in 18 degrees and a half built round and of a marvellous scituation sixty leagues from the north sea and as far from the south CHAP. 55. Verapas THis also is an In-land province of Gutemalia and is Mediterranean to Chiapa Youcatan Honduras and Gutamalia of 30 leagues over it is a moist countrey and hath plenty of Millet and Wheat Cotton-wool Coco and much of that sort of fowls whose feathers make the rare coloured Indian pictures and this is a great Merchandize amongst them The Spaniards have onely one small town with a Monastery of Friars and one school to instruct the Indian children The Governour is a chief Justice Between this province and the south America is the Provinces of Costarica Honduras Varagua and Mearagua which joyneth to Gutemalia on the coast of the South-sea And thus have you the northern America Here a Map CHAP. 56 Of Panama PAnama hath a Council that hath for Jurisdiction no more than the province of Panama the election of the Governour of Varagua â—n regard they are appointed principals of the Navigation for the dispatch of Peru ordering the King of Spains treasure which is yearly transported to Porto Belio over the strait of Darion and from thence to Spain It adjoyneth on Carthagena and Popian to the south east and south-west The chief City is Panama seated on the south sea in 9 degrees north Latitude consisting of 700 housholds the most part of the inhabitants are Merchants Here is also resident the Councill and Officers of the royall treasure Monasteries of Dominican Franciscan and Lamersed and Augustine Friars with two of Nuns and a Cathedrall The Haven is indifferent good but the ships come not within a league of the town the biggest ships not further than Perua three leagues of the town at which place they lie dry at low water The air at Panama is extream unwholsome and the place very sickly but it is mended and made durable for the profit is brought in by the vast summes yearly brought there to carry to Spain of which the Inhabitants get part The Village of Nata lyeth on the south sea west from Panama 30 leagues it hath a reasonable port On the North sea there is the â—own of Nombred ' Dios it hath a good port but the place is so unwholsome that the trade of Merâ—handize is removed from thence â—o the City of Saint â—hilip the â—arbour is called the port Obelo in which the Spanish ships do unlade â—hose Merchandizes that are to be â—â—aÌ„sported to Panama so to Peru â—nd receiveth in such goods as are return'd to be transported to Spian To secure the entrance into this â—arbour are two strong Castles between the City and the sea and third neer the town And on this coast are reckoned first the bay of â—arabaco neer the confines of Vaâ—qua to the east of it the River of Trinity the Conception and Bethelem an Island and the riveâ— of Caugre up which river froâ— Saint Chilip they transport theâ—â— Merchandize bound for Peru unto the house of the Croses which is at the head of the said River and from thence to Panama which iâ— distant from the said house five leagues And 12 leagues to the west from Nombre d'Dios is the port of Longâ— gote and in 9 degrees the port â—Hians the port of the Aventure iâ— six Porto Belio in five and againâ— it the Island of the Lookings anâ— the Bastemontos And two leaguâ— from Nombre d'Dios the river â—Sardinilia and the Isle of Sardiniâ— and the river of Millet and the riveâ— of Snakes and in the gulf of Curaâ— the town of Saint Mary On the south coast the Cape of Saint Marâ— and point of war And towarâ—Panama the gulf of Paris when stands Nata the point of Chiamâ— the river of Chepo and the Balsa â— the inward part of the gulf of Saint Michael north from the â—sâ—and of pearl CHAP. 57 Carthegna Province THis Countrey lyeth on the north sea and is parted from the province of Panama by the river of Darian from whence unto the river Magdalen is 80 leagues The land is mountainous and hilly full of high trees this Region is fruitfull in some places and in other some as barren The seed of England will grow but in few parts of this Countrey but here are many cattle horses and swine The temperature of this Countrey is hot and very rainy neither is there mines worked either of gold or silver but much rozen and liquors which they have from trees and Sanguis Dragâ—nis The City of Cartagena standeth neer the sea two leagues west from point Canta in ten degrees of height It hath more then six hundred housholds and in it is resident the Governour the King of Spains officers of the royall treasure and the Cathedrall Suffragan to the Archbishop of Granado with Monasteries of Dominick and Franciscan Friars The scituation is plain and almost an Island on the north side compasseth it and to the land an arm of the sea which reacheth to the Lake of Canapote At the entrance of the Haven there is an Island without Inhabitants The village of Saint James of Tolu is two leagues from Cartagena south-west the village of Saint Margito and 30 leagues from Cartagena to the south the village of Sancta Crux is 70 leagues from Cartagena by the sea and great river of Magdalen and twenty from Sancta Martha six from the sea where the Marchandizes that are bound to the Kingdome of Granado are delivered out of the ships and from thence are transported up the River in Canowes CHAP 58. The Kingdome of Granado THis Kingdome lyeth from the sea adjoyning on the south part of Cartagena It is a very rich Countey in Mines of Emraulds gold steel and copper store of pastures with all sorts of cattle wheat Millet fruits and hearbs The Indians are great traders and able men of body ingenious in the sciences of the Spaniards The Merchandize commeth up the the river Magdalen on which this land lyeth Their chief City is Sancta Fee seated on the bottome of a hill in four degrees to the North of the Equinoctiall Line of more than six hundred housholds In which is resident in behalf of the King of Spain a Councill for managing of the affaires of the Kingdome the Officers of the royall treasure a melting house and a Cathedrall Metropolitan two Monasteries of Friars and in her borders more than fifty thousand tributary Indians The City of Tocampa standeth on the river Cati which runneth into Magdalen This City hath also many Indians tributary so hath all the other Spanish towns which are first Saint Michael then the City of Trinity 20 leagues from Sancta Fee north-west the town of Palms fifteen leagues from Sancta Fee west north-west And the City of Tunis north-east from Sancta Fee 22 leagues it stands upon a hill of an extraordinary scituation Here is a great garrison of souldiers and the best market in all the
Realm Here is also the City of Meridia the City of Victorey the village of Saint Christopher the City Bales and the City of Marequeata all Spanish Cities with many hundred large towns and villages of Indians Through this Region they passe from Cartagena by land to Peru commonly by post but not otherwise by reason that it is fifteen hundred leagues from Cartagena to Cosco This Region cannot be entred by land from Cartagena by reason of the great waters and mountains that are in the way wherefore they passe up the river Magdalen with Merchandize from the Custome-house of Malamba on the said River from whence to the first landing in the Kingdome of Granada is one hundred and fifty miles CHAP. 59. The Province of Sancta Martha THis Province of Martha lyeth between Cartagena and the River Hacha on the North sea It is a plentifull Countrey of Millet Potatoes much gold Emraulds and other rich stones and copper and hath five Spanish towns the City of Sancta Martha in ten degrees of North latitude where is resident the Spanish Governour the King of Spains Officers of his treasure and a Cathedral Suffragan to that of Granado The City of Tenerif standeth on the river Magdalen which parteth this Province from Cartagena The village of Palms is two leagues from this river twenty to the south of Tenerif the City of Losreas is 30 leagues from the river Hacha On the coast of this Government is the river Biaba Piaras Aguamur and Sancta Martha The Indians of this province are commonly in war which is a hinderance to the Spaniards quiet enjoying the riches It exceedeth in stones of such value and quantity as is not elswhere to be found in India CHAP. 60. Venesiula THe Province of Venesiula lyeth on the North Sea parted from Sancta Martha by the River of Hacha on the east is the province of Suava or New Andelosia as the Spaniards call it The coast of the sea is neer 130 leagues of length In this land are veins of gold of more than two and twenty Carracts and a half It is plentifull of wheat and other seeds for there are two harvests in a year It hath abundance of all kind of cattle great and small Cotton and