the two famous Rivers Gambea or rather Rio Grande and Zanaga so called by the Portugueses from a Prince of that Name whom they spoke with when they discovered it it has other names in the several Countries it runs through and makes many Islands most as being uncooth inhabited only by Wild Beasts It is navigable 150 Leagues up where a ridge of perpendicular Rocks crosses it in such manner that the Water falling down forms an Arch under which Travellers pass dry and pleasant to behold but makes a hideous noise with the fall The Gambea or Rio Grande runs 180 Leagues and carries more Water it is not all Navigable but runs with less noise though filled with many Rivers that water the Country Mandinga Both these Rivers flow out of the famous Niger and may as well be esteemed but so many Mouths thereof There is great variety of Fish in these Rivers and several other Creatures along them as Horses Crocodiles and Serpents with Wings the other Beasts that abound are Elephants Ounces Wild Boars and a many more Great are the numbers of them and wonderful their variety and different forms The Waters of the two Rivers mixt cause Vomiting yet each asunder does not In this part is that great Cape called Cabo Verde by Ptolome C. Assinarium in about 14 degrees of North Latitude The Country runs 170 Leagues Eastward is most fruitful and has many populous Cities To Tombotu the Mart of Mandingo Gold resort the Merchants of Grand Cair Tunez Oran Tremisen Fez Morocco and other places This trade moved King Iohn to build the Fort on the River Zanaga The 20 Caravels were commanded by Peter Vaz de Cunna who landing with D. Iohn Bemoi the King and beginning to raise the Fort in the place assigned either suspecting that he deceived him or fearing to die in that Country basely killed the King endeavouring with that Foul Crime to hide another not so hainous which was to return without finishing the Work and in fine he came back without any effect 9. The Congo Embassador being well instructed in the Faith was sent home with three Ships Sono was the first Land they made and arrived safe at Congo They were joyfully received by an Old Lord called Manisono Uncle to that King who desired to be baptized An Altar was erected in the Field and he was admitted to this Sacrament by the name of Manuel and his Son by that of Antony in the presence of 25000 of their People this being the first time that Sacrament was there administred The King of Congo Nephew to this Lord hearing what he had done added to his Estate and caused all the Idols within his Dominions to be destroyed The King made his residence at Ambasse Congo 50 Leagues distant where he received Ruy de Sousa the Portugal Commander on an Ivory Chair placed on a Lofty Throne From the Waste upwards he was naked the lower part wrapt in Sky-colour Damask on the Left Arm a Bracelet of Brass from his Shoulder hung a curious Horse-tail a Royal Badge among them on his Head a thing like a Miter of a delicate Webb made of Palm which resembles wrought Velvet After the Ceremonies he desired to see the Holy Vestments He viewed them with deliberation and respect in presence of his Queen Children and the Chief of the Court. Then he gave leave to build a Church which was done in few days of the invocation of the Holy Cross because begun the day of that Feast in May. In this Church was baptized the King and some of his People there being above 100000 present as well for that they flocked to see the Novelty as because they were preparing for a Neighbouring War The King was called Iohn and the Queen Ellenor in honour of our Sovereigns Afterwards were baptized the greatest part of those had flocked thither The New Christian King went to meet his Enemy relying more on his Conversion and the Cross in the Colours he had received from Ruy de Sousa than in 80000 men he had in Arms nor were his hopes vain he returned with Victory and Ruy de Sousa to Portugal with the honour of having compleated one of the most famous undertakings of this Crown leaving in that Kingdom People capable to labour the New Vineyard 10. Afterwards was baptized the Prince who had been absent in the Wars and called Alfonso Panso Aquitimo the King 's Second Son would not receive the Faith and the Father falling off because as a Christian he could be allowed but one Wife resolved to leave the Crown to the Heathen Aquitimo in wrong of the Prince who continued constant in the Faith Alfonso was abroad in banishment when his Father died but returning to Court was received as King Aquitimo having recourse to the Sword fell upon him when he had but thirty seven Christians as well-Portugueses as Blacks yet under the Banner of the Cross Alfonso overcame a vast multitude of Infidels Aquitimo being taken and then slain A Gentleman that accompanied Aquitimo desired to be baptized immediately declaring they had been overcome by a Glorious Army that was lead by a Cross and not by the thirty seven Christians Alfonso established in peace destroyed all Idols and propagated the Faith with great zeal He sent his Sons Grandsons and Nephews to Portugal to study Two of them were worthily afterwards Bishops in those parts In memory of that Victory and of the first Colours sent this King as also that the Faith was first planted on the day of the invention of the Cross he took for his Arms Gules a Cross Fleury Argent between two Crosses Pattee charged with the Arms of Portugal 11. The beginning of the Year 1493 came into the River of Lisbon Christopher Columbus who brought from an Island guessed to be that of Sipango some Men Gold and great tokens of Riches This Great Man some time before had offered his service to King Iohn who having slighted him then looked on him now with some regret and he provoked him with some extravagant words in revenge of the small regard made of him There were some who offered to kill him as well to punish his Boldness as to conceal from Spain his Discoveries But the King sent him away with honour Columbus was a Genoese and learned Navigation in Portugal he was employed by the King of Spain and he had sent him to the Discovery he now came from King Iohn did not envy the Fortune of Spain but feared that Discovery was part of what the Portugueses had been so long in quest of This caused him to fit out a Fleet commanded by D. Francisco de Almeyda in order to oppose those proceedings judging he had right on his side but it proved not so Several Embassies passed on both sides to agree the business and at last came to a conclusion 12. Though Prince Bemoi was dead the hopes of making a farther progress in that Country about Zanaga died not with him
Weather and one lost but the men saved He entred that Port and saluted as usual but was not answered whereupon he complained to the King He at first framed excuses and avoided coming to a Conference though Don Francisco attended in the place appointed which set him upon studying revenge After a Council held it was resolved to erect a Fort in that place as was desired by King Emanuel Having promised some description of all such places as we took possession of it will be fit to insert here that of the Country City and Fort of Quiloa 4. From Cape Guardafu the most Western point of Africk to Mocambique are 550 Leagues a hollow Coast like a Bow when bent From Cape Mozambique to Cape Corrientes 170 Leagues thence to the Cape of Good Hope 340 Leagues hence the Coast runs bowing to the Westward as far as the Borders of the Kingdom of Congo but by reason of its great length appears to the Eye to run strait to the Northward Drawing a Line from the Southern borders of Congo cross the Continent Eastward there remains to the Southward that great portion of Africk to which the Barbarous Inhabitants have given no name but was called by the Persians Caffaria and the Inhabitants Cafres which signifies a Rude People without Law or Government and our late Geographers call it Ethiopia Inferior Above this on the East runs for above 200 Leagues that Coast which we call Zanguebar but the Arabians and Persians give this name to all the Coast as far as the Cape of Good Hope Above Zanguebar as far as Point Guardafu and Mouth of the Red Sea is that which the Arabs call Aiam or Aiana inhabited by the same Arabs and the Inland by Heathen Blacks Most of this Coast is very low and subject to inundations covered with impenetrable Woods which made it excessive hot and unhealthy The Natives are black of curled Hair Idolaters so gi-given to Superstition that upon frivolous motives they give over the most important Designs as it hapned to the King of Quiloa at this time who because a Black Cat crossed him at his coming out failed of meeting Don Francisco de Almeyda The Cattle Fruit and Grain is answerable to the wildness of the Country The Moors who inhabit the Coast and adjacent Islands are little given to Tilling and feed upon Wild Beasts and some loathsom things those who live in the Inland and have commerce with the Barbarous Cafres make use of some Milk Nature has stored the Country with much Gold that those People might inhabit it and our Covetousness though at such distance find them out It was Covetousness that first drew thither the Arabs called Emozaydii that is subjects of Zayde who built two considerable Towns only sufficient to secure them against the Cafres These continued so till great numbers of other Arabs who were Neighbourers of the City Laçab 40 Leagues from the Island Baharem in the Persian Gulph came over thither whose first Plantation was Magadoxa and after Brava the former became the Metropolis The first Arabs separated from these and mixing with the Cafres were called Baduiis The first that had the Trade of the Mine of Zofala were those of Magadoxa who discovered it accidentally Thence they spread themselves but never durst pass Cape Corrientes a Point opposite to the Westermost part of the Island Madagascar or St. Laurence and takes its name from the violent Current of Water which often endangers Ships there But along these Coasts they possessed themselves of Quiloa Monbaça Melinde the Isles of Pemba Zanzibar Monfia Comoro and others Quiloa was the chief of all their Plantations and thence many were spread particularly on the Coast of Madagascar The Sea by degrees wearing away both sides made Quiloa an Island It bears many Palm and Thorn-trees and divers Herbs and Plants Cattle Wild Beasts and Birds much after the same manner as Spain the Buildings also after our manner flat at the Top with Gardens and Orchards behind On one side is the Royal Palace built