diuers goods to the value of 440 lib Item from Andrew Purser one farnell of cloth and one chest with diuers commodities therein to the value of ten pounds Item the aboue-named marchants complaine saying that certaine malefactors of Wismer Rostok and others of the Hans namely Godekin Mighel Henrie van Hall de Stertebeker with other of their confederates in the yeere of our Lord 1399. wickedly and vniustly took from Iohn Priour of Lenne out of the ship of Michael van Buâ—gh namely â—60 nests of maseâ—s worth 100 lib.13.s.4.d Item 30. furres rigges of Kaleber woorth 13 s.4.d a piâ—ce the summe totall amounting to 20 li Item 20. furres wombys of Kalebre worth c. Item one girdle of siluer and one dagger adorned with siluer worth 30 s Item two coates and one long iacket and other goods to the value of 30 s Item he paide for his ransome 4 lib.13.s.4.d Unto all and singular the articles aboue-written the ambassadors of England aforesaid do further adde that the doers and authors of the damages iniuries and robberies set down in the articles aboue written of whom some are named in particular and others in general performed and committed all those outrages being hired thereunto at the expenses and charges of the common societies of the cities aforesaid And that the inhabitants of euery houshold in the foresaide cities ech man according to his ability wittingly purposely set foorth one two or more menâ— for the very same expedition wherein all and singular the foresaid trespasses were committed The foresaid English ambassadors doe exhibite the articles aboue written vnto the procurators of the cities of Wismer and Rostok aforesaid leaue and libertie being alwayes reserued vnto the said ambassadors to enlarge or to diminish or to expound all or euery or any of the said Articles whatsoeuer so often as it shall â—eeme expedient vnto them These be the grieuances and offences whereat the marchants of the Hans of Almaine comming vnto and residing in the Realme of England doe finde themselues aggrieued contrarie to the Articles and priuileges of the Charter graunted vnto them by the worthy Progenitors of the king of England that now is and also by the saide soueraigne Lord the King ratified and confirmed IMprimis whereas the foresaide marchants haue a priuilege graunted vnto them by Charter that they may in cities boroughs and in other towns and villages throughout the whole realme of England exercise traffique in grosse as wel with the natural inhabitants of the kingdome â—s with strangers and priuate personâ— of late those that are free deâ—izens in the cities boroughs and villages within the foresaid kingdome do hinder and restrain all others that be strangers foreners and aliens that they neither câ—n nor dare buy and sel with the marchants of the Hans aforesaid to their great hinderance and losse Item the foresaid marchants by vertue of their charter were wont to haue and to hold Innes and mansions for the reposing of themselues and of their goods wheresoeuer they pleased in any cities boroughs or villages throughout the whole kingdome howbeit of late the foresaide marchants are not suffered to take vp their mansions contrary to the tenoâ—r of their charter Item the foresaid marchants are priuileged not to vndergoe any other burthens or impositions but onely to pay certaine customs as it doeth by their charter manifestly appeare Notwithstanding at y e same time when Simon de Moreden was maior of London the foresaid marchants were constrained in the ward of Doue-gate at London to pay fifteenths tallages and other subsidies contrary to the liberties of their charter Whereupon the saide marchants prosecuâ—ed the matter before the Councel of our soueraign lord the king insomuch that they were released from paying afterward any such tallages fifteenths and subsidies Which marchants a while after of their owne accord and free will gaue vnto the gild-hall of London an hundreth markes sterling conditionally that they of the citie aforesaide should not at any time after exact or demaund of the said marchants or of their successors any tallages fifteenths or subsidies contrary to the tâ—nor of their charter as by records in the foresaid gild-hall it doth more plainly appeare Howbeit of late the officers of our lord the king in the foresaid ward of Doue-gate constrained the marchants aforesaid to pay tallages fifteenths other subsidies And because the saide marchants murmured and refused to pay any such contributions alleaging their priuileges the foresaid officers arrested the goods of those said marchants which are as yet detained vpon the arâ—est notwithstanding that they were released before the councel of our soueraigne lord the king also that they gaue vnto the said gild-hall one hundreth marks to be released as it is aforesaid And also the foresaid marchants were constrained to pay 12.d in the pound and of late 6.d and other subsidies more then their ancient customes to the great damage of those marchants Item the foresaid marchants are priuileged as touching customs of wols by theÌ„ bought within the realm of England y t they are not bound to pay ouer besides their ancient cusâ—oms but onely xl.d. more then the homeborn marchants of England were wont to pay But now y e foresaid marchants are compelled to pay for euery sack of wool besides y e ancient custom the 40.d aforesaid a certain impositioÌ„ called Pence for the town of Cales namely for euery sack of wool 19.d more then the marchants of England doe pay to their great losse against the liberty of their charter Item the foresaid marchants are priuileged by their charter that concerning the quantity of their marchandize brought into the realme of England in regard whereof they are bound to pay 3.d for the worth of euery pound of siluer credit is to be giuen vnto them for the letters of their masters and of their companies if they were able to shew them And if so be they had no letters in this behalfe to shew that then credite should bee giuen vnto themselues and that their othe or the othe of their atturney should be taken without any other proof as touching the value of their marchandize so brought in that thereupon they should be bound to pay customs namely the customes of 3.d iustly for that cause to be paid But nowe the customers of our soueraigne lorde the king put their goods to an higher rate then they ought or were woont to be and heereupon they compell them to pay custome for their goods at their pleasure scanning about their fraight and expenses particularly disbursed in regard of the said goods and marchandize to the great hinderance of the said marchants and against the teâ—or of their charter Item the foresaid marchants by way of pitiful complaint do alleage that whereas the worthy progenitors of our Lord the king that now is by vertue of the saide great charter gâ—aunted libertie vnto them to pay the customes of certain
haue full power and authoritie by these presents from time to time as to them shal seeme good to limite set ordeine and make mulets and penalties by fines forfeitures imprisonments or any of them vpon any offender of the saide fellowship and communaltie for any offence touching the same fellowship and communaltie and also that all acts and ordinances by them or their successours to bee made which time shalt thinke not necessarie or preiudiciall to the saide fellowship or communaltie at al times to reuoke breake frustrate annihilate repeale and dissolue at their pleasure and liberty And further wee will that if any of the saide fellowship and communaltie shal be found contrarious rebellious or disobedient to the saide Gouernour or gouernours Consuls and the said assistants for the time being or to any statutes acts or ordinances by them made or to be made that then the saide Gouernour or gouernours Consuls and the saide assistants in maner forme and number aboue specified for the time being shall and may by vertue of these presents mulet and punish euery such offender or offenders as the quality of the offence requireth according to their good discretions And further we will that none of the saide offender or offenders shall decline from the power of the saide Gouernour or gouernours Consuls and assistants in maner forme and number abouesaide for the time being so alwayes that the saide actes statutes and ordinances doe onely touch and concerne the saide Gouernour or gouernours Consuls assistants and the saide fellowship and communaltie of our before named Marchants aduenturers or the men of the same fellowship and communaltie and none other And so alwayes that such their acts statutes and ordinances hee not against our prerogatiue lawes statutes and customes of our realmes and Dominions nor contrary to the seuerall duetie of any our subiects towards vs our heires and successours nor contrarie to any compacts treaties or leagues by vs or any our progenitours heretofore had or made or hereafter by vs our heires and successours to bee made to or with any forreine Prince or potentate nor also to the preiudice of the corporation of the Maior communalties and Citizens of our Citie of London nor to the preiudice of any person or persons bodie politique or corporate or incorporate iustly pretending clayming or hauing any liberties franchises priuiledges rightes or preheminences by vertue or pretext of anie graunt gift or Letters patents by vs or anie