Sasaprila The City of Coro standeth in 11 degrees in a good air the Governour for the King of Spain resideth here It hath also a melting-house and Cathedrall with Monasteries The City of the Lady of Carvalteda on the sea coast 8 leagues from Coro with a bad haven Saint James is within the land three leagues to the south of Carvelteda The new Valentia is sixty leagues from Coro and seven from the Port of Brubufa Xeres 15 leagues south from Valentia The new Sigonia is 20 leagues to the south of Xeres The City of Tacuio standeth ten leagues from Segavia south-west Truxcillio eight leagues from Coro south and by east On this coast the principall river is the river Hacha which parts this province from Sancta Martha neer the mouth is a rich Town and Beads of pearl of the best in India CHAP. 61. Guana THis Region comprehendeth all the land that lyeth between the province of Venesula and Brazil which beginneth at twodegrees of south latitude this land is more famous for report than for any certain knowledge of the riches thereof for at this day there is no more than one Spanish Town called Codoa which lyeth on the sea coast from Trinidado The Spaniards are neer it and have better opportunities to know the riches of it than any other But the Indians which are in great part fled from the Spanish Countreys are so much their enemies as not to permit them to come amongst them without wars which is a great hinderance to the Spaniards undertakings But although this Countrey promiseth much in truth to this day there are no mines found and worked either of gold or silver although it is very probable by the Latitude that it doth abound in both The rivers are many and great that issue into the sea froÌ„ this coast of which the most famous are the rivers Orinoque or Orileania which entreth into the sea with sixteen mouths The best enterance is by the Branch du West from Trinidado The river of Amasions is more southerly and issueth into the sea under the line The mouth or entrance of this river is more shallow then Orinoque neither is it so well known although the English and Dutch have traded up them both with the Indians for these commodities naturall to the Countrey Bees wax Cotton-wool Cassia Fistula Bolearmoniack Teralemna and divers other drugs and wood fit for Dyers and some Balsomes The people love our Nation above any other and would be glad to assist us on any design The air in this Countrey is in some places extream hot and moist in other places constantly hot and dry and in other some very temperate all the year long CHAP. 62. The Land of Brazil THis Province beginneth where Guana endeth at two degrees of south latitude where there is a point called the Cape of Snakes from whence it lyeth along the Coast of the north sea to 25 degrees and on the back side west lyeth the provinces of the river of Plate The air is the whole year through very hot the winter which is our summer distinguished only with the rain that falleth at that season Here are many venemous worms and great serpents t is plentifull of pastures cattle and horses little Millet and no English grain wherefore their bread is Casabi or Potatoes which are in good Plenty There are great shews of silver and gold but none gotten nor mines certainly known The chief commodity is Sugar Cotton-wool Bombast and Brazil-wood It hath neer the sea coast about 20 Portugall towns many Ingeniowes or Sugar works the first town of the Countrey is called Tamerico and 5 leagues to the south of that Farnambuck or Rescif then All Saints 100 leagues from Farnambuck in 14 degrees 40 minutes The town of the Sure haven in 16 degrees and a half the Holy Ghost in 20 There is another town on the riveâ—Generio in 23 degrees neer which they cut much Brasel-wood There are on the coast eight or ten ports more principall than the rest which are the river Saint Dominick north-east off Farnambuck by the Capâ— of Saint Augustine which standeth in 9 degres The Island of Tamericâ— before rehearsed the river of Saint Francis in 10 degrees and a half It is very great The bay of All Saints is 3 leagues and 13 up into the land The river of Trinidado and the river of Canamon in 13 degreees and a half The river of Beads in 14 degrees and a half and the river of the Virgins in 16 and Portesceurae in 17. The river of Parague in 20 neer the town of Sanctus Spiritus and in 23 degrees Cold Cape beyond Saint Vincent This province hath been in difference between the Portugeses and West India Company of Holland and as
even from the strait of Magellan to Sancta Martha Of the Spanish towns in Chilla there is recovered by the Natives and by them quite destroyed the City of Conception Chillon Osornio Valdivia and Imperiall CHAP. 67. The Councill of Charcas THe bounds of this Councill stretcheth from Chilia to Peru it hath abundance of cattle of all kinds great shag-haired sheep bigger then goats that carry great burthens on their backs store of corn of all sorts fruits and wine much gold and the greatest mines of silver in the world There are few Spanish towns and but one port in regard the Spaniards get neer the Hill of Potosi to the City Imperiall which lyeth in 19 degrees of latitude far from the sea and delivereth that which is exported and receiveth the Marchandize imported at the City of Arica The City of Imperiall is exceeding populous of Spaniards and Indians and it standeth neer the Hill of Potosi which is much to be admired for the great quantities of silver is drawn from thence and exceeding deep caves in the earth from whence they fetch it that are so intricate and far in the earth that those that go in take the Popish Sacraments the danger of death is so great This mountain is as it were pointed at by a black cloud that perpetually hangeth over it The land about it is most extream barren yet the great quantity of silver that is there causeth that all sorts of variety is there in great plenty although at a dear rate And towards the Port of Arica are the mines of Porco which are more ancient and very great but harder to work The Indians live in the best places for cattle corn wine and fruits being tributary to the Spaniards that in behalf of the King of Spain are Lords of these great riches CHAP. 68. The Kingdom of Peru. THis Kingdome is governed by a Councill and Viceroy It hath to the North the Councill of Quipo on the south Charcas and to the west the south sea and to the east without limits This Kingdome is well peopled with Civill orderly Indians that are in great subjection to the Spaniards Peru doth abound in all sorts of fruits seed cattle horses sheep swine rich mines of gold silver quick-silver plentifull of wine oil and sugar The Andes run through this Province within ten leagues of the sea In all which coasts it never raineth but on the said hils it raineth continually and beyond as in other Regions The plains between the sea and the said Hils have few or no rivers but the industrie of the Inhabitants draw in trenches which are artificially made the water either from those few rivers or from the side of the said Andes which maketh that the said plain is mightily populous fruitfull and pleasant even as a garden The City of Lema is neer the south sea in 12 degrees of south lalatitude on the side of a rich and pleasant valley It consisteth of 4000 houses On the east-side of it runneth a fair river by which the Citizens have Gardens with most excellent fruits And this is the sole place in the world that is without thunder and lightning which never happen here neither is there plague or pestilence but the inhabitants enjoy perpetually a clear and fair sky It is the seat of the Viceroy and Councill and Assembly of Chief Justices the Officers of the King of Spains revenue the chief seat of the Inquisition a University with schools of divers Indians languages five Monasteries of Friars and one of Jesuits â—…ao which is the Port of this City is two leagues from it It is great and good The village of Arneado is in the valley of Chianeai ten leagues from Lima neer a good Haven in 9 degrees The City of Truxcilo stands in seven degrees and a half neer the sea with Monasteries of Dominican Franciscan and Mercenaries and Officers royall for these bounds The port is two leagues of the City in a Bay not very good for ships The City of Saint John is seated in a most plentifull place and the Indian inhabitants are the fairest and most wel-favoured people in the Indies The City Guanang is to the south Lema It hath Monasteries of Dominican Franciscan and Mercenaries and one of Nuns and the best houses of any City in Peru of Brick and Stone It standeth in a temperate place and is very healthy The City of Cosco is the head City of Peru by a title that it hath from the Kings of Spain It lyeth in 13 degrees