marchandize to be vsed and continued by our subiects within his sayd dominions whereby we perceiue and finde that both many good actions haue beene done and performed and hereafter are likely continually to be done and performed for the peace of Christendome Namely by the reliefe and discharge of many Christians which haue beene and which hereafter may happen to be in thraldome and bondage vnder the sayde Grand Signor and his vassals or subiects And also good and profitable vent and vtterance of the commodities of our Realme and sundrie other great benefites to the aduancement of our honour and dignitie Royall the maintenance of our Nauie the encrease of our customes and the reuenues of our Crowne and generally the great wealth of our whole Realme And whereas we are enformed of the sayd Edward Osborne knight William Hareborne and Richard Staper that George Barne Richard Martine Iohn Harte knights and other marchants of our sayd Citie of London haue by the space of eight or nine yeeres past ioyned themselues in companie trade and traffike with them the sayd Edward Osborne knight William Hareborne and Richard Staper into the sayde dominions of the sayd great Turke to the furtherance thereof and the good of the Realme And whereas â—urther it is made knowen vnto vs that within fewe yeeres now past our louing and good subiects Thomas Cordall Edward Holmeden William Garraway and Paul Banning and sundry other marchants of our said Citie of London haue likewise at their great costes and charges builded and furnished diuerse good and seruiceable shippes and therewith to their like costs and charges haue traded and frequented and from time to time doe trade and frequent and traffike by sea with the commodities of our Realme to Venice Zante Candie and Zephalonia and other the dominions of the Segniorie and State of Venice and thereby haue made and mainteyned and doe make and continually maintaine diuers good shippes with mariners skilfull and â—itte and necessarie for our seruice and doe vent out of our Realme into those partes diuerse commodities of our Realme and returne hither into our sayde Realme many good and necessarie commodities for the common wealth thereof All which traffike as well inward as outward vntill it hath beene otherwise brought to passe by the sayde endeuours costs and charges of our sayde subiects was in effect by our subiectes wholy discontinued Knowe yee that hereupon we greatly tendring the wealth of our people and the encouragement of them and other our louing subiects in their good enterprises for the aduancement of lawfull traffike to the benefite of our common wealth haue of our speciall grace certaine knowledge and meere motion giuen and graunted and by these presents for vs our heyres and successours doe giue and grount vnto our sayd trustie and welbeloued subiectes Edwarde Osborne Knight George Barne Knight George Bonde knight Richard Martine knight Iohn Harte knight Iohn Hawkins knight William Massam Iohn Spencer Richard Saltonstall Nicholas Mosley Aldermen of our sayde Citie of London William Hareborne Edwarde Barton William Borrough Esquires Richard Staper Thomas Cordall Henrie Paruis Thomas Laurence Edwarde Holmeden William Garraway Robert Dowe Paul Banning Roger Clarke Henrie Anderson Robert Offley Philip Grimes Andrewe Banning Iames Staper Robert Sadler Leonarde Power George Salter Nicholas Leate Iohn Eldred William Shales Richard May William Wilkes Andrewe Fones Arthur Iackson Edmund Ansell Ralph Ashley Thomas Farrington Roberte Sandie Thomas Garraway Edwarde Lethlande Thomas Dalkins Thomas Norden Robert Baâ—e Edward Sadler Richard Darsall Richard Martine Iunior Ralph Fitch Nicholas Pearde Thomas Simons and Francis Dorrington that they and euery of them by the name of Gouernour and company of Marchants of the Leuant shall from hence foorth for the terme of twelue yeeres next ensuing the date hereof bee one bodie fellowshippe and companie of themselues both in deede and in name And them by the name of Gouernour and companie of marchantes of the Leuant wee doe ordayne incorporate name and declare by these presentes and that the same fellowshippe and companie from hence foorth shall and may haue one Gouernour And in consideration that the sayde Edwarde Osborne Knight hath beene of the chiefe setters foorth and actors in the opening and putting in practise of the sayde trade to the dominions of the sayde Gand Signor Wee doe therefore specially make ordaine and constitute the sayde Edwarde Osborne Knight to bee nowe Gouernour during the time of one whole yeere nowe next following if hee so long shall liue And after the expiration of the sayde yeere or decease of the sayde Edward Osborne the choyse of the next Gouernour and so of euery Gouernour from time to time during the sayde terme of twelue yeeres to be at the election of the sayde fellowshippe or companie of marchantes of the Leuant or the more part of them yeerely to be chosen and that they the sayde Sir Edwarde Osborne and all the residue of the sayde fellowshippe or companie of Marchantes of the Leuant and euerie of them and all the sonnes of them and of euery of them and all such their apprentises and seruants of them and of euery of them which haue beene or hereafter shall be imployed in the sayde trade by the space of foure yeeres or vpwardes by themselues their seruantes factors or deputies shall and may by the space of twelue yeeres from the day of the date of these our letters Patents freely traffike and vse the trade of Marchandize as well by sea as by lande into and from the dominions of the sayde Grand Signor and into and from Venice Zante Candie and Zephalonia and other the dominions of the Signiorie and State of Venice and also by lande through the Countries of the sayde Grand Signor into and from the East India lately discouered by Iohn Newberie Ralph Fitch William Leech and Iames Storie sent with our letters to that purpose at the proper costs and charge of the sayde Marchants or some of them and into and from euerie of them in such order manner forme libertie and condition to all intentes and purposes as shall be betweene them of the sayde fellowshippe or companie of Marchantes of the Leuant or the more part of them for the time being limited and agreed and not otherwise without any molestation impeachment or disturbance any lawe statute vsage or diuersitie of Religion or faith or any other cause or matter whatsoeuer to the contrarie notwithstanding And that the sayde Gouernour and companie of Marchantes of the Leuant or the greater part of them for the better gouernement of the sayde fellowshippe and companie shall and may within fortie dayes next and immediatly following after the date heereof and so from thence foorth yeerely during the continuance of this our graunt assemble themselues in some conuenient place and that they or the greater parte of them being so assembled shall and may elect ordaine nominate and appoint twelue discreete and honest persons of the sayde companie
proofe cast lots who shall take his oath for the more ready triall of the cause And in no wise to take any fee or duetie of the aforesaid English merchants for the said iudgement in Lawe We wil and commaund all this to be obserued and kept in all parts of our dominions by all our subiects and authorised people by vertue of these our royal letters patents And the said letters not to be diminished in any part or parsell thereof by any persons howsoeuer they be named And whosoeuer shall withstand not regard these our gracious letters shal be in our high displeasure and shal incurre the losse of his life This our gracious letter was giuen in our kingdom and royal City of Mosco in the yere from the beginning of the world 7104. in the moneth of May. Subscribed by the Emperours Chancellour and Secretarie Vasili Shalcan The contents of M. Garlands Commission vnto Thomas Simkinson for the bringing of M. Iohn Dee to the Emperour of Russia his Court. FRiend Thomas Simkinson I pray you goe to Brounswik or Cassil and inquire if Master Iohn d ee be there or where he is and when you finde him certifie him howe that I haue sent you purposely to knowe where hee doeth remaine and at your returne I will come and speake with him my selfe Also you may certefie him that the Emperour of Russeland hauing certaine knowledge of his great learning and wisdome is marueilous desirous of him to come into his Countrey And hath giuen me his letter with his hand and golden seale at it for to bring him into the Countrey with mee if it be possible and for his liuing shewe him that he shall be sure of 2000. pound yeerely and also all prouision for his table out of the Emperours kitching free and if he thinke this too little I will assure him that if he aske asmuch more hee shall haue it and for his charges into the Countrey I haue sufficient of the Emperours allowance to bring him and all his royally into the Countrey And because hee may doubt of these proffers hee shall remaine at the borders vntill the Emperour be certified of him and of his requests which he would haue And I am sure he shall be conueyed through the land with fiue hundred horses and hee shal be accompted as one of the chiefest in the land next the Emperour Also shew him howe that my Lord Protectour at my comming away did take me in his armes and desired me as hee should be my friend to bring him with me and he would giue him of his owne purse yeerely 1000. rubbles besides the Emperours allowance All these foresaide grauntes and demaunds doe I Thomas Simkinson acknowledge to be spoken by Edward Garland to mee and to be sent to declare the same vnto Master Iohn Dee◠And in witnesse that this is of a trueth I haue written the same with my owne hand and thereunto set my name in Wittingaw otherwise called Trebona the 18. of September Anno 1586. By me Thomas Sinkinson of Hull A letter to the right worshipfull M. Iohn Dee Esquire conteyning the summe and effect of M. Edward Garland his message deliuered to Master Dee himselfe Letterwise for a more perfect memoriall thereof Anno 1586. RIght worshipfull it may please you to vnderstand that I was sen◠vnto you from the most mightie Prince Feodor Iuanowich Lord Emperour and great duke of Russia c. As also from the most excellent prince Boris Feodorowich Lord Protector of Russia to giue your worship to vnderstand the great good will and heartie desire they beare vnto you for that of long time they haue had great good report of your learning wisedom as also of your good counsel vnto Princes whereupon his Maiesties most earnest desire and request is vnto you that you would take the paines to come vnto his citie of Mosco to visite his Maiesties Court for that hee is desirous of your company and also of your good counsell in diuers matters that his Maiestie shall thinke needfull And for the great goodwill that his Maiestie beareth vnto you he will giue you yeerely toward your mainteinance 2000. pound starling and the Lord Protectour will giue you a thousand rubbles as also your prouision for your table you shall haue free out of his Maiesties kitchin And further whatsoeuer you shall thinke needefull or conuenient for you in any part or parts of his dominion it shall be at your worships commaundement And this is the summe and effect of my message and commandement giuen me by his Maiestie and the Lord Protectour In witnesse whereof I haue written this with my owne hand the 17. of December 1586. By me Edward Garland In Trebona Castel otherwise called Wittingaw in Boëmia to which place this M. Edward Garland came to M. d ee with two Moscouites to serue him c. He had sixe more which by M. Dees counsell were sent backe Witnesse M. Edward Kelley and M. Francis Garland brother to foresaid Edward and diuers others IT seemeth that this princely offer of the Emperour Pheodor Iuanowich and of the L. Boris Pheodorowich Protectour to his Maiestie was made vnto the learned and famous Mathematitian M. Iohn Dee partly to vse his counsell direction about certaine discoueries to the Northeast and partly for some other weighty occasions but because their conquest to Siberia was not as then fully settled for diuers other secret reasons it was for y e time with al thankfulnes refused A branch of a letter from M. Iohn Merick Agent vnto the Moscouie company in Russia closed vp in the Mosco the 14. of March Anno 1597. touching the death of Pheodor Iuanowich late Emperour of all Russia c. HAuing thus farre proceeded with this my answere vnto the chiefest points of your worships letters receiued my desire was to haue sent one vnto you long since as you may perceiue by the first date but by reason I could not get leaue I haue deferred it of till this instant for that there was none suffered to passe out of the land The causes may be iudged for that it pleased God to call out of this world the Emperour his Maiestie who departed about the 7. of Ianuary and euer since hath bene a mourning time no suites for any matter could be heard But it hath bene a very dead season Yet thankes be to God through the wise gouernment of Lord Boris Pheodorowich the Lord Protector vnto the saide late Emperour since his death all things haue bene very quiet without any dissention as the like in such a great kingdome I haue not heard of And now through the prouidence of Almightie God and by surrender of the late Empresse Irenia Feodoruna and the common consent of the Patriarch Nobles Bishops and the whole Cleargie with the whole Commons besides choise is made of none other but of the said Lord Protector L. Boris Pheodorowich to be Emperour and great duke of all
Any thing in these presents contained to the contrary notwithstanding And our will and pleasure is and hereby wee doe also ordaine that it shall and may bee lawfull to and for the sayde Gouernour and company of marchants of Leuant or the more part of them to admit into and to be of the sayd companie any such as haue bene or shall bee employed as seruants factors or agents in the trade of marchandise by the sayd Leuant seas into any the countries dominions or territories of the sayd Grand Signior or Signiorie or State of Venice according as they or the most part of them shall thinke requisite And where Anthony Ratcliffe Steuen Some and Robert Brooke Aldermen of the saide Citie of London Simon Laurence Iohn Wattes Iohn Newton Thomas Middleton Robert Coxe Iohn Blunt Charles Faith Thomas Barnes Alexander Dansey Richard Aldworth Henry Cowlthirste Caesar Doffie Martine Bonde Oliuer Stile and Nicolas Stile Marchants of London for their abilities and sufficiencies haue bene thought fit to be also of the sayd Company of the saide gouernour and Company of Marchants of Leuant Our will and pleasure and expresse commaundement is and wee doe hereby establish and ordeine that euery such of the same Anthony Radcliffe Steuen Some Robert Brooke Simon Laurence Iohn Wattes Iohn Newton Thomas Midleton Robert Coxe Iohn Blunt Charles Fâ—ith Thomas Barnes Alexander Dansey Richard Aldworth Henry Cowlthirst Caesar Doffie Martine Bonde Oliuer Style and Nicolas Style as shall pay vnto the saide Gouernour and company of Marchants of Leuante the summe of one hundred and thirtie poundes of lawfull English money within two monethes next after the date hereof towards the charges that the same Company haue already bene at in and about the establishing of the sayde trades shall from thencefoorth bee of the same company of Marchants of Leuant as fully and amply and in like maner as any other of that societie or Company Prouided also that wee our heires and successours at any time during the sayd twelue yeeres may lawfully appoynt and authorize two other persons exercising the lawfull trade of marchandize and being fit men to bee of the sayd companie of Gouernour and companie of marchants of Leuant so that the sayd persons to bee nominated or authorized shall aide doe beare and paie such payments and charges touching and concerning the same trade and Companie of marchants of Leuant ratablie as other of the sayd Companie of marchants of Leuant shall and doe or ought to beare and pay and doe also performe and obserue the orders of the sayd Companie allowable by this our graunt as others of the same doe or ought to doe And that such two persons so to bee appoynted by vs our heires or successours shall and may with the sayd Company vse the trade and feate of marchandise aforesayd and all the liberties and priuileges herein before granted according to the meaning of these our letters patents any thing in these our letters patents contained to the contrary notwithstanding Prouided also that if any of the marchants before by these presents named or incorporated to bee of the sayd fellowship of Gouernour and companie of the merchants of Leuant shall not bee willing to continue or bee of the same Companie and doe giue notice thereof or make the same knowen to the sayd Gouernour within two moneths next after the date hereof that then such person so giuing notice shall no further or any longer be of that companie or haue trade into those parties nor be at any time after that of the same corporation or companie or vse trade into any the territories or countries aforesayd Prouided alwayes neuerthelesse that euery such person so giuing notice and hauing at this present any goods or marchandises in any the Territories or countreys of the sayd Grand Signior or Segniorie or State of Venice may at any time within the space of eighteene moneths next and immediately following after the date hereof haue free libertie power and authoritie to returne the same or the value thereof into this Realme without vsing any traffique there but immediately from thence hither paying bearing answering and performing all such charges duetiâ—s and summes of money ratably as other of the same corporation or company doe or shall pay beare answere or performe for the like Prouided also that if any of the persons before by these presents named or incorporated to bee of the sayd fellowship of Gouernour and Companie of the marchants of Leuant or which hereafter shall bee admitted to bee of the sayde Corporation or Companie shall at any time or times hereafter refuse to bee of the sayd Corporation or Companie or to beare pay or be contributorie to or not beare and pay such ratable charges and allowances or to obserue or performe such ordinances to bee made as is aforesayd as other of the same company are or shall bee ordered to beare paie or performe that then it shall and may bee lawfull for the rest of the sayd Gouernour and companie of marchants of Leuant presently to expell remooue and displace euery such person so refusing or not bearing or paying out of and from the sayd Corporation and companie and from all priuilege libertie and preheminence which any such person should or might claime or haue by vertue of this our graunt and in place of them to elect others exercising the lawfull trade of marchandise to bee of the sayd Companie And that euery such person so expelled remooued or displaced by consent of the sayd Gouernour and companie of marchants of Leuant or the more part of them shall bee from thencefoorth vtterly disabled to take any benefite by vertue of this priuilege or any time after to bee admitted or receiued againe into the same any thing in these presents contained to the contrary notwithstanding Prouided alwayes that if it shall hereafter appeare to vs our heires and successours that this graunt or the continuance thereof in the whole or in any part thereof shall not bee profitable to vs our heires and successours or to this our realme that then and from thencefoorth vpon and after eighteene moneths warning to bee giuen to the sayd companie by vs our heires and successours this present graunt shall cease bee voyd and determined to all intents constructions and purposes And further of our speâ—iall grace certaine knowledge and meere motion wee haue condescended and graunted and by these presents for vs our heires and successours doe condescend and graunt to the sayâ—e Gouernour and companie of marchants of Leuant that if at the ende of the sayd terme of twelue yeeres it shall seeme meete and conuenient to the sayde Gouernour and Companie or any the parties aforesayd that this present graunt shall bee continued And if that also it shall appeare vnto vs our heires and successours that the continuance thereof shall not bee preiudiciall or hurtfull to this our realme but that wee shall finde the further continuance thereof profitable for vs our heires and successours and