in the manner of a Fort the Gate to the Sea opposite to the Anchoring place where ours at that time were 5. Don Francisco de Almeyda having resolved to land was the first that touched the Shoar with 500 men He and his Son Laurence at the same time attacked the City in two places Our men had enough to do to cover themselves with their Shields from the showers of Arrows that flew yet they advanced but finding the greatest damage they received was from the tops of the Houses they entred and gained some of them and thereby so much advantage that the King fled and set up in the Field Portugues Colours which stopt the Current of the Conquerors till he had got over to the Continent with his Wives and Riches The City was plundered and not one man lost in this Action though a considerable number of the Enemies was killed 6. Mir Abraham now overcome was but an Usurper but the 44th Possessor of that Island of which number many were Tyrants like him A Kinsman of this Abraham called Mahomet Anconii had been very faithful and serviceable to the Portugueses to requite him Don Francisco ordered when the City was plundered that nothing appertaining to him should be touched And after all was setled sent for and declared him King of that place putting a Crown of Gold upon his Head with much Pomp and Ceremony It was a wonderful act of Moderation in this Barbarian that as soon as the Crown was on his Head he declared that had the lawful King Alfudail murdered by the late Usurper been living he would have resigned that Crown to him but since he could not do it he desired the Son of the said Alfudail might be sworn hereditary Prince though he himself had Children for whom he might covet that Inheritance This Example in a Heathen might confound the inhuman insolence and barbarity in Christians at least those who pretend to the name who wade through Seas of Blood â—…end the most Sacred Bonds of Consanguinity and Alliance spoil Provinces oppress the Good exalt the Wicked make Honesty Treason and Perjury Duty and Religion a property to work their ambitious cursed ends to wit to snatch Scepters and Crowns from the Hands and Heads where the Eternal Providence has most worthily placed them 7. All things being again setled Don Francisco in twenty days raised a Fort the Gentlemen Captains and he himself working at it He put into it 550 men and left a Caravel and a Brigantine to cruise there The 8th of August he set sail for Mombaça and arrived there with 13 Sail. The City Mombaça is seated in an Island which is about 14 Leagues in circumference it is beautiful and strong before it is a large Bay capable of many Ships Before he entred two Vessels were sent to sound the Bar which is commanded by a Platform with eight Pieces of Cannon which began to play upon them that were fadoming but they
two Galleys succeeded which took two of the Enemy having put all their men to the Sword Mean while the Cannon was furiously plaid on both sides Don Lorenzo seemed to have the upper-hand when Melique Az Lord of Diu came with a great number of small Vessels well manned to the assistance of Mir Hozem Don Lorenço sent two Galleys and three Caravels to hinder the approach of that Relief They executed it so effectually they obliged him to fly to another place for shelter and the Fight continued till Night parted them each striving to conceal his loss from the other The Portugues Captains met in Council the Result that it was a rashness to persist in that enterprize Melique Az being so near with that powerful assistance that it was convenient to take the open Sea either in order to escape or to fight with less disadvantage Don Lorenço remembring the anger of his Father for not fighting the Fleet of Calicut in the River Dabul and fearing his retreat might be termed a fearful flight resolutely expected the Morning only making some motion to save the Ships of Cochin that were in great danger Melique Az imagining this motion was in order fly lanched out from his retreat not at all daunted to see many of his Vessels torn in pieces by our Cannon and Charges briskly then Don Lorenço's Ship running foul of some Stakes that were drove in the River made so much water there was no preventing her sinking though Don Lorenço laboured indefatigably till a Ball broke his Thigh and ordering himself to be set against the Main Mast where he stood encouraging his men till another Ball broke his Back The Body was thrown under Deck and followed down by Laurence Freyre Gato his Page who bewailed him with Tears of Blood as well as Water being shot through the Eye with an Arrow After a vigorous resistance the Moors entred the Ship and found the Page by his Masters Body who rising to defend it killed as many as covered it and then died upon them The Ship sunk at last Of above 100 men that were with Don Lorenço only 19 escaped in all the Ships were lost 140 of the Enemy 600. 9. The other Captains got to Cochin where the Viceroy was with the News of his Sons death which he received with a wonderful resolution The numbers of men slain and taken being yet doubtful he endeavoured by all means to get some intelligence and at that time received a Letter from Melique Az. This Man born in Slavery and descended of the Heretick Christians of Roxia rose by degrees to that height wherein he was then placed The Principal Action that advanced him was that a Kite flying over the King of Cambaya dunged upon his Head whereat in a Passion he said I would give all I am worth that Bird were killed Melique Az who was a most expert Archer no sooner heard this but he let fly an Arrow which brought down the Kite The King rewarded this Action so bountifully that Melique Az came to be made Lord of Diu a most Famous City which being seated on a triangular Peninsula joyned to the Continent by a very smal Istmus is commonly reputed an Island This man endeavoured politickly to secure himself at one time both with the King of Cambaya and the Portugueses whose Power he feared and hated for the damage they brought to the Trade of Din. And to this effect he assisted Mir Hozem sent the 19 Prisoners to the King of Cambaya and writ to the Viceroy condoling the death of his Son extolling his Bravery and offering to ransom the Prisoners Thus he endeavoured to appease the Wrath he knew he had provoked by assisting Mir Hozem which was the Cause of all our Loss CHAP. III. Conquests under King Emanuel the Year 1508 and 1509. A continuation of the Government of the Viceroy Don Francisco de Ameyda and Exploits of Alfonso de Albuquerque 1. THIS same year 1508 about the beginning of April sailed from Lisbon 17 Ships which being all separated by bad Weather at length met at Mozambique except one that was cast away on the Islands of Tristan de Cunna these Ships with those of the foregoing year came together to India and added Courage to our People to resist their Enemies The King ordered that Don Francisco de Almeyda should resign the Government to Alfonso de Albuquerque and return home in one of the Trading Ships But he suspended the execution of this Order because already engaged in taking revenge of Mir Hozem Albuquerque pressed him to obey the Order Don Francisco excused himself saying the Ships were gone and that he had in hand that enterprize upon the Rumes or Turks who had killed his Son The other answered there were more Ships ready to sail and he would undertake to drive the Turks out of India Almeyda replied that he had taken up the Sword and had never resigned it to another to revenge his Wrongs Albuquerque offended hereat went to Cochin and this was the beginning of some mens protracting the time of their Command and others pressing them to quit wherein these two Illustrious Men discovered much of Human Frailty 2. Precedent to this were the Actions of Albuquerque at Ormuz and Zocotora where he wintered and relieved the Portugues who were there oppressed by Famine To this effect he went himself with his Ship to Cape Guardafu and sent Francis de Tavorâ—… towards Melinde and two Vessels to Cape Fum to make prize of some Ships for their Provisions they all found what they sought and so put a stop to the growing Evil. He then resolved for Ormuz though too weak to effect what he intended yet at least to sound the designs of that King and his Friend Coje Atar By the way he resolved to be revenged on Calayate for injuries done to some Portugueses This Town is seated beyond Cape Siagro called also Cape Rosalgate at the Mouth of the Persian Gulf. On the Back of it is a Mountain which has only some Passes that open a Communication to the Neighbouring Country One of these Passes is just opposite to the Town through which is managed most of the Trade of that Province of the Arabs call Ayaman because as they say first inhabited by Name which signifies Plenty or Abundance a Son of Lot and this Land is full of Populous Cities Fruitful and of great Trade Albuquerque no sooner arrived but he landed and entred the Town some of the Inhabitants flying to the Mountains and others being slain in the Streets Albuquerque staid there three Nights upon one of which 1000 Moors entred the Town by surprize and did much hurt but our men gathering killed many put the rest to flight and burnt all the place They got great quantity of Provisions which was most of the Booty and arrived at Ormuz the 13th of September Alfonso de Albuquerque presently advertised the King and Coje Atar of his arrival and they answered that as for the Tribute of 15000
