Captain Alexander Sharpeigh'a account of his voyage to India, and of the loss of the Ascension.

The Ascension and Union had a quick passage from England to Saldanha Bay. After leaving that bay the Ascension lost sight of the Union and the pinnace. Having failed to obtain a supply of water at Comoro, Captain Sharpeigh touched at the Island of Pemba, the natives of which place treacherously attacked his men who were engaged in filling the water-casks. On the day after this attack he put to sea; during the night the Ascension touched the ground, but fortunately floated off without sustaining any damage. Next day three small native ships were captured, and some thirty men of their crews were brought on board the ship. These men were seemingly unarmed, but suddenly they with their knives attacked the Ascension's crew, for which they were either put to the sword or thrown overboard.

A further supply of fresh water was obtained at some islands in latitude four degrees ten minutes south.

Off the Island of Socotra the Ascension fell in with a Guzerat ship; in company with this vessel Captain Sharpeigh proceeded to Aden. At that city he was at first kindly entertained by the Governor, who, however refused him permission to return to the ship. Finally, Captain Sharpeigh “by a slight”, got on board, first having promised to pay customs not only for the goods on shore, but also for those in the ship.