From a tablet fixed into the face of
the rock I copied these words, inscribed in Arabic capitals:
IN MEMORY OF ALEXANDER SELKIRK, MARINER,
A native of Largo, in the county of Fife, Scotland, who lived on this
island in complete solitude for four years and four months. He was
landed from the _Cinque Ports_ galley, 96 tons, 18 guns, A. D. 1704,
and was taken off in the _Duke_, privateer, 12th February, 1709. He
died Lieutenant of H. M. S. _Weymouth_, A. D. 1723, [FOOTNOTE: Mr. J.
Cuthbert Hadden, in the "Century Magazine" for July, 1899, shows that
the tablet is in error as to Selkirk's death. It should be 1721] aged
47. This tablet is erected near Selkirk's lookout, by Commodore Powell
and the officers of H. M. S. _Topaze_, A. D. 1868.
The cave in which Selkirk dwelt while on the island is at the head of
the bay now called Robinson Crusoe Bay. It is around a bold headland
west of the present anchorage and landing. Ships have anchored there,
but it affords a very indifferent berth. Both of these anchorages are
exposed to north winds, which, however, do not reach home with much
violence. The holding-ground being good in the first-named bay to the
eastward, the anchorage there may be considered safe, although the
undertow at times makes it wild riding.
I visited Robinson Crusoe Bay in a boat, and with some difficulty
landed through the surf near the cave, which I entered. I found it dry
and inhabitable.
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