they saw it was in vaine for them to stay and therefore set vp sayles and by Gods prouidence auoyded all danger brought home the rest of their goods and came thence with all expedition and God be thanked arriued safely in England neere London on Wednesday being the 8 day of Iune 1585. In which their returne to England the Spaniards that they brought with them offered fiue hundred crownes to be set on shore in any place which seeing the Maister would not doe they were coutent to be ruled by him and his companie and craued mercie at their hands And after Master Foster demaunded why they came in such sort to betray and destroy them the Corrigidor answered that it was not done onely of themselues but by the commandement of the king himselfe and calling for his hose which were wet did plucke foorth the kings Commission by which he was authorized to doe all that he did The Copie whereof followeth being translated out of Spanish The Spanish kings commission for the generall imbargment or arrest of the English c. LIcentiat de Escober my Corigidor of my Signorie of Biskay I haue caused a great fleete to be put in readinesse in the hauen of Lisbone and the riuer of Sâ—uill There is required for the Souldiers armour victuals and munition that are to bee imployed in the same great store of shipping of all sortes against the time of seruice and to the end there may be choise made of the best vpon knowledge of their burden and goodnesse I doe therefore require you that presently vpon the arriuall of this carrier and with as much dissimulation as may be that the matter may not be knowen vntill it be put in execution you take order for the staying and arresting with great foresight of all the shipping that may be found vpon the coast and in the portes of the sayd Signorie excepting none of Holand Zeland Easterland Germanie England and other Prouinces that are in rebellion against mee sauing those of France which being litle and of small burden and weake are thought vnfit to serue the turne And the stay being thus made you shall haue a speciall care that such marchandize as the sayd shippes or huâ—kes haue brought whether they be all or part vnladen may bee taken out and that the armour munition tackels sayles and victuals may be safely bestowed as also that it may be well foreseene that none of the shippes or men may escape away Which things being thus executed you shall aduertise me by an expresse messenger of your proceeding therein And send me a plaine and diâ—tinct declaration of the number of ships that you shall haue so stayed in that coast and partes whence euery one of them is which belong to my Rebels what burthen goods there are and what number of men is in euery of them and what quantitie they haue of armour ordinance munition victuals tacklings and other necessaries to the end that vpon sight hereof hauing made choise of such as shall be fit for the seruice we may further direct you what ye shall do In the meane time you shall presently see this my commandement put in execution and if there come thither any more ships you shall also cause them to be stayed and arrested after the same order vsing therein such care and diligence as may answere the trust that I repose in you wherein you shall doe me great seruice Dated at Barcelona the 29 of May. 1585. And thus haue you heard the trueth and manner thereof wherein is to be noted the great courage of the maister and the louing hearts of the seruants to saue their master from the daunger of death yea and the care which the master had to saue so much of the owners goods as hee might although by the same the greatest is his owne losse in that he may neuer trauell to those parts any more without the losse of his owne life nor yet any of his seruantes for if hereafter they should being knowen they are like to taste of the sharpe torments which are there accustomed in their Holy-house And as for their terming English shippes to be in rebellion against them it is sufficiently knowen by themselues and their owne consciences can not denie it but that with loue vnitie and concord our shippes haue euer beene fauourable vnto them and as willing to pleasure their King as his subiectes any way willing to pleasure English passengers The Letters patents or priuiledges granted by her Maiestie to certaine Noble men and Marchants of London for a trade to Barbarie in the yeere 1585. ELizabeth by the grace of God Queene of England France and Ireland defender of the faith c. to the Treasurer Barons of our Eschequer and to al Maiors shirifs constables customers collectors of our customes and subsidies controllers searchers and keepers of our hauens and creekes ports and passages within this our realme of England and the dominions of the same and to al our officers ministers and subiects and to all other whosoeuer to whom it shall or may appertaine and to euery of them greeting Whereas it is made euidently and apparantly knowen vnto vs that of late yeeres our right trustie and right welbeloued councellors Ambrose Erle of Warwike and Robert Erle of Leicester and also our louing and naturall subiects Thomas Starkie of our citie of London Alderman Ierard Gore the elder and all his sonnes Thomas Gore the elder Arthur Atie gentleman Alexander Auenon Richard Staper William Iennings Arthur Dawbeney William Sherington Thomas Bramlie Anthony Garrard Robert How Henry Colthirst Edward Holmden Iohn Swinnerton Robert Walkaden Simon Lawrence Nicholas Stile Oliuer Stile William Bond Henrie Farrington Iohn Tedcastle Walter Williams William Brune Iohn Suzan Iohn Newton Thomas Owen Roger Afield Robert Washborne Reinold Guy Thomas Hitchcocke George Lydiat Iohn Cartwright Henry Paiton Iohn Boldroe Robert Bowyer Anthonie Dassell Augustine Lane Robert Lion and Thomas Dod all of London Marchants now trading into the Countrey of Barbary in the parts of Africa vnder the gouernment of Muly Hammet Sheriffe Emperor of Marocco and king of Fesse and Sus haue sustained great and grieuous losses and are like to sustaine greater if it should not be preuented In tender coÌ„sideration whereof and for that diuers Marchandize of the same Countries are very necessary and conuenient for the vse and defence of this our Realme of England and for diuers other causes vs specially mouing minding the reliefe and benefite of our said subiects and the quiet trafique and good gouernment to be had and vsed among them in their said trade of our speciall grace certaine knowledge and meere motion haue giuen and granted and by these presents for vs our heires and successors doe giue and grant vnto the saide Earles of Warwike and Leicester Thomas Starkie Ierard Gore the elder Arthur Atie gentleman Alexander Auenon Richard Staper William Iennings Arthur Dawbenie William Sherington Thomas Bramlie Anthonie Gerrard Robert Howe Henry
Nations had those bright lampes of learning I meane the most ancient and best Philosophers Historiographers and Geographers to shewe them light and the loadsâ—arre of experience to wit those great exploits and voyages layed vp in store and recorded whereby to shape their course what great attempt might they not presume to vndertake But alas our English nation at the first setting foorth for their Northeasterne discouery were either altogether destitute of such cleare lights and inducements or if they had any inkling at all it was as misty as they found the Northren seas and so obscure and ambiguous that it was meet rather to deterre them then to giue them encouragement But besides the foresaid vncertaintie into what dangers and difficulties they plunged themselues Animus meminisse horret I tremble to recount For first they were to expose themselues vnto the rigour of the sterne and vncoâ—th Northren seas and to make triall of the swelling waues and boistrous winds which there commonly do surge and blow then were they to saile by the ragged and perilous coast of Norway to frequent the vnhaunted shoares of Finmark to double the dreadfull and misty North cape to beare with Willoughbies land to râ—n along within kenning of the Countreys of Lapland and Corelia and as it were to open and vnlocke the seuen-fold mouth of Duina Moreouer in their Northeasterly Nauigations vpon the seas and by the coasts of Condora Colgoieue Petzora Ioughoria Samoedia Noua Zembla c. and their passing and returne through the streits of Vaigatz vnto what drifts of snow and mountaines of yee euen in Iune Iuly and August vnto what hideous ouerfals vncertaine currents darke mistes and fogs and diuers other fearefull inconueniences they were subiect and in danger of I wish you rather to learne out of the voyages of sir Hugh Willoughbie Stephen Burrough Arthur Pet and the rest then to expect in this place an endlesse cataloque thereof And here by the way I cannot but highly commend the great industry and magnanimity of the Hollanders who within these few yeeres haue discouered to 78. yea as themselues affirme to â—1 degrees of Northerly latitude yet with this prouiso that our English nation led them the dance brake the yee before them and gaue them good leaue to light their candle at our â—orch But nowe it is high time for vs to weigh our ancre to hoise vp our sailes to get cleare of these boistrous frosty and misty seas and with all speede to direct our course for the milde lightsome temperate and warme Atlantick Ocean ouer which the Spaniards and Portugales haue made so many pleasant prosperous and golden voyages And albeit I cannot deny that both of them in their East and West Indian Nauigations haue indured many tempests dangers and shipwracks yet this dare I boldly affirme first that a great number of them haue satisfied their fame-thirsty and gold-thirsty mindes with that reputation and wealth which made all perils and misaduentures seeme tolerable vnto them and secondly that their first attempts which in this comparison I doe onely stand vpon were no whit more difficult and dangerous then ours to the Northeast For admit that the way was much longer yet was it neuer barred with yee miâ—â— or darknes but was at all seasons of the yeere open and Nauigable yea and that for the most part with fortunate and fit gales of winde Moreouer they had no forren prince to intercept or molest them but their owne Townes Islands and maine lands to succour them The Spaniards had the Canary Isles and so had the Portugales the Isles of the Açores of Porto santo of Madera of Cape veâ—d the castle of Mina the fruitfull and profitable Isle of S. Thomas being all of them conueniently situated and well fraught with commodities And had they not continuall and yerely trade in some one part or other of Africa for getting of slaues for sugar for Elephants teeth graines siluer gold and other precious wares which serued as allurements to draw them on by little and litle and as proppes to stay them from giuing ouer their attempts But nowe let vs leaue them and returne home vnto our selues In this first Volume friendly Reader besides our Northeasterne Discoueries by sea and the memorable voyage of M. Christopher Hodson and M. William Burrough Anno 1570. to the Narue wherein with merchants ships onely they tooke fiue strong and warrelike ships of the Freebooters which lay within the sound of Denmark of purpose to intercept our English Fleete besides all these I say thou maiest find here recorded to the lasting honor of our nation all their long and dangerous voyages for the aduauncing of traffique by riuer and by land to all parts of the huge and wide Empire of Russia as namely Richard Chanceler his first fortunate arriuall at Newnox his passing vp the riuer of Dwina to the citie of Vologda for the space of 1100. versts and from thence to Yaruslaue Rostoue Peraslaue and so to the famous citie of Mosco being 1500. versts trauell in all Moreouer here thou hast his voiage penned by himselfe which I hold to be very authentical for the which I do acknowledge my selfe beholding vnto the excellent Librarie of the right honorable my lord Lumley wherein he describeth in part the state of Russia the maners of the people and their religion the magnificence of the Court the maiestie power and riches of the Emperour and the gracious entertainment of himselfe But if he being the first man and not hauing so perfect intelligence as they that came after him doeth not fullie satisfie your expectation in describing the foresayd countrey and people I then referre you to Clement Adams his relation next following to M. Ienkinsons discourse as touching that argument to the smooth verses of M. George Turberuile and to a learned and excellent discourse set downe pag. 475. of this volume and the pages following Vnto all which if you please you may adde Richard Iohnsons strange report of the Samoeds pag. 283. But to returne to our voyages performed within the bounds of Russia I suppose among the rest that difficult iourney of Southam and Sparke from Colmogro and S. Nicholas Baie vp the great riuer of Onega and so by other riuers and lakes to the citie of Nouogrod velica vpon the West frontier of Russia to be right woorthy of obseruation as likewise that of Thomas Alcock from Mosco to Smolensko and thence to Tirwill in Polonia pag. 304. that also of M. Hierome Horsey from Mosco to Vobsko and so through Liefland to Riga thence by the chiefe townes of Prussia and Pomerland to Rostok and so to Hamburg Breme Emden c. Neither hath our nation bene contented onely throughly to search into all parts of the Inland and to view the Northren Southerne and Westerne frontiers but also by the riuers of Moscua Occa and Volga to visite Cazan and Astracan the farthest Easterne and Southeasterne bounds of that huge Empire
such good and profitable things as are found in their Countries to remote regions and kingdomes and againe to bring from the same such things as they find there commodious for their owne Countries both aswell that the people to whom they goe may not be destitute of such commodities as their Countries bring not foorth to them as that also they may be partakers of such things whereof they abound For the God of heauen and earth greatly prouiding for mankinde would not that all things should be found in one region to the ende that one should haue neede of another that by this meanes friendship might be established among all men and euery one seeke to gratifie all For the establishing and furtherance of which vniuersall amitie certaine men of our Realme mooued heereunto by the said desire haue instituted and taken vpon them a voyage by sea into farre Countreis to the intent that betweene our people and them a way may bee opened to bring in and cary ouâ— marchandizes desiring vs to further their enterprise Who assenting to their petition haue licensed the right valiant and worthy Sir Hugh Willoughby knight and other our trusty and faithfull seruants which are with him according to their desire to goe to countreis to them heeretofore vnknowen aswell to seeke such things as we lacke as also to cary vnto them from our regions such things as they lacke So that hereby not onely commoditie may ensue both to them and vs but also an indissoluble and perpetuall league of friendship be established betweene vs both while they permit vs to take of their things such whereof they haue abundance in their regions and we againe grant them such things of ours whereof they are destitute We therfore desire you kings princes and al other to whom there is any power on the earth to permit vnto these our seruants free passage by your regions and dominions for they shall not touch any thing of yours vnwilling vnto you Consider you that they also are men If therefore they shall stand in neede of any thing we desire you of all humanitie and for the nobilitie which is in you to ayde and helpe them with such things as they lacke receiuing againe of them such things as they shall bee able to giue you in râ—compense Shew your selues so towards them as you would that we and our subiects should shewe our selues towards your seruants if at any time they shall passe by our regions Thus doing we promise you by the God of all things that are contained in heauen earth and the Sea and by the life and tranquillitie of our kingdomes that we will with like humanitie accept your seruants if at any time they shall come to our kingdomes where they shall as friendly and gently bee entertained as if they were borne in our Dominions that wee may hereby recompence the fauour and benignitie which you haue shewed to our men Thus after we haue desired you Kings and princes c. with all humanity and fauour to entertaine our welbeloued seruants we will pray our Almighty God to graunt you long life and peace which neuer shall haue ende Written in London which is the chiefe Citie of our kingdome in the yeere from the creatâ—on of the world 5515. in the moneth of Iiar the foureteenth day of the moneth and seuenth yeere of our reigne This letter was written also in Greeke and diuers other languages The true copie of a note found written in one of the two ships to wit the Speranza which wintred in Lappia where sir Hugh Willoughby and all his companie died being frozen to death Anno 1553. THe voiage intended for the discouerie of Cathay and diuers other regions dominioâ—s Islands and places vnknowen set forth by the right worshipful master Sebastian Cabota Esquire and Gouernour of the mysterie and company of the Marchants Aduenturers of the citie of London which fleete being furnished did set forth the tenth day of May 1553. and in the seuenth yeere of our most dread Soueraigne Lord and King Edward the sixt The names of the shippes of the fleete and of their burden together with the names of the Captaines and Counsellors Pilot Maior Masters of the ships Marchants with other officers and Mariners as hereafter followeth The Bona Esperanza Admirall of the fleete of 120. tunnes hauing with her a pinnesse and a boate Sir Hugh Willoughby knight Captaine generall of the fleete William Gefferson Master of the shippe Roger Wilson his Mate William Gittons Charles Barret Gabriel Willoughby Iohn Andrews Alexander Woodfoord Ralph Chatterton Marchants Mariners and officers according to the custome and vse of the Seas Iohn Brooke Master Gunner Nicholas Anthony Boateswaine Iohn Web his Mate Christopher Banbrucke Thomas Dauison Robert Rosse Thomas Simpson quarter Masters William White Iames Smith Thomas Painter Iohn Smith their Mates Richard Gwinne George Goiswine Carpenters Robert Gwinne Purser Laurence Edwards his Mate and Couper Richard Morgan Cooke Thomas Nashe his Mate William Light Iohn Brande Cutbert Chelfie George Blage Thomas Walker Thomas Allen Edward Smith Edward Hunt Iohn Fawkner Rowland Brooke Alexander Gardiner Richard Molton Surgeons which two were taken in at Harwich Discharged at Harwich by reason of sicknes George Blake Nicholas Anthony For pickerie ducked at the yards arme and so discharged Thomas Nash. The Edward Bonauenture of 160. tunnes with her a pinnesse and a boate Richard Chancelor Captaine and Pilot maior of the fleete Stephen Borowgh Master of the ship Iohn Buckland his Mate George Burton Arthur Edwards Marchants Iohn Stafford Minister Iames Dallaber Nicholas Newborrow Iohn Segswike Thomas Francis Iohn Hasse Richard Iohnson William Kempe Mariners and officers according to the custome and vse of the Seas Robert Stanton Master Gunner Iohn Walker his Mate Iames Long Iohn Cocks Gunners Thomas Walter Surgeon Peter Palmer Boateswaine Richard Strowde his Mate Iohn Robinson Iohn Carowe Thomas Stone Roger Lishbie quarter Masters Iohn Austen Steward Patricke Steuens his Mate Austen Iacks Cooke William Euery Cowper Griffin Wagham Carpenter Thomas Stelston Thomas Townes Iohn Robinson Iohn White William Laurence Miles Butter Iohn Browne William Morren William Watson Thomas Handcocks Edward Pacie Thomas Browne Arthur Pet George Phibarie Edward Patterson William Beare Iohn Potter Nicholas Lawrence William Burrough Roger Welford Iohn Williams The Bona Confidentia of 90. tunnes hauing with her a pinnesse and a boate Cornelius Durfoorth Master of the shippe Richard Ingram his Mate Thomas Langlie Edward Keuer Henrie Dorset Marchants Mariners and officers according to the vse and custome of the Sea Henrie Tailer Master Gunner George Thurland his Mate Wiliam Hamane Boateswaine Iohn Edwards his Mate Thomas Kirbie Henrie Dickenson Iohn Haye William Shepwash quarter Masters Iohn Reyne Steward Thomas Hante Cooke William Lassie his Mate Nicholas Knight Carpenter Peter Lewike Nicholas Wiggleworth Iohn Moore William Chapman Brian Chester William Barrie Richard Wood Clement Gibson Iohn Clarocke Erasmus Bently Iohn Duriforth The