our Progenitours heeretofore giuen graunted or made Moreouer we for vs our heires and successours will and by these presents doe graunt vnto the said Gouernors Consuls assistants fellowship and communaltie of our Marchants aforesaid that their said Gouernour or gouernours Consuls and assistants and their successors for the time being in maner forme and number aboue rehearsed shal haue full power and authority to assigne constitute and ordaine one officer or diuers officers as well within our aforesaide Citie of London as also in any other place or places of this our Realme of England or else where within our dominions which officer or officers wee will to be named and called by the name of Sergeant or Sergeants to the fellowship or communalty of the said marchants and that the said sergeant or sergeants shall and may haue full power and authoritie by these presents to take leuie and gather all maner fines forfeitures penalties and mulcts of euery person and persons of the saide fellowship and communaltie conuict and that shal be conuicted vpon or for breaking of any statutes acts ordinances to bee made by the saide Gouernour or gouernours Consuls and assistants for the time being And further wee will and also graunt for vs our heires and successours that the saide officer or officers shall haue further power and authoritie for the default of payment or for disobedience in this behalfe if neede be to set hands and arrest aswell the bodie and bodies as the goods and chattels of such offender and offenders transgressers in euery place and places not franchised And if it shall fortune any such offender or offenders their goods and chattels or any part thereof to be in any citie borough towne incorporate or other place franchised or priuiledged where the said officer or officers may not lawfully intromit or intermeddle that then the Maior shirifes baylifes and other head officers or ministers within euery such citie borough towne incorporate or place or places franchised vpon a precept to them or any of them to be directed from the gouernour or gouernours Consuls and assistants of the said fellowship in number and forme aforesaid vnder the common seale of the sayd fellowship and communaltie for the time being shall and may attach arrest the body or bodies of such offender or offenders as also take and selfe the goods and chattels of all and euery such offender or offenders being within any such place or places franchised and the same body and bodies goods and chattels of all and euery such offender and offenders being within any such place or places franchised and euery part therof so attached and seazed shall according to the tenor and purport of the sayd precept returne and deliuer vnto the sayd officer or officers of the aforesaid fellowship and communaltie And further we will and grant for vs our heires and successours by these presents that all and euery such Maior shirife baylife or other head officers or ministers of any citie borough towne incorporate or other places franchised shall not be impeached molested vexed or sued in any our court or courts for executing or putting in execution of any of the said precept or precepts And furthermore we of our ample and abundant grace meere motion certaine knowledge for vs our heires and successors as much as in vs is haue giuen and granted and by these presents doe giue and grant vnto the sayd gouernour Consuls assistants fellowship and communaltie of Marchants aduenturers and to their successors and to the Factor and Factors assigne and assignes of euery of them ful and free authoritie libertie facultie and licence and power to saile to all portes regions dominions territories landes Isles Islands and coastes of the sea wheresoeuer before their late aduenture or enterprise vnknowen or by our Marchants and subiects by the seas not heretofore commonly frequented vnder our â—anner standerd flags and ensignes with their shippe ships barke pinnesses and all other vessels of whatsoeuer portage bulke quantitie or qualitie they may be and with any Mariners and men as they will leade with them in such shippe or shippes or other vessels at their owne and proper costs and expences for to traffique descrie discouer and finde whatsoeuer Isle Islands countreis regions prouinces creekes armes of the sea riuers streames as wel of Gentiles as of any other Emperor king prince gouernor or Lord whatsoeuer he or they shal be and in whatsoeuer part of the world they be situated being before the sayd late aduenture or
in your said Bailiwicke Witnesse Geofry Fitz-Peter Earle of Esser at Kinefard the 5. day of April The same forme of writing was sent to the sherife of Sudsex to the Maior and communaltie of the Citie of Winchester to the Baily of Southampton the Baily Lenne the Baily of Kent the sherife of Norfolke and Suffolke the sherife of Dorset and Sommerset the Barons of the Cinque-ports the sherife of Southampton-shire the sherife of Hertford and Essex the sherife of Cornewal and Deuon Literae regis Henrici tertij ad Haquinum Regem Norwegiae de pacis foedere intercursu mercandisandi Anno 1. Henrici 3. HEnricus Dei gratia c. Haquino eadem gratia Regi Norwegiae salutem Immensas nobilitati vestrae referimus gratiarum actiones de his quae per literas vestras prudentem virum Abbatem de Lisa nobis significastis volentes desiderantes foedus pacis dilectionis libenter nobiscum inire nobiscum confoederari Bene autem placet place bit nobis quod terre nostre cōmunes sint Mercatores homines qui sunt de potestate vestra libere sine impedimento terram nostram adire possint homines Mercatores nostri similiter terrā vestram Dum tamen literas vestras patentes super hoc nobis destinetis nos vobis nostras transmittemus Interim autem bene volumus concedimus quod Mercatores tam de terra vestra quà m nostra eant veniant recedant per terras nostras Et si quid vestrae sederit voluntati quod facere valeamus id securè nobis significetis Detinuimus autem adhuc Abbatem praedictum vt de naui vestra rebus in ea contentis pro posse nostro restitutionem fieri faceremus per quem de statu nostro Regni nostri vos certificare curabimus quà m citius c. Teste me ipso apud Lamhithe decimo die Octobris Eodem modo scribitur S. Duci Norwegiae ibidem eodem die The letters of King Henry the third vnto Haquinus King of Norway concerning a treatie of peace and mutuall traffique of marchandize c HEnry by the grace of God c. vnto Haquinus by the same grace King of Norway sendeth greeting Wee render vnto your highnesse vnspeakeable thanks for those things which by your letters and by your discreete subiect the Abbat of Lisa you haue signified vnto vs and also for that you are right willing and desirous to begin and to conclude betweene vs both a league of peace and amitie And wee for our part both nowe are and hereafter shal be well contented that both our lands be common to the ende that the Marchants and people of your dominions may freely and without impediment resort vnto our land and our people and Marchants may likewise haue recourse vnto your territories Prouided that for the confirmation of this matter your send vnto vs your letters patents and wee will send ours also vnto you Howbeit in the meane while wee doe will and freely graunt that the Marchants both of our and your lands may goe come and returne to and from both our Dominions And if there be ought in your minde whereby we might stand you in any stead you may boldly signifie the same vnto vs. Wee haue as yet deteined the foresaid Abbat that wee might to our abilitie cause restitution to be made for your ship and for the things therein contained by whome wee will certifie you of our owne estate and of the estate of our kingdome so soone c. Witnesse our selfe at Lamhith the tenth of October Another letter in the same forme and to the same effect was there and then sent vnto S. Duke of Norway Mandatum pro Coga Regis Norwegiae Anno 13. Henrici 3. MAndatum est omnibus Balliuis portuum in quos ventura est Coga de Norwegia in qua venerint in Angliam milites Regis Norwegiae Mercatores Saxoniae quod cum praedictam Cogam in portus suos venire contigerit saluò permittant ipsam Cogam in portubus suis morari quamdiu necesse habuerit libere sine impedimento inde receder◠quando voluerint Teste Rege The same in English A Mandate for the King of Norway his Ship called the Cog. WEe will and commaund all bailifes of Portes at the which the Cog of Norway wherein certaine of the king of Norwaie his souldiers and certaine Marchants of Saxonie are comming for England shall touch that when the foresaid Cog shall chance to arriue at any of their Hauens they doe permit the said Cog safely to remaine in their said Hauens so long as neede shall require and without impediment also freely to depart thence whensoeuer the gouernours of the sayd ship shall thinke it expedient Witnesse the King Carta pro Mercatoribus de Colonia anno 20. Henrici 3. Confirmata per Regem Edwardum primum S. Iulij Anno Regni 18. prout extat in rotulo cartarum de Anno 18. Regis Edwardi primi REx Archiepiscopis c. salutem Sciatis nos quietos clamasse pro nobis haeredibus nostris dilectos nostros Ciues de Colonia mercandisam suam de illis duobus solidis quos solebant dare de Gildhalla sua London de omnibus alijs consuetudinibus demandis quae pertinent ad nos in London per totam terram nostram quod liberè possunt ire ad ferias per totam terram nostram emere vendere in villa London alibi salua libertate Ciuitatis nostrae London Quare volumus firmiter praecipimus pro nobis c haeredibus nostris quod praedicti ciues de Colonia praenominatas libertates liberas consuetudines habeant per totam terram nostram Angliae sicut praedictum est His testibus venerabili patre Waltero Caerleolensi Episcopo Willielmo de Ferarijs Gilberto Basset Waltero de Bello campo Hugone Disspenser Waltero Marescallo Galfrido Dispenser Bartholomaeo Pech Bartholomaeo de Saukeuill alijs Data per manum venerabilis patris Radulphi Cicistrensis Episcopi Cancellarij nostri apud Dauintre Octauo die Nouembris Anno Regni nostri vicesimo The same in English A Charter graunted for the behalfe of the Marchants of Colen in the twentieth yeere of Henry the third confirmed by King Edward the first as it is extant in the roule of Charters in the eighteenth yeere of King Edward the first THe King vnto Archbishops c. greeting Be it knowen vnto you that wee haue quite claimed and for vs and our heires released our welbeloued the Citizens of Colen and their marchandize from the payment of those two shillings which they were wont to pay out of their Gildhall at London and from all other customes and demaunds which perteine vnto vs either in London or in any other place of our Dominions and that they may safely resort vnto Fayers throughout our whole