hindred the Lord from visiting him These Lucky beginnings moved Gama to attempt entring the Harbour but meeting some danger he Anchored above the Town which lies in 14 Degrees and half of South Latitude and is encompassed by the Sea the Land about it is low and unhealthy the Houses of Hurdles that of the Lord and the Mosque of Mud Walls the Inhabitants were Strangers and Moors this being between Quiloa which lies above and the Mine of Zofala below it This place was ever much accounted of by our Seamen being a most secure place to Winter in The Natives of the Continent are Black Here came aboard Gama three Ethiopians who as soon as they spied St. Gabriel painted on the Poop sell on their Knees as those who had always preserved Christianity which was preached among thâ—…m in the Primitive times though now with some corruption Vasco de Gama sent other Presents to the Lord and they concluded a Peace which was confirmed on our part by erecting a Cross there by the name of Sâ—… George But the Barbarians having deâ—…lly concluded this Agreement our Men going for Wood fourteen Boats fell upon them pouring in abundance of Arrows but being answered by our Cross-Bows and Guns they never offered to molest us a second time They sailed hence the 11th of March with one Morish Pilot he had hired two but the other fled Bad Weather obliged him to come to an Anchor again at St. Georges Island He took in Water by force of Arms the Blacks opposing it And they encreasing to 2000 he fired some Cannon which killing some the other with the fright fled to the Continent leaving many in our hands 5. The Xeque or Governour at first refused a Pilot he they had being fled but fearing it might be revenged sent another so wicked that he run the Ships among some Islands which were called del Acotado because the Pilot was there severely whipped for this fault This punishment instead of amendment provoked him to another fraud He persuaded Gama to take the Port of Quiloa by telling him there were Christians there but believing our Ships might be destroyed The Currents drove the Ships off and they came to an Anchor at the City Monbaza which is an Island made by a River that falls into the Sea by two Mouths The Buildings like those of Spain the Inhabitants all Moors without any mixture of Christians as the Pilot affirmed Our Commander sent a Present to the King and he deceitfully offered a kind reception This inclined Gama to enter the Port but it being God's Will to deliver him the Ships fell off and our Seamen making some extraordinary cry to bring them about some Moors who were aboard thought they were discovered taking this for a signal of Battle they all leaped overboard which undeceived the Commander who sailing on and chasing two Boats he took one with 13 Moors By them he was informed that not far off was the City Melinde and there several Vessels from India 6. Melinde is seated on the plainest of a Rocky Coast encompassed with Orchards Palm-trees and Woods of Fruit-trees the Buildings great and sightly the Country as well stored with Cattle as Fruit the Natives Pagans of Colour Swarthy of Body Strong the Women are counted beautiful from the Waste downwards they wear Silks and Cottons on the Head Veils with Gold-Laces Most of the Merchants who trade here are of Guzarat who in return of their Spice carry Gold Ivory Amber and Wax The King is a Mahometan and is served with State and Splendor Gama gave him an account of his Voyage by a Souldier and how he stood in need of a Pilot. Some Presents and Complements having passed between them they met on the Sea where the King was pleased above all with thâ—… gift of the 13 Moors not long before taken The Portugues feared the Moors kindness was deceitful but it proved otherwise for the effect of this interview was a lasting Peace faithfully observed by the Portugueses and Moors Here Gama discoursed with some Merchants of Cambaya who aboard his Ship were seen to worship an Image of our Lady which shewed there were yet among them some foot-steps of the Preaching of St. Thomas the Apostle He carried with him Melemo Cana of Guzarat finding him so expert in Navigation that being shewn an Astrolabe he took little notice of it as one who was used to more considerable Instruments With this Able Pilot Gama set forwards having first erected a Cross which he called of the Holy Ghost and crossing that great Gulph of 700 Leagues in twenty two days anchored 2 Leagues below Calecut 7. Whilst our Discoverers rejoice at their arrival in India let us give a general description of it referring the particulars to the arrival of our Ships in those parts The Region properly called India is that which lies between the two noble Rivers Indus or the West and Ganges on the East Of the first it takes Name as does the most Ancient Kingdom of Delhi the best and most powerful of this Country Hence the Persians call it Indostan On the South it is all girt by the vast Ocean Encompassed by those Rivers it makes a sort of Peninsula almost in the form of a Lozenge or Rhombus of equal Sides but not equal Angles The two most distant opposite Angles lie North and South the latter is made by Cape Comori the other towards the Fountains of the Rivers which though distant in the Mountains called by Ptolomy Imao yet running down the Rivers come almost to meet The distance between these Angles in a streight Line is about 400 Leagues The other two opposite Angles which lie East and West and are distant 300 Leagues are formed by the Mouths of the Rivers They encompass as much Land on their two sides as does the Ocean on the other two Though all this Country be inhabited by Heathens and Mahometans yet they differ in their Opinions and Customs as they are divided into several Kingdoms as Multan Delli Cospetir Bengala Orixa Mando Chitor and Guzarat commonly called Cambaya The Kingdom of Decan is divided into many Sovereignties with Character of Kings with that of Pale divided between both That of Bisnagat to whom are subject many Petty Princes and all the Province of Malabar divided into small Territories some absolute some subject to those already named Had not Nature set Bounds to Human Ambition separating these Countries with vast Rivers Mountains Lakes Woods and Deserts inhabited by sundry and innumerable Wild Beasts they had all doubtless been under the Command of one Lord. The most remarkable Bounder of this vast Continent is a long Ridge of Hills which the Natives call Gate that is Mountains they run about 200 Leagues from North to South on both sides between the Sea and the Hill run two long but narrow Plains for about 80 Leagues that on the West is called Malabar on the shoar whereof is seated the City Calicut It was then inhabited by Pagans
detained by Order of the Governour and finding himself Prisoner left seven of the twelve he had brought as Hostages He complained but to no effect the faithful Moor Moncayde solliciting for him with all possible diligence Gama being abroad and finding no fair means could prevail to have his men restored having called a Council it was resolved to apply force accordingly he sent out after some Fishermen and took twenty of them Immediately he let fly his Sails making shew of departing that they might send to stay him And accordingly it succeeded for the King informed of the reason why his Subjects were taken ordered the seven Portugueses to be exchanged for them and sent the Answer for our King and excused the treachery of his People The fortunate Gama steers homeward the Moor Moncayde came voluntarily with him and some of the Prisoners by force who were not restor'd it being thought convenient to bring some to shew promising them they should return 11. As he was leaving the Sea of Calicut sixty Vessels full of Armed Men set upon and pressed him but the Cannon being well played they went off Sailing along in sight of Land he set up the Cross of St. Mary in an Island between Baranor and Baticale which thence took name with admiration of the Inhabitants This was the sixth and last he set up this Voyage they were St. Raphael in the River Bons Sinays St. George at Mozambique St. Stephen at Melinde and St. Gabriel at Calicut Whilst he was erecting the last Cross he writ a Letter to the Zamori or King of Calicut by the hand of Moncayde and sent it by a Fisherman of that place In this Letter he excuses himself for carrying away those Prisoners which he did not in satisfaction of the Merchandise taken from him but as an earnest that he would return with them when he had shewed them to his Prince and they informed him of the state of their Country and that in recompence he would bring a perfect account of Spain In this Voyage he discovered 1200 Leagues drawing a strait Line from the River del Infante found by Bartholomew Diaz to the Port of Calicut for in sailing it is much more Here he found the Island the People of Canara call Anchediva near the Continent it is small well shaded with Trees of a wholsom Air and has good Water Anche or Ange singnifies Five and Diva Islands there being so many but the Chief has carried the Name He was here careening his Ships taking water and some respite when a Pirat attacked him with eight small Vessels so linked and covered with Boughs that they looked like a small floating Island He was somewhat surprized at first sight but perceiving the danger that approached under those Leaves he attacked it and having put to flight seven took one Vessel The Name of this Pirat was Timoja we shall hear of him hereafter The Prince of Goa by means of a Jew endeavoured to draw Gama to his ruin the Jew from shoar making signs with a Cross who being taken aboard and put upon the Wrack confessed he was sent with an ill design and repenting was baptized and called Gaspar de Gama Some of the men died whilst they were sailing acroâ—…s the Great Gulph between India and the Coast of Melinde He Anchored in sight of the Town of Magadoxa which stands on an open Coast but is beautiful and strong Not far from thence came out against him eight Boats well manned but were soon repulsed He came to Melinde and was received by that King as a Friend Being again under sail the Ship St. Raphael struck and was lost leaving that Name to those Sands The men were saved by the other two Ships and they parted by a Storm near Cabo Verde Nicholas Câ—…ello arrived at Lisbon believing his Commander was there before him but he was burying his Brother Paul de Gama in the Island Tercera Soon after he came up the Tagus having been out two Years and almost two Months He carried out 160 men and returned only with 55. They were all rewarded by the King Vasco de Gama had the priviledge of being called Don annexed to his Family to his Arms was added part of the Kings he had the Title of Admiral of the Eastern Seas 3000 Ducats yearly and afterwards the Title of Count Vidigueyra Nicholas Coello was made a Fidalgo which is Noble and had a 100 Ducats a year 12. Prince Henry the First Author of thefe Discoveries had built a Chappel on the Banks of the River a League below Lisbon for the conveniency of Sailers In the same place now did King Emanuel erect a stately Church to the same intent and with the same name it had before to wit Our Lady of Bethlehem placing the Statue of the Prince over the Great Gate his own and the Queens over the lesser This is a Monastery of the Order of St. Hierom and for its security was built in the Water a strong Tower called St. Vincent not great but sightly CHAP. V. Conquests under King Emanuel from the Year 1500 till the Year 1502. 