said Peraslaue the 3. of February where I remained vnder the charge of a gentleman hauing then a house appointed me allowance of victuals but so straitly kept that none of our nation or other might come or sende vnto me nor I to them And the 14. of March fâ—lowing I was sent for to the Court and being within three miles of the same a poste was sent to the Gentleman which had charge of me to returne backe againe with mee to the said Peraslaue and to remaine there vntill his Maiesties further pleasure wherewith I was much dismayed and marueiled what that sudden change ment and the rather because it was a troublesome time and his Maiestie much disquieted through the ill successe of his affaires as I did vnderstand And the twentieth of the same I was sent for againe to the Court and the 23. I came before his Maiestie who caused mee to kisse his hande and gaue gratious audience vnto my Oration gratefully receiuing and accepting the Queenes Maiesties princely letters and her present in the presence of all his nobilitie After I had finished my Oration too long here to rehearse and deliuered her highnesse letters and present as aforesaid the Emperour sitting in royall estate stood vp and said How doth Queene Elizabeth my sister is she in health to whom I answered God doth blesse her Maiestie with health and peace and doeth wish the like vnto thee Lord her louing brother Then his Maiestie sitting downe againe commaunded all his nobilitie and others to depart and auoyde the chamber sauing the chiefe Secretarie and one other of the Counsell and willing me to approch neere vnto him with my Interpretor said vnto me these words Anthony the last time thou wast with vs heere wee did commit vnto thee our trustie and secret Message to be declared vnto the Queenes Maiestie herselfe thy Mistresse at thy comming home and did expect thy comming vnto vs againe at the time wee appointed with a full answere of the same from her highnesse And in the meane time there came vnto vs at seuerall times three messengers the one called Manly the other George Middleton and Edward Goodman by the way of the Narue about the Merchants affaires to whom wee sent our messenger to know whether thou Anthony were returned home in safetie and when thou shouldest returne vnto vs againe but those messengers could tell vs nothing and did miscall and abuse with euil words both our messenger and thee wherewith wee were much offended And vnderstanding that the said Goodman had letters about him we caused him to be searched with whom were found many letters wherein was written much against our Princely estate and that in our Empire were many vnlawfull things done whereat we were much grieued would suffer none of those rude messengers to haue accesse vnto vs and shortly after wee were infourmed that one Thomas Randolfe was come into our Dominions by the way of Dwina Ambassadour from the Queene and we sent a Gentleman to meete and conduct him to our Citie of Mosco at which time we looked that thou shouldest haue returned vnto vs againe And the said Thomas being arriued at our said Citie wee sent vnto him diuers times that hee should come and conferre with our Counsell whereby we might vnderstand the cause of his comming looking for answere of those our princely affaires committed vnto thee But hee refused to come to â—ur said Counsell wherefore and for that our saide Citie was visited with plague the saide Thomas was the longer kept from our presence Which being ceased foorthwith wee gaue him accesse and audience but all his talke with vs was about Merchants affaires and nothing touching ours Wee knowe that Merchants matters are to bee heard for that they are the stay of our Princely treasures But first Princes affaires are to be established and then Merchants After this the said Thomas Randolfe was with vs at our Citie of Vologda and wee dealt with him about our Princely affaires whereby amitie betwixt the Queenes Maiestie and vs might bee established for euer and matters were agreed and concluded betwixt your Ambassadour and vs and thereupon wee sent our Ambassadour into England with him to ende the same but our Ambassadour returned vnto vs againe without finishing our said affaires contrary to our expectation and the agreement betwixt vs and your said Ambassadour Thus when his Maiestie had made a long discourse I humbly beseeched his highnesse to heare me graciouâ—ly and to giue me leaue to speake without offence and to beleeue those wordes to be true which I should speake Which he graunted and these were my words Most noble and famous Prince the message which thy highnesse did sende by mee vnto the Queene her most excellent Maiestie touching thy Princely and secret affaires immediatly and so soone as I came home I did declare both secretly and truely vnto the Queenes Maiestie her selfe word for word as thou Lord diddest commaund mee Which her highnesse did willingly heare and accept and being mindefull thereof and willing to answere the same the next shipping after her Maiestie did sende vnto thee Lord her highnesse Ambassadour Thomas Randolfe whose approoued wisedome and fidelitie was vnto her Maiestie well knowen and therefore thought meete to bee sent to so worthy a Prince who had Commission not onely to treate with thy Maiestie of Merchants affaires but also of those thy Princely and secret affaires committed vnto mee And the cause most gracious Prince that I was not sent againe was for that I was imployed in seruice vpon the Seas against the Queenes Maiesties enemies and was not returned home at such time as Master Thomas Randolfe departed with the Shippes to come into thy Maiesties Countrey otherwise I had bene sent And whereas thy Maiestie saith that Thomas Randolfe would not treate with thy Counsell of the matters of his Legation hee did Lord therein according to his Commission which was First to deale with thy Maiestie thy selfe which order is commonly vsed among all Princes when they send their Ambassadours about matters of great waight And whereas the saide Thomas is charged that hee agreed and concluded vpon matters at the same time and promised the same should bee perfourmed by the Queene her Maiestie Whereupon Lord thou diddest send thy Ambassadour with him into England for answere thereof It may please thy Maiestie to vnderstand that as the saide Thomas Randolfe doeth confesse that in deede hee had talke with thy Highnesse and counsell diuers times about princely affaires euen so hee denieth that euer hee did agree conclude or make any promise in any condition or order as is alleaged otherwise then it should please the Queene her Maiestie to like of at his returne home which hee did iustifie to thy Highnes Ambassador his face in England Wherefore most mighty Prince it doth well appeare that either thy Ambassador did vntruly enforme thy Maiestie or els thy princely minde and the true meaning of the Queenes highnes her
princes There came also Ambassadors from the Emperor of Almaine the Pole the Swethen the Dane c. And since his coronation no enemie of his hath preuailed in his attempts It fell out not long after that the Emperor was desirous to send a message to the most excellent Queene of England for which seruice he thought no man fitter than M. Ierome Horsey supposing that one of the Queenes owne men and subiects would be the more acceptable to her The summe of which message was that the Emperor desired a continuance of that league friendship amitie and intercourse of traffique which was betweene his father and the Queens maiestie and her subiects with other priuate affaires besides which are not to be made common Master Horsey hauing receiued the letters and requests of the Emperour prouided for his iourney ouer land and departed from Mosco the fift day of September thence vnto Otuer to Torshook to great Nouogrod to Vobsky and thence to Nyhouse in Liuonia to Wenden and so to Riga where he was beset and brought foorthwith before a Cardinall called Rageuil but yet suffred to passe in the end From thence to Mito to Golden and Libou in Curland to Memel to Koningsburgh in Prussia to Elbing to Dantzike to Stetine in Pomerland to Rostock to Lubeck to Hamborough to Breme to Emden and by sea to London Being arriued at her maiesties roiall court and hauing deliuered the Emperors letters with good fauour and gracious acceptance he was foorthwith againe commaunded to repasse into Ruffia with other letters from her maiestie to the Emperor and prince Boris Pheodorowich answering the Emperors letters and withall requesting the fauour and friendship which his father had yeelded to the English merchants and hereunto was he earnestly also solicited by the merchants of London themselues of that company to deale in their behalfe Being thus dispatched from London by sea he arriued in Mosco the 20. of April 1586. and was very honorably welcommed And for y t merchants behoofe obtained all his requests being therein specially fauoured by y e noble prince Boris Pheodorowich who alwayes affected M. Horsey with speciall liking And hauing obtained priuiledges for the merchants he was recommended from the Emperor againe to the Queene of England his mistresse by whom the prince Boris in token of his honorable and good opinion of the Queens maiestie sent her highnesse a roiall present of Sables Luzarns cloth of gold and other rich things So that the Companie of English merchants next to their thankfulnes to her maiestie are to account M. Horseis paines their speciall benefit who obtained for them those priuileges which in twentie yeeres before would not be granted The maner of M. Horseis last dispatch from the Emperor because it was very honorable I thought good to record He was freely allowed post horses for him and his seruants victuals and all other necessaries for his long iourney at euery towne that he came vnto from Mosco to Vologda which is by land fiue hundred miles he receiued the like free and bountifull allowances at the Emperors charge New victuall and prouision were giuen him vpon the riuer Dwina at euery towne by the kings officers being one thousand miles in length When he came to the new castle called Archangel he was receiued of the Duke Knez Vasili Andrewich Isuenogorodsky by the Emperors commission into the Castle gunners being set in rankes after their vse where he was sumptuously feasted from thence hee was dispatched with bonntifull prouision and allowance in the Dukes boat with one hundred men to rowe him and one hundred Gunners in other boats to conduct him with a gentleman captaine of the Gunners Comming to the road where the English Dutch and French ships rode the gunners discharged and the ships shot in like maner 46. pieces of their ordinance so he was brought to his lodging at the English house vpon Rose Island And that which was the full and complete conclusion of the fauour of the Emperor and Boris Pheodorowich toward M. Horsey there were the next day sent him for his further prouision vpon the fea by a gentleman and a captaine the things folowing 16. liue oxen 70. sheepe 600. hens 25. fâ—itches of Bacon 80. bushels of meale 600. loaues of bread 2000. egs 10. geese 2. cranes 2. swans 65. gallons of mead 40. gallons of Aquauitae 60. gallons of beere 3. yong beares 4. hawkes Store of onions and garlike 10. fresh salmons A wild bore All these things were brought him downe by a Gentleman of the Emperors and another of prince Boris Pheodorowich were receiued in order by Iohn Frefe seruant to M. Horsey together with an honorable present and reward from the prince Boris sent him by M. Francis Cherry an Englishman which present was a whole very rich piece of cloth of gold a faire paire of Sables This Gentleman hath obserued many other rare things concerning those partes which hereafter God willing at more conuenient time and laisure shall come to light Pheodor Iuanowich the new Emperors gracious letter of priuilege to the English Merchants word for word obtained by M Ierome Horsey 1586. THrough the wil of the almightie and without beginning God which was before this world whom we glorifie in y e Trinitie one only God the father the sonne and the holy ghost maker of all things worker of all in all euery where fulfiller of all things by which will and workingâ— he both loueth and giueth life to man That our onely God which inspireth euery one of vs his onely children with his word to discerne God through our Lord Iesus Christ and the holy quickning spirit of life now in these perilous times Establish vs to keep the right Scepter and suffer vs of our selues to raigne to the good profite of the land and to the subduing of the people together with the enemies and to the maintenance of vertue We Pheodor the ofspring of Iohn the great Lord Emperor king and great prince of all Russia of Volodemeria Moscouia and Nouogrod king of Cazan king of Astracan Lord of Plesko and great prince of Smolensko of Tuer Yougoria Permia Viatsko of Bolghar and others lord and great prince of the land of the lower Nouogrod Chernigo Rezan Polotsko Rostow Yeraslaue the White lake Liefland Oudor Condensa and Ruler of all Siberia and all the North-side and lord of many other countries I haue gratified the merchants of England to wit sir Rowland Haiward and Richard Maâ—tin Aldermen sir George Barnes Thomas Smith esquire Ierome Horsey Richard Saltonstall with their fellowes I haue licensed them to saile with their shippes into our dominion the land of Dwina with all kind of commodities to trade freely and vnto our kingdom and the citie of Mosco and to all the cities of our empire of Moscouia And the english merchants sir Rowland Haiward his societie desired vs that we would gratifie them to trade into our kingdom of Moscouia and into our
countrey dogs and therefore they are hunted with dogs because cats are not able to incounter them Moreouer in the same countrey euery man hath a bundle of great boughs standing in a water-pot before his doore which bundle is as great as a piller and it will not wither so long as water is applied thereunto with many other nouelties and strange things the relation whereof would breed great delight How peper is had and where it groweth MOreouer that it may be manifest how peper is had it is to be vnderstood that it groweth in a certaine kingdome whereat I my selfe arriued being called Minibar and it is not so plentifull in any other part of the worlde as it is there For the wood wherein it growes conceineth in circuit 18. dayes iourney And in the said wood or forrest there are two cities one called Flandrina and the other Cyncilim In Flandrina both Iewes and Christians doe inhabite betweene whom there is often contention and warre howbeit the Christians ouercome the Iewes at all times In the foresaid wood pepper is had after this maner first it groweth in leaues like vnto pot-hearbs which they plant neere vnto great trees as we do our vines and they bring forth pepper in clusters as our vines doe yeeld grapes but being ripe they are of a greene colour and are gathered as we gather grapes and then the graines are layed in the Sunne to be dried and being dried are put into earthen vessels and thus is pepper made and kept Now in the same wood there be many riuers wherein are great store of Crocodiles and of other serpents which the inhabitants thereabout do burne vp with straw and with other dry fewel and so they go to gather their pepper without danger At the South end of the said forrest stands the city of Polumbrum which aboundeth with marchandize of all kinds All the inhabitants of that countrey do worship a liuing ore as their god whom they put to labour for sixe yeres and in the seuenth yere they cause him to rest from al his worke placing him in a solemne and publique place and calling him an holy beast Moreouer they vse this foolish ceremonie Euery morning they take two basons either of siluer or of gold and with one they receiue the vrine of the ore and with the other his dung With the vrine they wash their face their eyes and all their fiue senses Of the dung they put into both their eyes then they annoint the bals of their checks therewith and thirdly their breast and then thâ—y say that they are sanctified for all that day And as the people doe euen so doe their King and Queene This people worshippeth also a dead idole which from the nauel vpward resembleth a man and from the nauel downeward an oxe The very same Idol deliuers oracles vnto them and sometimes requireth the blood of fourtie virgins for his hire And therefore the men of that region do consecrate their daughters and their sonnes vnto their idols euen as Christians do their children vnto some Religion or Saint in heauen Likewise they sacrifice their sonnes and their daughters and so much people is put to death before the said Idol by reason of that accursed ceremony Also many other hainous and abominable villanies doeth that brutish beastly people commit and I sawe many moe strange things among them which I meane not here to insert Another most vile custome the foresaide nation doeth reâ—aine for when any man dieth they burne his dead corps to ashes and if his wife suruiueth him her they burne quicke because say they she shall accompany her husband in his tilthe and husbandry when he is come into a new world Howbeit the said wife hauing children by her husband may if she will remaine still aliue with them without shame or reproch notwithstanding for the most part they all of them make choice to be burnt w t their husbands Now albeit the wife dieth before her husband that law bindeth not the husband to any such incoÌ„uenience but he may mary another wife also Likewise y e said nation hath another strange custome in that their women drink wine but their men do not Also the women haue the lids brows of their eyes beards shauen but the men haue not with many other base filthy fashions which the said women do vse contrary to the nature of their â—exe FroÌ„ that kingdom I traueiled 10. daies iourney vnto another kingdom called Mobar which containeth many cities Within a certaine church of the same countrâ—y the body of S. Thomas the Apostle is interred the very same church being full of idols and in 15. houses round about the said Church there dwell certaine priests who are Nestorians that is to say false and bad Christians and schismatiques Of a strange and vncouth idole and of certaine customes and ceremonies IN the said kingdome of Mobar there is a wonderfull strang idole being made after the shape and resemblance of a man as big as the image of our Christopher consisting all of most pure and glittering gold And about the neck thereof hangeth a silke riband ful of most rich precious stones some one of which is of more value then a whole kingdome The house of this idol is all of beaten gold namely the roofe the pauement and the sieling of the wall within and wâ—thout Unto this idol the Indians go on pilgrimage as we do vnto S. Peter Some go with halters about their necks some with their hands bound behind them some other with kniues sticking on their armes or legs and if after their peregrination the flesh of their wounded arme festereth or corrupteth they esteeme that limme to be holy thinke that their God is wel pleased with them Neare vnto the temple of that idol is a lake made by the hands of men in an open common place whereinto the pilgrimes cast gold siluer precious stones for the honour of the idol and the repairing of his temple And therfore when any thing is to be adorned or mended they go vnto this lake taking vp the treasure which was cast in Moreouer at euery yerely feast of the making or repairing of the said idol the king and queene with the whole multitude of the people all the pilgrimes assemble themselues placing the said idol in a most stately rich chariot they cary him out of their temple with songs with all kind of musical harmonie a great company of virgins go procession-wise two and two in a rank singing before him Many pilgrims also put themselues vnder the chariot wheeles to the end that their false god may go ouer them and al they ouer whom the chariot runneth are crushed in pieces diuided asunder in the midst and slaine right out Yea in doing this they think themselues to die most holily securely in the seruice of their god And by this meanes euery yere there