beene accustomed in times past and from ancient times Also it is farther concluded and agreed vpon that all lawfull marchants of England whosoeuer shall haue free licence and authority with all kindes of shippes goods and marchandises to resorte vnto euery port of the land of Prussia and also to transport all such goods and marchandises vp farther vnto any other place in the sayde land of Prussia and there with all kindes of persons freely to bargaine and make sale as heretofore it hath from auncient times bene accustomed Which priuiledge is granted in all things and by all circumstances vnto the Prussians in England And if after the date of these presents betweene the sayd kingdome of England and land of Prussia any dissension or discorde which God forefend should arise then the foresayd souereigne prince and king of England and the sayd right reuerend lord the Master generall are mutually by their letters and messengers to giue certificate and intimation one vnto another concerning the matter and cause of such dissension and discord which intimation on the behalfe of the foresaid souereigne prince king of England shall be deliuered in the forenamed castle of Marienburg but on the behalfe of the sayd right reuerend lord the Master generall such intimation shall be giuen in the citie of London aforesayd vnto the Maior of the said city that then such a denunciation or intimation being made the marchants of England and the subiects of the land of Prussia may within the space of one yeere next following freely and safely returne home with al their goods marchandises if at the least in the mean while some composition friendly league betweene the two forâ—sayd countreis be not in some sorte concluded And that all the premisses may more firmely and faithfully be put in due practise aâ—d execution on both partes for the strong and inuiolable keeping of peace and tranquillity and also for the full confirmation and strengthening of all the sayde premisses the three foresayd honourable and religious personages being by the said right reuereÌ„d lord the Master general appointed as coÌ„missioners to deale in the aboue written ordination and composition haue caused their seales vnto these presents to be put and the sayd ordination also and letter in the same tenour word for word and in all points euen as it is inserted into these presents they haue mutually receiued froÌ„ the abouenamed three ambassadours of the right soueraigne king of England vnder their seales Giuen at the castle of Marienburg in the yeare of our lord aforesayd vpon the twentieth day of the moneth of August And we therefore doe accept approue ratifie and by the tenour of these presents doe confirme the composition ordination concorde and treaty aforesayd In testimony whereof we haue caused these our letters to be made patents Witnesse our selues a Westminster the 22. of October in the thirteenth yeare of our reigne By the king and his counsell Lincolne The letters of Conradus de Iungingen Master generall of Prussia written vnto Richard the second king of England in the yeere 1398 for the renouncing of a league and composition concluded betweene England and Prussia in regard of manifold iniuries offered vnto the Prussians OUr humble commendations with our earnest prayers vnto God for your Maiestie premised Most renowmed prince and mighty lord it is not we hope out of your Maiesties remembrance how our famous predecessour going immediately before vs sent certaine letters of his vnto your highnesse effectually contayning sundry complaints of grieuances iniuries and losses wherewith the marchants of his lande and Order being woont in times past to visite your kingdome with their goods and marchandises haue bene contrary to their liberties and priuiledges annoyed with manifold iniuries and wrongs Especially sithens they haue beene molested in your realme being contrary to the friendly composition made and celebrated by the hono personages master Nicholas Stocket Thomas Graa and Walter Sibil in the yeare 1388 with the assistance of their coarbiters on our part and contrary to God and all iustice oppressed with manifold damages losses and grieuances as in certaine articles exhibited vnto our predecessors aforesayd it doeth more manifestly appeare In consideration whereof being vehemently moued by the damnified parties he humbly besought your highnesse by his messengers and letters for complement and execution of iustice About the which affayres your Maiestie returned your letters of answere vnto our sayd predecessor signifying that the sayd businesse of articles concerned al the communalty of your realme and that your highnesse purposed after consultation had in your parliament to send a more deliberate auswere concerning the premisses vnto our predecessour aforesayd Howbeit he being by death translated out of this present world and our selues by the prouidence of God succeeding in his roome and also long time expecting an effectuall answere from your highnesse are not yet informed as we looked for albeit the complaints of iniuries and losses offered vnto our subiects doe continually increase But from hencefoorth to prouide a remedie and a caueat for the time to come the sayd complaynt doeth vpon great reasons mooue and inuite me Sithens therefore in regard of the sayd composition neither you nor your subiects may be iudged in the empire and sithens plaine reason requireth that the one be not inriched by the others losse as vndoubtedly our subiects should sustaine great damage by the composition aforesayd by vertue whereof your subiects doe enioy all commodities in our lande and contrariwise our subiects in your realme haue suffered as yet sundrie wayes do suffer manifold discommodities losses and iniuries Wherefore most soueraigne prince and mighty lord being reasonably mooued vpon the causes aforesayd we doe by the aduise of our counsellers reuoke and repeale the sayd composition concluded as is aboue written together with the effect thereof purely and simply renouncing the same by these prefents refusing hereafter to haue either our selues or our subiects in any respect to stand bound by the vertue of the sayd composition but from henceforth and for the times heretofore also bee it altogether voide and of none effect Prouided notwithstanding that from the time of the notice of this denunciation giuen vnto the hono Maior of your citie of London for the space of a yeare next ensuing it shall be lawfull for all marchants of your kingdome whatsoeuer with their goods and marchandises to returne home according to the forme in the foresayd compoâ—ition expressed conditionaly thaâ— our subiects may euen so in all respects be permitted to depart with the safety of their goods and liues out of your dominions this present renunâ—iation reuocation and retractation of the order and composition aforesayd notwithstanding Howbeit in any other affayres whatsoeuer deuoutly to submit our selues vnto your highnesse pleasure and command both our selues and our whole order are right willing and desirous and also to benefite and promote your subiects we wil indeuour to the vtmost of our ability