and a half south of the Equinoctiall It is a very great City and hath four great streets that go to the four parts of the world It hath many Monasteries and Nunneries with a Cathedrall and divers schools of Indian Children The City of Ariquipa is in 16 degrees on the sea side It is a rich â—nd flourishing place and in a wholesome Climate the other Cities of Spaniards are Inland but â—hese rehearsed are the most emiâ—ent The inconveniency of this Countrey is the great Earthquakes that often happen especially about Jâ—ma There are three wonderfull springs of water in this Countrey a water that turneth so soon as it is stopt to stone If a man or beast drink of it it turneth to a stone in his body and killeth him with this they make stones of what fashion they please and make their houses there is another water that springeth far within land that being setled turneth to pure white salt the other is two spouts of water by each other the one hot the other cold The remarkablest ports Ilands and points on this coast are the Ilands of Lobos in 7 degrees the one is four leagues from the coast the other more and forward to the south west the I le of Saint Rock and further the port of Abrago ten leagues to the north of Truxciliâ— in 7 degrees and a half the port oâ—Santa in nine degrees and five leagues more south port Farwell and six from it Casama and eight leagues further the port of Gurmay and twenty leagues to the south the Baranca and Potquaria where there is a great salt pit And a little more south the I le of Lema at the entry of the port of Cala and twenty leagues more south the point of Guareo And in 15 degrees the point Chuca and forward the point of Saint Laurence neer the River Ariquipa And then the River of Nombre d'Dios where Peru endeth and the Councill of Charchas beginneth CHAP. 69. Quito Kingdome THis Kingdome is governed by a Councill whole bounds lyeth between Peru and Panama It hath two mighty Countreys or Provinces within his circuit that is to say first Quito and then Popyan Quito lyeth between Peru and Popyan on the south sea and far into the land under the Equinoctiall line and contrary to the opinion of the Ancients it is a most wholesome temperate Countrey and rather cold than hot in most parts of it In those places where the snowes continue all the
Mechocan chap. 50 p. 133 Of the Province of Mexico chap. 51 p. 135 Guaxcaca chap. 52 p. 137 Soconusco chap. 53 p. 139 Gutamalia chap. 54. p. 140 Chiapa chap. 54 p. 143 Verapas chap. 55 p. 144 Of Panama chap. 56 p. 145 Carthegna Province chap. 57 p 149 The Kingdome of Granado chap. 58 p. 151 The Province of Sancta Martha chap. 59 p. 154 Venesiula chap. 60 p. 156 Guana chap. 61 p. 158 The Land of Brazil chap. 62 p. 160 Of the Provinces of the River Plate chap. 63 p. 164 Of the Coast between the River of Plate and the Straight of Magellan chap. 64 p. 167 The Straight of Magellan chap. 65 p. 168 Chillia chap. 66 p. 171 The Councill of Charcas chap. 67 p. 173 The Kingdome of Peru chap. 68 p. 176 Quito Kingdome chap. 69 p. 182 Popyan chap. 70 p. 185 A DESCRIPTION of the New World CHAP. I. Of the Commerce of the English Nation THe Navigation and Commerce of the English Nation is so proportioned that upon the division of the world it may properly be said that it is traded by four severall parts The greatest of which is America the next in account is Asia the third Africa and the least Europe in which is out native Countrey it being a Westwardly part of this Division From whence there arises to mee these Questions The first whether the trade be equally divided according to the quality of the places traded with The second whether the losse to some of these places be not greater then the gains The third whether the trade of the Common-wealth may not be increased The fourth how it hath been hindred and what is the let in the grants of it The fifth whether there may not be a course taken to quicken the trade and encourage Adventurers To answer the first We finde that in Asia there are six most patent Emperours which aâ—â— the Emperour of Tartaria of Japan of China of Turkey of Persia and of the Mâ—gals or Mogores The Tartar hath few or no Ports the Persian not many all the â—est have store of Ports and rich Cities on them fit for Commerce and prade And it hath been affirmed by the Natives of those partâ— that were well acquainted with the East Indies that in India major which is from Mallabar to Chesâ—â—coram there are 13 Kingdomes 1â—700 Islands desolate and un-inhabited And in India minor which is from Siambi to Murfili there are eight Kingdomes beside many Islands And the Commodities of these parts are of the best sort and probably by the great quantities that have been yearly carried thither from Europe there is more silver then in all the other parts of the world And although there is this greatnesse yet we send yearly but a few ships which belong to the East India and Turkish Company The trade of America is much greater although it be but with our own Nation which are seated in New-England Virginia Barbados Christophers Antego Santey Crus Meaguis Mâ—â—ferat and Barmoudas what else of that Orbe is in the hands of Spaniards Portugals and Dutch in any considerable place cannot be traded with by the English Africa almost an Iland joyning to Asia by that narrow Isthmus part of Arabia Deserta neer cut asunder by the Red and Mediterranean Seas hath for its coasts on the Mediterranean Sea Egypt Barbary and a part of Mauritania on the North sea the Kingdom of Morocco Fesse Tombuto the large Regions of Giney Conge and Empire of Monomotapa and from the Cape of Bona Speranza unto the Iland of Scotia the Kingdom of Armeto Mosambique Quilioa Melinde Magadoxo Badivis Ethiopia and part of Egypt and from thence alongst the Red Sea Seila Adel and the Empire of Prester John And all these Countries have many Rivers and Ports and great store of people living on them And we trade onely to Alexandria in Egypt Morocco Fesse and Giney and there but little neither all the other places being left as terraincognita The trade of Europe doth justly challenge a greater Commerce then any of the other parts have although it be the least On this consideration the Ports are neer adjacent the people more ingenious in procuring Merchandize and and their Comodities more in use with us and ours more wanting with them as our broad Cloth c. And from these considerations I conclude that unlesse in Europe there is no equality in the trade of our Nation with the other parts of the World The second Question Whether the losse be not greater then the gaines â—o some of these places As the end of all trade and mens carnall thoughts are commonly for silver and gold so that Countrey that hath most of it is accounted the richest And indeed it is almost all things for he that hath enough of that cannot lack any worldly thing that can be had Upon which I conceive that the principall ayme of all forreign trade should be to bring much of it in and carry little of it out of our Countrey and that Commerce that doth not is managed to the disadvantage of our Nation and ought to be rejected And upon examination it will be found that the greatest trade which we drive in Asia which is to the East Indies either by the way of Bagdet Caro and the red Seas or Cape of Bona Speranza is with ready money I can with confidence say it may be managed so to the advantage of our Nation that we may have their Commodity for ours and their Ports better traded And whereas it hath been the practise of our people to carry much money thither we may now fetch it home again And the trade of America is prejudiciall very dishonest and highly dishonourable to our Nation It is prejudiciall in that it carrieth away daily such men as might serve their Country either in fighting to defend it at home or else abroad 'T is dishonourable in that we are upbraided by all other Nations that know that trade for selling our own Countreymen for the Commodities of those places And I affirm that I have been told by the Dutch and others that we English were worse than the Turks for that they sold strangers onely and we sold our own Countreymen And it is well known that people in authority and some that professe much to Christianity of those parts will hang a man for selling or taking away an Indian that worshipeth the Devill when at the same time they allow others and will themselves buy of their own Nation which have most barbarously been stolne out of their Countrey And 't is dishonest if murther be so for when they have by Spirits or lying tales forced them aboard the ships in their transportation onely there is yearly many starved to death those that remain are sold to those that wil give most for them some for fourteen years others for ten and lesse but the least four and it were better for them to serve fourteen years with the Turks then four