honorable presents And a litle afterward Upon the hearing of these newes the emperor departed with great ioy out of England whom the king honoured with many precious gifts The Voiage of the bishop of VVinchester to Ierusalem in the sixe yeere of the reigne of Henry the fift which was the yeere of our Lord 1417. Thomas Walsing VLtimo die mensis Octobris episcopus Wintoniensis accessit ad concilium Constanciense peregrinaturus Hierosolymam post electioneÌ„ summi pontificis celebratam vbi tantum valuit elus facunda persuasio vâ— excitaret dominos Cardinales ad concordiam ad electionem summi pontificis se ocyâ—s praepararent The same in English THe last day of October the bishop of Winchester came to the Councell of Constance which after the chusing of the Pope determined to take his iourney to Ierusalem where his eloquent perswasion so much preuailed that he both perswaded my lords the Cardinals to vnity and concord and also moued them to proceed more speedily to the election of the Pope A preparation of a voyage of King Henrie the fourth to the Holy land against the infidels in the yere 1413 being the last yere of his reigne wherein he was preuented by death written by Walsingham Fabian Polydore Virgile and Holenshed IN this foureteenth and last yere of king Henries reigne a councell was holden in the White friets in London at the which among other things order was taken for ships and gallies to be builded and made ready and all other things necessary to be prouided for a voyage which he meant to make into the Holy land there to recouer the city of Ierusalem from the infidels for it grieued him to consider the great malice of Christian princes that were bent vpon a mischieuous purpose to destroy one another to the perill of their owne soules rather then to make warre against the enemies of the Christian faith as in conscience it seemed to him they were bound We finde sayeth Fabian in his Chronicle that he was taken with his last sickenesse while he was making his prayers at Saint Edwards shrine there as it were to take his leaue and so to proceede foorth on his iourney He was so suddenly and grieuously taken that such as were about him feared least he would haue died presently wherefore to relieâ—e him if it were possible they bare him into a chamber that was next at hand belonging to the Abbot of Westminster where they layd him on a pallet before the fire and vsed all remedies to reuiue him At length he recouered his speech and perceiuing himselfe in a strange place which he knew not he willed to knowe if the chamber had any particular name whereunto answere was made that it was called Ierusalem Then sayde the king Laâ—des be giuen to the father of heauen for now I knowe that I shall die here in this chamber according to the prophesie of mee declared that I should depart this life in Ierusalem Of this intended voyage Polydore Virgile writeth in manner following POst haec Henricus Rex memor nihil homini debere esse entiquius quà m ad officium iustiâ—iae quae ad hominum vellitatem perâ—inet omne suum studium conferre protinùs omisso ciuili bello quo pudebat videre Christianos omni tempore turpitèr occupari de republica Anglica benè gubernanda de bello in hostes communes sumendo de Hierosolymis tandem aliquando recipiendis plura destinabat classemque iam parabat cum ei talia agenti atque meditanti casus mortem attulit subito enim morbo tentatus nulla medicina subleuari potuit Mortuus est apud Westmonasterium annum agens quadragesimum sextum qui fuit annus salutis humanae 1413. The same in English AFterward King Henry calling to minde that nothing ought to be more highly esteemed by any man then to doe the vtmost of his indâ—uour for the performance of iustice which â—endeth to the good and benefite of mankinde altogether abandoning ciuill warre wherewith he was ashamed to see how Christians at all times were dishonourably busied cutered into a more derye consideration of well gouerning his Realme of England of waging warre against the common enemie and of recouering in processe of time the citie of Ierusalem yea and was prouiding a nauie for the same purpose whenas in the very midst of this his heroâ—call action and enterprise he was surprised with death for falling into a sudden disease he could not be cured by any kinde of phisicke He deceased at Westminster in the 46 yeare of his age which was in the yeere of our Lord 1413. A briefe relation of the siege and taking of the Citie of Rhodes by Sultan Soliman the great Turke translated out of French into English at the motion of the Reuerend Lord Thomas Dockwray great Prior of the order of Ierusalem in England in the yeere 1524. WIlling faithfully to write and reduce in veritie Historiall the great siege cruel oppugnation and piteous taking of the noble and renowmed citie of Rhodes the key of Christendome the hope of many poore Christian men withholden in Turkie to saue and keepe them in their faith the rest and yeerely solace of noble pilgrimes of the holy supulchre of Iesu Christ and other holy places the refuge and refreshing of all Christian people hauing course of marchandise in the parties of Leuant I promise to all estates that shall see this present booke that I haue left nothing for feare of any person nor preferred it for fauour And first I shall shewe the occasions that mooued this cruell bloodshedder enemie of our holy Christian faith Sultan Soliman now being great Turke to come with a great hoste by sea and by lande to besiege and assayle the space of sixe moneths night and day the noble and mightie citie of Rhodes The yere of the incarnation of our Lord Iesu Christ 1522. The occasions why the great Turke came to besiege the Citie of Rhodes THe first and principall cause was that he did consider and sawe by experience that there was none other Towne nor place in Leuant that warred against him nor kept him in doubt but this poore rocke of Rhodes And hearing the continuall complaintes of his subiectes aswell of Syria as of Turkie for the domages and prises dayly done of their bodies and goods by Christian men of warre receiued into Rhodes And also of the shippes and gallies of the religion he tooke conclusion in himselfe that if he might put the sayde Towne in his power and subiection that then he should be peaceable lord of all the parties of Leuant and that his subiects should complaine no more to him The second that he might followe the doings of his noble predecessouâ—s and shewe himselfe very heire of the mightie and victorious lord Sultan Selim his father willing to put in execution the enterprise by him left the yeere one thousand fiue hundred twentie and one The which Selim the great Turke put in all
and some other spices The saide shippe called the Holy Crosse was so shaken in this voyage and so weakened that she was layd vp in the docke and neuer made voyage after Another voyage to the Iles of Candia and Chio made by the shippe the Mathew Gonson about the yeere 1535 according to the relation of Iohn Williamson then Cooper in the same ship made to M. Richard Hackluit in the yeere 1592. THe good shippe called the Mathew Gonson of burden 300 tunnes whereof was owner old M. William Gonson pay-master of the kings Nauie made her voyage in the yere 1535. In this ship went as Captaine Richard Gray who long after died in Russia Master William Holftocke afterward Controuller of the Queenes Nauie went then as purser in the same voyage The Master was one Iohn Pichet seruant to old M. William Gonson Iames Rumnie was Masters mate The master cooper was Iohn Williamson citizen of London liuing in the yeere 1592 and dwelling in Sant Dunstons parish in the East The M. Gunner was Iohn Godfrey of Bristoll In this ship were 6 gunners and 4 trumpetters all which foure trumpetters at our returne homewards went on land at Messina in the Iland of Sicilia as our ship road there at anker gat them into the Gallies that lay neere vnto vs in them went to Rome The whole number of our companie in this ship were about 100. men we were also furnished with a great bote which was able to cary 10 tunnes of water which at our returne homewards we towed all the way from Chio vntill we came through the straight of Gibaltar into the maine Ocean We had also a great long boat and a skiff We were out vpon this voyage eleuen moneths yet in all this time there died of sicknesse but one man whose name was George Forrest being seruant to our Carpenter called Thomas Plummer In a great lygier booke of one William Eyms seruant vnto Sir William Bowyerâ— Alderman of London bearing date the 15 of Nouember 1533 and continued vntill the 4 of Iuly 1544. I find that he the said William Eyms was factor in Chio not only for his Master but also for the duke of Norfolkes grace for many other worshipful marchants of London among whom I find the accompts of these especially to wit of his said Master sir William Bowyer of William Nicholas Wilford Marchant-taylors of London of Thomas Curtis pewterer of Iohn Starky Merter of William Ostrige Marchant of Richard Field Draper And further I find in the said ligier booke a note of the said Eyms of all such goods as he left in the hands of Robert Bye in Chio who became his Masters factor in his roome and another like note of particulers of goods that he left in the hands of Oliuer Lesson seruant to William and Nicholas Wilford And for proofe of the continuance of this trade vntill the end of the yeere 1552. I found annexed vnto the former note of the goods left with Robert Bye in Chio a letter being dated the 27 of Nouember 1552 in London The Epitaph of the valiant Esquire M. Peter Read in the south I le of Saint Peters Church in the citie of Norwich which was knighted by Charles the fift at the winning of Tunis in the yeere of our Lord 1538. HEre vnder lyeth the corpes of Peter Reade Esquire who hath worthily serued not onely his Prince and Countrey but also the Emperour Charles the fift both at his conquest of Bâ—rbarie and at his siege at Tunis as also in other places Who had giuen him by the sayd Emperour for his valiant deedes the order of Barbary Who dyed the 29 day of December in the yeere of our Lord God 1566. The voyage of Sir Thomas Chaloner to Alger with Charles the fift 1541 drawen out of his booke De Republica Anglorum instauranda THomas Chalonerus patria Londinensis studio Cantabrigensis educatione aulicus religione pius veréque Christianus fuit Itaque cum inuenilem aetatemâ— mentemque suam humanioribus studijs roborasset Domino Henrico Kneuetto à potentissimo rege Henrico eius nominis octauo ad Carolum quintum imperatorem transmisâ—o legato vnà cum illo profectus est tanquam familiaris amicus veleidem à confilijs Quo quidem tempore Carolo quinto nauali certamine à Genua Corsica in Algyram in Africa contra Turcas classem soluente ac hostiliter proficiscente ornatissimo illo Kneuetto legato regis Thoma Chalonero Henrico Knolleo Henrico Isamo illustribus viris eundem in illa expeditione suapte sponte sequentibus pariterque militantibus mirifice vitam suam Chalonerus tutatus est Nam triremi illa in qua fuerat vel scopulis allisa vel grauissimis procellis conquassata naufragus cum se diù natatu defendisset deficientibus viribus brachijs manibusque languidis ac quasi eneruatis prehensa dentibus cum maxima difficultate rudenti quae ex altera triremi iam propinqua tum fuerat eiecta non sine dentium aliquorum iactura ac fractura sese tandem recuperauit ac domum integer relapsus est The same in English THomas Chaloner was by birth a Londiner by studie a Cantabrigian by education a Courtier by religion a deuout and true Christian. Therfore after he had confirmed his youth and minde in the studies of good learning when Sir Henry Kneuet was sent ambassadour from the mighty Prince Henry the 8. to the Emperour Charles the fift he went with him as his familiar friend or as one of his Councell At which time the said Charles the 5. passing ouer from Genoa and Corsica to Alger in Africa in warlike sort with a mighty army by sea that honorable Kneuet the kings ambassadour Thomas Chaloner Henry Knolles and Henry Isham right worthy persons of their owne accord accompanied him in that expedition serued him in that warre wherin Thomas Chaloner escaped most wonderfully with his life For the gally wherein he was being either dashed against the rockes or shaken with mighty stormes and so cast away after he had saued himselfe a long while by swimming when his strength failed him his armes hands being faint and weary with great difficulty laying hold with his teeth on a cable which was cast out of the next gally not without breaking and losse of certaine of his teeth at length recouered himselfe and returned home into his countrey in safety The voyage of M. Roger Bodenham with the great Barke Aucher to Candia and Chio in the yeere 1550. IN the yeere 1550. the 13 of Nouember I Roger Bodenham Captaine of the Barke Aucher entered the said ship at Grauesend for my voiage to the Ilands of Candia and Chio in the Leuant The master of my ship was one William Sherwood From thence we departed to â—ilbery hope and there remained with contrarie windes vntill the 6. of Ianuary 1551. The 6 of Ianuarie the M. came to Tilbery and I had prouided a skilfull pylot to
that way that they were now in a newe maze thinking that God had forsaken them and left them to a greater danger And forasmuch as there were no victuals now left in the gally it might haue beene a cause to them if they had beene the Israelites to haue murmured against their God but they knew how that their God who had deliuered them out of AEgypt was such a louing and mercifull God as that hee would not suffer them to be conformded in whom he had wrought so great a wonder but what calamitie soeuer they sustained they knew it was but for their further triall and also in putting them in mind of their farther miserie to cause them not to triumph and glory in themselues therefore Hauing I say no victuals in the gally it might seeme that one miserie continually fel vpon an others neck but to be briefe the famine grew to be so great that in 28 dayes wherein they were on the sea there died eight persons to the astonishment of all the rest So it fell out that vpon the 29 day after they set from Alexandria they fell on the Isle of Candie and landed at Gallipoli where they were made much of by the Abbot and Monks there who caused them to stay there while they were well refreshed and eased They kept there the sworde wherewith Iohn Fox had killed the keeper esteeming it as a most precious iewell and hung it vp for a monument When they thought good hauing leaue to depart from thence they sayled along the coast till they arriued at Tarento where they solde their gallie and deuided it euery man hauing a part thereof The Turkes receiuing so shamefull a foile at their hand pursued the Christians and scoured the seas where they could imagine that they had bent their course And the Christians had departed from thence on the one day in the morning and seuen gallies of the Turkes came thither that night as it was certified by those who followed Fox and his companie fearing least they should haue bene met with And then they came a foote to Naples where they departed a sunder euery man taking him to his next way home From whence Iohn Fox tooke his iourney vnto Rome where he was well entertayned of an Englishman who presented his worthy deede vnto the Pope who rewarded him liberally and gaue him his letters vnto the king of Spaine where he was very well entertained of him there who for this his most worthy enterprise gaue him in fee twentie pence a day From whence being desirous to come into his owne countrie he came thither at such time as he conueniently could which was in the yeere of our Lorde God 1579. Who being come into England went vnto the Court and shewed all his trauell vnto the Councell who considering of the state of this man in that hee had spent and lost a great part of his youth in thraldome and bondage extended to him their liberalitie to helpe to maintaine him now in age to their right honour and to the incouragement of all true hearted Christians The copie of the certificate for Iohn Fox and his companie made by the Prior and the brethren of Gallipoli where they first landed VVE the Prior and Fathers of the Couent of the Amerciates of the city of Gallipoli of the order of Preachers doe testifie that vpon the 29 of Ianuary last past 1577 there came in to the said citie a certaine gally from Alexandria taken from the Turkes with two hundreth fiftie and eight Christians whereof was principal Master Iohn Fox an Englishman a gunner and one of the chiefest that did accomplish that great worke whereby so many Christians haue recouered their liberties In token and remembrance whereof vpon our earnest request to the same Iohn Fox he hath left here an olde sworde wherewith he slewe the keeper of the prison which sword we doe as a monument and memoriall of so worthy a deede hang vp in the chiefe place of our Couent house And for because all things aforesaid are such as we will testifie to be true as they are orderly passed and haue therefore good credite that so much as is aboue expressed is true and for the more faith thereof we the Prior and Fathers aforesaide haue ratified and subscribed these presents Geuen in Gallipoly the third of Februarie 1577. I Frier Vincent Barba Prior of the same place confirme the premisses as they are aboue written I Frier Albert Damaro of Gallipoly Subprior confirme as much I Frier Anthony Celleler of Gallipoly confirme as aforesaid I Frier Bartlemew of Gallipoly confirme as aboue said I Frier Francis of Gallipoly confirme as much The Bishop of Rome his letters in the behalfe of Iohn Fox BE it knowen vnto all men to whom this writing shall come that the bringer hereof Iohn Fox Englishman a Gunner after he had serued captiue in the Turkes gallies by the space of foureteene yeeres at length thorough God his helpe taking good oportunitie the third of Ianuarie last past slew the keeper of the prison whom he first stroke on the face together with foure and twentie other Turkes by the assistance of his fellow prisoners and with 266. Christians of whose libertie he was the author launched from Alexandria and from thence arriued first at Gallipoly in Candie and afterwardes at Tarento in Apulia the written testimony and credite of which things as also of others the same Iohn Fox hath in publike tables from Naples Vpon Easter eue he came to Rome and is now determined to take his iourney to the Spanish Court hoping there to obtaine some reliefe toward his liuing wherefore the poore distressed man humbly beseecheth and we in his behalfe do in the bowels of Christ desire you that taking compassion of his former captiuitie and present penurie you doe not onely suffer him freely to passe throughout all your cities and townes but also succour him with your charitable almes the reward whereof you shall hereafter most assuredly receiue which we hope you will afford to him whom with tender affection of pitie wee commende vnto you At Rome the 20 of Aprill 1577. Thomas Grolos Englishman Bishop of Astraphen Richard Silleum Prior Angliae Andreas Ludouicus Register to our Soueraigne Lord the Pope which for the greater credit of the premises haue set my seale to these presents At Rome the day and yeere aboue written Mauricius Clement the gouernour and keeper of the English Hospitall in the citie The King of Spaine his letters to the Lieutenant for the placing of Iohn Fox in the office of a Gunner TO the illustrious Prince Vespasian Gonsaga Colonna our Lieutenant and Captaine Generall of our Realme of Valentia Hauing consideration that Iohn Fox Englishman hath serued vs and was one of the most principall which tooke away from the Turkes a certaine gallie which they haue brought to Tarento wherein were two hundred fiftie and eight Christian captiues we licence him to practise and giue him