enterprise vnknowen and by our Marchants and subiects not commonly frequeÌ„ted and to enter and land in the sanle without any maner of denying paine penaltie or forfeiture to be had or taken by anie our lawes customes or statutes to our vse or to the vse of our heires or successors for the same And we haue also granted and by these presents for vs our heires and successors doe graunt vnto the sayd Gouernours Consuls assistants fellowship and comminalty and to their successours and to their Factors and assignes and to euery of them licence for to reare plant erect and fasten our banners standards flags and Ensignes in whatsoeuer citie towne village castle Isle or maine lande which shall be by them newly found without any the penalties forfeitures or dangers aforesayde and that the sayd fellowship and comminalty and their successors Factors assignes and euery of them shall and may subdue possesse and occupie all maner cities townes Isles and maine lands of infidelitie which is or shall be by them or any of them newly founde or descried as our vassals and subiects and for to acquire and get the Dominion title and iurisdiction of the same Cities Townes Castles Uillages Isles and maine landes which shall bee by them or any of them newly discouered or found vnto vs our heires and successours for euer And furthermore whereas by the voyage of our subiects in this last yeere attempted by Nauigation towards the discouerie and disclosure of vnknowen places Realmes Islandes and Dominions by the seas not frequented it hath pleased Almighty God to cause one of the three shippes by them set foorth for the voyage and purpose aboue mentioned named the Edward Bonauenture to arriue abide and winter within the Empire and dominions of the high and mightie Prince our cousin and brother Lord Iohn Basiliuich Emperour of all Russia Volodomer great duke of Moscouie c. Who of his clemencie for our loue and zeale did not onely admitte the Captaine and marchants our subiects into his protection and Princely presence but also receiued and intertained them very graciously and honourably granting vnto them by his letters addressed vnto vs franke accesse into all his Seigniories and dominions with licence freely to traffique in and out with all his Subiects in all kinde of Marchandise with diuers other gracious priuiledges liberties and immunities specified in his sayde letters vnder his Signet Know yee therefore that wee of our further royall fauour and munificence of our meere motion certaine knowledge and speciall grace for vs our heires and successours haue giuen and graunted and by these presents doe giue and grant vnto the same Gouernours Consuls assistants fellowship and comunalty aboue named and to their successours as much as in vs is that all the mayne landes Isles portes hauens creekes and riuers of the said mighty Emperour of all Russia and great duke of Mosco c. And all and singuler other lands dominions territories Isles Portes hauens creekes riuers armes of the sea of al and euery other Emperor king prince ruler and gouernor whatsoeuer he or they before the said late adenture or enterprise not knowen or by our foresayd marchants and subiects by the seas not commonly frequented nor by any part nor parcell thereof lying Northwards North-eastwards or Northwestwards as is aforesayd by sea shall not be visited frequented nor hanted by any our subiects other then of the sayd company and felowship and their successours without expresse licence agreement and consent of the Gouernour Consuls and Assistants of the said felowship and communaltie aboue named or the more part of them in manner and number asoresayd for the time being vpon paine of forfeiture and losse as well of the shippe and shippes with the appurtenances as also of all the goods marchandises and things whatsoeuer they be of those our subiects not being of the sayd felowship and communalty which shall attempt or presume to saile to any of those places which bee or hereafter shall happen to bee found and â—raffiked vnto the one halfe of the same forfeiture to be to the vse of vs our heires and successors and the other halfe to be to the vse of the sayd fellowship and communaltie And if it shall fortune anie stranger or strangers for to attempt to hurt hinder or endamage the same marchants their factors deputies or assignes or any of them is sailing going or returning at any time in the sayd aduenture or for to saile or trade to or from any those places landes or coastes which by the sayd marchants their factors deputies and assignes haue bene or shall bee descried discouered and found or frequented aswell within the coastes and limites of gentility as within the dominions and Seigniories of the sayd mighty Emperour and Duke and of all and euery other Emperour King Prince Ruler and gouernour whatsoeuer he or they be before the sayd late aduenture or enterprise not knowen by any our said marchants and subiects by the seas not commonly frequented and lying Northwards Northwestwards or Northeastwards as aforesaid then wee will and grant and by these presents doe licence and authorise for vs our heires and successors the said marchants their factors deputies and assignes and euery of them to doe their best in their defence to resist the same their enterprises and attempts Willing therefore and straightly commanding and charging al and singuler our Officers Maiors Sherifes Escheators Constables Barlifes and all and singuler other our ministers and liege men and subiects whatsoeuer to bee aiding fauouring helping assisting vnto the sayd gouernour or gouernours Consuls assistants fellowship and communalty and to their successeors and deputies factors seruants and assignes and to the deputies factors and assignes of euery of them in executing and enioying the premisses as well on land as in the sea from time to time and at all times when you or any of you shall be thereunto required In witnesse whereof c. Apud Westmonasterium 6 die Feb. Annis regnorum nostrorum primo secundo Certaine instructions deliuered in the third voyage Anno 1556. for Russia to euery Purser and the rest of the seruants taken for the voyage which may serue as good and necessary directions to all other like aduenturers FIrst you shall before the ship doth begin to lade goe aboord and shall there take and write one inuentorie by the aduise of the Master or of some other principall officer there aboord of all the tackle apparell cables ankers ordinance chambers shot powder artillerie and of all other necessaries whatsoeuer doth belong to the sayd ship and the same iustly taken you shall write in a booke making the sayd Master or such officer priuie of that which you haue so written so that the same may not be denied when they shall call accompt thereof that done you shall write a copie of the same with your owne hand which you shall deliuer before the shippe shall depart for the voyage to
Giambelat Bey the Sangiaccho of Tripolis the Begliarbei of Greece the Bassa of Sciuassi and of Marasco Ferca Framburaro the Sangiaccho of Antipo Soliman Bey three Sangiacchos of Arabia Mustafa Bey generall of the Uenturers Fergat gouernour of Malathia the Framburaro of Diuerie the Sangiaccho of Arabia and other Sangiacchos of lesser credite with the number of fourescore thousand persons besides as by the muster made by his Commission might well appeare The Framburaro which was at Rhodes was appointed and left gouernour at Famagusta and the report was that there should bee left in all the Island of Cyprus twentie thousand persons with two thousand horses many of the which I saw being very leane and euill appoynted for seruice It seemeth also a thing not impertinent to the matter to signifie to you how I by the especiall grace of God was deliuered out of their cruel hands I hauing paied within two fortie dayes all the which time I was slaue fiue hundred Zechins for my ransome to him whose prisoner I was by the meanes of the Consul for the French merchants a ligier then at Tripolis who a litle before came from Tripolis in Syria vnto Cyprus into the Turkes campe Yet for all that I had paied this summe of money to him hee would not so set me at libertie but fed mee vp still with faire wordes and promised mee that hee would first bring mee vnto his gouernement which abutted vpon a piece of the famous riuer of Euphrates and afterward dismisse me The which malice and falsehood of his I perceiuing determined with my selfe to giue him the slip and to flee so I waiting my time and repairing often to the Citie at length met with a small Fisher boate of the which a poore Grecian was Owner and master with whom in one night with two onely dares and a small saile made of two shirts I passed ouer from Cyprus vnto Tripolis being a very great danger of drowning whereas I remained in couert in the house of certaine Christians vntill the fiue and twentie of September at what time I departed from thence in a little French shippe called Santa Victor which came into these partes and as wee rode wee touched at a part of Cyprus Westward called Capo delle Garte where as I came on land and talking with certaine of the inhabitants of the Uillages who were then by chaunce a Hauking demaunded of them how they were intreated of the Turkes and after what sort the Island was tilled to the which they answered that they could not possiblie bee in worse pickle then they were at that present not enioying that quietly which was their owne being made villaines and slaues and almost alwayes carying away the Bastonados so that now they sayd they knew by triall too perfectly the pleasant and peaceable gouernment of the Christians wishing and praying God that they might shortly returne And concerning the tillage of the Island they made answere moreouer that no part of it was plowed or laboured sauing onely that mountaine which was towards the West and that because they were litle troubled with the crueltie of the Turkes but as for the plaine and East part of the Island there was small seede sowen therein but became in a maner desert there being left but few inhabitants and lesse store of cattell there Afterward wee departing from thence arriued in Candia I for my part being clothed in