prejudice as the case now standeth without alteration in all the Companies is the ingrossing the trade of his dominions to themselves which might serve themselves and divers others For the Ports of the Grand Seignour are many the chief being Constantinople there are on the coasts of the seas in his Territories the Provinces of Arcadia Accea Poliponesus Epirus part of Dalmatis the Island of the Archipelagus and Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea on the coast of the Begler-Begship of Cairo the Provinces of Troas the fair scituated Town of Symrna then Aleppo the Ports of Jewry and Aegypt the trade of the great City of Grand Cairo where there might be more Commerce onely then we have now in all the Turkish Empire The Muscovia Company is alike prejudiciall in monopolizing the trade of that large Empire which trade is not valuable in relation to the Ports for that of Saint Michael the Archangel is the principall and almost onely Port in his Dominions but when you are within the land there are most large Territories to trade with as the Commerce of the black Seas which may conveniently be entred by the river Volga and so traded which the Grand Seignour prohibits by way of Constantinople and the peace which the Muscovite hath for the most part with the Tartar and many Tartars stil resident in Musco by whom were it a generall Trade divers men likely would for their profit get Commerce with that Nation which would make way for a farther trade even to the Cathaians and China's The Greenland Company hath as great a share in oppression as the rest although it is not so eminent in fame and in this it exceedeth that whereas the other Companies are a hindrance to such Merchants as might trade were it not for their Patent into those Countries of their divisions this I say is not onely a Barre to those that would trade to Greenland but hath so much power as to hinder other Merchants from importing into the Land the Commodities they have from Greenland So that those that buy that usefull Commodity must give their rates for it And although it be in others a fault to bring it from neerer places to hinder the trade to Greenland yet 't is reported they are not bound by this Law being forced for want of sufficient from Greenland to supply the English at second hand Now as it is clear by this I have said that these Companies are a great hinderance to the Commerce of our Nation There is also another which the Merchants complain of and that is the Dutch Nation that daily so insinuate into the trade of all places where ever they are admitted to the putting by of the English And were it not that we sell our Conntreymen for the Commodity of the English Plantations I am fully perswaded within a few years we should be forced to have what comes from thence at a second hand from the Dutch which in reason seems strange considering they export nothing but what they import and we export much which we need not import how those that have it at a second hand should sell a thing cheaper then him that hath it at the first seems irrationall yet they will do it which is done by our irregularity in trade and the Merchants that are the great Complaynants are the chief causers of their own hinderance But upon Examination it will be found that the principall Commerce of the whole World is in hands of the English and the United Provinces And what we lose they get And as it is their great care by all means to increase their own Commerce though with the ruine of ours so I conceive it is honest and honourable to endeavour our own good although by their hurt The fifth Question Is Whether there may not be a course taken to quicken the trade and Commerce of the English Nation As I apprehend the Companies to be a great cause of hinderance in our trade with the ill managing of the generall trade of our Nation so I think these things I have offered doe in part demonstrate it Wherefore I conceive that if they were taken away with some irregularity in trade our Nation would not be found wanting either in inclination to trade or abilities for trade to advance our Commerce to what height we please And because there may arise an Objection against the overthrow of Companies in regard we see the Hollanders have a very flourishing trade in the World although it be managed by more Companies then we have I shall to that and the second hinderance which is the trade of the Netherlands affirme the first constitution of Companies were or ought to have been established to keep up a trade subject to alteration without fortification and strength of shipping for to those places that give us an equall engagement by oath of Princes Embassadours and Agents constantly Leger to see right and performance of Articles there is no need of Companies or else why are they not in Europe And where there is this ful assurance 't is contrary to all sence that there should be a monopoly of the trade and where it is not assured this way or by Forts we lie at the mercy of those Princes we trade with that permit us but for their profit and no longer I conceive it is madnesse without assurance of fortification to assure Merchants goods and ships to have any Commerce with such men or Countreys And it was for this reason that the Companies of England were first erected For it was proposed that private men making a voyage and according to the losse or gain of that continue or forsake the trade and although it were profitable yet want of ability or will would hinder them from gaining that assurance for the future which a joynt stock well managed would do And although the Hollanders come far short of that perfection in trade which they might have yet are they in this very circumspect For the Companies of Holland do not only fortifie in most places where they come but gain whole Regions and Provinces which is still managed to the advantage and honour of their Common-wealth But our Companies have so much swerved from this intention of their first constituting that whereas the Dutch keep the East India Provinces in awe we are miserable slaves to them For if a Prince of India loseth on the seas by Piracy of English or any other people of Europe what they have in their Countrey of the English Merchants wil surely make good their losse Or in case an English power or French c saying he were English should come into the Red Seas and take ships bound for any Turkish Port or Cameron land and desire trade be surprized and getting free revenge themselves on the goods and persons of the Arabs or Turkes the English Merchants in Turkey under the Command of the Grand Seignour would surely pay for it in their persons and goods The Greenland Company was first
with shelues And in 20 degrees lieth the shelves of Abreo of 15 leagues long but East from Mackre On these Islands are no Inhabitants those that did live there were a harmless simple people and therefore the easier taken and carried away by the Spaniards that have made them so desolate many of them seem of a good mould and the Latitude promiseth much fertility The arie is certainly good and wholsome and not so extream hot as other parts of that height There is scarcely any beast on them save a Cony that hath a taile like a Rat but Pigeons and Brids in great numbers most of them of greenish colour There is the Gumme Benjamin of the best and worst sort Guacom and Sasaprila and Sasafras and on some of them red wood and Amber-greece The English Sea-men are little acquainted with these Islands although they saile round them yearely And since I petitioned for them which was six years ago and my absence hindred my prosecution Captain Sail and others have obtained a Patent making thither on the coast of an Island which he called Illutheria his ship was wrackt but the people of the ship all saved but recovered the shoare with few necessaries I saw him after his escape from thence in a small boat of 3 Tuns recovering Virginia where he procured a Pinnace of near 25 Tuns with which he carried relief to those he left in the Island But I understand by a Master of a Bark that went from New England that on a division was among them they were leaving the Island In my discourse with the said Sail I understod that none of his company knew the place they intended or were ever there when they undertook the voyage The coasts of most of them are dangerous and bad to make and that ship that shall be neer or amongst them must keep the lead always going but with a wary Pilot and care in giving the Islands a fair birth they are easily recovered The Spaniards know this place well and have a yearly trade thither for the aforesaid Commodities and amongst the