They fitted out a ship and gave the command to Captain Phips.

He sailed from England, and arrived safely at Porto de la Plata, where he took an adze and assisted his men to build a large boat.
The boat was intended for the purpose of going closer to the reef of rocks than a large vessel could safely venture.

When it was finished, the Captain sent several men in it, to examine the spot where the Spanish ship was said to have been wrecked.

They were accompanied by some Indians, who were skilful divers, and could go down a great way into the depths of the sea.
The boat's crew proceeded to the reef of rocks, and rowed round and round it, a great many times.

They gazed down into the water, which was so transparent that it seemed as if they could have seen the gold and silver at the bottom, had there been any of those precious metals there.