1. THere were Publick Thansgivings through the Kingdom for the good success of this Voyage to these succeeded Feasts and Joyful Entertainments And all mens expectation being raised with the glory of the Action and hope of ensuing Profit it was consulted how to prosecute what was begun and resolved that according to the disposition they had found in the People of those Countries there was more need of Force than Intreaty in order whereunto thirteen Vesses of several sizes were fitted and Peter Alvarez Cabral was named Admiral On the 8th of March the King delivered with his own hand to the Admiral the Flag of the Cross. The Shoar was covered with People who flocked to see the Fleet sail It contained 1200 Men 8 Franciscan Friers 8 Chaplains and a Chaplain Major The substance of their Instructions was to begin by Preaching and if that failed to proceed to the decision of the Sword 2. Twelve days the Fleet sailed with a fair Gale but at Cape Verde a Storm arose and one of the Vessels returned to Lisbon In 10 degrees of South Latitude they saw a Tawny People with lank Hair and flat Faces They fled from our Men till halting all together upon â—…n eminence they were spoke to in several Languages and by Signs but all in vain The Fleet passed on and Anchored upon Easter Eve in a Port they called Seguro or Safe because it proved so to them The People being affable our Men landed and set up an Altar under a Tree where there was Mass said and a Sermon preached to which those Heathens were present with wonderful attention The Admiral sent a Vessel to advertise the King of this discovery and erected a Cross on a great Tree calling the Country Santa Cruz or Holy Cross. He also left there two Portugueses to enquire into the Customs Language and Product of the Country This is that large
Guenga and falls into the Sea near the Mouth of Ganges between the Cities Angali and Pisolta in about 22 degrees of Latitude The River Bate has his Springs in the Mount Gate and falls into the Sea by Bombaim parting the Kingdoms of Guzarata and Decan From the City Cambaya to the Mouth of this River are 70 Leagues From Chaul South of it to the River Aliga the southern extent of Decan 75 Leagues with these Towns Bandor Dabul Debetele Cintapori Coropatan Banda Chapora and Goa our Metropolis and Archiepiscopal See in India The third district begins where Canara parts from Decan and ends in Cape Comori and contains above 140 Leagues From this River to Mount Delli is about 46 Leagues with these Towns Onor Baticale Barcalor Baranor and others of the Province Canara subject to the King of Bisnaga Below this to Cape Comori are 93 Leagues and is called Malabar divided into three Kingdoms which own no Superior The Kingdom of Cananor has 20 Leagues of the Coast in which are these Towns Cota Coulam Nilichilam Marabia â—…olepatam Cananor the Metropolis in the Latitude of 12 degrees Tremapatan Cheba Maim and Purepatan Here begins the Kingdom of Calicut and runs 27 Leagues and has these Towns Calicut the Metropolis in about 11 degrees 70 minutes of Latitude Coulete Chale Parangale and Tanor the head of a Kingdom subject to the Zamori or Emperour of Calicut and Chatua the last Bound of this Empire Next is the little Kingdom of Cranganor which borders on that of Cochin then that of Coulan and lastly Travancor subject to Narsinga Near Travancor is the Famous Cape Comori the southermost Inland of this Province of Indostan or India within Ganges and 7 degrees and half of North Latitude where ends the Coast of Malabar and the fourth of the nine districts I now divide the Coast of Asia into From Cape Comori in the West to Cape Cincapura in the East which is the Southermost Land of the Aurea Chersonesus or Malaca are 400 Leagues and within this interval is contained the great Bay of Bengala called by some Sinus Gangeticus because the River Ganges after watering the Country of Bengala falls into this Bay about the Latitude of 23 Degrees This River is wonderful for the abundance of water it carries and esteemed Holy by the Neighbouring People who imagining it conduces to their Salvation when given over are carried and die with their Feet in its water which brings the King a great Revenue for none must wash there without paying a certain Duty Though this River has many Mouths the two most remarkable are called Satigan to the West and Chatigan to the East near 100 Leagues distant from each other and here will end the fifth of the nine Districts This may be subdivided into three parts The first the Kingdom of Bisnaga contains 200 Leagues and these Towns Tarancurii Manapar Vaipar Trechendur Caligrande Charcacale Tucucurii Benbar Calicare Beadala Manancort and Cannameira whence takes name that Cape that stretches out there in 10 degrees of North Latitude then Negapatan Hahor Triminapatan Tragambar Trimenava Colororam Puducheira Calapate Connumeira Sadrapatan and Meliapor now called St. Thomas because that Apostles Body was found there From St. Thomas to Palicata are 9 Leagues then go on Chiricole Aremogan Caleturo Caleciro Pentipolii where ends the Kingdom of Bisnagur and begins that of Orixa the second part of this District and contains about 120 Leagues to Cape Palmeiras with these Towns Penacote Calingan Vizipatan Bimilepatan Narsingapatan Puacatan Caregare and others Here begins the third part which is the Kingdom of Bengala and extends above 100 Leagues The sixth District of the nine begins at the East Mouth of Ganges or Chatigan and ends at Cape Cincapura in little more than one degree of North Latitude This Coast contains about 380 Leagues to Cape Negraes in the Latitude of 16 degrees 100 Leagues and these Towns Sore Satatolu Arracam Metropolis of the Kingdom so called and Dunadiva upon the Point Hence to Tavay in the Latitude of 13 Degrees 16 Leagues This is the bounds of the Kingdom of Pegu. From Tavay to Cincapura 220 the chief Towns along this Coast are Martaban Lugor Tanacerin Lungar Pedam Queda Solongor and Malaca Head of the Kingdom At Cincapura begins the seventh District and ends at the great River of Siam which falls into the Sea in the Latitude of 14 Degrees and has its rise in the Lake Chiammay called by the Natives Menam that is source of waters upon this Coast are the Towns Pam Ponciam Calantaon Patane Ligor Cuii Perperii and Bamplacot on the Mouth of the River The eighth District contains these Kingdoms that of Cambodia through which runs the River Mecon whose Springs are in China that of Champa or Tsiompa whence comes the true Aloes on this borders the Kingdom of Cochinchina then that of China divided into fifteen Provinces or Governments each of which is a great Kingdom those on the Sea are Quantung Fokien Chekiang where ends the eighth District The ninth begins with the Province Nanking and continues that of Xantung and Pecheli running to the farthest discovered Land of the Coast of Tartary I shall speak of the Islands that lie along this tract as they are discovered but the Names of the chief are these the Maldivy Islands Ceylon Sumatra Iava Borneo Banda Timori Celebes the Moluccoes Mindanao Luconia and Iapan Thus much of the Coast of Asia let us now see by whom inhabited and what it produces 2. Though there be many and very different manners of Worship in Asia as well as sundry Nations the chief Religions there may be reduced to these four Heads the Christian Jewish Mahometan and Gentile The first two for the most part under the slavery of the latter With the two latter the Portugues waged War their Power is thus divided All that tract from the River Cintacora opposite to Anchediva towards the North and West is subject to Mahometans thence Eastward to Pagans except the Kingdom of Malaca part of Sumatra and some parts of Iava and the Molucco Islands held by the Moors In that tract which is governed by these are the following Sovereign Princes The Kings of Aden Xael and Fartaque who have many Ports of great Trade and their Subjects the Arabs are couragious and warlike Next the King of Ormuz greater than the other three together and then he of Cambaya equal to Xerxes Darius or Porus in grandeur and warlike power From Chaul to Cinâ—…atora belonged to Nizamaluco and Hidalcan two powerful Princes not inferiour to great Kings who maintained great Armies composed of sundry warlike Nations well armed The Moors of Sumatra Malaca and the Moluccoes were well disciplin'd and much better stor'd with Artillery than we that attacked them The Heathens were the Kings of Bisnagar Orixa Bengala Pegu Siam and China all but chiefly the last so Powerful it is not to be expressed and if related scarce credible Siam extends above
Inhabitants called them the Bearded People not but those People have Beards but theirs are short and thin ours then were at their full growth and some reached to the Waste By them the Captain was informed that River was formerly called Tauralachim that is Great Stock to express its Greatness it is deep for Eighty Leagues up to Moncalor then shallower and wide where is a Country for Eight days Journey Unpeopled by a multitude of Birds 40 years before the great Kingdom of the Chintaleuho's In the middle of it is the great Lake Cunabetee or Chiamay whence spring four great Rivers It is 180 Leagues in compass beset with Mines of Silver Copper Tin and Lead 8. Hence he directed his Course for the Island Hainan passed in sight of Champiloo in the Latitude of 13 Degrees and at the entrance of the Bay of Cochinchina Farther on he discovered the Promontory Pulocampas whence is seen the Point of Hainan Westward is a River up which Borrallo was sent in a small Vessel with 16 Men who discovered at least Two thousand Sail and a large Walled Town On their Return they saw a large Vessel at Anchor The Captain thinking it was Coja Hazem fell upon and took it But among the Prisoners he found an ancient Christian of Mount Sinai who told him it belonged to Quiay Tayjam a Pyrat who had killed above a Hundred Portugueses and now laid hid in the Fore-Castle with six or seven others who were all killed there In that Vessel were found 70000 Quintals or Hundred weight of Pepper much other Spice Ivory Tin Wax and Powder all valued at 60000 Crowns besides good Cannon Baggage and some Plate In the Hold were nine Children the biggest about nine years of Age loaded with Irons and starving with Hunger 9. Coasting along the Island Hainan he met some Fishers of Pearâ—… whom he used courteously They told him the Island belonged to the King of China Hence he went to the River Tanaâ—…quir where two great Vessels suddenly fell upon Faria both which after a long Dispute he took having killed 80 of