Islands are wracks of divers of their ships CHAP. 9. Of Hispaniola SOuth of the Lucayos lyeth the Islands of Barlevento which are not onely the best of America but almost beyond compare were they as well furnished with people as they are with necessaries to maintain them They be in the hand of the Spaniard almost without people For Hispaniola that is the chief and in 18 19 20 degrees and 150 leagues East and West hath but one City no Town nor Village but what is inhabited by Negro's that are servants to the Spaniards Here is a perpetuall Summer the Winter being but the rain that falleth This Land is exceeding pleasant and hath divers Vallies one being so great as to reach from the one side of the Island to other that hath many golden rivers issuing into it which Vallies are always stocked with multitudes of wilde kine goats hogs shag-hair'd sheep and horses amongst which as their deadly enemy are many wild dogs that are bred of such as have been lost a hunting and run away from the Spaniards the woods have abundance of Oranges Limons Limes Cotton-wool and Plantens and many green Birds The commodities the Spaniards yearly export from thence is Ginger Sugar Cotton-wool Cassia Fistula Sasaprila and Lignum vitae with Tallow and a hundred thousand hides which are yearly gotten of those wild cattell which are the largest of the world There are divers Rivers that afford gold and some Mines which are not now worked great plenty of Copper and other minerall The City where the Spaniards dwel is called Santo Domingo it standeth on the South side of the Island neer the East end on the West-side the River Osama in 19 degrees and a half fairly built with stone and walled about with a Castle on the said River between the Town and the Sea Here are resident the Supream Council of the Islands the Officers of the goods and royall treasure a Mint-house and the Cathedrall that hath for sufferance the Bishoprick of Cuba Portrico Fenescula and the Abbotship of Jamecca Here are also Monasteries of Franciscans Dominicans and Mercenaries and two Nunneries a Grammar-school and an Hospitall The people in this City live in great pleasure enjoying beside the foresaid plenty of flesh many excellent fruits all the year long as Bonanoes Pine-apples Custard-apples Plantens Papans Musk-melons Water-melons and many other fruits and hearbs store of Turkeys and Poultrey And their bread they make of the â—oot Yuca called Cascaby but they have plenty of Milet and Potatoes On the Coasts are first the point of Nisao ten leagues to the West of Santo Domingo and eighteen leagues further is the Port Ocoa which is a Bay where the fleets of Nova Hispaniâ— take refreshing when they do not anchor in the nooke of Sepesepin which is neer unto it or in another called the Fair Haven two leagues before you come to Ocoa And 20 leagues beyond Ocoa is the Port of Asua And 30 leagues more Westwardly there is a large point right against the Island of Bola which lieth five leagues from the Coast The most Westerly point is called Cape Tibron It hath an Island three leagues from it West called Caprio and sailing along the Coast you will see an Island called Camito and further in the nooke of Yaguana there is an Island called Guanabo of eight leagues long Of the North side of the Island the most Westwardly Cape and Port is Saint Nicol as from whence North-east and by East lyeth the Island of Tortaga neer the Coast of Hispaniola it is of five leagues length and governed by a Frenchman And further along the Coast is Montey Cristey the West Cape of the Port of Nativedad to the East of which there is a great Bay called Port Real This Island is so full of Harbours as he that will coast it cannot well misse of one where he pleaseth most of which afford refreshing of fresh meat and good water In many parts of this Island especially on the North side are English men always lying to kil Cattle for their hides onely they live in Tents ten and twenty in a company and have Shallops to attend them to conveigh them away when they please most commonly to Turtagues which is their head Quarter for it is neer lying CHAP. 10. Of the Island of Cuba THis Island lyeth West from Hispaniola and is 200 leagues long East and West the broadest part not 45. What Hispaniola affordeth is here in good plenty but the Land neither so pleasant nor wholsome The gold of this Island is not so good in his allay as that of Hispaniola but Copper is here in greater quantity It hath two remarkable things the one is a Valley of 20 leagues that within the earth hath stones as round as a bullet and from hence the Spaniards may furnish themselves with shot of all sizes The other is a fountain of a kind of pitch
Sea CHAP. 36. Of Panuco THis Province is neer adjoyning to Florida and parted from it by the River of Palms which lyeth in 28 degrees of North Latitude That part of it that lyeth next to Mexico is the best and hath the greatest plenty of victuals with somâ— gold the other side which is next Florida is poor and barren This Province hath three Spanish Towns Panuco in something more then 23 degrees It is distant from Mexico 65 leagues neere a River whose entrance is a haven it is governed by a chief Justice provided by the Viceroy of New Spain The Village of Saint James of the Valea 20 leagnes to the West of Panuco The Village of Saint Lucas 8 leagues from Panuco to the North-east neer to the Sea There is no River nor Haven in this Coast but Panuco and Palmes which are not very good and not many Indians CHAP. 37 the Province of Talascalia or Angels THe next to Panuco on the â— coast of the North Sea lyeth â—s Province of Talascalia or Loâ—els with in its government are â—r Spanish Cities The best is â—sangels seated by a River that â—neth into the South Sea It â—deth off the side of a long Plain â—â— from Mexico 22 leagues and â—taineth neer 3000 housholds in â—â— streets governed by a chief â—tice and in it are resident the â—hedrall with Monasteries of â—minick Augustine Franciscan â—mersed and Carmelite Friars â—h one of Nuns and a Colledge of more than five hundred Indiâ— Children to be instructed in tâ— Spanish Religion and Languagâ— And north of the Angels is the Câ—ty of Talascalia in more than â— degrees of height with two thoâ— sand five hundred houses in whiâ— is a fair Cloyster of Franciscâ— Friars In the Province of Losangles tâ— City of Guaxaca is the third which are three Monasteries Friars and two of Nuns all veâ— rich This town is pleasant and oâ— wholsome aire and not far froâ— the River of Alurado The City of Vera Crux is â— English mile from the Sea â—iâ— leagues from the Port of Saiâ—John Delua of four hundred Spanish housholds besides Indians â— it resides the Kings treasurer for tâ— Customes This Province hath abundanâ— of Flax wheat sugar and gingâ— diversity of hearbs and fruits abundance of cattle hogs and horses many silver mines 200 chief Indian towns and at least 40 Monasteries of Friars The Harbours and Ports are on the North Sea the best of which is Saint John De Lua which is made by a small Island whose bank is kept up by a wall in which are Iron and Brasse rings whereby Cables they more fast their ships This Island hath on it a Castle which commandeth the Harbour that is entred by two Channels the one to the North is the slat the other is called the Galisian Channell Here the ships bound for Nova Hispania and Mexico unlade and to the North of this Port on the coast of this Province is the river Sempoalia and upward the river of Casons and neer the government of Panuco Fuspea and Tamagua and to the South of the said Saint John Delva is first the river of Almerica and further South the river of Alvarado CHAP. 38. Youcatan Province THe North part of this Province adjoyneth to the South of Talascalia It is a pen-insula and in compasse 150 leagues The temperature is hot and moist it hath no river but is full of good willows It is a woody Country nor will it bear English grain neither hath it gold or other minerall But it hath many inhabitants that are of the civillest sort of Indians in New Spain and great plenty of Millet Swine all sorts of cattle horses and much poultrey much Cotton Bombast and Ashurs The Inhabitants are healthy and live to great age There are four Spanish towns the City of Meridia is in the midst of the Province in 20 degrees In it are resident the Governour the Officers of the Revenue and royall Treasure and Cathedral Suffragan to Mexico with one Monastery of Franciscan Friars The village of Valiodalid is 31 leagues from Meridia to the South and neer the coast of the Honduras is Salimanca a fair town And on the north coast the village of Saint Franciscus of Campeach in 20 degrees fifty leagues from Meridia It is a reasonable good Haven but of little