sackecloth whereas soone after by the great curtesie of the right honourable Signior Latino Orsino I was new apparelled accordingly friendly welcommed and my necessitie relieued From whence I shortly after sayling in a Cypriottes ship thankes be to almightie God arriued in this Citie in health and â—m safely come home now at the honorable feete of your highnesse The Captains of the Christians slaine in Famagusta THe lord Estor Baglione The lord Aluigi Martinengo The lord Federico Baglione The knight of Asta Uicegouernor The capitaine Dauid Noce Master of the Campe. The capitaine Meani of Perugia Serieant Maior The earle Sigismond of Casoldo The earle Francesco of Lobi of Cremona The captaine Francesco Troncauilla The captaine Hannibal Adamo of Fermo The captaine Scipio of the citie of Castello The captaine Charles Ragonasco of Cremona The captaine Francesco Siraco The captaine Roberto Maluezzo The captaine Caesar of Aduersa The captaine Bernardin of Agubio The captaine Francesco Bugon of Verona The captaine Iames of Fabiano The captaine Sebastian del Sole of Florence The captaine Hector of Brescia the successour to the captaine Caesar of Aduersa The captaine Flaminio of Florence successor vnto Sebastian del Sole The captaine Erasmus of Fermo successor to the captaine of Cernole The captaine Bartholomew of Cernole The captaine Iohn Battista of Riuarole The captaine Iohn Francesco of Venice The names of Christians made slaues THe Earle Herocles Martinengo with Iulius Caesar Ghelfo a Souldiour of Bressa The earle Nestor Martinengo which fled The captaine Marco Criuellatore The lord Herocles Malatesta The captaine Peter Conte of Montalberto The captaine Horatio of Veletri The captaine Aluigi Pezano The Conte Iames of Corbara The captaine Iohn of Istria The captaine Soldatelli of Agubio The captaine Iohn of Ascoli The captaine Antonie of the same towne The captaine Sebastian of the same towne The captaine Salgano of the citie of Castello The captaine Marcheso of Fermo The captaine Iohn Antonio of Piacenza The captaine Carletto Naldo The captaine Lorenzo Fornaretti The captaine Barnardo of Brescia The captaine Barnardino Coco The captaine Simon Bagnese successour to the captaine Dauid Noce The captaine Tiberio Ceruto successor vnto Conte Sigismond The captaine Ioseph of Lanciano successour vnto captaine Francesco Troncauilla The captaine Morgante successor to captain Hannibal The Lieutenant successour vnto the captaine Scipio The Standerdbearer successour to captaine Roberto The captaine Ottauio of Rimini successour to the captaine Francesco Bugon The captaine Mario de Fabiano successour to captaine Iacomo The captaine Francesco of Venice successour vnto captaine Antonio The captaine Matteo of Capua The captaine Iohn Maria of Verona The captaine Mancino The Fortifiers Iohn Marmori slaine The knight Maggio slaue Turkish Captaines at Famagusta MVstafa Generall The Bassa of Aleppo The Bassa of Natolia slaine Musafer Bassa of Nicosia The Bassa of Caramania The Aga of the Giannizers Giambelat Bey The Sangiaccho of Tripolis slaine The Begliarbei of Greece The Bassa of Sciuassi and Marasco Ferca Framburaro The Sangiaccho of Antipo slaine Soliman Bey slaine Three Sangiacchos of Arabia slaine Mustafa Bey General of the Venturers slain Fergat ruler of Malathia slaine The Framburaro of Diuerie slaine The woorthy enterprise of Iohn Foxe an English man in deliuering 266. Christians out of the captiuitie of the Turkes at Alexandria the 3. of Ianuarie 1577. AMong our merchants here in England it is a common voiage to traffike into Spaine whereunto a ship being called The three halfe Moones manned with 38. men and well fensed with munitions
Gods grace to discouer also the countrey of Cathaia and other regions very coÌ„uenient to be traded into by merchants of this realme for the great benefite and commodities of the same And forasmuch as diuers subiects of this realme vnderstanding the premises and perceiuing that now after the charge and trauel aforesaid diuers wares and merchandizes are brought by the saide fellowship into this Realme out of the dominions already discouered which bee within this realme of good estimation minding for their peculiar gaine vtterly to decay the trade of the â—ayde fellowship haue contrary to the tenor of the same letters patents in great disorder â—raded into the dominions of the said mightie prince of Russia c. to the great detriment of this common wealth And for that the name by which the saide felowship is incorporated by the letters patents aforesaid is long consisteth of very many words Therfore be it enacted by the Queenes most excellent Maiestie the Lords spiritual and temporal the commons in this present parliament assembled and by authoritie of the same that the said felowship company society corporation made or created by the said letters patents shal at al time times from henceforth be incorporated named and called onely by the name of the fellowship of English merchants for discouery of new trades and by the same name for euer shall and may continue a perpetuall body incorporate in deede and name and onely by the same name from henceforth shall implead and be impleaded answere and be answered defend and be defended sue and bee sued in whatsoeuer courts and places and shall and may by the same name bee inabled to purchase haue holde possesse reteine and enioy whatsoeuer manors landes tenements rents reuersions seruices heredicaments not exceeding a hundred marks yeerely not being holden of the Queenes maiestie her heires or successors by knights seruice in Capite and all goods merchandizes chattels and other things whatsoeuer and shall and may by the same name make and do all things as any other corporation may do and also shall haue and enioy all and singular the liberties priuiledges iurisdictions franchises preheminencâ—s powers authorities and things and may doe and execute all other matters and things in the sayd letters patents mentioned or in any wise conteined And that no part nor parcell of the maine lands Isles ports hauens roades creekes riuers armes of the seas of any Emperour king prince ruler or gouernor whatsoeuer he or they be before the said first enterprise made by the merchants of the saide corporation not knowen by the merchants and subiects of this Realme or by them not commonly by seas frequented and lying from the City of London Northwards Northwestwards or Northeastwards nor any part or parcel of the maine lands dominions isles ports roades hauens creeks armes of the Seas that now be subiect to the said high and mightie prince Lord Iohn Vasiliwich his heires or successours or to the Emperour chiefe gouernour or ruler of the said country of Russia for the time beâ—ng his heires or successors nor the countries of Armenia maior or minor Media Hyrcania Persia or the Caspian sea nor any part of them shall be sailed or traffiqued vnto visited frequented or haunted by any person being or that shalâ—â— a subiect or denizen of this realme by themselues their factor or factors or any other to their vse or commoditie by any wayes or meanes directly or indirectly other then by the order agreement consent or ratification of the gouernour Consuls and assistants of the saide fellowship and comâ—â—naltie or the more part of them and their successors for the time being vpon paine that euery person and persons offending in this behalfe shall forfeit and loose Ipso facto euery such ship and ships with the appurtenances and all such goods Merchandizes and things whatsoeuer as by any such person or persons shal be by any wayes or meanes directly or indirectly prouided caried conducted brought or exchanged in at to through or from any of the places prohibited as is aforesaide contrary to the true intent of this statute the one moitie of all which forfeitures to bee to our said souereigne Lady the Queenes Maiestie her heires and successors and the other moitie thereof to the sayde fellowship of English Merchants for discouery of newe trades and their successors to be seized and taken wheresoeuer they may be found by any person or persons to the vse of our said Souereigne Lady her heires and successors and of the said fellowship of English mercâ—hants for discouery of newe trades and of their successors or the same or the value thereof to bee demaunded or sued for by the Queenes highnesse her heires and successors or by the saide fellowship of English Merchants for discouery of newe trades or their suâ—cessors or their atturney or atturneis or by any person or persons being of the same fellowship of English Merchants for discouery of newe trades or their successors in any court of Record or in any other Court or courtes within this Realme or els where by Action of debt action of detinue bill plaint information or otherwise in which suite no essoine protection wager of lawe or iniunction shall be allowed for or on the behalfe of the partie or parties defendant Prouided alwayes that whereas diuers Subiects of this Realme being not of the fellowship aforesaid haue heretofore made aduentures to and from some of the places prohibited by the said letters patents that the said subiects their heires executors administrators and assignes or any of them shall not be impeached impleaded troubled sued nor molested for the same in their goods or persons in any maner of wise either by our saide souereigne Lady her heires or successors or the said fellowship or their successors Prouided also that it shall be lawfull for any subiect of this Realme hauing presently any shipping goods wares or ready money remayning at or in any place of or within the dominion of the said mighty prince of Russia or in any other of the places prohibited to be visited or traffiqued vnto by this statute or the said letters Patents to fetch bring and conuey the same or cause the same to be brought or conueyed from thence by sea or otherwise before the feast of S. Iohn Baptist which shal be in the yeere of our Lord God 1568. any thing conteined in this Statute or in the said letters Patents to the contraâ—y notwithstanding Prouided also that it shall be lawfull for any of the subiects of this Realme to saile to the port towne territorie or castle of Wardhouse or to any of the coastes townes hauens creekes riuers Islands and land of Norway for trade of fishing or any other trade there vsed by the subiects of this Realme any thing in this statute to the contrary notwithstanding And for the better maintenance of the Nauie and Mariners of this Realme be it prouided and inacted that it shall not be lawfull