loro per il tempo che restarano qua siportorno da fideli Catholici Christiani che sua sanctita habbia trouato bono il saluo condutto del gran Turko a loro concesso per il timor della armata Tuâ—kesca di altri vaselli de mimici inherendo alla volonta di sua sanctitá massime per che hauera de andare passare per diuersi lochi tanto lontani come Ingilterra Flandra tutti parti di ponente in altroue a noi ha parso farle le presente nostre lettere patente come fidele conuersatore nostro accio piu securamente sensa obstaculo possa andare ritornare quando li parera con detta naue o con alire a loro bennista Per tanto donque tutti ciascun di voi sudetti affectuosamente pregamo che per qual si voglia de vostra iurisditione alla quale detto magnifico Giouani Keale Dauid Filly a nome quo supra con la naue marinari de detti loro principali o altricaschera nauigare passare venire sicuramente alla libera sensa alcuno disturbo o altro impedimento li lasciate facciate lasciare stare passare tornare quando li parera partire talmente che per amore contemplatione nostra il detto magnifico Giouanni Keale a nome quo supra con le naue marinari mercantia non habbi difficulta fastidio ritentione alcuna anzi se gli dia ogni agintâ— fauore cosa degnadi voi giusta a noi gratissima de recompensaruila con vguale maggior seruitio quando dall ' occasione ne saremo rechiesti Et finalmente commandammo a tutti qual si voglia relligiosi frati de nostra relligione di qual si voglia coÌ„ditione grado stato che siano a tutti riceuitori procuratori nostri in tutti qual si voglia priorati nostri deputati deputandi in vertu di santa obedientia atutti nostri vassalli alla giurisditione di nostra relligione soggetti che in tale per tale tenghino reputino il detto magnifico Giouanni Keale a nome vt supra naue marinari mercantia sensa permittere che nel detto suo viaggio o in alcun altro luogo sia molestato o in qual si voglia manera impedito anzi tutte lecose sue negotij loro sian da voi agâ—outati continuamente fauoriti In cuius rei testimonium Bâ—lla nostra magistralis in cera nigra praesentibus est impressa Datae Melitae in conuentu nostro die duodecimo Mensis Iulij 1582. The same in English FRier Hugo of Loubeux Verdala by the grace of God master of the holy house the hospital of S. Iohn at Ierusalem and an humble keeper of the poore of Iesus Christ to all euery prince ecclesiastical secular archbishops bishops Dukes Marqueses Barons Capteines Uicelords Maiors Castellanes Admirals and whatsoeuer patrons of Gallies or other greater shippes and gouernors of cities potentates and magistrates and other officers and persons whatsoeuer of what dignitie degree state and condition soeuer they be dwelling in all places and landes greeting We make it knowne and in the word of truth do witnesse that in the moneth of May last past our gallies came on the voyage from Barbarie where hauing commandement to succour a little ship of the Christians which was driuen ouer into that part being arriued vpon this Iland on the West part they found one English ship vnder the charge of the worshipfull Iohn Keele and Dauid Fillie master and our men willing to know what ship it was they seemed to put themselues in order for their defence doubting that the said our gallies were of the enemies therefore one mariner attempted contrary to the will of the worshipfull Iohn Keele and Dauid Fillie maister and had shot off a piece of artillerie against one of the said gallies and because she would not strike amaine her sayle according to the will of the saide worshipfull Iohn Keele and Dauid Fillie master the said ship was brought backe againe vnto the present port of Malta according to the order of the reuerend generall of the said gallies and in being there maister Inquisitor staid it by authoritie of the holy office and in that behalfe by the holinesse of our Lord pope Gregorie the thirteenth in the end was licenced to depart on her voyage They therefore the said worshipfull Iohn Keele and Dauid Fillie in the name and behalfe of the worshipfull master Eward Osborne Alderman and Richard Staper English marchants of the noble citie of London haue humbly besought together with Thomas Wilkinson the purser pilots master and mariners that we would giue our letters patents and safe conducts that they might goe and returne when they shall see opportunitie with their goods and merchandizes at their pleasure whereupon the thing seeming vnto vs iust and that it might be for the prosite of our religion and of these strangers by the tenor of these presents we haue granted the same to them yet with the conditions here under written viz. That euery time the said marchants of the said ship or with any other shall not bring such marchandize as is forbidden and that by sufficient proofe and letters testâ—moniall it appeareth that they are free from the infections of the plague they may victuall themselues with all necessarie victuals and traffike with vs and in this Iland and dominion and afterwarde may depart and follow their voyage whither they will into the Leuant or else where as all other vessels and especially of France and other nations do and sell and buy whatsoeuer marchandize they shal thinke good Item that they may bring powder for cannon and harquebush saltpeâ—ter cole of Newcastle plates of lattin tinne steele yron coÌ„mon karsies white course canuas to make saile for the gallies balies of yron for shot fine milstones trees masts for gallies litle and others and in conclusion hauing seene that they for the time of their abode here did behaue themselues like faithfull and catholike Christians that his holines hath allowed the safeconduct of the great Turke to them granted for feare of the Turkish armie and other vessels of the enemie submitting our selues to the pleasures of his holinesse and especially because our people haue occasion to passe by diuers places so farre off as England Flanders and all parts Westwards and in other places we haue vouchsafed to make these our letters patents as our faithfull assistant so as more surely and without let they may go and returne when they shall thinke good with the said ship or with others at their pleasure We therefore pray all and euery of your subiects effectually that by what part soeuer of your iurisdiction vnto the which the said worshipfull Iohn Keele and Dauid Fillie by name abouesaid with the ship and mariners of the said principall place or
quae omnes supplices exaudite dignata est supplicatione Regis Polonie non accepta iterùm in regem Polonie exercitum suum mittere Creatoris omnipotentis auxilio regnum eius subuertere constituerat Verum Legato Serenitatis vestre in porta beata fulgida Caesareae celsitudinis residente sese interponente Et quòd Serenitati vestre ex partibus Poloniae fruges puluis arbores nauiuÌ„ tormenta alia necessaria suppeditarentur significante pacem pro regno rege Poloniae petente neuâ— regnum Poloniae ex parte Caesareae celsitudinis turbaretur vel infestaretur intercedente Serenitatisque vestrae hane singularem esse voluntatem exponente Legati serenitatis vestrae significatio intercessio cùm Caesaree celsitudini â—ignificata fuisset In â—auorem serenitatis vestrae cui omnis honos gratia debetur iuxta modum predictum vt Cosacifacinorosi exquirantur poena perfecta puniantur aut ratione muneris aliquantuli eorum delicta coÌ„donentur hac inquam conditione literae Cesareae celsitudinis ad Regem Poloniae sunt datae Si autem ex parte Serenitatis vestre foedus pax sollicitata non fuisset nulla ratione Caesarea celsitudo foedus cum regno Polonie inijsset In fauorem autem Serenitatis vestrae regno Regi Poloniae singularem gratiam Caesarea celsitudo exhibuit Quod tà m Serenitas vestra quà m etiam Rex regnum Polonie sibi certò persuadere debent Serenitatem vestram benè foelicissiméque valere cupimus Datum Constantinopoli in fine mensis Sabaum nuncupati Anno prophetae nostri sacrati Maâ—umedi nongentesimo nonagesimo octauo IESV vero Anno millesimo quingentesimo nonagesimo die duodecimo mensis Iunij The same in English MOst glorious and the most resplendent of women most select Princesse most gratious Elizabeth Queene of the valiant followers of Iesus in the famous kingdom of England most wise gouernesse of all the affaires and businesses of the people and family of the Nazarens most sweet fountaine of brightnesse and glory most acceptable cloud of raine inheritresse Ladie of the blessednesse and glory of the renowmed kingdome of England to whom in humble wise all men offer their petitions wishing of the almightie Creator most happie increase and prosperous successe vnto all your Maiesties affaires and actions and offering vp mutuall perpetuall vowes worthy of our familiarity with eternall prayses In most friendly manner we signifie vnto your princely Highnesse that certaine yeeres past the most mightie Cesarlike maiestie of the Grand Signor waged vnspeakeable warres with Casul-bas the Prince of the Persians in regarde of which warres he would not goe in battell against any other places and for that cause certaine theeues in the partes of Polonia called Cosacks and other notorious persons liuing in the same partes ceased not to trouble and molest the subiects of our most mightie Emperour But now hauing finished and brought to some good issue his affaires in Persia determining to punish the saide malefactors of Poland and for that purpose committing an army vnto the Beglerbeg of Grecia and the yeere last past sending his imperiall commaundement vnto the Prince of the Tartars he hath forraged molested and layed waste some part of the kingdome of Poland and the Cosacks and other notorious offenders haue receiued condigue punishment Which the king of Poland perceiuing sent two Embassadours to his imperiall Highnesse signifying that he would hunt out the said malefactors and inflict most seuere punishments vpon them and also that he would better his gift which he hath for many yeeres heretofore ordinarily sent vnto the porch of his imperiall Highnesse Howbeit his imperiall maiestie vpon whom the almightie creator hath bestowed so great power and who vouchsafeth to giue eare vnto all humble suppliants reiecting the supplication of the King of Poland determined againe to send his armie against the said king and by the helpe of the Almightie creator vtterly to subuert and ouerthrowe his kingdome But your Maiesties Embassadour resident in the blessed and glorious porch of his imperiall Highnesse interposing himselfe as a mediatour signifying that from the partes of Poland you were furnished with corne gun-powder mastes of ships guns and other necessaries and crauing peace on the behalfe of the kingdome and king of Poland and making intercession that the said king might not be molested nor troubled by the meanes of the Grand Signor declaring that this was your Maiesties most earnest desire so soone as the report and intercession of your Maiesties Embassadour was signified vnto the Grand Signor for your sake vnto whom all honour and fauourable regard is due vpon the condition aforesaid namely that the wicked Cosacks might be sought out and grieuously punished or that their offences might be remitted for the value of some small gift vpon this condition I say the letters of his imperiall Highnesse were sent vnto the king of Poland Howbeit had not this conclusion of league and amitie beene sollicited on the behalfe of your Maiestie his imperiall Highnesse would neuer haue vouchsafed the same vnto the kingdome of Poland But for your Maiesties sake his imperiall Highnesse hath exhibited this so singular a fauour vnto the said king and kingdome of Poland And hereof your Maiestie and the king of Poland ought certainely to be perswaded We wish your Maiestie most happily and well to fare Giuen at Constantinople in the ende of the moneth called SabauÌ„ in the yeare of our sacred prophet Mahomet 998 and in the yeere of Iesus 1590 the 12 of Iune The second letters Patents graunted by the Queenes Maiestie to the Right worshipfull companie of the English Marchants for the Leuant the seuenth of Ianuarie 1592. ELizabeth by the grace of God Queene of England France and Irelande defender of the faith c. To all our Officers ministers and subiects and to all other people aswell within this our Realme of England as else where vnder our obeysance and iurisdiction or otherwise vnto whom these our letters shal be seene shewed or read greeting Where our welbeloued subiects Edward Osborne knight Alderman of our citie of London William Hareborne Esquire and Richard Staper of our saide citie Marchant haue by great aduenture and industrie with their great cost and charges by the space of sundry late yeeres trauelled and caused trauell to be taken aswell by secrete and good meanes as by daungerous wayes and passages both by lande and sea to finde out and set open a trade of marchandize and traffike into the landes Ilandes Dominions and territories of the great Turke commonly called the Grand Signor not before that time in the memorie of any man now liuing knowen to be commonly vsed and frequented by way of marchandize by any the marâ—hantes or other subiectes of vs or our progenitors And also haue by their like good meanes and industrie and great charges procured of the sayde Grand Signor in our name amitie safetie and freedome for trade and traffike of
sword and he tooke their city which was very mighty seated vpon the sea which is called Ceuta in their language Confirmatio treugarum inter Regem Angliae Eduardum quartum Ioannem secundum Regem Portugalliae datarum in oppido montis Maioris 8 Februarij apud Westmonasterium 12 Septembris 1482 anno regni 22 Regis Eduardi quarti lingua Lusitanica ex opere sequenti excerpta Libro das obras de Garcia de Resende que tracta da vida è feitos del Rey dom Ioham secundo Embaixada que el Rey mandou à el Rey d' Inglaterra cap. 33. EDa qui de Monte Mor mandou el Rey por embaixadores à el rey dom Duarte de Inglaterra Ruy de Sousa pessoa principal è de muyto bon saber é credito de que el Rey muyto confiaua é ho doutor Ioam d' Eluas é Fernam de Pina por secretario E for am por mar muy honradamente com may boa companhia hos quaes foram en nome del Rey confirmar as ligas antiquas com Inglaterra que polla condisan dellus ho nouo Rey de hum reyno é do outro era obrigado à mandar confirmar é tambien pera mostrarem ho titolo que el rey tinha no senhorio de Guinee pera que depois de visto el rey d'Inglaterra defendesse em todos seus reynos que ninguen armassenem podesse mandar à Guinee é assi mandasse desfazer huna armada que pera laa faziam per mandado do Duque de Medina Sidonia hum Ioam Tintam é bum Guilherme Fabiam Ingreses Com ha qual embaixada el rey d' Inglaterra mostrou receber grande contentamento é foy delle com muyta honra recebida é em tudo fez inteiramente ho que pellos embaixadores Ibe foy requerido De que elles trouxeran autenticas escrituras das diligencias que con pubricos pregones fizeram é assi as prouisones das aprouasones que eran necessarias é com tudo muyto ben acabado é ha vontade del rey se vieram The Ambassage which king Iohn the second king of Portugall sent to Edward the fourth king of England which in part was to stay one Iohn Tintam and one William Fabian English men from proceeding in a voyage which they were preparing for Guinea 1481 taken out of the booke of the workes of Gracias de Resende which intreateth of the life and acts of Don Iohn the second king of Portugall Chap. 33. ANd afterwards the king sent as Ambassadours from the towne of Monte maior to king Edward the fourth of England Ruy de Sonsa a principall person and a man of great wisedome and estimation and in whom the king reposed great trust with doctor Iohn d'Eluas and Ferdinand de Pina as secretarie And they made their voyage by sea very honourably being very well accompanied These men were sent on the behalfe of their king to confirme the ancient leagues with England wherein it was conditioned that the new king of the one and of the other kingdome should be bound to send to confirme the olde leagues And likewise they had order to shew and make him acquainted with the title which the king held in the segneury of Ginnee to the intent that after the king of England had seene the same he should giue charge thorow all his kingdomes that no man should arme or set foorth ships to Ginnee and also to request him that it would please him to giue commandement to dissolue a certaine fleet which one Iohn Tintam and one William Fabian English men were making by commandement of the duke of Medina Sidonia to goe to the aforesayd parts of Ginnee With which ambassage the king of England seemed to be very well pleased and they were receiued of him with very great honour and he condescended vnto all that the ambassadours required of him at whose hands they receiued authenticall writings of the diligence which they had performed with publication thereof by the heralds and also prouisoes of those confirmations which were necessary And hauing dispatched all things well and with the kings good will they returned home into their countrey A briefe note concerning an ancient trade of the English Marchants to the Canarie-ilands gathered out of an olde ligier booke of M. Nicolas Thorne the elder a worshipfull marchant of the city of Bristoll IT appeareth euidently out of a certaine note or letter of remembrance in the custody of me Richard Hakluyt written by M. Nicolas Thorne the elder a principall marchant of Bristoll to his friend and factour Thomas Midnall and his owne seruant William Ballard at that time resident at S. Lucar in Andeluzia that in the yeere of our Lord 1526 and by all circumstances and probabilities long before certaine English marchants and among the rest himselfe with one Thomas Spacheford exercised vsuall and ordinary trade of marchandise vnto the Canarie Ilands For by the sayd letter notice was giuen to Thomas Midnall and William Ballard aforesayd that a certaine ship called The Christopher of Cadiz bound for the West Indies had taken in certaine fardels of cloth both course and fine broad and narrow of diuers sorts and colours some arouas of packthreed sixe cerons or bagges of sope with other goods of M. Nicolas Thorne to be deliuered at Santa Cruz the chiefe towne in Tenerifa one of the seuen Canary-ilands All which commodities the sayd Thomas and William were authorised by the owner in the letter before mentioned to barter sell away at Santa Cruz. And in lieu of such mony as should arise of the sale of those goods they were appointed to returne backe into England good store of Orchell which is a certaine kinde of mosse growing vpon high rocks in those dayes much vsed to die withall some quantity of sugar and certaine hundreds of kid-skinnes For the procuring of which and of other commodities at the best and first hand the sayd Thomas and William were to make their abode at Santa Cruz and to remaine there as factours for the abouesayd M. Nicolas Thorne And here also I thought good to signifie that in the sayd letters mention is made of one Thomas Tison an English man who before the foresayd yere 1526 had found the way to the West Indies and was there resident vnto whom the sayd M. Nicolas Thorne sent certaine armour and other commodities specified in the letter aforesayd A description of the fortunate Ilands otherwise called the Ilands of Canaria with their strange fruits and commodities composed by Thomas Nicols English man who remained there the space of seuen yeeres together MIne intent is particularly to speake of the Canaria Ilands which are seuen in number wherein I dwelt the space of seuen yeres and more because I finde such variety in sundry writers and especially great vntruths in a booke called The New found world Antarctike set out by a French man called Andrew Theuet the which
contemners of other nations and most constant obseruers of their owne lawes and customes in all which respects it came to passe that there was woonderfull labour and diligence employed aboue thirty yeeres together onely to get an entrance vntill in the yeere one thousand fiue hundred fourescore and three two fathers of the foresayd society that had pretty skill in the letters and language of China vtterly despairing of mans helpe and depending vpon the prouidence of almighty God obtained licence of the Tutan or Uice-roy to build them an house and a Church in the City of Xaâ—quin which by reason of the commodiousnesse thereof is the seat of the Uice-roy himselfe This worke being begunne the sayd fathers of the society for the nouelty thereof were a few yeeres right well entreated by the Magistrates insomuch that two others out of India had free and easie accesse vnto them one couple remaining still in their foresayd house at Xauquin and the other two taking their iourney for the inner prouinces to conuert more people vnto the faith who notwithstanding afterward other Magistrates not approouing of their attempts were constrained to retire Nowe all the time wherein the foresayd fathers abode at Xauquin being more then fiue yeeres certaine of the common people were restrained from false superstition to Christian religion and seuenty persons were baptized But the enemy of mankinde who omitteth none opportunity for the hinderance of Christian religion suggested into the mindes of the Chinians being as I sayd of their owne nature a people estranged from the traffique and acquaintance of other nations and alwayes being too too suspicious of strangers that they should exhibite letters of supplication vnto the Caien and the Tutan their principall Magistrates to haue the fathers expelled out of Xauquin which Magistrates repairing vnto their foresayd house and Church entered consultation how they might bannish them out of the sayd City of Xauquin in which thing verily they vsed great moderation not any way offending or exasperating the mindes of the fathers but onely signifying that they had regard vnto the estate of their Common-wealth For the Tutan or Uice-roy calling the fathers vnto him and to let passe other accidents vsing courteous and familiar conference with them declared by many arguments that their habitation in the City of Xauquin was not conuenient especially sithens so many Magistrates resorted vnto that City who would take great offence at the presence of strangers For the which cause he perswaded them to accept some part of the money which they had bestowed in the building of their house and so to returne either home into their owne countrey or vnto the port of Macao Howbeit such was the instant supplication of the fathers and so woorthy of compassion that the Tutan or Uice-roy in the extreame and mediterrane borders of the prouince of Coantum assigned vnto them a new habitation at the city called Xaucheo commending them also to a certaine Magistrate who was come from the same place to salute him Thither therefore the sayd fathers not without great sorrow and griefe of the Christians hied themselues and as we are informed by their last letters they haue euen now layed the foundation of their first building and haue also written that they are like to liue much more peaceably and conueniently for the propagating of Christian religion These be the first beginnings of Christianity in China where euen as in other places of the Christian Common-wealth the seed is to be sowen with great labour and teares that acceptable fruits may be reaped with gladnesse Leo. It is euen as you haue sayd Michael and nowe for this your pleasant and eloquent discourse we do acknowledge ourselues much bounden vnto you A Letter written from Goa the principall City of all the East Indies by one Thomas Steuens an English man and sent to his father M. Thomas Steuens Anno 1579. AFter most humble commendations These shall be to craue your dayly blessing with like commendations vnto my mother and withall to certifie you of my being according to your will and my duety I wrote vnto you taking my iourney from Italy to Portugall which letters I thinke are come to your hands so that presuming thereupon I thinke I haue the lesse need at this time to tell you the cause of my departing which neuerthelesse in one word I may conclude if I do but name obedience I came to Lisbon toward the end of March eight dayes before the departure of the shippes so late that if they had not bene stayed about some weighty matters they had bene long gone before our comming insomuch that there were others ordained to goe in our places that the kings prouision and ours also might not be in vaine Neuerthelesse our sudden comming tooke place and the fourth of Aprill fiue ships departed for Goa wherein besides shipmen and souldiers there were a great number of children which in the seas beare out better their men and no maruell when that many women also passe very well The setting foorth from the port I need not to tell how solemne it is with trumpets and shooting of ordinance you may easily imagine it considering that they go in the maner of warre The tenth of the foresayd moneth we came to the sight of Porto Santo neere vnto Madera where an English shippe set vpon ours which was then also alone with a few shots which did no harme but after that our ship had layed out her greatest ordinance they straight departed as they came The English shippe was very faire and great which I was sory to see so ill occupied for she went rouing about so that we saw her againe at the Canarian Iles vnto the which we came the thirteenth of the sayd moneth and good leisure we had to woonder at the high mountaine of the Iland Tenerif for we wandred betweene that and great Canaria foure dayes by reason of contrary windes and briefly such euill weather we had vntill the foureteenth of May that they despaired to compasse the Cape of Good hope that yeere Neuerthelesse taking our voyage betweene Guinea and the Ilands of Capo Verde without seeing of any land at all we arriued at length vnto the coast of Guinie which the Portugals so call chiefly that part of the burning zone which is from the sixt degree vnto the Equinoctiall in which parts they suffered so many inconueniences of heats and lacke of windes that they thinke themselues happy when they haue passed it for sometimes the ship standeth there almost by the space of many dayes sometime she goeth but in such order that it were almost as good to stand still And the greatest part of this coast not cleare but thicke and cloudy full of thunder and lightening and raine so vnholesome that if the water stand a little while all is full of wormes and falling on the meat which is hanged vp it maketh it straight full of wormes Along all that coast we often times saw a thing