depth on the coast of this Province are many Rocks Flats and Isles that there is scarcely any sayling within foure leagues of the shore on which there is the greatest Flouds and Ebs of any part of New Spain CHAP. 39. The Province of Honduras THis Province of the Honduras adjoyneth unto the South part of Yucatan his coast stretcheth along the north Sea as far as Nicurayna which is neer 150 leagues It is a hilly Countrey plentifull of all sorts of Cattle and store of Wheat and Mines of Gold and Silver it hath six Spanish towns and many peaceable Indians The City of Valiodalid standeth in 16 degrees 40 leagues from the north Sea Here is resident the Governour a Cathedrall and a Monastery of Lamersed The City of Adios is 30 leagues from Valiodalid to the West the village of Saint Petro is 11 leagues from the Port of Cavalos where the Officers â—oyall are resident because the Port of Cavalos is sickly to which the Ships come This Port of Cavalos is in 15 degrees on the North Sea there are few in it besides Blackamores and some factors by â—eason of the unwholsomnesse of the place The City of Truxcillio is 64 leagues from the Cavalos to the North-east a league from the north Sea The village of Saint George is populous of Indians and rich in gold The Septentrionall point of this coast is the Cape of Eburus in 16 degrees east off which 20 leagues lyeth the River of Pitch and a little further Riobaxco and beyond it the River of Balahama and in 14 degrees and a half lyeth the River Salt and after that the Cape of the three points and from North the Island of Utilia and to the North-east Hellen and Lyvanai and in 14 degrees the Cape oâ—Thanks be to God And north from thence the three Islands called Take away Sleep CHAP. 40. Of the Province of Nicaragua NIcaragua lyeth next to the South-side of Honduras it is a plentifull Countrey of Coco Cotton-wool Millet Cattle and much gold It hath five Spanish towns abundance of peaceable Indians which are most expert in the Spanish tongue The first and principall town is Saint James 12 leagues from the South sea at the head of the lake Nicaragua where the Governour is resident the royall Officers and Cathedrall with five Monasteries of Lamersed and many peaceable Indians The City of Granado standeth on the Borders of this great lake neer which is a famous Volcan that burns perpetually casting forth fire and smoak A Friar imagined there was much gold in it because it never consumed the land about it wherefore he caused a Caldron to be fastned to a huge chain
and let it into the furnace But the violence of the fire soon consumed it and with all the Friars hopes This great lake of Nicaragua is full of Islands and by a kind of River hath an issue into the north Sea which river or passage it navigable for great vessels And the head of this lake is within five leagues of the South Sea and good ground to be cut by which it were easie if the Spaniard so pleased to have passage from the South Seas to the north Sea At the head of the said lake the village of Nalio standeth in 11 degrees and a half on the South coast and is the best Port on that coast On the north Seas for this province reacheth from the North to the South seas is first the river of Gare that divideth Nicvaragua from Honduras south of it the River Wipre next the Port of Saint John which is the voiding River that comes from the great lake that hath a great Island lying in the mouth of it In the south sea it hath the Nalio the Port of Saint James and the Port of Paria and Nicoya and on the coast the Island of Chora Saint Mary and Saint Mark CHAP. 41. The Province of Castorica THis Province lyeth between Nickuragua and Caragua between which it hath 90 leagues in length It is a good land and very fruitfull in Millet Wheat Flax and Sugar plenty of Mines both of gold and silver and it hath two Spanish Towns the first and best is Curtago the other Mendoco It hath two Ports one on the south sea the other on the North CHAP. 42. The Province of Varagua THis Province lyeth between Costarica and Panama adjoyning on the south part to the Strait of Dariana The northerliest is in 11 degrees it hath East and West 50 leagues and in breadth 25 and is washed as Costarica with the north and south seas It is a Mountainous Countrey full of bushes without pasture or cattle wheat or barley but it hath some Miller but full of rich mines of Gold The Indians are few and they be in continuall wars with the Spaniards It hath the City of Conception 40 leagues from Nombre Dd'ios where the Governour and Officers are resident The village of Trinity six leagues to the East of the Conception neer the River of Bethelem And three leagues from the North sea the City of Santey Fei standeth 12 leagues from the Conception to the south In it are Melting-houses and Deputy Officers The City of Charles neer the coast of the south sea 50 leagues from Santey Fei At the end of this Varagua beginneth the southern America And therefore I shall return back to the other parts of this north America which is not yet discovered CHAP. 43. Of the Province of Ciblioa THis Province of Ciblioa is the most northerly Province that the Spaniards possesse in America It hath but one Spanish Town but many well built Cities of Indians The Spanish town is called Saint John of Ciblioa It hath a strong Garrison of Spaniards and Mexican Indians The fairest Indian Town is Quibra that hath also a Spanish Garrison This Town is in 40 degrees and distant from Cibiloa 200 leagues from whence it lieth due north This Region is apt for English grain and produceth all sorts of our hearbs and fruits Here are store of all sorts of our Cattle and the Oxe of the Countrey which hath a bunch of flesh on his back of the bignesse of a mans head and his hair is shaggy and long his horns smaller than our Kines horns but his body much bigger this is an Inland Province and lyeth from the sea many leagues CHAP. 44. New Biskay THis Province lyeth on the south-west of Cibola it hath store of provision and cattle and divers mines of silver It hath two fair Spanish Towns that is to say Sancta Barbola and the Baro of Saint John with divers peaceable Indians It is an Inland Province but of much Commerce by reason of the silver-mines CHAP. 45. Chiamerla THis Province lyeth in more then two and twenty degrees of height It is ten leagues broad and something more in length it lyeth along the south sea but hath no Ports of name It hath a town of Spaniards call'd Saint Sebastian It hath many rich silver Mines and sufficient of Cattle and all sorts of Grain and Fruits CHAP. 46. Culiacan THis Province is the most northerly Province the Spaniards possesse on the coast of the south sea It is west of Chiametla there are much cattle seeds and fruits of England it hath two Spanish towns one is called the Virgins by which there are some silver mines the other the village of Saint Michael this is a small Province and hath no eminent port on the sea CHAP. 47. Sacetas SAcetas lyeth south-east from Biscai It is very wholsome in some parts of it and as sickly and unwholsome in other parts which causes that in some places there is much want and in other places as much plenty But to amend all defects there are in most places rich silver mines It hath three Spanish towns the best is Erena the second Nombre d'Dios and the worst Durangi the Chickmeacan Indians do much annoy these parts but there are great numbers of Civill Indians that live in peaceable manner CHAP. 48. Xalisco THis Province hath the City â— of Compostella neer the south in 21 degrees nineteen minutes â—re is the village of the Purificaâ—â— south-west from Gudâ—leria 30 â—gues this land is hot and sickly â—hath mines of gold and silver â—d store of provisions and exâ—ent horses that are well bred â—any service CHAP. 49. Guadalaiara â—Uadalaiara is the best of all the Provinces of the Kingdome of New Galisia and the most sâ—therly it hath all sorts of graâ— hearbs and fruits of New Spâ— and plenty of kine horses â— swine it is a wholsome good â— and hath many silver mines â— chief City and Head of the Kiâ—â—dome is Guadalaira in 20 degrâ— Heere resideth the Councell â— officers of the goods and roâ— treasure a Cathedrall two â—nasteriâ—s of Friars and one Nuns And 30 leagues from Guadalâ— is the village of Saint Mary and nother called the Holy Ghost â— Province is much troubled â— the Chickemecan Indians but â— many well governed Civill Indâ— that live orderly and very richlâ— CHAP. 50. Mechocan THis Province lyeth between the Province of Mexico and â—e Kingdome of the New Galisia â—hath in breadth by the coast of â—e south sea 80 leagues and 60 â—ithin land Here are many good â—ines and it is a fruitfull land and â—ath much Wheat Millet Coco â—l sorts of Spanish fruits Cotton-wool the rich drug of Cocheneel â—ore of cattle and fish and the Indians are industrious and given to â—abour the chief City is Mechoaâ—n it stands in 18 degrees 15 minutes and 47 leagues from Mexico The City of Pascurio standeth seven leagues to the east of Mechoâ—can it hath the Cathedrall and two Monasteries of