granted vnto Iohn Cabot and his 3. sonnes Lewis Sebastian and Sancius for the discouery of new and vnknowen lands Anno 1495. pag. 4 The signed bill of K. Henry the 7. on the behalfe of Iohn Cabot pag. 5â— 6 A briefe extract concerning the discouery of Newfoundland pag. 10 The large pension granted by K. Edward the 6. to Sebastian Cabota constituting him Grand pilote of England Anno 1549. pag. 10 A discourse written by sir Humfrey Gilbert knight to proue a passage by the Northwest to Cataya and the East Indies pag. 11 Experiences and reasons of the Sphere to prooue all parts of the worlde habitable and thereby to â—onfute the position of the fiue Zones pag. 48 A letter of M. Martin Frobisher to certaine Englishmen which were trecherously taken by the Saluages of Meta incognita in his first voyage pag. 70 Articles and orders prescribed by M. Martin Frobisher to the Captaines and company of euery ship which accompanied him in his last Northwestern voyage pag. 75 A generall and briefe description of the country and condition of the people which are founde in Meta incognita pag. 93 The letters patents of her Maiesty graunted to M. Adrian Gilbert and others for the search and discouery of a Northwest passage to China pag. 96 A letter of M. I. Dauis to M. Wil. Sanderson of London concerning his second voyage p. 108 A letter of M. Iohn Dauis to M. Wil. Sanderson of London concerning his 3. voyage p. 114 A trauerse-booke of M. Iohn Dauis contayning all the principall notes and obseruations taken in his third and last voyage to the Northwest pag. 115 A report of M. Iohn Dauis concerning his three voyages made for the discouery of the Northwest passage taken out of a treatise of his intituled The worlds hydrographical description pag. 119 A testimony of Ortelius for the credit of the history of M. Nicolas M. Antonio Zeni p. 128. A catalogue of sundry voyages made to Newfoundland to the isles of Ramea and the isle of Assumption otherwise called Natiscotec as also to the coasts of Cape Briton and Arambec THe voyage of two ships whereof the one was called The Dominus vobiscum set out the 20 of May 1527 for the discouery of the North parts pag. 129 The voyage of M. Hore and diuers other gentlemen to Newfoundland and Cape Briton in the yere 1536. pag. 129 The voyage of Sir Humfrey Gilbert to Newfoundland An. 1583. pag. 143,165 The first discouery of the isle of Ramea made by for Monsieur de la court pre Rauillon grandpre with the ship called The Bonauenture to kill and make trane-oile of the beasts called The Morses with great teeth Anno 1591. pag. 189 The voyage of the ship called The Marigolde of M. Hill of Redriffe vnto Cape Briton and beyond to the latitude of 44 degrees and a halfe Anno 1593. pag. 191 The voyage of M. George Drake of Apsham to the isle of Ramea in the yere 1593. pag. 193 The voyage of The Grace of Bristoll vp into the gulfe of S. Laurence to the Northwest of Newfoundland as far as the isle of Assumption or Natiscotec Anno 1594. pag. 194 The voyage of M. Charles Leigh and diuers others to Cape Briton and the isle of Ramea 1597. pag. 195 The patents discourses letters aduertisements and other obseruations incident to the voyages vnto Newfoundland next before rehearsed An act against the exaction of money or any other thing by any officer for licence to traffique into Newfoundland and Iseland made Anno 2. Edwardi sexti pag. 131 A letter written to M. Richard Hakluyt of the Midle Temple contayning a report of the true state and commodities of Newfoundland by M. Antony Parkhurt 1578. pag. 133 The letters patents granted by her Maiestie to sir Humfrey Gilbert knight for inhabiting some part of America 1578. pag. 135 A learned and stately Poeme written in Latine Hexamiters by Stephanus Parmenius Budeius concerning the voyage of sir Humfrey Gilbert to Newfound-landâ— for the planting of an English colonie there containing also a briefe remembrance of certaine of our principal English captâ—ines by sea pag. 138 Orders agreed vpon by the Captaines and Masters to bee obserued by the fleete of sir Humfrey Gilbert pag. 147 A briefe relation of Newfound-land and the commodities thereof pag. 152 Reckonings of the Master and Masters mate of the Admirall of sir Humfrey Gilbert in their course from cape Rase to cape Briton and to the Isle of Sablon pag. 155 The maner how the sayd Admirall was lost pag. 156 A letter of the learned Hungarian Stephanus Parmenius Budeius to master Richard Hakluyt the collectour of these voyages pag. 161. 16â— A relation of Richard Clarke of Weymouth master of the ship called The Delight which went as Admirall of sir Humfrey Gilberts fleete for the discouerie of Norumbega 1583 written in excuse of the casting away the sayd ship and the men imputed to his ouersight pag. 163 A discourse of the necessitie and commoditie of planting English colonies vpon the North paâ—tes of America pag. 165 A letter of the right honourable sir Francis Walsingham to master Richard Hakluyt then of Christ-church in Oxford incouraging him in the studie of Cosmography and furthering of new discoueries 1582. pag. 181 A letter of the right honourable sir Francis Walsingham to master Thomas Aldworth marchant and at that time Mayor of the citie of Bristol concerning their aduenture in the Westerne discouerie 1582. pag. 182 A letter written from master Aldworth marchant and mayor of the citie of Bristol to the right honourable sir Francis Walsingham concerning a voyage intended for the discouerie of the coast of America lying to the Southwest of cape Briton 1583. pag. 182 A briefe and summarie discourse vpon a voyage intended to the hithermost parts of America written by master Christopher Carlile 1583. pag. 182 Articles set downe by the committies appointed on the behalfe of the company of the Moscouian marchants to conferre with master Carlile vpon his intended discouery of the hithermost partes of America pag. 188 A letter sent to the right honourable sir William Cecil Lord Burghley Lord high Treasurer of England c. from master Thomas Iames of Bristol concerning the discouerie of the Isle of Ramea 1591. pag. 19â— A briefe note of the Morse and of the vse thereof pag. 191 Certaine obseruations touching the countries and places where master Charles Leigh touched in his voyage to cape Briton and to the Isle of Ramea anno 1597. pag. 200 A catalogue of certaine voyages made for the discouery of the gulfe of Saint Laurence to the West of Newfound-land and from thence vp the riuer of Canada to Hochelaga Saguenay and other places THe first voyage of Iaques Cartier of Saint Malo to Newfound-land the gulfe of Saint Laurence and the Grand Bay Anno 1534. pag. 201 The second voyage of Iaques Cartier by the Grand bay vp the riuer of Canada to Hochelaga Anno 1535. pag. 212
assistance to the aforesayd Iohn and his sonnes and deputies and that as well in arming and furnishing their ships or vessels as in prouision of food and in buying of victuals for their money and all other things by them to be prouided necessary for the sayd nauigation they do giue them all their helpe and fauour In witnesse whereof we haue caused to be made these our Letters patents Witnesse our selfe at Westminster the fift day of March in the eleuenth yeere of our reigne Billa signata anno 13 Henrici septimi REx tertio die Februarij anno 13 licentiam de dit Ioanni Caboto quod ipse capere possit sex naues Anglicanas in aliquo portu siue portibus regni Angâ—iae ita quod sint deportagio 200. doliorum vel subtùs cum apparatu requisito quod recipere possit in dictas naues omnes tales magistros marinarios subditos regis qui cumeo exire voluerint c. The same in English THe king vpon the third day of February in the 13 yeere of his reigne gaue licence to Iohn Caboâ— to take sixe English ships in any hauen or hauens of the realme of England being of the burden of 200 tunnes or vnder with all necessary furniture and to take also into the said ships all such masters mariners and subiects of the king as willingly will go with him c. An extract taken out of the map of Sebastian Cabot cut by Clement Adams concerning his discouery of the West Indies which is to be seene in her Maiesties priuie gallerie at