Colthirst Edward Holmden Iohn Swinnerton Robert Walkaden Simon Lawrence Nicholas Stile Oliuer Stile William Bond Henry Farrington Iohn Tedcastle Walter Williams William Brune Iohn Suzan Iohn Newton Thomas Owen Roger Afild Robert Washborne Rainold Guie Thomas Hitchcocke George Lidiate Iohn Cartwright Henry Payton Iohn Baldroe Robert Bowyer Anthony Dassell Augustine Lane Robert Lion and Thomas Dod that they and euery of them by themselues or by their factors or seruants and none others shall and may for and during the space of 12. yeeres haue and enioy the whole freedome and libertie in the saide trafique or trade vnto or from the said countrey of Barbary or to or from any part thereof for the buying and selling of all maner of wares and marchandizes whatsoeuer that now or accustomably heretofore haue bene brought or transported froÌ„ or to the said country of Barbary or froÌ„ or to any of the cities townes places ports roades hauens harbors or creeks of the said country of Barbary any law statute graunt matter customes or priuileges to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding And for the better establishing ordering and gouerning of the said Erles of Warwike and Leicester Thomas Starkie c. abouesaid their factors seruants and assignes in the trade aforesaid we for vs our heires and successors doe by these presents giue and graunt full licence to the saide Thomas Starkie Ierard Gore the elder and the rest aforesaide and to euery of them from time to time during the said terme of twelue yeres at their pleasures to assemble and meete together in any place or places conuenient within our citie of London or elsewhere to consult of and for the said trade and with the consent of the said Erle of Leicester to make and establish good and necessary orders and ordinances for and touching the same and al such orders and ordinances so made to put in vre and execute and them or any of them with the consent of the said Erle of Leicester to alter change and make voyde and if need be to make new as at any time during the saide terme they or the most part of them then liuing and trading shall finde conuenient Prouided alwayes that the ordinances or any of them bee not contrary or repugnant to the lawes statutes or customes of this our Realme of England And to the intent that they onely to whom the said libertie of trafique is graunted by these our Letters patents and none other our Subiects whatsoeuer without their special consent and licence before had should during the said terme haue trade or trafique for any maner of Marchandizes to or from the said countrey of Barbary or to or from any Citie towne place port harbor or creeke within the said countrey of Barbary to or out of our said Realmes and dominions wee doe by these presents straightly charge commaund and prohibite all and euery our Subiects whatsoeuer other then only the said Erles of Warwike and Leicester Thomas Starkie and the rest abouesaid and euery of them by themselues or by their Factors or seruants during the â—aide terme to trade or trafique for or with any marchandize to or from the saide Countrey of Barbary or to or from any the dominions of the same as they tender our fauour and will auoyde our high displeasure and vpon paine of imprisonment of his and their bodies at our will and pleasure and of forfeiting all the marchandizes or the full value thereof wherewith they or any of them during the saide terme shall trade or trafique to or from the said countrey of Barbary or to or from the dominions of the same contrary to this our priuilege and prohibition vnlesse it be by and with the expresse licence consent and agreement of the saide Erles of Warwike and Leicester Thomas Starkie Ierard Gore the elder and all his sonnes Thomas Gore the elder Arthur Atie gentleman Alexander Auenon Richard Straper William Iennings Arthur Dawbnie William Sherington Thomas Bramlie Anthonie Gerrard Robert Howe Henry Colthirst Edward Holmden Iohn Swinnerton Robert Walkaden Simon Lawrence Nicholas Stile Oliuer Stile William Bond Henry Farington John Tedcastle Walter Williams William Brune Iohn Suzan Iohn Newton Thomas Owen Roger Afield Robert Washborne Rainold Guy Thomas Hitchcock George Lidiate c. or by and with the expresse licence and consent of the more part of them then liuing and trading first had and obtained so alwayes that the sayd Earle of Leicester be one if hee bee liuing And we further for vs our heires and successors of our speciall grace meere motion and certaine knowledge do graunt to the said Erles of Warwike and Leicester Thomas Starkie and the rest abouesaid and to euery of them that nothing shall be done to be of force or validitie touching the said trade or trafique or the exercise thereof without or against the consent of the saide Erles Thomas Starkie and the others before named during the time of these our Letters patents for 12. yeeres as aforesaid And for that the said Erles Thomas Starkie c. and euery of them aforesaid should not be preuented or interrupted in this their said trade we do by these presents for vs our heires and successours straightly prohibite and forbid all maner of person or persons as well strangers of what nation or countrey soeuer as our owne Subiects other then onely the said Erles Thomas Starkie c. and euery of them as aforesaid that they nor any of them from hencefoorth during the said terme of 12. yeeres do or shall bring or cause to be brought into this our Realme of England or to any the dominions thereof any maner of marchandizes whatsoeuer growing or being made within the said Countrey of Barbary or within any the dominions thereof vnlesse it be by and with the license consent and agreement of the said Erles Thomas Starkie c. or with the consent and licence of the more part of them then liuing first had and obtained so alwayes y t the sayd Erle of Leicester if hee be liuing be one vnder the paine that euery one that shall offend or doe against this our present prohibition here last aboue mentioned in these presents shall forfeite and lose all and singular the said marchandizes to be landed in any our realmes and dominions coÌ„trary to the tenor and true meaning of this our prohibition in that behalfe prouided the one moitie of all and euery which said forfaitures whatsoeuer mentioned or specified in these our present Letters patents shal be to vs our heires successors And the other moity of al and euery the said forfaitures we doe by these presents of our certaine knowledge and meere motion clearely and wholy for vs our heires and successors giue and graunt vnto the said Erles Thomas Starkie c. And these our Letters patents vpon the onely sight thereof without any further warrant shal bee sufficient authoritie to our Treasurer of England for the time being to our Barons of the Exchequer and to
that they brought with them and this was the cause of the kings displeasure towards them So now there remaineth in Gago Alcaide Hamode and Alcaide Iawdara and Alcaide Bucthare And here are in a readinesse to depart in the end of this next September Alcaide Monsor Ben Abdrahaman Allies Monsor Rico with fiue thousand men most of the feâ—tilase that is to say of fier-mach muskets There is gone good sâ—ore of reds yellowes and this yere here was want of the same commodity but I trust the next yere wil be no want But in fine the king doth prosper wel in those parts and here are many pledges come hither and namely three of the kings sonnes of Gago and the Iustice I saw them come in with the treasure Now when Alcaide Monsor commeth to Gago the which will be in Ianuary next then returneth hither Alcaide Hamode with all the treasure and Alcaide Monsor is to keepe Gago vntill the king take further order And thus much for Gago Thus not hauing any other thing to write at this present I commend you to the mercifull tuition of the almighty From Marocco the first of August 1594 Your assured friend Laurence Madoc Another briefe relation concerning the late conquest and the exceeding great riches of the cities and prouinces of Tombuto and Gago written from Marocco the 30 August 1594. to M. Anthony Dassel marchant of London aforesayd LOuing friend M. Dassel two of your letters I haue receiued one by the shippe called The Amity the other by The Concord the chiefest matter therein was to be satisfied of the king of Marocco his proceedings in Guinea Therefore these are to let you vnderstand that there went with Alcaide Hamode for those parts seuenteene hundred men who passing ouer the sands for want of war perished one third part of them and at their comming to the city of Tombuto the Negros made some resistance but to small purpose for that they had no defence but with their asagaies or iauelings poisoned So they tooke it and proceeded to the city of Gago where the Negros were in number infinâ—te and meant to stand to the vttermost for their countrey but the Moores slew them so fast that they were faine to yeeld and do pay tribute by the yere The rent of Tombuto is 60 quintals of golde by the yeere the goodnesse whereof you know What rent Gago will yeeld you shall know at the Spring for then Alcaide Hamode commeth home The rent of Tombuto is come by the cafelow or carouan which is as aboue is mentioned 60 quintals The report is that Mahomed bringeth with him such an infinite treasure as I neuer heard of it doth appeare that they haue more golde then any other part of the world beside The Alcaide winneth all the countrey where he goeth without fighting and is going downe towards the sea coast This king of Marocco is like to be the greatest prince in the world for money if he keepe this countrey But I make account assoone as the king of Spaine hath quietnesse in Christendome he wil thrust him out for that the kings force is not great as yet but he meaneth to be stronger There is a campe ready to go now with a viceroy the speech is with 3000 men but I thinke they will be hardly 2000 for by report 3000 men are enough to conquer all the countrey for they haue no defence of importance against an enemy I thinke Hamode will be returned home in Ianuary or thereabout for he stayeth but for the comming of the viceroy Mulley Balasen the kings sonne of Marocco was slaine in Guinea by his owne men and they were presently killed because they should tell â—o tales And thus leauing to trouble you I commit you to God who prosper you in all your proceedings From Marocco the first of August 1594. Yours to command for euer Laurence Madoc Of these two rich cities and kingdomes of Tombuto and Gago Leo Africanus writeth at large in the beginning of his seuenth booke of the description of Africa which worthy worke is to be annexed vnto the end of this second volume A briefe extract of a patent granted to M. Thomas Gregory of Tanton and others for traffique betweene the riuer of Nonnia and the riuers of Madrabumba and Sierra Leona on the coast of Guinea in the yeere 1592. IN May the 34 yeere of our gracious soueraigne Queene Elizabeth a patent of speciall licence was granted to Thomas Gregory of Tanton in the county of Somerset and to Thomas Pope and certaine other marchants to traffique into Guinea from the Northermost part of the riuer of Nonnia to the Southermost parts of the riuers of Madrabumba and Sierra Leona and to other parts aswell to the Southeast as to the Northwest for a certaine number of leagues therein specified which amount to an hundred or thereabout Which patent was granted for the terme of ten yeres as appeareth at large in the sayd patent recorded in the Rolles in her Maiesties Chancery The maner of the taking of two Spanish ships laden with quicksiluer the Popes bulles bound for the West Indies by M. Thomas White in the Amity of London 1592. THe 26 of Iuly 1592 in my returning out of Barbary in the ship called the Amity of London being in the height of 36 degrees or thereabout at foure of the clocke in the morning we had sight of two shippes being distant from vs about three or foure leagues by seuen of the clocke we fetched them vp and were with in gunshot whose boldnesse hauing the king of Spaines armes displayed did make vs iudge them rather ships of warre then laden with marchandise And as it appeared by their owne speeches they made full account to haue taken vs it being a question among them whether it were best to cary vs to S. Lucar or to Lisbon We waued ech other a maine They hauing placed themselues in warlike order one a cables length before another we began the fight In the which we continued so fast as we were able to charge and discharge the space of fiue houres being neuer a cables length distant either of vs from other In which time we receiued diuers shot both in the hull of our ship masts and sailes to the number of 32 great besides 500 musket shot and harquebuzes a crocke at the least which we tolde after the fight And because we perceiued them to be stout we thought good to boord the Biscaine which was on head the other where lying aboord about an houre and plying our ordinance and small shot in the end we stowed all his men Now the other in the slieboat thinking we had entred our men in their fellow bare roome with vs meaning to haue layed vs aboord and so to haue intrapped vs betwixt them both which we perceiuing fitted our ordinance so for him as we quitted our selues of him and he boorded his fellow by which meanes they both fell from vs. Then presently we
to thinke for that the first principle and chiefe ground in all Geographie as Ptolome saith is the history of trauell that is reports made by trauellers skilful in Geometrie and Astronomie of all such things in their iourney as to Geographie doe belong It onely then remaineth that we now answere to those arguments that seemed to make against this former conclusion The first obiection is of no force that generall table of the world set forth by Ortelius or Mercator for it greatly skilleth not being vnskilfully drowen for that point as manifestly it may appeare vnto any one that conferreth the same with Gemma Frisius his vniuersall Mappe with his round quartered carde with his globe with Sebastian Cabota his cable and Ortelius his generall mappe alone worthily preferred in this case before all Mercator Ortelius other doings for that Cabota was not onely a skilful Seamanâ— but a long traueller and such a one as entred personally that straight sent by king Henry the â—euenth to make this aforesayd Discouerie as in his owne discourse of nauigation you may reade in his carde drawen with his owne hand that the mouth of the Northwesterne straight lyeth neere the 318. Meridianâ— betweene 61. and 64. degrees in the eleuation continuing the â—ame bredth about 10. degrees West where it openeth Southerly more and more vntill it come vnder the tropicke of Cancer and so runneth into Mar del Zur at the least 18. degrees more in bredth there then it was where it first began otherwise I could as well imagine this passage to be more vnlikely then the voyage to Moscouia and more impossible then it for the farre situation and coâ—tinâ—â—nce thereof in the frostie clime as now I can affirme it to be very possible and most likely in comparison thereof for that it neither coasteth so farre North as the Moscouian passage doeth neither is this straight so long as that before it bow downe Southerly towardes the Sunne againe The second argument concludeth nothing Ptolome knew not what was aboue sixteene degrees South beyond the Equinoctiall line he was ignorant of all passages Northward from the eleuation of 63. degrees he knewe no Ocean sea beyond Asia yet haue the Portugals trended the cape of Good hope at the South point of Afrike and trauelled to Iapan an Island in the East Ocean betweene Asia America our merchants in the time of king Edward the sixt discouered the Moscouian passage farther North then Thyle shewed Groenland not to be continent with Lappeland Norway the like our Northwesterne trauellers haue done declaring by their nauigation that way the ignorance of all Cosmographers that either doe ioyne Groenland with America or continue the West Indies with that frosty region vnder the north pole As for Virgil he sang according to the knowledge of men in his time as an other Poet did of the hot zone Quarum quae media est non est habitabilis aestu Imagining as most men then did Zonam torridam the hot zone to be altogether dishabited for heat though presently wee know many famous and woorthy kingdomes and cities in that part of the earth and the Island of S. Thomas neere AEthiopia the wealthy Islands for the which chiefly all these voyages are taken in hand to be inhabited euen vnder the equinoctiall line To answere the third obiection besides Cabota and all other trauellers nauigations the onely credit of M. Frobisher may suffice who lately through all these Islands of ice and mountaines of snow passed that way euen beyond the gulfe that tumbleth downe from the North and in some places though he drewe one inch thicke ice as he returning in August did yet came he home safely againe The fourth argument is altogether friuolous vaine for neither is there any isthmos or strait of land betweene America and Asia ne can these two landes ioyntly be one continent The first part of my answere is manifestly allowed of by Homer whom that excellent Geographer Strabo followeth yeelding him in this facultie the price The authour of that booke likewise 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to Alexander attributed vnto Aristotle is of the same opinion that Homer and Strabo be of in two or three places Dionisius in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hath this verse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 So doth the Ocean Sea runne round about the worlde speaking onely of Europe Afrike and Asia as then Asia was trauelled and knowen With these Doctours may you ioyne Pomponius Mela. cap. 2. lib. 1. Plinius lib. 2. cap. 67. and Pius 2. cap. 2. in his description of Asia All the which writers doe no lesse confirme the whole Easterne side of Asia to be compassed about with the sea then Plato doeth affirme in Timaeo vnder the name Atlantis the West Indies to be an Island as in a special discourse thereof R. Eden writeth agreeable vnto the sentence of Proclus Marsilius Ficinus and others Out of Plato it is gathered that America is an Island Homer Strabo Aristotle Dionysius Mela Plinic Pius 2. affirme the continent of Asia Afrike Europe to be enuironed with the Ocean I may therfore boldly say though later intelligences therof had we none at all that Asia the West Indies be not tied together by any Isthmos or straight of land contrary to the opinion of some new Cosmographers by whom doubtfully this matter hath bin brought in controuersie And thus much for the first part of my answere vnto the fourth obiection The second part namely that America and Asia cannot be one continent may thus be proued 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The most Riuers take downe that way their course where the earth is most hollow and deepe writeth Aristotle and the Sea sayth he in the same place as it goeth further so is it found deeper Into what gulfe doe the Moscouian riuers Onega Duina Ob powre out their streames Northward out of Moscouia into the sea Which way doeth that sea strike The South is maine land the Easterne coast waxeth more and more shalow from the North either naturally because that part of the earth is higher Aristot. 2. Met. cap. 1. or of necessitie for that the forcible influence of some Northerne starres causeth the earth there to shake off the Sea as some Philosophers doe thinke or finally for the great store of waters engendred in that frostie and colde climate that the bankes are not able to holde them Alber in 2. Meteor cap. 6. From the North I say continually falleth downe great abundance of water So that this Northeasterne currant must at the length abruptly bow toward vs South on the West side of Finmarke and Norway or else strike downe Southwest aboue Groneland or betwixt Groneland and Iseland into the Northwest straight we speake of as of congruence it doeth if you marke the situation of that Region and by the report of M. Frobisher experience teacheth vs. And M. Frobisher the further he trauailed
