
Sargasso Sea for 8 days. Northabout*. People of Fair Isle and the Shetlands brought fish, eggs, etc. for sale. ‘Cruisers*’ met near there. Discharged at Texel: Amsterdam for pay.
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