their Men and lost 14 whereof one Portugues After a while they heard lamentable Cries in the Hold of one of those Vessels where they sound seventeen Prisoners two of them Portugueses One of which said those Vessels belonged to Necoda Xicaulem who after turning Christian at Malaca and marrying a Portugues had killed her and many more of her Country His Body being found was cut in pieces The Booty was valued at 50000 Crowns One of the Vessels was burnt for want of Men to sail it in both were seventeen Brass Guns most of them with the Arms of Portugal 10. He Anchored forty Leagues farther at C. Tilaumere where came up with our four Vessels four others in which was the Bride of a Noble young Man who had promised to meet her there with a like number of Ships and this mistake brought them to our Vessels Three of them were taken and in one of them the Bride Some Seamen were chose the rest set ashoar They came to Mutipinam and found it a most convenient place to sell their Prizes The Governour of the City somewhat obstructed the Sale so they were obliged to hasten it the Goods were paid for in Silver uncoyned and amounted to Two hundred thousand Crowns This was the beginning of the Year 1541. CHAP. VI. Continues the Exploits of Antony de Faria 1. ANtony de Faria sailed on in search of the Port of Madel in the Island Hainan and by the way took some Prizes Here he met Hinymilau a bold Pyrat and a great Enemy to Christians whom he delighted to put to cruel Deaths They had a bloody Fight with and at length took him He gave a bold Relation of the Cruelties he had exercised against the Portugueses and was therefore with four more immediately killed The Prize was valued at 70000 Ducats 2. This Action struck such a Terrour into many of those that were there in that River that they sent a Message to Faria offering him 30000 Crowns to take them into his Protection calling him King of those Seas and desiring of him Passes for their safe Trading therein He received the Mony and gave the Passes by only Writing of which in Twelve days time a Servant of his got 6000 Ducats The Governour of the City offered to make him Admiral of those Seas for the King of China with a Pension of 9000 Crowns if he would serve Such a Name had he already got in those parts 3. They run all along this Coast without any remarkable Occurrence only saw many though not large Towns and a very fruitful Country and were informed there were there Mines of Silver Tin Salt-Peter and Brimstone The Souldiers now weary of looking after the Pyrat Coja Hazem demanded their shares of the Prizes to be gone They agreed and directed their Course for the Kingdom of Siam By a furious Storm they were wrecked upon the Island De los Ladrones where of Five hundred Men only Eighty six got ashoar naked of these Twenty eight were Portugueses Here they were fifteen days almost without any thing to eat A Bird flying over them with a Fish dropt it and afterwards they saw many others that frighted at their Shouts let fall their Prey this and a Deer they found killed by a Tyger kept them awhile but some died with Want Being thus in despair because the Island was not Inhabited they discovered a small Vessel making to the shoar where they cast Anchor and presently Thirty Men landed some carried Wood and Water and others diverted themselves They were Chineses Our Men agreeing together upon a sign run furiously and possessed themselves of the Vessel and with the same swiftness put to Sea The Chineses were astonished at that unexpected Misfortune and our Men overjoyed finding in the Vessel good Provision and much Silk In the Barque they found only an Old man and a Child whose Father was left ashoar 4. Sailing for Liampo in Port Xamoy they took a Vessel of Chineses and went to the Island Luxitay where they stayed fifteen days went over to the great Vessel and Refitted the small one and then went on Upon the Coast of Lamau they discovered a great Vessel which as it came near began to fire Fifteen great Guns it carried but coming closer they discovered Crosses and Portugues Habits on both sides so they hailed each other and the Vessel appeared to belong to Quiay Panjau a Chinese and great Friend to the Portugueses whereof he had Thirty Souldiers aboard He came to Farias's Vessel and brought a present of Amber Pearls Gold and Silver worth Two thousand Ducats After other Discourse our Captain told him he was bound for Liampo to furnish himself with Necessaries in order to attempt the Mines of Quamjaparu where he was told he might get a Treasure Quiay Panjau offered to accompany him demanding for himself only the Third part of what should be taken which was agreed 5. At
and embracing her and she him they said many words not understood By the help of an Interpreter it was known that that Man was the Bridegroom who being abroad when the Bride was taken came to be a Slave with her rather than live without her And she said That since he by that demonstration of Love had made her happier than all the Chingala Women for they were of those People she esteemed her Slavery rather a Blessing than a Misfortune Sousa hearing hereof resolved not to part such real Lovers and taking hold of both their hands said God forbid two such Lovers for my private Interest should be made unhappy Love has sufficiently captivated you I freely give you your Liberties Then he ordered them to be set ashore but they two seeing his unexpected Bounty requited it by despising their Liberties and replied They only desired to be his and die in his Service They lived afterwards in Columbo where the Man on sundry occasions faithfully served the Portugueses 19. The Viceroy careful of the security of Columbo sent to the Relief of it Emanuel de Sousa Continno and D. Paul de Lima. Scarce did Raju see Sousa enter that Port after he had ruined all the Coast and the great City Chilao and was informed that D. Paul was coming some of his Ships being already in the Port but despairing of Success when the Bâ—…d least expected it he decamped and bâ—…gan to march away 20. Yet our Men not to suffer him to go quietly away fell upon his Rear and in several Skirmishes cut off many of his Men. During this Siege some say he lost 10000 Men others not above half the Number Many Towns Cities Villages and Ships were burnt and destroyed The Cannon Prisoners and other Booty taken were considerable This rendred Raju very contemptible in the Eyes of those Princes who waited the Success of his Undertakings On our side were killed 140 Men 30 of them Portugueseâ—… Of the Sickness before mentioned died 500. 21. D. Paul came the day after the Siege was raised Eight days were spent in levelling Raju's Works They repaired the Damage done to the Fort and furnished it with 600 Men and Ammunition 22. The Viceroy after receiving the joyful News of this Victory and honouring Emanuel de Sousa and D. Paul died of a violent Sickness in the beginning of May. He was little of Stature but Graceful Couragious Prudent in Counsel and of great Authority a good Latinist and Italian and so addicted to Poetry that he writ good Verses a lover of Justice and free from Avarice The Fault laid to his Charge is that he suffered himself to be governed by one less capable of Government than himself He was the 15th Viceroy and 32d Governour for the space of almost four Years the 2d of the Name and 5th of the Sâ—…name CHAP. VII The Government of Emanuel de Sousa Coutinno from the Year 1588 till 1590. 1. THE Viceroy being dead and Patents of Succession opened they first appointed Matthias de Albuquerque who was gone for Portugal the second Emanuel de Sousa Coutinno then present who took upon him the Government and was well qualified for it as being very brave and well experienced in the Affairs of India 2. Soon after arrived 5 Ships from Portugal D. Paul de Lima weary of the Toils of War and much more troubled that he was so ill rewarded resolved to return to Portugal 3. The Ships that were homeward bound being dispatched D. Paul imbarked in that called The St. Thomas whereof Stephen de Vega was Captain On the Coast of Natal she sprung aleak in the Stern and a Storm raging she could not be kept above Water though they threw over board all the Riches that was in her 4. The Boat being lanched all strove to perish in it because they would have it hold all that the Ship contained Several were killed upon this occasion and D. Paul standing on the side with his Sword drawn could no way prevent it At length those that the Boat could not contain returned to the Ship The Women were let down and almost drowned before they were taken in because it could not come to the Ship 's side Da. Ioanna de Mendoca going in to it left behind a Daughter but two Years old and calling for her afterwards could not get her because the Nurse would not let the Child go unless they would take her with it 5. The Boat was not far from the Ship when they saw it swallowed up by the Sea It was yet worse that being over-loaded with 120 Persons and there being no other Remedy left they were forced to throw some into the Sea who immediately sunk The Boat came to the Shore 6. Ninety eight Persons Men and Women landed several of them Gentlemen of Note their Wives and some Friers one of which after having confessed the People in the Ship would have stayed to die with them that he might be aiding to them in that last hour They marched in good order a Frier going before with a Crucifix on high The Women put themselves into Men's Habit after the Indian manner that their Coats might not be a hinderance to them in going 7. The Place where they landed by the Portugueses is called The Country of the Fumos by the Natives of the Macomates being inhabited by Cafres of this Name It is in the Latitude of 27 deg 20 min. beyond the River of Simon Dote 50 Leagues South of the Bay of Lorenzo Marquez All the Land of the Fumos belongs to the King of Viraâ—…gune and runs 30 Leagues up the Inland bordering on the South with the Country of Mocaâ—…apata the King whereof extends his Domiâ—…on to the upper part of the River St. Lucia in the Latitude of â—…8 deg 15 min. and to the Kingdom of Vambe that contains a great part of Terra del Natal From hence to the Cape of Good Hope there are no King but Ancozes or Lords of Villages Next the Kingdom of Viraâ—…gune is that of Innaca towards the N. E. to the Point of the Bay S. Laurence in 25 deg 45 min. of South Latitude and has two Islands opposite to it called Choambone and Sâ—…timuro the last not inhabited is the receptacle of the Portugueses that resort thither to buy Ivory About the Bay many great Rivers fall into the Sea as Beligane Mannica Spiritu Santo Vumo Anzate and Angomane At Vumo died D a Leonor and her Children and Emanuel de Sousa was lost Anzate runs along the edge of vast inaccessible Mountains covered with Herds of Elephants the People of a Gigantick Stature In the Latitude of 25 degrees the River De lâ—…s Reyes or Del Oro falls into the Sea West of which are the Kingdoms of 〈◊〉 and Mannuca From this place to Cape Corrientes the Sea makes a great Bay along which inhabit the Moeranges notable Thieves Opposite to the Point St. Sebastian are the Islands of Bazaruta and not far from it the Kingdom of Inâ—…abuze