Augustine and Franciscan Friars And 35 leaguâ— from Pascurio north-east is the village of Saint Michael in a rougâ— Country The next is the Village of Salya then the Village oâ— Saint Phillip The village of Sackatula is 4â— leagues south west from Mechoacanâ— neer the south sea in 18 degrees 9â— leagues from Mexico And the village of Colina in 1â— degrees 20 minutes On the coasâ— of the south sea neer the confineâ— of Galisia the Port of Natividad is in 19 degrees and from this porâ— they make their navigation to the Philipin'as in East-India Besides these towns rehearsed which are possest by Spaniards there are 94 head-towns for Indians with schools of Doctrine for Indian children and 130 ordinary towns CHAP. 51. Of the Province of Mexico THis province falleth between Mechoacan and Talascalia it hath in length north and south 130 leaugues and in breadth 18. The chief City and Head of â—ew Spain is seated in this proâ—ince called Mexico It is an inland â—ity lying in 19 degrees and a half â— the midst of two great lakes â—at compasse it about the one is â—lt the other fresh the fresh voyâ—eth into the salt each of five leagues in breadth and eight in â—ength and both are in compasse â—3 leagues There are three Causways by which they go into the City the shortest of half a league long the longest a league and half the other a league it hath neer 70 thousand houses the most of Spaniards built with brick fair and high And here resideth the Viceroy of New Spain and Councill the Inquisition office and Judges the Officers of the Revenues and royall treasure a founding house and a mint house with the Archiepiscopall Metropolitan and Monasteries of Franciscan Dominican and Austin Friars the company of Jesus el Carmen Lamersed the Bare foot and Trinity Friars 10 Monasteries of Nuns one Colledg of Indian children and the retired from the world and repenting whores a University and divers Hospitals In this province are reckoned to be six hundred thousand tributary Indians one hundred and fifty Monasteries with multitude of schools to teach Indians Children and many gold and silver mines infinite plenty of all sorts of cattle and sheep grain hearbs and fruits and what else is necessary for the delight of man in an abundant manner with the rich Cocheneel The Coast of this province reacheth to the south sea on which there is an excellent port called Aquepulco in 17 degrees six leagues from the river Lopes and eight leagues more west is the Sitalia and four leagues further the River Metla CHAP. 52. Guaxcaca GUaxcaca Province commeth to the Coast of the south sea and it lyeth between Mexico and Gutamalia province along the Coast of the south sea one hundred leagues it hath 5 Spanish towns the chief of which is Antiquera in it are resident the Governour of the Province a Cathedrall many Monasteries of Friars It is distant from Mexico eight leagues from whence it lyeth south west The next to it is Sapolecai the third Saint Jago de Nexapa the fourth the Village of the Holy Ghost this province hath store of gold and silver mines and one of Chrystal Boreal much Coco Cotton-wool Wheat and Millet and Cocheneel plenty of all sorts of cattle and swine and not one River in the Countrey but yieldeth gold There are 350 head-towns of Indians and 120 Monasteries of Friars and many of Nuns and schools of Indian Children to be instructed in the Spanish language and popery and three hundred thousand tributary Indians In this province is the Valley from whence Ferdinando Cortez the first Conqueror had his title of Marquesse of the valley The ports on the south sea are the Haven of Guatulaco in 15 degrees and a half it is great good and much frequented The port of Tecoantepequa neer the other which is but reasonable good but it hath a great town standing on it from whence they make great fishings especially for shrimps with which they trade the inland Countreys CHAP. 53. Soconusco THis is the westerliest province of the Kingdom of Gutamalia joyneth to the province of Guaxcaca from whence it lyeth on the south sea east south-east 34 leagues and far into the land It is plentiful of Wheat Coco Millet and Cattle It hath but one Spanish town which is called Guearettan where the Governour is resident And in her Coast are the Rivers Coatan in her west border east of which is Gapernacalte and east south-east Colata CHAP. 54. Gutamalia THe province of Guattamall is the head of the Kingdome of Gutamalia it joyneth to the province of Soconusco and on the south sea it stretcheth 70 leagues the Countrey is of a good temperature and plentifull of Cotton-wool Wheat Millet and Cattell and other Seeds and Fruits the Winds and Rains in October are very furious It hath five Spanish towns besides many Iudian towns and villages The head City is Saint James of Gutamalia in which the Councill is resident It lyeth in 24 degrees and a half and of above a thousand Spanish housholds and here are the Kings Officers of the goods and royall treasure a melting house and a Cathedrall which is Suffragan unto Mexco a Monastery of Dominicans Franciscans Mercenarians Augustines Jesuits and two of Nuns with an Hospitall or Colledg This City is furnished with all sorts of provisions and daiâ—ties and standeth exceeding pleasantly on the side of a large plain neer a burning mountain And 40 leagues from Saint James is the City of Saint Saviour the village of Trinity sixty and four leagues from the port of Axavatla It is a chief Commissioner-ship with the title of His Majestie in a plentifull soil It is a place of great traffick And the port Atouch for the ships of Peru and New Spain And 62 leagues from Saint James is the village of Saint Michael the Haven of this town is called the Bay Sonseca which is distant from the town two leagues This province hath abundance of gold some silver store of balm and liquid amber Copal Suchicopal excellent liquours and the Gumme animi with Beasts that breed the Bezar stone But the Volcans here are very noysome to those that lie neer them for they often burst forth casting out fire-stones and ashes And here are more of those Volcans or fire-pits than in all India besides CHAP 54. Chiapa THis province is an Inland province it is Mediterranean to Soconusco Mexico Tabasco and Verapas and in length 40 leagues and something lesse in breadth It hath store of Wheat Millet and other grain and seeds much cattle but few sheep It hath but one town of Spaniards which is called the City royall 70 leagues from Saint James of Gutermalia to the north east which is governed by an ordinary Justice and in it is resident the Cathedrall two Monasteries of Dominicke Friars and one of Nuns There are many Indian towns in her climates and the natives are excellent Planters and Musitians This City royall is
the Dutch got great footing there without right so the Portugals since their falling from Spain have surprized them again and recovered them by the same slight they got the East Indies from us but not with such vile murthers as they committed on the English They have now the town of Resif onely which not long since was neer lost CHAP. 63. Of the Provinces of the River Plate THe provinces of Plate take name from the river on which they lye the passage to them is up the said river but they are almost on the back of Brazil They are large and far wholsomer then Brazil plenty of Sugar Ginger Wine Wheat Millet all sorts of English fruits store of Cattle Swine and Horses but no mines that are worked They are subjected by the Spaniards and united to the Councill of Peru on the south sea for neernesse of lying to that Kingdome there is a common passage from these provinces thither by land over the mountains the most of the land is indifferently inhabited This province hath three Spanish Cities the best is the City of Ascension It lyeth in 23 degrees and a half of south latitude west from Brazil and east from Peru 300 leagues up the River of Plate on the North-side In it is resident the Spanish Governour the Officers royall and a Cathedrall Suffragan to the Archbishop of Lima in Peru. The next is the City royall distant from the Ascension eighty leagues north-east The City of Bucnos ayres standeth on the River Plate one hundred leagues from the mouth of the same These provinces are full of Indians and Mistisos which are Spaniards children begotten on Indian women On this coast between the Brazil and the mouth of the River Plate is the port of Saint