Westminster and in many other ancient merchants houses ANno Domini 1497 Ioannes Cabotus Venetus Sebastianus illius filius eam terram fecerunt peruiam quam nullus priùs adire ausus fuit die 24 Iunij circiter horam quintam bene manè Hanc autem appellauit Terram primùm visam credo quod ex mari in eam partem primùm oculos inieâ—erat Nam que ex aduerso sira est insula eam appellauit insulam Diui Ioannis hac opinor ratione quòd a perta fuit eo dieÌ„ qui est sacer Diuo Ioanni Baptistae Huius incolae pelles animalium exuuiásque feraâ—um pro indumentis habent easque tanti faciunt quanti nos vestes preciosissimas Cùm bellum gerunt vtuntur aâ—cu sagittis hastis spiculis clauis ligneis fundis Tellus sterilis est neque vllos fructus affert ex quo fit vt vrsis albo colore ceruis inusitatae apud nos magnitudinis referta sit piscibus abundar ijsque sane magnis quales sunt lupi marini quos salmones vulgus appellat soleae autem reperiuntur tam longae vt vlnae mensuram excedant Imprimis autem magna est copia eorum piscium quos vulgari sermone vocant Bacallaos Gignuntur in ea insula accipitres ita nigti vt coruorum similitudinem mirum in modum exprimant perdices autem aquilae sunt nigri coloris The same in English IN the yere of our Lord 1497 Iohn Câ—bot a Uenetian and his sonne Sebastian with an English fleet set out from Bristoll discouered that land which no man before that time had attempted on the 24 of Iune about fiue of the clockâ— early in the morning This land he called Prima vista that is to say First seene because as I suppose it was that part whereof they had the first sight from sea That Island which lieth out before the land he called the Island of S. Iohn vpon this occasion as I thinke because it was discouered vpon the day of Iohn the Baptist. The inhabitants of this Island vse to weare beasts skinnes and haue them in as great estimation as we haue our finest garments In their warres they vse bowes arrowes pikes darts woodden clubs and slings The saile is barren in some places yeeldeth litle fruit but it is full of white beares and stagges farre greater then ours It yeeldeth plenty of fish and those very great as seales and those which commonly we call salmons there are soles also aboue a yard in length but especially there is great abundance of that kinde of fish which the Sauages call baccalaos In the same Island also there bréed hauks but they are so blacke that they are very like to rauens as also their partridges and egles which are in like sort blacke A discourse of Sebastian Cabot touching his discouery of part of the West India out of England in the time of king Henry the seuenth vsed to Galeacius Butrigarius the Popes Legate in Spaine and reported by the sayd Legate in this sort DOe you not vnderstand sayd he speaking to certaine Gentlemen of Venice how to passe to India toward the Northwest as did of late a citizen of Venice so valiant a man and so well practised in all things pertaining to nauigations and the science of Cosmographie that at this present he hath not his like in Spaine insomuch that for his vertues he is preferred aboue all other pilots that saile to the West Indies who may not passe thither without his licence and is therefore called Piloto mayor that is the grand Pilot. And when we sayd that we knew him not he proceeded saying that being certaine yeres in the city of Siuil and desirous to haue some knowledge of the nauigations of the Spanyards it was tolde him that there was in the city a valiant man a Uenetian borne named Sebastian Cabot who had the charge of those things being an expert man in that science and one that coulde make Cardes for the Sea with his owne hand and that by this report seeking his acquaintance hee found him a very gentle person who intertained him friendly and shewed him many things and among other a large Mappe of the world with certaine particuler Nauigations as well of the Portugals as of the Spaniards and that he spake further vnto him to this effect When my father departed from Venice many yeeres since to dwell in England to follow the trade of marchandises hee tooke mee with him to the citie of London while I was very yong yet hauing neuerthelesse some knowledge of letters of humanitie and of the Sphere And when my father died in that time when newes were brought that Don Christopher Colonus Genuese had discouered the coasts of India whereof was great talke in all the Court of king Henry the 7. who then raigned insomuch that all men with great admiration affirmed it to be a thing more diuine then humane to saile by the West into the East where spices growe by a way that was neuer knowen before by this fame and report there increased in my heart a great flame of desire to attempt some notable thing And vnderstanding by reason of the Sphere that if I should saile by way of the Northwest I should by a shorter tract come into India I thereupon caused the King to be aduertised of my deuise who immediatly commanded two Caruels to bee furnished
of the Reader to the end it might most manifestly and at large appeare to all such as are not acquainted with the histories how the king of Portugall whose Countrey for popularity and number of people is scarce comparable to some three shires of England and the king of Spaine likewise whose natural Conntrey doth not greatly abound with people both which princes by means of their discoueries within lesse then 90. yeeres post haue as it appeareth both mightily and marueilously enlarged their territories and dominions through their owne industrie by the assistance of the omnipotent whose aid we shall not need to doubt seeing the cause and quarell which we take in hand tendeth to his honour and glory by the enlargement of the Christian faith To conclude since by Christian dutie we stand bound chiefly to further all such acts as do tend to the encreasing the true flock of Christ by reducing into the right way those lost sheepe which are yet astray And that we shall therein follow the example of our right vertuous predecessors of renowmed memorie and leaue vnto our posteritie a deuine memoriall of so godly an enterprise Let vs I say for the considerations alledged enter into iudgement with our selues whether this action may belong to vs or no the rather for that this voyage through the mighty assistance of the omnipotent God shall take our desired effect whereof there is no iust cause of doubt Then shal her Maiesties dominions be enlarged her highnesse antient titles iustly confirmed all odiâ—us idlenesse from this our Realme vtterly banished diuers decayed townes repaired and many poore and needy persons relieued and estates of such as now liue in want shall be embettered the ignorant and barbarous idolaters taught to know Christ the innocent defended from their bloodie tyrannicall neighbours the diabolicall custome of sacrificing humane creatures abolished All which no man doubteth are things gratefull in the sight of our Sauiour Christ and tending to the honour and glory of the Trinitie Bee of good cheere therefore for hee that cannot erre hath sayd That before the ende of the world his word shall bee preached to all nations Which good worke I trust is reserued for our nation to accomplish in these parts Wherefore my deere countreymen be not dismayed for the power of God is nothing diminished nor the loue that he hath to the preaching and planting of the Gospell any whit abated Shall wee then doubt he will be lesse ready most mightily and miraculously to assist our nation in this quarell which is chiefly and principally vndertaken for the enlargement of the Christian faith abroad and the banishment of idlenes at home then he was to Columbus Vasques Nunnes Hernando Cortes and Francis Pizaâ—ro in the West and Vasques de Gama Peter Aluares Alonso de Albuquerque in the East Let vs therefore with cheerefull minds and couragious hearts giue the attempt and leaue the sequell to almightie God for if he be on our part what forceth it who bee against vs Thus leauing the correction and reformation vnto the gentle Reader whatsoeuer is in this treatise too much or too little otherwise vnperfect I take leaue and so end A letter of Sir Francis VValsingham to M. Richard Hakluyt then of Christchurch in Oxford incouraging him in the study of Cosmographie and of furthering new discoueries c. I Understand aswel by a letter I long since receiued from the Maior of Bristoll as by conference with sir George Peknam that you haue endeuoured giuen much light for the discouery of the Westerne partes yet vnknowen as your studie in these things is very coÌ„mendable so I thanke you much for the same wishing you do continue your trauell in these and like matters which are like to turne not only to your owne good in priuate but to the publike benefite of this Realme And so I bid you farewell From the Court the 11. of March 1582. Your louing Friend FRANCIS WALSINGHAM A letter of Sir Francis VValsingham to Master Thomas Aldworth merchant and at that time Maior of the Citie of Bristoll concerning their aduenture in the Westerne discouerie AFter my heartie commendations I haue for certaine causes deferred the answere of your letter of Nouember last till now which I hope commeth all in good time Your good inclination to the Westerne discouerie I cannot but much commend And for that sir Humfrey Gilbert as you haue heard long since hath bene preparing into those parts