but in very deede they are all firme land and if you come on the South and Southwest side you shall see a hill diuided into 2. parts which I called The three hillockes which is right within the hauen And for another better marke of the sayd harbour you shall see an Isle like vnto a Floure de lice distant from the sayd hauen 6. leagues at the least and this Isle and the sayd hauen lie Northeast and Southwest a quarter to the North and South And on the sayd Isle there is good pebble stone to drie fish vpon But to the West thereof there is a very faire countrey and there is a banke of sand which runneth the length of a cable hauing not past one fathom water vpon it From the sayde Isle along the firme land the coast lyeth East and West and you shall see as it were a great forrest running Eastwaâ—d and the Easterne Cape is called Cape du Chapt and is great and red toward the Sea And betweene the sayd lands you shall see as it were a small Island but it ioyneth to the firme land on the Southwest part and there is good shingle to drie fish on And you must coast the shore with boates and not with ships by reason of the shallowes of the sayd coast For I haue seene without Cape du Chapt in faire weather the ground in two fathoms water neere a league and an halfe from shore and I iudged by reason of the highnesse of the land that there had bene aboue thirtie fathoms water which was nothing so and I haue sounded comming neere the shore in more or lesse depth The coast stretcheth three leagues to the West from Lisle Blanch or the white Isle vnto the entrance of a riuer where we slewe and killed to the number of fifteene hundred Morses or Sea oxen accounting small and great where at full sea you may come on shoare with boates and within are two or three fathoms water From thence the coast trendeth foure leagues to the West ¼ to the Northwest vnto the Isle Hupp which is twentie leagues in circuit and is like the edge of a knife vpon it there is neither wood nor grasse there are Morses vpon it but they bee hard to be taken From thence the coast trendeth to the Northwest and Northnorthwest which is all that I haue seene to wit the two sides and one ende of the Isle And if I had had as good lucke as my Masters when I was on the Northwest side with my shippe I would haue aduenturâ—d to haue sayled South-southeast to haue discouered the Easterne shoare of the sayd Isle In your returne to the East as you come from the hauen of Cape du Chapt vnto the sayde hauen are sandes and sholds And three good leagues from Cape du Chapt there is a small Island conteining about a league of ground where there is an hauen toward the Southeast and as you enter into the sayd hauen on the starreboord side a dented Cape all of redde land And you cannot enter into the said hauen but with the flood because of a barre which lieth halfe a league without the poynts of the sayd hauen The tydes are there at Southeast and Northwest but when the wind is very great it bloweth much into the hauen at halfe flood But ordinarily it sloweth fiue foote and an halfe The markes to enter into the sayd hauen are to leaue the Isle Blanche or White Island at your comming in on the starreboord and the poynt of â—he hauen towarde the West hath a thick Island which you shall see on the other side and it hath a little round Buttresse which lyeth on the East side of the Island There are also two other buttresses more easie to bee seene then hidden these are not to the East but to the West and they haue markes on â—hem Here you shall not haue aboue two fathom and an halfe at a full sea vpon this barre And the sounding is stone and rough ground At your entring in when you shall finde white sand which lyeth next the Southeast of the Cape then you are vpon the barre and bee not afrayd to passe vp the chanell And for markes towarde the West athwart the barre when you haue brought an Island euen which lyeth to the westward without with the thicke part of the high land which lyeth most to the West you shall bee past the barre and the chanell runneth due North. And for your anchoring in the sayd hauen see that you carefully seeke the middest of the sayd Thicke landâ— which lyeth in the bottome of the sayd hauen for you must anchor betweene two bankes of sand where the passage is but narrow And you must anker surely for there goeth a great tyde for the Sea runneth there as swiftly and more then in There is good ground and ankorage here and you shall ride in three fathom water And within the sayde hauen there is nothing to hurt you for you are free from all winds And if by chance you should be driuen Westward of the sayd hauen you may seeke an entrance which is right ouer against the small Island named before which is called The Isle of Cormorants and you may enter in theâ—e as at the other hauen at a full sea And you must passe vp on the West side and you shall finde on the Barre at a full sea foureteene foote water and great depth when you are entred in for the Sea runneth very swiftly in that place and the entrie theâ—eof lyeth Southeast and Northwest Right ouer against you on the other side you may passe with boates at a full sea And all these entrances make all but one hauen which is good within I sayâ— his because I haue passed into the maine Sea by the one and the other passage And the said Isle is not past two leagues ouer in the middest It is but two bankes of sande whereof one is like to that of S. Malo which let the Sea from passing through the middest of all the Isle But the two endes are high mountaines with Islands altogether cut and separated with streames and riuers To anker in the sayd harbour you must not ride farthâ—r then fiue or sixe cables length from the sayd hauen A letter sent to the right Honorable Sir VVilliam Cecill Lord Burghley Lord high Treasurer of England c. From M. Thomas Iames of Bristoll concerning the discouerie of the Isle of Ramea dated the 14 of September 1591. RIght Honourable my humble duetie to your good Lordship done I thought good humbly to aduertise your honour of the discouery of an Island made by two smal shippes of Saint Malo the one 8 daies past being prised neare Silley by a ship of which I am part owner called the Pleasure sent by this citie to my Lord Thomas Howard for her Maiesties seruice Which prise is sent backe to this Port by those of the sayd
leuied a thousand mariners of Catalunna and Genoa to bee diuided among the Fleete and bee conducted as they were for the Fleete of Terçera furthermore that sixe thousande souldiers bee leuied giuing commaundement to presse a greater number to the ende that these may bee able men for seruice Moreouer it is needfull for this armie that 20. pataches be brought from Biscay and 20. Azabras from Castro That the pataches bee from 50. to 60. tunnes and that the Azabras bee like those which were in the expedition to Terçera That sufficient prouision be made of artillerie powder match and lead and harquebuzes muskets and chosen pikes for the keeping of the coast It is also meete to prouide another army of two ships of 400. tunnes apiece and other foure of 200. tunnes and foure pataches and a thousand souldiers besides mariners Hauing seene and considered that the Englishmen with their marchants ships onely that trauerse these seas haue made such hauocke in two moneths and that it is to bee thought that they will doe the like against the fleetes which goe and come from the Indies it is expedient that as by order in time of peace the fleete hath an Admirall and Uiceadmirall that now it should haue two more at the least in eche Fleete and neuerthelesse they are to bee wafted home with an armie In mine opinion all these prouisions ought to bee made onely in regard of the English army and the rest of the ships which haue bene set out of that kingdome But in case that Don Antonio should come with an armie and should seeke to inuade this kingdome these prouisions following would be needesull THat warning be giuen to the Conde de Beneuenta to the Marques de Soria to the Conde of Altamira to the Conde of Monterey to the Marquesse of Zerraluo and to the rest of the Lordes and Knights which are to haue order to bee in a readinesse against hee come vnto this kingdome That the people also be trained of the cities of Toro Zamora and Salamanca to bee ready to succour the countrey betweene the riuers of Doro and Minno and the people of Estremadura and Siuilla are likewise to bee trained to be ready to succour the citie of Lisbon and the countrey about the same Also that the castles of this citie riuer and territorie be victualled and prouided of gunpowder match and lead and all things else belonging to the artillerie as I haue requested in the relations which I sent vnto his maiestie the 7. of March of this present yeere 1585. That the gaâ—lies be furnished for foure moneths and that sixe more bee brought from Spaine to this riuer of Lisbon with an hundred and twentie souldiers for ech gallie that they may be deuided among the eight gallies which remaine here And in case it fall out that the armie of the English goe not for the Indies but occupie themselues vpon this kâ—ngdome for there may be English ships which may attend the one and the other we shal be enforced to make another armie besides that for the Indies of twelue ships foure pataches and a thousand fiue hundred souldiers In mine opinion all this is meet for his maiesties seruice to be foresâ—ene to be made ready with great diligence and care and to prouide money needfull for the same without neglecting the one or the other but that â—ll these things be done without delay Referring my selfe in all things to those of wisâ—r iudgement Written in Lisbon the 26 of October 1585. A summarie and true discourse of sir Francis Drakes West Indian voyage begun in the yeere 1585. Wherein were taken the cities of Saint Iago Santo Domingo Cartagena and the towne of Saint Augustine in Florida Published by M. Thomas Caâ—es THis worthy knight for the seruice of his Prince and countrey hauing prepared his whole fleete and gotten them downe to Plimmouth in Deuonâ—hire to the number of fiue and twenty saile of ships and pinnesses and hauing assemâ—led of souldiers and mariners to the number of 2300. in the whole embarked them and himselfe at Plimmouth aforesaid the 12. day of September 1585. being accompanied with these men of name and charge which hereafter follow Master Christopher Carleil Lieutenant general a man of long experience in the warres as well by sea as land who had formerly caried high offices in both kindes in many fights which he discharged alwaies very happily and with great good reputation Anthonie Powel Sergeant Maior Captaine Matthew Morgan and Captaine Iohn Sampson Corporals of the field These officers had commandement ouer the rest of the land-Captaines whose names hereafâ—er follow Captaine Anthony Plat. Captaine Edward Winter Captaine Iohn Goring Captaine Robert Pew Captaine George Barton Captaine Iohn Merchant Captaine William Cecill Captaine Walter Bigs Captaine Iohn Hannam Captaine Richard Stanton Captaine Martine Frobisher Uiceadmirall a man of great experience in sea-faring actions who had caried the chiefe charge of many ships himselfe in sundry voyages before being now shipped in the Primrose Captaine Francis Knolles Reere admirall in the Galeon Leicester Master Thomas Vennor Captaine in the Elizabeth Bonaduenture vnder the Generall Master Edward Winter Captaine in the Aide Master Christopher Carleil the Lieutenant generall Captaine of the Tygar Henry White Câ—ptaine of the sea Dragon Thomas Drake Captaine of the Thomas Thomas Scelie Captaine of the Minionâ— Baily Captaine of the Barke Talbot Robert Crosse Captaine of the Bark Bond. George Fortescue Captaine of the Barke Bonner Edward Carelesse Captaine of the Hope Iames Erizo Captaine of the White Lyon Thomas Moone Captaine of the Francis Iohn Riuers Captaine of the Vantage Iohn Vaugham Captaine of the Drake Iohn Varney Captaine of the George Iohn Martin Capâ—aine of the Beniamin Edward Gilman Captaine of the Skout Richard Hawkins Captaine of the Galiot called the Duckâ— Bitfield Captaine of the Swallow After our going hence which was the foureteenth of September in the yeere of our Lord 1585. and taking our course towards Spaine wee had the winde for a fewe dayes somewhaâ— skant and sometimes calme And being arriued neere that part of Spaine which is called thâ— Moores wee happened to espie diuers sailes which kept their course close by the shore the weather being farre and calme The Generall caused the Uiceadmirall to goe with the pinnesses well manned to see what they were who vpon sight of the said pinnesses approching neere vnto them abandoned for the most part all their ships being Frenchmen laden all with salt and bound homewards into France amongst which ships being all of small burthen there was one so wel liked which also had no man in her as being brought vnto y e general he thought good to makâ— stay of her for the seruice meaning to pay for her as also accordingly he performed at our returneâ— which â—arke was called the Drake The rest of these ships being eight or nine were dismisseâ— without any any thing at all taken from them Who
at sea which was feared would turne to the losse of the life of Martin Cockeram his pledge Neuerthelesse the Sauages being fully perswaded of the honest dealing of our men with thâ—ir prince restored againe the said pledge without any harme to him or any man of the company which pledge of theirs they brought home againe into England with their ship fraighted and furnished with the commodities of the countrey Which Martin Cockeram by the witnesse of Sir Iohn Hawkins being an officer in the towne of Plimmouth was liuing within these fewe yeeres An ancient voyage of M. Robert Reniger and M. Thomas Borey to Brasil in the yeere of our Lord 1540. I Haue bene certainly informed by M. Anthony Garrard an ancient and worshipfull marchant of the citie of London that this commondious and gainefull voyage to Brasil was ordinarily and vsually frequented by M. Robert Reniger M. Thomas Borey and diuers other substantial and wealthie marchants of Southampton about 60. yeeres past that is to say in the yeere 1540. A voyage of one Pudsey to Baya in Brasil anno 1542. ALso the worshipfull M. Edward Cotton of Southhampton Esquire gaue mee more particularly to vnderstand how that one Pudsey of Southampton a man of good skill and resolution in marine causes made a voyage in like maner 62. yeeres agoe to Baya de todos los Santos the principall towne of all Brasil and the seate of the Portugal vice-roy and of the bishop and that he built a fort not farre distant from that place in the foresaid yeere 1542. A letter written to M. Richard Staper by Iohn VVhithal from Santos in Brasil the 26. of Iune 1578. WOrshipfull sir and welbeloued friend M. Staper I haue me most heartily commended vnto you wishing your health euen as mine owne These few words may bee to let you vnderstand that whereas I wrote vnto you not many dayes past by the way of Lisbon howe that I determined to bee with you very shortly it is in this countrey offered mee to marry and to take my choice of three or foure so that I am about three dayes agoe conâ—orted with an Italian gentleman to marry with his daughter within these foure dayes This my friend and father in law Signor Ioffo Dore is borne in the citie of Genua in Italy his kindred is well knowen amongst the Italians in London also hee hath but onely this childe which is his daughter which hee hath thought better bestowed vpon mee then on any Portugal in all the countrey and doeth giue with her in marriage to me part of an Ingenio which he hath that doeth make euery yeere a thousand roues of sugar This my mariage will be worth to me two thousand duckets little more or lesse Also Signor Ioffo Dore my father in lawe doeth intende to put into my handes the whole Ingenio with sixtie or seuentie slaues and thereof to make me factor for vs both I giue my lining Lord thankes for placing me in such honour and plentifulnesse of all things Also certaine dayes past I talked with the Prouedor and the Captaine and they haue certified me that they haue discouered certaine Mines of siluer and gold and looke euery day for Masters to come to open the said Mines which when they be opened will inrich this countrey very much This place is called S. Vincent and is distant from you two thousand leagues and in 24. degrees of latitude on the South side of the Equinoctial line almost vnder the Tropike of Capricorne A countrey it is very healthfull without sicknesse Moreouer I haue talked with the Captaine and Prouedor and my father in law who rule all this countrey for to haue a ship with goods to come from London hither which haue promised mee to giue mee licence saying that nowe I am free dâ—nizen of this countrey To cause a ship to come hither with such commodities as would serue this countrey would come to great gaines God sending in safety the profite and gaines In such wares and commodities as you may ship hither from London is for euery one commoditie deliuered here three for one and then after the proceed may be imployed in white sugar at foure hundred reis the roue I meane also to haue a â—riend in London to sende mee a ship of 60. or 70. tunnes little more or lesse with such commodities as I shall giue aduise for This voyage is as good as any Peru-voyage If you and Master Osborne will deale here I will deale with you before any other because of our old friendly friendship in time past If you haue any stomacke thereto in the Name of God do you espie out a sine barke of seuentie or eightie tunnes and send her hither with a Portugal Pilot to this port of S. Vincent in Brasil bordering vpon the borders of Peru. Also I herewith write vnto you in what forme and maner you shall furnish this voyage both in commodities and otherwise First you must lade in the said ship certaine Hampshire and Deuonshire karsies for the which you must let her depart from London in October and to touch in the Canaries and there to make sale of the saide karsies and with the proceed thereof of lade fifteene tunnes of wines that be perfect and good and siâ—e dozen of Cordouan skinnes of these colours to wit orenge tawnie yellow red and very fine black I thinke you shall not finde such colours there Therefore you must cause them that shall go vpon this voyage to take saffron with them to cause the same skinnes to bee put into the saide colours Also I thinke you shall finde oyles there Three hogsheads of sweete oyle for this voyage are very necessary or a hundred fiftie iarres of oyle Also in London you may lade in the said ship these parcels of commodities or wares as followeth In primis Foure peeces of hollands of middle sort Item One peece of fine holland Foure hundred elles of osenbriges very fine Foure dozen of sizzors of all sorts Sixteene kintals of pitch of the Canaries Twentie dozen of great kniues which be made in fardles of a low price Foure dozen of a small sort Sixe peeces of bayes of the lowest sort One very fine peece of dayes Foure hundred elles of Manchester-cottons most blacke greene some yellow Eight or tenne dozen of hats the one halfe trimmed with taffata the other plaine with the bands od Cypresse Sixe dozen of course shirts Three dozen of doublets of canuas Three dozen of doublets of stitched canuas One peece of fine Millan-fustian barred Sixe dozen of locks for doores and chests Sixe thousand of all maner of fish hooks Foure dozen reames of paper Two dozen of glasses of diuers sorts Two dozen of Venice glasses the one halfe great the other middle sort Two dozen of mantles of frize of the lowest price that can be Three dozen of frize gownes Foure hundred pound of tinne of the vse of Portugall most smal dishes and trenchers Foure pound