Vidigueyra 1. THE Kingdom of Pegu before not very considerable was raised to be one of the greatest Empires in Asia by the King of Uva and Brama assisted by 1000 Portugueses under the Command of Antony Ferreyra de Braganca who served him as his natural Prince The Kingdom of Pegu properly so called borders on that of Arracam the Countries of the Brama's and Iungoma's on the West is bounded by they Sea of Bengala from the City Rei to that of Sidoa distant 90 Leagues from each other the breadth of the Kingdom is about the same and its true Name is Bagou 2. It is about 1000 Years since this Kingdom was first erected by a Seaman who was the first King then his Son who lived 80 Years next the Grandson called Tam these and all their Successors added to their Name the Title of Banna Caél Uca Talanna Inda Darar Mampla Ximindo the last who died the Year 1640 as was before related when Branginoco so far inlarged it by his Conquests that it extended to China and Tartary and was Sovereign of Twenty-four great Kingdoms beside Eighty Princes not inferior to Kings Thus it became the powerfullest Monarchy in Asia except that of China 3. This King for the Conquest of Martavam thirty Leagues distant from Pegu gathered 700000 Men and 1700 Ships The Siege lasted six Months in which died 160000 Men. The City being taken and the King killed 140000 Houses were burnt besides 1600 Temples in which were taken 60000 Idols most of Gold and precious Stones there were also taken 3000 Elephants 6000 Cannon and innumerable Prisoners The King's share of the Spoil was above 100 Millions of Gold 4. For the Conquest of Siam he led a greater Force possessed himself of the Kingdom and took the King and his two Sons called by reason of their different colour one the Black the other the White He was content to leave that King in Possession of the Crown as his Vassal having himself been till then his Subject carrying away his two Sons as Hostages 5. Branginoco returning Victorious to Pegu entred the City in Triumph many Waggons going before loaded with Idols and inestimable Booty He came at last in a Chariot with the conquered Queens loaden with Jewels at his Feet and drawn by the Captive Princes and Lords before him marched Two thousand Elephants richly adorned and after him his victorious Troops He built a Palace as big as an ordinary City The least part of its Beauty was rich Painting and Gilding for the Roofs of some Apartments were covered with Plates of solid Gold Some Rooms were set with Statues of Kings and Queens of massy Gold set with rich Stones as big as the Life He was carried on a Litter of Gold upon many Mens Shoulders the Reverence paid him was more like a God than a Prince 6. After some time the two Brothers asked leave of the King to go visit their Father which he granted and afterwards sending to demand the usual Tribute the black Prince refused to pay it The King in a Rage sends his great Favourite Banna with a powerful Army against him Banna ravaged the Country of Siam and Besieges the Prince in Hudixa who defended it so bravely that Banna being forced to draw off he fell upon and totally defeated him The King sends his Brother-in-Law with a greater Power and he receives a greater overthrow 200000 of his Men were cut in pieces with a great number of Elephants and Horses many more of both taken The black Prince remained Victorious his Men were enriched and all encouraged to follow their good Fortune 7. The King of Pegu raises another Army of 1700000 Men 1500 Elephants 80000 Horse and all Necessaries proportionable the Command of it he gave to Mapa Raja his Son with the Title of King of Siam not doubting of the Victory At the News of this Power all Siam trembled except the valiant Black now King who met his Enemy and gave him Battel The two Kings encountring on their Elephants fought and he of Pegu was cast dead off his Elephant at which sight his Men fled and the Siamites pursued them a Month destroying the greatest part of that vast Army 8. The King of Pegu in a Rage for the Death of his Son turned his Fury against the People and some days burnt above Ten Thousand throwing so many into thè River Ganga as stopped the Passage even of Boats He forbid them sowing which caused such a a Famine that they not only eat one another to which purpose there was a publick Butchery of Man's Flesh but devoured part of their own Bodies For want of Fuel they made fire of human Bones having first taken off the Flesh to eat It is wonderful all this Tyranny never obliged that People to rebel A good Example given by Heathens to those more barbarous Christians who dare fly in the Face of just Princes without the least shadow of Oppression 9. This was followed by a Pestilence that depopulated all the Kingdom The neighbouring Princes taking this advantage fell upon the King of Pegu covetous of his Treasures Among them was the Black of Siam who retired with the loss 100000 Men. The King of Tangu was he that possessed himself of all he promised Life Liberty and Estates to all that would come over to him The first that deserted were the Portugueses and Moors for some Portugueses are like Moors in Matters of Interest After them followed a Bastard Son of the King whose Head was cut off by Order of the King of Pegu's Sister Wife to him of Tangu saying That he who was false to his Father could not be true to her She said and did well but who will punish her for treating her Brother barbarously when taken 10. He in despair delivers himself up to the King of Tangu who being possessed of the City and Palace found such Treasure that he made no account of Silver and other Metals and Riches It is avouched for truth that he could not remove all the Jewels and Gold in twelve Caravans each consisting of Seven hundred Elephants and Horses The News of this Treasure drew thither the King of Arracam who contenting himself with what he of Tangu undervalued gathered above Three Millions and a great Train of large Cannon The King of Tangu presented him of Pegu to his Sister and she who having killed his Son for betraying him it was thought would comfort used him Reproachfully and afterwards seeing the King her Husband inclined to Mercy caused him to be beaten to Death 11. The King of Tangu in whose House he of Pegu was Murdered by his own Sister was his Creature and Son to a Carter So that Kingdom had its beginning in a Seaman or Waterman and ended in a Carter both Employs of the same Nature one by Land and the other by Water 12. This Year came into India from the remote Mountains of Scythia or Tartary the Prince Baxan Fourth Grandson of Tamerlain the Great was by the Augustin
marching towards Ancone that was in Rebellion Gaspar Pereyra Cabral being left behind wounded was carried by Cafres who run away from him Simoens understanding it went back with one Slave and helped to carry him on his own back An Act worthy of memory from a Captain to a Souldier The Rebel being subdued Simoens returned to Tete with the Emporor's two Sons They were baptized by the Names of Philip and Iames. The latter remained there the other went back to his Father 11. The Emperor thinking he could now overcome his Enemies without the assistance of Portugueses marched to the Kingdom of Baroe and was there defeated at Mongas he had a Son killed and Matuzianne usurped the whole Empire Iames Simoens restored him and possessed himself of Chicova Matuzianne raising new Forces was defeated and killed by the Portugueses D. Stephen de Ataide raised a Fort at Massapa and gave that Command to Iames Carvallo whom he sent to Monomotapa with a present to obtain the Delivery of the Mines 12. Carvallo went and told the Emperor he had a great Present but gave him none and he seeing the Portugueses entred his Lands for Gold without his consent caused all they had to be taken from them and many to be killed Carvallo had with him some Forces belonging to the Emperor with whose assistance he curbed the Robbers of Quizinga and supported himself He resolved to revenge the spoiling of the Portugueses by a horrid Treachery against those that served him for joining with the Quizinga's he one Night fell upon the Cafres and killing many put the rest to flight who justly cursed the falseness of the Portugueses 13. Carvallo fearful of his own Wickedness abandoned the Fort of Massapa and went to Tete leaving all the Country in Arms against the Portugueses All he acted was by order of D. Stephen de Ataide who in stead of appeasing the Emperor threatned him with War He sent out from Sena and by his order Carvallo raised another Fort on the Banks of Zambeze two days Journey from Tete Iames Simoens Madera was left to Command at Tete because Ataide returned to Moçambique hearing the Hollanders were coming thither D. Stephen perceiving no Dutch appeared in 6 months returned to Tete The Emperor sent to offer him Chicova if he would send the ordinary Present which was a Debt and no Gift D. Stephen would not so much as hear the Embassadors refusing to give a Present of 5000 Crowns which might have saved much greater Charges for above 30000 were already lost at Massapa to no purpose 14. D. Stephen set forward with 150 Men but being better advised expected News from Portugal and India In Iuly he received the King's Orders to go to Goa and give the Command of Tete to Iames Simoens and that of Moçambique to D. Iohn de Ataide the Viceroy's Brother D. Stephen obeyed against his Will leaving Simoens 140 Soldiers without any thing to maintain them in that dangerous Conquest However Simoens made the best on 't and resolved to proceed beginning with Chombe a powerful Cafre demanding of him what he owed as our Tributary and the Restitution of the Portugueses he had Some infamous Portugueses advised Chombe to take no notice of Simoens because he could do him no harm This caused that King first to slight and then to molest him in the Vessels wherein he sailed for Tete Simoens landing drove the Cafres so that they troubled him no more CHAP. X. Continues the Government of the Viceroy D. Hierome de Azevedo in the Year 1616. 