being readie to imbarke within these 10. dayes who needeth some further supply of shipping then yet he hath I am of opinion that you shall do well if the ship or 2. barkes you write of be put in a readinesse to goe alongst with him or so soone after as you may I hope this trauell wil proue profitable to the Aduenturers and generally beneficiall to the whole realme herein I pray you conferre with these bearers M. Richard Hackluyt and M. Thomas Steuenton to whome I referre you And so bid you heartily farewell Richmond the 11. of March 1582. Your louing Friend FRANCIS WALSINGHAM A letter written from M. Thomas Aldworth merchant and Maior of the Citie of Bristoll to the right honourable Sir Francis Walsingham principall Secretary to her Maiestie concerning a Westerne voyage intended for the discouery of the coast of America lying to the Southwest of Cape Briton RIght honourable vpon the â—eceit of your letters directed vnto me and deliuered by the bearers hereof M. Richard Hakluyt and M. Steuenton bearing date the 11. of March I presently conferred with my friends in priuate whom I know most affectionate to this godly enterprise especially with M. William Salterne deputie of our company of merchants whereupon my selfe being as then sicke with as conuenient speede as he could hee caused an assembly of the merchants to be gathered where after dutifull mention of your honourable disposition for the benefite of this citie he by my appointment caused your letters being directed vnto me piruatly to be read in publike and after some good light giuen by M. Hakluyt vnto them that were ignorant of the Countrey and enterpriseâ— and were desirous to be resolued the motion grew generally so well to be liked that there was eftsoones set downe by mens owne hands then present apparently knowen by their own speach and very willing offer the summe of 1000. markes and vpward which summe if it should not suffice we doubt not but otherwise to furnish out for this Westerne discouery a ship of threescore and a barke of 40. tunne to bee left in the countrey vnder the direction and gouernment of your sonne in law M. Carlilâ— of whom we haue heard much good if it shall stand with your honors good liking and his acceptation In one of which barks we are also willing to haue M. Steuenton your honours messenger and one well knowen to vs as captains And here in humble maner desiring your honour to vouchsafe vs of your further direction by a generall
The castle of Nangoia was enuironed with a double wall of square and beautifull stone with broad and deepe ditches like vnto Miacó The innermost wall being lesse then the other two was 100 fathom square within the compasse whereof wer so many houses built both for the lordes and their followers and also for marchants shoppes and victualers houses distinguished with broad and direct streetes that it seemed a faire towne But that which was much more admirable all the way from Miacó to Nangoia at the ende of euery dayes iourney all the lords and gouernours at the commandement of Quabacondono built each one within his iurisdiction new and stately palaces from the ground so that for 20 dayes together he lodged euery night with all his traine in one of those palaces And because these things were done at the very same time when the expedition into the kingdome of Coray was in hand all Iapan was so grieuously oppressed Quabacondono in the meane while being at no charges as it was most intollerable Yet is it incredible how ready euery one is to do him seruice which appeareth by these magnificent stately buildings reared vp in so short a space which in Europe would haue required a long time and huge expences In the meane season it was commonly giuen out that this enterprize of Quabacondono would haue most vnfortunate successe as being a matter wrought by constraint and that it would be an occasion of manifold dissentioâ—s in Iapan for no man there was but miâ—liked of this warre yea all the lordes were in great hope that some one man at length would step foorth and restore their libertie howbeit there is none as yet found which dare put his had to that businesse Wherefore they were all though to their great griefe and lamentation violently constrained to prosecute the enterprize But Quabacondono being voyde of all anxiety to the ende hee might encourage his followers boasted that hee would make great alterations of kingdomes and would bestow vpon them the kingdoms of Coray and China and vnto the lord Protasius hee hath promised 3 kingdomes but he with all the other lords giuing him great thankes had much rather retaine a smal portion of their estate in Iapan then to hunt after all those kingdomes which he promiseth And whereas Quabacondono had by proclamation published that he would personally be present at Nangoia the 3 moone of this yeere troups and armies of men began to resort from all the quarters of Iapan to these parts Now were our afflictions renewed For so long as Quabacondono remained at Miacó we might stay in these parts of Ximo without any danger but after he began to come this way it seemed impossible for our state to continue whole and sound and we were put into no small perplexitie For the Christian lordes aduised vs that sithence Quabacondono was come so neere all our companie that liued in the Colledge in the house of Probation and in the Seminary should depart to some other place And the Christians from Miacó writ dayly vnto vs that wee shoulde pull downe our houses and Churches at Omura Arima and Cansaco and that the fathers of Europe should return vnto Nangasaque in the secular habite of Portugals but that the Iaponian Fryers should retire themselues vnto seueral houses of Christians that so they might al remaine safe and out of danger But this remedy as it was too grieuous and subiect to may difficulties so did it afford vs but small comfort In brief the Father visitor talking of this matter with Eucunocamindono the lord Protasius and Omurandono before their expedition toward the kingdom of Coray found them as before in the same fortitude of minde being constant in their first opinion neither would they giue any other counsel or direction then that the fathers should keepe themselues secret and should only forsake their houses at Arima and Omura wherein the Toni or great lordes would haue some of their kinsemen remaine It was also thought conuenient that the number of the Seminary should bee diminished and that of 90 there should onely remaine 50 in our scholes namely such as studied the Latine tongue With the Father Visitour there came vnto Nangasaque certaine Fathers and Friers which were said to be of Fungo and Firando For the sayde Father vnder the name of a Legate might retaine them with him more openly About this time Quabacondono that hee might with some pastime recreate his Nobles which accompanied him and also might declare with how great confidence and securitie of minde hee tooke vpon him this expedition for China and likewise to obscure the most renowmed fame of a certaine hunting and hawking performed of olde by that mightie Prince Ioritono who was Emperour ouer all Iapan hee determined to ordaine as it were another royall court of diuers kindes of fowle Whereupon beeing accompanied with many great lordes and others hee departed to the kingdome of Oiaren where his game had so good successe that hee caught aboue 30000. fowles of all sortes amongst which were many falcons Howbeit for Quabacondono his greate recreation and for the more solemnitie of the game there were also added many dead fowles which the Iaponians with certaine poulders or compositions know how to preserue sweete in their feathers a long time This game beeing ended Quabacondono returned with great pompe vnto Miacó before whom went great multitudes which carried those thousandes of fowles vpon guilded canes Next after these followed many horsemen sumptuously attired carying a great number of Falcons and other birdes After them were lead many horses by the reines most richly trapped Next of all were brought Coscis or Littiers very stately adorned after which was carryed Quabacondono himselfe in a Littier of another fashion like vnto those which in India are called Palanchins which was made in China with most curious and singular workemanship and was presented vnto him by the Father Visitour and seemeth exceedingly to content him for that in all actions of solemnitie hee vseth the same Last of all followed a great troope of Princes and Nobles brauely mounted on horsebacke and gorgeously attired thereby the more to delight Quabacondono who in triumphant sort beeing welcomed by the way with the shoute and applause of infinite swarmes of people entred the citie of Miacó Now when the time of sayling towardes China approched Quabacondono determined first to proclayme his nephew Inangondono his successour and gouernour of all Iapan to the ende hee might supply his owne roome in the time of this warre And therefore he commanded the Dairi to transferre vnto his sayd nephew the dignitie belonging to himselfe calling him by the name of Taicusama that is to say Great lord Which dignitie was in such sort translated that albeit he assigned vnto his nephew large reuenues together with that princely title yet himselfe remained the very same that he was before The day of the sayd translation being appointed hee summoned all the