Sedgewick at Noâ—ogrode Masts of 30. yards An Arshine is 3. quarters of a yard or more A rope house â—râ—ted at Colmogro A tarre house Robert Austen 1558 Lampas a great mate for the Samoeds in the North. What quantitie of â—empe workmen will worke in a peere White hawks white beares prohibited without licence Master Grayes iourney to Lampas 1558 Doctor Standish the Emperours Phisition An attempt to hinder our trade to Moscouia by the Hans townes Easterlings 1559 Master Ienkensons voyage intended for Cathay The discouery of its Caspian sea Passage to and from Moscouia by Sweden This was a yong Tartar girle which he gaue to the Queene afterward Tallowe Waxe Traine oyles Sables Woluerings Luserns Lett es Ermines Squirels Flaxe Cables and ropes A proclamion against soâ—rnâ— Furres 3000. podes of Tallow a yere 500. Losh hides Note Hope of trade to be found by master Antonie Ienkinson Seale skinnes tawed Small cables best besidible Masts of all sorts to be prepared Astracan no great good marte Christopher Hodson and Thomas Glouer appointed Agents 1560. Stockholme Iohn Luck taken prisoner in Lieflando The Swallow The Philip and Marie The Iesus Nicholas Chancelour The salt of Russia is not so good as Bay salte Fore skinnes white blacke and russet vendible in England May 5. 1560. Triall by combat or loâ— Iune Heilick IslaÌ„ds in 66 degrees 40 minutes Rost Islands Malestrand a strange whirle poole Zenam Island Kettelwike Island Inger sound The North Cape Wardhouse Cattell fed with fish The Monastery of Pechinchow Arzina reca the riuer where sir Hugh Willoughbie was frozen The Lappians couered all sauing their eies The current at Cape Grace The entering of the Bay of S. Nicholas is seuen leagues broad at the least August Pinego riuer The towne of Yemps Vstiug The description of their Nassades Good counsell for trauellers December Presents vsed in Russia are all for the most part of victualâ— The citie of Boghar They arriued at Mosco M. Standish doctor of Phisicke Long dinners Ordinance in Russia A yerely triumph The hallowing of the riuer of Mosco The Russes Lent The Emperor leadeth y e Metropolitanâ— horse in procession Kissing vsed in the Greeke church With these letters M. Ienkinson tooke his voyage the same Apâ—il to Boghar The Emperours wardrobe “ Or Basilius Note The hospitalitie of their monasteries Want of preachers cause of great ignoâ—aÌ„ce and idolaâ—â—y Al their seruice to in their mother tonguâ— The women of Russia paint their faces Bâ—â—ad made of straw The vnmercifulnesse of the Russeâ— toward the poore Stooues 〈◊〉 baths vsuall with the Mascouites Reported by Thomas Bulley Cazan The Island of marchants The riuer of Cama Nagay Tartars Hords The Crimme Tartars The riuer of Samar Licoris in great plentie Astracan Store of Sturgions The length of the Island of Astracan They enter into the Caspian sea Baughleata being 74. leagues from Volga Iaic riuer Serachick The Countrie of Colmack The port of Manguslaue They goe on land The countrey of Manguslaue 20. dayes trauaile in the wildernesse with scarcitie of water Another gulfe of the Caspian sea Will de Rubricis describeth this riuer of Ardok cap. 4. Sellizure or Shayzure Letters of safe-conduct Vrgence The countrey of Turkeman The riuer of Ardock falleth into the lake of Kitay The castle of Kait Diutuation by forcerie Handguns very profitable Bussarmans Caphar The riuer of Oxus A wildernes of sande Boghar a citie of Bactria A strange worme in mens legs The coyne of Boghar Marchandise of India Marchandise of Persia. Marchandise of Russia Marchandise of Cathay Taskent Cascar He returneth the eight of March 1552. Vrgence The king of Baâ—ke oâ— Balgâ— The English flag in the Caspian sea A notable description of the Caspian sea His arriual at Mosco the 2. of September * â—râ— Vrgeâ—â—â— Angrim Mandeuille speaketh hereof Oâ—â—itay Small people Pechora but six dayes iourney by land or water from Ob. Trauelling on dogs harts 1559 The trade to Narue forbidden by the â—â— of Poland The ancient couenants of trafficke betweene England Prussia The olde libertie of trafficke The meanes of increase of the power of the Moscouite This letter was also written in Hebrew and Italian The passage of Noua Zembla Waights and drugs deliuered to M. Ienkinson The maine sea within thirtie dayes Eastward of Colmogro 1561 The Queâ—nes letters to the Emperour of Russia Request to passe into Persia thorow Moscouie Osep Napea Ambassadour from the Emperor of Russia to Q. Mary An ambassador of Persia. Astracan M. Ienkinsons voyage to Boghar He passeth the Caspian sea The countreâ— of Tumen The Island of Chatalet The land of Shiâ—uansha Derbent A mighty wall Or Tiphlis Fortie one degrees Shabran Alcan Murcy the gouernour King Obdolowcan The maiesty attire of king Obdolowcan The Queenes letters to the Sophy Casbin Multitude of concubines The description of Hircania Danger by diuersâ—tie in religion Barbarous crueltie The citie of Arrash or Erex The commodities of thiâ— countreâ— The strong castle of Gullistone defaced The towne of Yauate The city of Ardouil The city Tebâ—iâ— or Tauris M. Ienkinsons arriuall at the Sophies court 2. Nouember 1562. The Turkes Ambassadour to the Sophy The Turkes merchauntâ— withstand M. Ienkinson Shaw Thomas the Sophies name The Queeneâ— letters deliuered The Sophies questions The curtesâ—e of Shally Murzey Warres intended against the Portingalsâ— The king of Hircans sâ—cond letters in M. Ienkinsonâ— behalfe Conference with Indian Merchants M. Ienkinsons returne Priuiledges obtained of Obdolowcan which are hereafter annexed An Armenian sent to M. Ienkinson from the king of Georgia Teneruk king of Chircassi The description of Persia. The chiefe Cities of Persia. The difference of religion The 30. of May 1563. New priuileges obtained hereafter following 28. Sâ—ptemb 1564. A rubble is a marke English Casbin Leuuacta A Boserman to a Renegado Thomas Alcocke slaine in the way betweene Leuuacta and Shammaki Keselbash or Ieselbash Gillan in Persia 1565. Ieraslaue a towne vpon the riuer of Volga Richard Iohnson chiefe of the third voyage into Persia. A barke of 30. tunnes made at Ieraslaue 1564. to passe the Caspian seas 1566 They departed from Astracan the 30. of Iuly 1565. September Presents to the king Obdolowcan A hoâ—se giuen our men in Shamaki by the king The death of Abdollocan the 2. of October 1565. Mursay the new king of Media The death of Alexander Kitchin the 23. of October 1565. The Caspiaâ— sea very shoald in diuers places The murthering of Thomas Alcock Cozamomet a noble man that fauoured our nation The value of a tumen What a batman is Varas a great mart for silke Gilan 7. dayes sailing from Astracanâ— Alom Gilan 4. dayes iourney from Casbin From Casbin to Ormus a moneths trauel with camels The secret doings of the Moscouie company Orient reds of Venice die A shaugh is 6. d. English His arriual at Casbin the 25. of May. Conference demands of the Shaugh All sorts of cloth to be sent specially Westerne
thy sake bestowed vpon this first Volume which if thou shalt as thankefully accept as I haue willingly and freely imparted with thee I shall bee the better encouraged speedily to acquaint thee with those rare delightfull and profitable histories which I purpose God willing to publish concerning the Southerne and Westerne partes of the World ¶ Postscriptum Not knowing any other place so conuenient I am here to aduertise the friendly Reader of certaine faultes escaped in the printing of this booke and to request him that in the Page 54. and in the last line saue two hee would in stead of Kine read Swine and he shall thereby auoid a great contradiction likewise pag. 187. that hee would vnto the ende of the second verse of the Prologue to the English Policy make supply of the word Rest which is there wanting also pag. 221. lin 29. for woorthinesse read woorthies c. Other faults if there bee any are I doubt not easily corrigible ΕἸΣ ᾈΠΟΔΗΜΙΑΣ ΒΡΕΤΤΑÎΩΠΠΌÎΗΜΑ ΡΙΧî¿Î¡Î‘ΡΔΟΥ ΤΟΥ á¾ÎšÎ”ΥΙΥΟΥ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In nauales RICHARDI HAKLVYTI Commentarios ANglia magnarum foecunda puerpera rerum siue solum spectes nobile siue salum Quae quantum sumptis se nobilitauerit armis siue domi gessit praelia siue foris Multorum celebrant matura volumina tantae Insula materiem paruula landis alit At se in quot qualésque quando effuderit orâ—s qua fidit ignotum peruia classis iter Solius Hakluyti decus est praediuite penna ostendisse suis ciuibus ausa mari Quaecunque idcirco celeri gens Anglica naui Oceani tristes spernere doctaminas A prima generisque gentis origine gessit qua via per fluctus vlla patere potest Siue decus laudémque secuta vt hostibus alas demeret atque suis laeta pararet opes Hoc opus Hakluyti cui debet patria multum cui multum patriae quisquis amicus erit Qua re námque magis se nostra Britannia iactat quà m quòd sit praeter caetera classe potens Quam prius obsessam tenebris sic liberaâ— vt nunc quisque sciat quà m sit nobile classis opus Quaâ— si Daedalicè vtemur surgemus in altum sin autem â—earicè quod voret aequor habet RICH. MVLCASTER Eiusdem in eundem QVi graui primus cecinit camoena Aureum vellus procerésque Graecos quos sibi adiunxit comites IaÌ„son Vectus in Argo Naue quam primùm secuisse fluctus praedicant salsos sibi comparauit Inde non vnquam moritura magnae praemia famae Tanta si merces calamum secuta Vnicae nauis referentis acta Quanta Richardum manet Hakluytum gloria cuius Penna descripsit freta mille mille Insulae nostrae celeres carinas Quae per immensi loca peruolarunt omnia mundi Senties gratam patriam tuaeque Laudis aeternùm memorem laboris Quae tua cura calamóque totum ibit in orbem Quam doces omni studio fouere Naâ—ticum robur validámque classem Hac luet quisquis violentus Anglos vsserit hostis In eximium opus R. HAKLVYTI de Anglorum ad disiunctissimas regiones nauigationibus GVLIELMI CAMDâ—NI Hexastichon ANglia quae penitùs toto discluditur orbe Angulus orbis erat paruus orbis erat Nunc cùm sepositos alios detexerit orbes Maximus orbis honos Orbis orbis erit At quid Haklute tibi monstranti haec debeat orbis Laus tua crede mihi non erit orbe minor DI MARC ' ANTONIO PIGAfeta Gentilhuomo Vicentino IGnota mi starei con poto honore Sepolta nell ' oscure antiche carte S'alcun de figli mieicon spesa arte Non hauesse hor scoperto il mio splendore Ramusio pria pieno d'ardente amore Manifesto le mie piu riche parte Che son lá doue il Maragnon diparte E doue il Negro allaga e'l Gange scorre Hakluyto poi senza verunrisguardo Di fatica o di danno accolt ' hà insieme Ciò c'hà potuto hauer dâ— typhi Inglesi Onde veâ—rassie doue bella sguardo E la Dwina agghiaccia el'Obi freme Et altri membri mici non ben palesi ¶ A Catalogue of the Voyages of this first volume made to the North and Northeast quarters 1 THe voyage of Arthur K. of Britaine to Island and the most Northeaâ—tern parts of Europe Anno 517. pag. 1. 2 The voyage of Malgo king of Britaine to Island Gotland Orkney Denmark and Norway Anno 580. pag. 3. 3 The conquest of the Isles of Anglesey and Man by Edwin the Saxon king of Northumberland Anno 624. 3. 4 The voyage of Bertus into Ireland Anno 684. 4. 5 The voyage of Octher to the North parts beyond Norway about the yeere 890. 4. 6 The second voyage of Octher into the Sound of Denmarke 5. 7 Wolstans Nauigation into the East sea or the Sound of Denmarke 6. 8 The voyage of King Edgar with 4000. shippes round about his large Monarchie Anno 973. 6. 9 The voyage of Edmund and Edward the sonnes of King Edmund Ironside into Hungary Anno 1017. 9. 10 The mariage of the daughter of Harald vnto Ieruslaus duke of Russia in his owne Countrey Anno 1067. 16. 11 The voyage of a certaine Englishman into Tartaria and from thence into Poland and Hungary Anno 1243. â—0 12 The long and wonderfull voyage of Frier Iohn de Plano Carpini Anno 1246. 21,37,53 13 The iournall of Frier William de Rubricis Anno 1253. 71,93 14 The voyage of Nicolaus de Linna a Franciscan Frier and an excellent Mathematician of Oxford to all the Regions situate vnder the North-pole Anno 1360. 121. 15 The voyage of Henry Earle of Derby afterward King of England into Prussia and Letto Anno 1390. 122. 16 The voyage of Thomas of Woodstock duke of Glocester into Prussia Anno 1391. 123. 17 The voyage of sir Hugh Willoughby knight wherein he vnfortunately perished at Arzina Reca in Lapland Anno 1553. 232. 18 The voyage of Richard Chanceller Pilote maior the first discouerer by sea of the kingdome of Moscouia Anno 1553. 237,243 19 The voyage of Stephen Burrough toward the Riuer of Ob intending the discouery of the Northeast passage Anno 1556. 274. 20 The landing of Richard Iohnson among the Samoeds Anno 1556. 283. 21 The voyage of the aforesaide Stephen Burrough from Colmogro in Russia to Wardhouse in search of certaine English ships not heard-of the yeere before Anno 1557. 290. 22 The voyage of M. Anthony Ienkinson into Russia wherein Osep Napea first Ambassadour from the Emperour of Moscouia to Queene Mary was transported into his Countrey Anno 1557. 310,314 23 The voyage of M. Anthony Ienkinson from the Citie of Mosco in
Russia to Boghar in Bactria Anno 1558. 324. 24 The voyage of M. Anthony Ienkinson through Russia and ouer the Caspian sea into Persia Anno 1561. 343. 25 The voyage of Thomas Alcock George Wrenne and Richard Cheyney seruants vnto the Company of Moscouy Merchants in London into Persia Anno 1563. 353. 26 The voyage of Richard Iohnson Alexander Kitchin and Arthur Edwards seruants to the foresaid company into Persia Anno 1565. 354. 27 The voyage of Thomas Southam and Iohn Sparke by land and riuer from Colmogro to Nouogrod in Russia Anno 1566. 365. 28 The voyage of M. Anthony Ienkinson into Russia the third time Anno 1566. 372. 29 The voyage of Arthur Edwards Agent for the Moscouy company Iohn Sparke Laurence Chapman Christopher Faucet and Richard Pingle seruants into Persia An. 1568. 389. 30 The voyage of Thomas Banister and Geffrey Ducket Agents for the Moscouy Company into Persia the fift time Anno 1569. 394. 31 The voyage of William Burrough Captaine of 13. English ships to the Narue in Liefland Anno 1570. 401. 32 The voyage of M. Anthony Ienkinson into Russia the fourth time Anno 1571. 402. 33 The voyage of Christopher Burrough into Persia the sixt time Anno 1579. 419. 34 The voyage of Arthur Pet and Charles Iackman sent to discouer the Northeast seas beyond the Iland of Vaigats Anno 1580. 445. 35 The voyage of Master Ierome Horsey ouer land from Mosco in Russia to England Anno 1584. 469,470 36 A voyage to the Northeast performed by certaine Russes and translated out of Sigismundus ab Herberstein 492. 37 A voyage to Sibier and the Riuer of Ob by land declared in a letter written to Gerardus Mercator 510,511 512. 38 The vanquishing of the Spanish Armada Anno 1588. 591. 39 The honourable voyage to Cadiz Anno 1596. 607. ¶ The Ambassages Treatises Priuiledges Letters and other obseruations depending vpon the Voyages of this first Volume 1 TWo testimonies of Galfridus Monumetensis in his history of the Kings of Brittaine concerning the conquests of King Arthur pagina 1. 2 A testimony of M. Lambard in his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 touching the right and appendances of the Crowne of the kingdome of Britaine pag. 2. 3 A Chronicle of the Kings of Man taken out of M. Camdens Chorographie 10. 4 The ancient state of the shipping of the Cinque Ports 17. 5 Libellus historicus Iohannis de Plano Carpini 21. 6 Part of the great Charter graunted by King Edward the first to the Barons of the Cinque Ports 117. 7 The rolle of the huge Fleete of Edward the thirde before Caleis 118. 8 The summe of expences layde out in the siege of Caleis 121. 9 A note of Thomas Walsingham touching King Edward the thirde his huge Fleete of 1100. ships wherewith he passed ouer vnto Caleis Anno 1359. 121. 10 Certaine verses of Geffrey Chaucer concerning the long Voyages and valiant exploits of the English knights in his dayes 124. 11 A testimonie out of Cornelius Tacitus prouing London to haue bene a famous Mart-towne in the raigne of Nero the Emperour 124. 12 A testimony out of venerable Beda proouing London to haue bene a Citie of great traffique in his time 125. 13 The league betweene Carolus Magnus and Offa King of Mercia concerning the safe trade of English Merchants 125. 14 An ancient testimony translated out of the olde Saxon Lawes conteyning the aduancement of Merchants for their thrice crossing the wide seas 120. 15 A testimony of certaine Priuileges obteined for the English and Danish Merchants by Canutus the King of England 126. 16 The flourâ—shing state of Merchandise in the City of London in the dayes of Wilhelmus Malmesburiensis 227. 17 A testimony of the said Wil. of Malmesbury concerning traffique to Bristow in his time 127. 18 The league betweene Henry the second and Frederick Barbarossa Emperour of Germany partly touching trade of Merchandise 128. 19 A generall safe conduct granted by King Iohn to all forreine Merchants 129. 20 The letters of King Henry the thirdâ— vnto Haquinus king of Norwey 129,130 21 A mandate for the king of Norway his ship called The Cog. 130. 22 A Charter granted for the behalfe of the Merchants of Colen in the 20. yeere of Henry the thirde 131. 23 The Charter of Lubeck granted for seuen yeeres in the time of Henry the third 131,132 24 A Charter of the Merchants of Almaine or the Stilyard-merchants 132. 25 A mandate of King Edward the first concerning outlandish Merchants 133. 26 King Edw. the first his great Charter granted to forreine Merchants Anno Dom. 1303. 133. 27 The letters of Edward the second vnto Haquinus King of Norway concerning certain English Merchants arrested in Norway 138. 28 Another letter of Edw. the second vnto the said Haquinus for the merchants aforesaid 139. 29 A third letter of King Edward the second to the said Haquinus in the behalfe of our English merchants 140. 30 An Ordinance for the Staple to be holden at one certaine place 142,143 31 A Catalogue of the great Masters of Prussia 144. 32 The Oration or speach of the Ambassadours sent from Conradus de Zolner Master generall of the land of Prussia vnto Richard the second king of England 148. 33 An agreement made by the Ambassadours of England and Prussia confirmed by king Richard the second 150. 34 The letters of Conradus de Iungingen Master generall of Prussia vnto Rich. the second 153. 35 A briefe relation of William Esturmy and Iohn Kington concerning their Ambassages into Prussia and to the Hans-townes 154. 36 Certaine Articles of complaint exhibited by the Liuonians 156. 37 Other complaints exhibited by the Cities of the Hans 156. 38 Compositions and Ordinances concluded betweene the Ambassadours of Prussia and the Chanceller and Treasurer of England Anno 1403. 157. 39 The letters of the Chanceller and Treasurer of England vnto Conradus de Iungingen master generall of Prussia 158. 40 The letters of king Henry the fourth vnto Conradus de Iungingen the master generall of Prussia for entercourse of traffique 159. 41 The letters of Conradus de Iungingen vnto king Henry the fourth 160. 42 An agreement made betweene king Henry the fourth and Conradus de Iungingen 161. 43 An agreement betweene king Henry the fourth and the Hans-townes 164. 44 A testimonie out of Albertus Krantzius concerning the surprise of Bergen in Norway wherein 21. houses of the English merchants were burnt 169. 45 The grieuances and offences whereat the merchants of the Hans found themselues agrieued 171. 46 A letter of Henry the fourth king of England vnto Conradus de Iungingen Master generall of Prussia 175. 47 A letter of Werneherus de Tettingen commander in Elbing vnto sir William Sturmy Ambassadour vnto king Henry the fourth Together with an other letter of king Henry the fourth vnto Vlricus de Iungingen master of Prussia 176. 48 The letters of Vlricus de Iungingen master generall of Prussia signifying vnto king Henry the 4. that he was contented