1. JAmes Simoens Madera raising 6000 Cafres marched with them and his Portugueses against Chombe at the beginning of September One night they heard a Voice that said Chombe rejoyces at your coming and desires you will make haste for he is hungry and expects to feast upon your Bodies Simoens marched on and fortified himself close under the Enemies Works which were half a League in length and in breadth proportionable furnished with 8000 Men. Simoens attacks them twice but to no effect Next night a Cafre fled to the Enemy and from them a Christian Black Woman to us with Advice That Chombe would fall upon our Men before day Simoens expected them with silence and killing 1000 put the rest to flight 2. The Enemy proposes a Peace but nothing is concluded Simoens attempts their Works but without success he sends to the Commander of Senna for Succour who sends him 40 Portugueses and 3000 Cafres The Works were again assaulted in vain soon after some Deserters informed the Intrenchment was weakest on the side of a Lake Here the Assault was renewed the Works entred Chombe put to flight and the Place given to Quitamho a Cafre who faithfully served us on condition to pay what Chombe had denied 3. Iames Simoens was now bent upon the Conquest of the Silver Mines in Chicova The Emperor sent to acquaint him He again resigned those Mines to him upon condition he should not go thither with an Armed Power Simoens desired he would send one to put him in Possession thereof and to receive Cloth to the value of 4000 Ducats he had to present him The Emperor was satisfied and Simoens with Applause of all the Cafres took possession of Chicova on the 8th of May 1614. being put into it by Onanxangue a great Man Nephew to the Emperor The first thing he did was to raise a Fort there the next to joyn Friendship with a powerful Cafre called Sapoe and his Country Borore 4. The Lord of Chicova now subject to the Portugueses by virtue of the Emperor's Resignation withdrew himself from them so that Complaint was made thereof to the Emperor who gave leave to Depose him and put another in his Place sending a Cafre called Cherema to shew the Mines This Man twice deceived Simoens causing him to dig in Places where he had hid some Ore for which reason he was confined and then shewed another place of which some hope was conceived he excusing himself what was done had been by the Emperor's Order Nevertheless Simoens sent him a Present he detained the Messengers and sent word He would have Needles Pins Knives Looking-Glasses Candles Soap Zafran Pepper and some rich Silks He repented the giving of Chicova and sought occasion of Disagreement thinking that Simoens could not send what he damanded But he sending all things the Emperor seemed satisfied 5. That D. Philip the Emperor's Son whom Iames Simoens caused to be Baptized attempted several times to make his escape to the Portugueses and was taken at length he got to the Fort of Chicova and was joyfully received Hearing there that Chirema was fled to avoid discovering the Mines he sent for him pretending to be sent Embassador by his Father and having rebuked and secured him went himself to Tete The Emperor hearing hereof proffered great Rewards to any would kill his Son At the same time it fell out that a Soldier gathering some Fruit the Son of the Owner who was a powerful Man
Ialof took four Blacks who were fishing in an Almadie or Boat Sailing forward he discovered the famous Cabo Verde and returned satisfied with this exploit and having killed a great many Goats in an Island 10. Antony Gonzales Garcia Mendez and Iames Alonso though separated by a Storm met again in the Islands of Arguim Falling upon a Village they took 25 Moors they flying he that ran best took most as Laurence Diaz who took seven whilst others took but one and some none They called this Point Cabo del Resoate or Cape of Ransom because some Blacks were ransomed there The joy was the more for that they found Iohn Fernandez who was left there the last Voyage he was fat and in health though rough like the Inhabitants He told them that the Country being all plane and open they often lost their way and therefore were guided as at Sea by the Stars the Winds and by Birds That the Inhabitants lived miserably feeding on a certain Grain which the Earth produces without tilling on some Herbs Lizards and Locusts all scorched in the Sun which is predominant that place lying under the Tropick of Cancer That they used much Milk not only as Meat but Drink by reason of the scarcity of Water and therefore when they eat any Meat they never kill the Female because of the Milk those near the Sea eat some Fish When they were acquainted with our People and they gave them Corn they eat it whole The Land is Barren being all Sand bears a few Palm and Wild Fig-trees they have no Houses but Tents their Cloaths are Skins and the better and neater sort wear Alhaiques which is not unlike our Crape and the best some better sort of Cloath but none good their Employment is the care of Cattle their Language and Writings the same with those of the Coasts of Barbary with only about as much difference as is between the Castillians and those of Gallicia they have no King and live by Hords or Companies Returning home with this Account of Iohn Fernandez at Cabo Blanco they killed some Moors and took 55. 11. Dinisianez da Gram Alvaro Gil and Mafaldo de Setubal with each a Caravel landed in the Island Arguim where they took seven Moors and by the help of them forty seven afterwards They ran along the Coast of the Continent eighty Leagues and at several times took fifty Slaves losing seven Portugueses whose Boat being left dry by the Ebb in the Island de las Garzas they were all killed Lancelot who once before had commanded a small Fleet sailed from Lagos again towards Arguim as Admiral of fourteen Vessels At the same time set out from Madera Alvaro and Dinis Fernandez and Iohn de Castilla and others who all together with the former fourteen made up twenty seven Sail Nine of the fourteen of Lagos came to Arguim where Dinisianez was who persuaded them to destroy the Island in revenge of the seven that had been killed but the Moors understanding the danger fled so that only twelve were found whereof only four could be taken the rest killed as also one of our men Alvaro de Freytas returned with his three Ships Lancelot with his sailed to the Island Tider landed and finding no People returned aboard where seeing some Moors from the Shoar jearing our men because they could not find them two of our men were so provoked that they leaped into the Water with their Arms and swam to shoar to the Moors who ran down to receive them Others of our men seeing the danger those two were in leaped after them and on the shoar was a sharp skirmish many of the Moors were killed and sixty taken This done Suero da Costa and three more returned home In a Village at Cape Blanco they took nine Moors among them a Woman who promising a great Ransom deceived Suero for at the Island Tider the bold Woman who could swim very well leaped over-board and gained her liberty by swimming ashoar Lancelot and others unwilling to return without some Loading as light as they came out designed to sail to Zahara of the Azanagi and Guinea but after some small attempts resolved for the Island of Palma They touched at Gomera and were received by two Commanders Piste and Brucho in acknowledgment of some kindness they had received from Prince Henry They discovered to them the design and taking them along landed in Palma all they got was seventeen Prisoners but among them was a very large Morish Woman who was said to be Queen of part of that Island They returned to Gomera and Iohn de Castilla dissatisfied with the small Prize base and ingratefully carried away Captives about twenty Islanders who were his Friends and had assisted him Which wrong the Prince amended by sending them back well cloathed 12. Gomera and Palma are of the number of the Canary Islands The Canaries were discovered for King Henry the Third of Spain by Iohn de Betancour a Frenchman among them he conquered those called Lancarote Fuerteventura and Ferro In them he left Masiot de Betancour his Nephew who conquered Gomera and exchanging them with Prince Henry for some Land in Madera he went and lived there And because the Islands being twelve in number there remained eight not conquered viz. Gran Canaria Palma Graciosa Infierno Alegranca Santa Clara Roche and Lobos the Prince sent a Fleet in which were 2500 Foot and 120 Lances commanded by Don Fernando de Castro who landing there converted many Infidels But there being complaints made from Spain to whom that Conquest appertained it was given over Afterwards King Henry the Fourth of Portugal gave them to D. Martin de Ataide Count of Atonguia And lastly in the Treaty between Alfonso of Portugal and Ferdinand of Castile it was agreed they belonged to Castile The Inhabitants of these Islands were governed by a certain number of Persons they varied in their Worship in Fight they used no Weapons but Sticks and Stones their Cloathing upwards was Skins the lower part a covering made of Palm-leaves of divers Colours they took off their Beard with sharp Stones their Governours had the Maidenheads of all Women that married they feasted their Guests with them at their visits the Children sucked Goats their common food Wheat and Barley Milk Herbs Mice Lizards and Snakes 13. Lancelot being homeward bound discovered the River Ovedec which he called Sanaga because a Black of that name was released there It was then believed to be one of the Branches of Nile because they were informed it ran far to the Eastward Stephen Alonso in a small Boat went up the River and took two Blacks with considerable opposition made by their Father Roderick Anez and Dinis Diaz were here separated from the rest by a great Storm and arrived in Portugal Lancelot steering toward Cape Verde went ashore upon an Island where he found nothing but Goats and these words cut on the Bark of a Tree TALENT DE BIEN FAIRE This was