Vincent in 33 degrees against Becena Burgo a small Island and six leagues to the south the River Ubay the port and Island Dela Canana in 35 degrees and forward the river De la Barca And 20 leagues from thence the port of Roderico and in 29 degrees the Island of Catalina And five leagues to the south Close Haven And fifteen leagues further another river called Traquean And in 32 degrees the Bay of Saint George And in 35 degrees the Cape of Saint Mary at the entring into the River Plate The south Cape is called Cape Blanke and the mouth of this River of Plate is thirty over and a great way up it ten leagues in breadth with many Islands and divers great Rivers issuing into it CHAP. 64. Of the Coast between the River of Plate and the Strait of Magelan FRom the mouth of this River the strait lyeth southwest and is distant thence 400 leagues It hath on the said coast first the point of Saint Helena in 37 degrees the point of Francis in 38 the River of Canobi in 45. And to the south the Isle of Ducks And in 47 the River of Seriani and in 49 the Port of Saint Julian the River of Sancta Crux in 50. And 12 leagues before you come to the strait of Ilefonsus But the land possest with no other but the Natives which are a Gyantly people CHAP. 65. The Straight of Magellan THis straight is famous for the trouble some passage of Drake Candish and Haukins three English men Generals each in a severall Fleet Drake and Candish being the first that sailed along the coast of Peru and so to the East Indies and came home by the Cape of Bona Sperantia Circum-navigating the Globe The last being much over-matched was taken by the Spaniards on the coast of Peru and convayed from thence prisoner to Spain From whence with much difficulty he obtained his freedome although solemn Engagements passed from the Generall his taker for his freedome The entrance into this strait is in 52 degrees and the comming out into the south sea the same height It is an extream difficult passage by reason of the meeting of the north and south seas in the channell driving each other back prevailing as they are favoured by the wind which commonly bloweth there exceeding boysterously and cold There are divers caves and bays in it but no incouragement for a sea-man to adventure that way The Inhabitants on this strait are few and extream savage neither is this passage any more in use for those that will go by the south of America to the East Indies or into the south sea to any part of the west coast of America have a more convenient passage south of this strait in an open sea The entrance into it is called Lamear but the sea was discovered by Sir Francis Drake and Sir Richard Haukins both which were driven back by foul weather into those seas after they had passed the strait On the coast of the south sea which lyeth between the strait and Chilli there are no inhabitants save the wild Natives but it hath the Bay of horses in 52 degrees and the Bay of Saint John in 50. The Cape of Saint Francis in 51. And 18 leagues before you come to Port Hearnan the Bay of Galago in 48 degrees 40 minutes and north of it the Bay of Kings and the Isle of Catilina then the Cape of Saint Andrew in 42 degrees where Chilla beginneth CHAP. 66. Chillia THis coast reacheth to 28 degrees of south latitude This Region is wholsome above all other in the Indies being of an excellent temperature as neither too hot nor too cold It is abundantly rich in gold and silver mines and all sorts of cattle grain fruits excellent pleasant wine The Countrey men are strong and valiant beyond compare which the Spaniards know to their great cost for they could never totally subdue this Nation The Spaniards had formerly 12 Spanish towns in this Province the most south was the City of Chillon in an Island of fifty leagues long that almost joyneth to the firm land which beareth the name of this whole Countrey this town had in it a Monastery of Friars and to the north of this town 41 leagues the City of Osornio seven leagues from the sea with two Monasteries of Friars and one of Nuns The City of Valdiva two leagues within the mouth of the River Valdiva in 40 degrees It had three Monasteries of Friars and one of Nuns The City Imperiall in 39 degrees of height 3 leagues from the sea in it was resident the Cathedrall and two Monasteries of Friars The City of Conception lyeth in 37 degrees neer the sea And there did reside the Governour of the Countrey The harbour is good and made by an Island which lyeth before a nook in the land The Port of Quoquimbo is a good harbour and standeth in 32 degrees The town of Laserana is next to Peru. It lyeth pleasantly by the Valley of Quoquimbo In this place it rains but thrice a year this Countrey is neer 300 leagues by the sea but not above twenty into the land where lye the Andes which are mighty great mountains that run through the southern America
year it raineth from October to March which they call winter this province is rich in Mines of Emraulds and gold silver and quick-silver plentifull of English grain and cattle horse and swine This Region is happy in the temperature of the air there being neither extream cold nor heat as lying Equinoctiall to these Extreams and which is most delightfull to mans nature always a cleer skie The Spanish towns are the City of Saint Francis 60 leagues from the south sea and half a league to the north of the Equinoctiall in it are resident the Councill the Officers of the Spanish Kings Revenues and a Cathedrall with three Monasteries The town of Bamba lyeth south-west from Quito on a river of that name It is possest by Spaniards and Indians which are extream rich in sheep above any town of India The City of Loxein standeth in the way from Quito to Cosco there are many other Spanish Inland towns which are great good of which I have no certain knowledg but of most consequence to a Navigator is the port towns the best of which is Poyta in five degrees It is a good and great harbour The City of Saint James of Aquil standeth not far from the sea It hath a good port on a river that runneth fair by the City fit for vessels of great burthen The City of Porto Vivegio standeth on the sea neer the borders of Peru the Indians of this place have red warts that sometimes grow on their Noses and Foreheads Cheeks and Chins which eateth as a ring-worm with us but far more to the dis-figuring the face and in extremity of pain The river and port of Tombes is in 4 degrees and south of it the I le of Pana the port of Calaio in two degrees height south latitude by which standeth the Ile of Plata and one degree to the south of the Equinoctiall the Bay of This province hath formerly had great Gyants living there as appeareth by the great bones often found and pieces of teeth which have weighed fourteen ounces Neer the said point of Helena there are veins of Tar which runneth out of the earth with which they commonly cank their ships CHAP. 70 Popyan THis province lyeth between Quito and Panama the greatest part of it is In-land yet doth it for a good way lye on the south sea The eastern part bordereth on the Kingdome of Granado and Cartagena The temperature of ayr is very different in this place for here are some places indifferent temperate and cool other places are violent hot and sickly This province hath some Indians peaceable other some extraordinary savage insomuch that about the Village of Arma and Canarna they eat not onely those that they take in war cutting off slivers eating one part while the other liveth but sell their Children and the Sons their Fathers and Mothers to the Butchers that keep shambles of mans flesh This Countrey is exceeding rich in gold mines which maketh that the Spaniards endure the other inconveniences of the Countrey with great patience The principall Spanish City in this Goverment is Popyan which lyeth far from the sea two degrees to the north of the Equinoctiall It hath the Leivtenant Governour resident in it a Cathedrall with Monasteries of Friars the City of Cali standeth in 4 degrees 20 leagues from the sea the Governour is resident in it and the Officers of the King of Spains treasure a melting house and two Monasteries The Port of Bonaventure lyeth in 3 degrees and a half north of the line this is a place of good resort of Merchants and hath a good port and a fair Custome-house The Village of Sancta Fee on the River of Cavaca The Village of Arma borders on Granada neer which lyeth the Village of Canarman On the sea coast is the Cape of Corientes in 5 degrees to the north of the line The River Solines in four degrees and south ten leagues the River of Saint John in two degrees and little more south the River of Saint Lucas and further south the Port of the Crosse FINIS November 18. 1650. Imprimatur Nathanael Brent