there the first day of that Month. Next day he saw the other two which he named St. Philip and St. Iacob The names of those not yet mentioned are Fuego Brava Boavista Sal St. Nicholas St. Lucy St. Vincent St. Antony in all ten They are commonly called of Cape Verde for that they lie 100 Leagues to the Westward of it Pedro de Cintra and Suero de Costa went as far as Sierra Leona 2. So great were the hopes of the Guinea Trade and the returns stirred up covetousness so that the King farmed this Trade to Fernando Gomez for 500 Ducats a small sum in comparison of their present greatness He was obliged to continue the discoveries 500 Leagues farther in five years He fortunately discovered the Trade of Oro de la Mina or the Gold of the Mine by Iohn de Santaren and Peter de Escobar They went as far as Cape St. Catharine 37 Leagues beyond Cape Lope Gonzales in two Degrees and half of South Latitude For this discovery was added to him the Sirname of Mina and he was made Noble Ferdinand Po discovered the Island which he called Hermosa or Beautiful which name it changed for the Discoverers The last discovery during the reign of King Alonso was that of Cape St. Catharine so called because discovered on her day There were other discoveries before this as the Coast from whence was brought the first Cochinilla which the Italians knowing the Value but not the Name call Grana del Paraiso or Scarlet of Paradise they had it from the Moors of this part of Guinea who crossing the Country Mandinga and Deserts of Libia brought it to the Port Mundibarca in the Mediterranean Now were found the Islands St. Thomas Anno Bueno and Principe all neglected the King being wholy bent upon Africk How little these places were minded may appear by this that a Spanish Fleet commanded by Garcia de Loaysa Knight of Malta arriving at the Maluco Islands the year 1525. he found there were Portugueses there before it was known in Portugal and found in two degrees of South Latitude the Island of St. Mathew not inhabited but with footsteps of the Portugues several Fruit-trees and tame Cattle carved on the Bark of a Tree that our men had been there 87 years before and the French Motto of Prince Henry Talent de bien Faire It was the custom of those Sailers to leave this Motto in all places where they landed CHAP. III. Discoveries and Conquests under King John the Second from the Tear 1481. till the Tear 1495. 1. KING Iohn the Second who succeeded his Father Alonso considering the Riches of the Countries discovered encreased his Revenue and finding the Natives inclined to receive the Faith ordered a Fort to be raised in that part where was the Trade of Gold called Mina To this end he fitted out twelve Vessels laden with all Materials for the Work from the Stones of the Foundation to the Tiles with Provisions for 600 Men 500 of them Souldiers the rest Workmen The Commander was Iames de Azambuja At his arrival he confirmed the Peace some time before concluded with that People He acquainted the Prince of it called Camaransa with his arrival and intention He landed to take possession and set up the Portugal Colours upon a Tree at the Foot of it he made an Altar and caused to be celebrated the first Mass that had been in those parts He prepared himself to receive the Black King who came attended with many of his Subjects naked save that from their Waste downward hung Monkies Skins or covering made of Palm-leaves All armed some with Shields and Javelins others Bows and Arrows some had Skins for Helmets in such manner they appeared more ridiculous than terrible The Prince's Legs and Arms were covered with plates of Gold on his Neck a Chain with many small Bells and Tags to his Beard Before him went a great number of Instruments more noisie than harmonious all that were known were Tabors Horns and Bells He met the Captain with a grave and pleasing Countenance the Captain received him with Gravity and Magnificence The Black took his hand in token of Peace the same the chief Men about him After the Ceremonies different in the Nations but all vain and impertinent Azambuja laid open his Kings design which was first to instruct him in the Christian Faith and conceal our Covetousness asking leave to build a House for our Men to live in which was to be a Fort to offend them upon occasion I do not pretend to persuade the World our only design was to Preach on condition it be believed it was not only to Trade 2. The Portuges Captain was heard with wonderful attention and the proposal of Religion admitted but that of the House or Fort rejected for they are Barbarians in our conceit but not for their own Interests Azambuja pressed and Caramansa yielded and retired The Workmen began to break a Rock for the Work and the Blacks who adored it taking that as an Affront drove them away Azambuja took the wisest course and running to them pacified them with many Gifts not of value but such as pleased The Fort finished was called St. George for the particular devotion the King had to that Saint As it encreased it gained the name and priviledge of a City Azambuja remained there with 60 men and sent back the Fleet laden with Gold He held that Government three years he gave it up with Honour a thing rare among the Portugueses and was honourably rewarded 3. The King began to take the Title of Lord of Guinea The Custom till now had been to set up Wooden Crosses in all the new Discoveries the King ordered for the future to carry them of Stone with the Kings and Captains Names the Time when by whom and by whose Order erected The first of these was Iames Cam who passing Cape Catharine the last of King Alonso's discoveries came to the River Congo in the Kingdom of the same Name by the Inhabitants called Zagre He went up the River and saw on both sides Blacks but were not understood by those he carried with him By signs he found they had a King and that he resided far off He sent him Presents the most powerful Arguments of Embassadors but finding the Men that carried them stay long he set sail bringing some Blacks home with him King Iohn was well pleased to see them and dispatched again the same Iames Cam sending back with him the Blacks joyful with many Presents he gave them but above all with the recovery of their Liberty The first part of his Instructions was the Conversion of those Infidels At his arrival he restored those Blacks to their Prince and received the Men he left behind with mutual admiration Following on the Discovery he ran 20 Leagues farther setting up the Cross he called St. Augustin in 13 degrees of South Latitude and another in 22. At his return to Congo having seen the King he
They who went in that Fleet had not performed what they were sent for but discovered more Land and gained the good will of the Natives The Trade was afterwards continued and a good correspondence between our King and those Princes Peter de Evora and Goncalo Anez went to those of Turucol and Tombotu Roderick Rebelo Peter Reynel and Iohn Colaco and others carried Presents to Mandimansa and Temala of the Fouli the most warlike of all those People The King had also correspondence with him of the Moses very famous in that Age and with Mahomet Ben Manzugul Grandson of Muza and King of Songo a populous City of Mandinga who receiving a full account of our King said That none of 444 from whom he was descended had any knowledge of more powerful Kings than four which were those of Alimaen Baldac Grand Cayre and Tucurol At this same time the King laboured to settle a Factory in the City Huadem 70 Leagues to the Eastward of Arguim as well for the Trade of Gold as to have some intelligence of Prester Iohn which he solicited by all means Many were sent to these Discoveries by Land But Death put a stop to King Iohn's farther progress in these affairs but cannot obscure the Glory due to him for propagating the Christian Faith in so remote parts building the Forts of Arguim and St. George de la Mina which fixed the Sovereignty of Portugal in Guinea that abounds in Gold Ivory and all other Riches and Plenty and the Gate that opened a way to the most Heroick Actions afterwards performed by the Portugues Arms. CHAP. IV. Discoveries under King Emanuel from the Year 1497 when he sent out Vasco de Gama till the Year 1500. 1. KING Emanuel inherited not only his Predecessors Kingdom but his earnest desire of finding a shorter passage by Sea to the East Indies This attempt was generally condemned by the greater number but carried by the more prevalent Judgments The King being in the Town of Estremoz when he appointed Vasco de Gama to Command the Fleet he designed to send This was a Gentleman of sufficient Quality Ability and Spirit for such a difficult Enterprise The King honour'd him expressing the great confidence he had in him and delivered the Colours he was to carry on which was the Cross of the Military Order of Christ and on which this worthy Hero took the Oath of Fidelity 2. Having received Letters for the Princes of the East among others Prester Iohn and Zamori or the King of Calicut he sailed from Lisbon upon Saturday the 8th of Iuly with only three small Ships and 160 men The Names of the Ships St. Gabriel St. Raphael and Berrio the Captains Paul de Gama Brother to Vasco and Nicolas Nunnez there went also a Barque laden with Provisions Commanded by Goncalo Nunnez Having passed the Seas already known to Portugues Sailers they discovered others and after five Months sail landed on the Sands of a Bay now called Angra de Santa Elena because first seen on that Saints day Here they took one of two Blacks who were busie gathering Hony in the Mountain little thinking how far human Boldness carries men This man pleased with some Glasses and small Bells brought some others from a Village in hopes of getting some of those things and these being furnished brought many more 3. Fernando Veloso a daring Young Man asked leave to go see the habitation of the Blacks but he returned with more speed than he went being pursued to the shore and a Shower of Arrows following as he got into the Boat Vasco de Gama endeavouring to appease them was wounded in the Leg and because they would not hearken to him he revenged himself with Cross-bows from aboard The third day being the twentieth of November he weighed and passed the Great Cape of Good Hope On St. Catharines day they touched at Angra de San Blas which is near the Island where are found the Birds called Soliticairos made like a Goose but with Wings like Batts this is 60 Leagues beyond the Cape Here they exchanged some Merchandise and observed the People garding their Cattle some Women riding on Oxen and some dancing to Pipes that made no contemptible Musick But because as they coasted in order to find some Port they found the Blacks appeared in greater numbers and warlike manner he terrified them with firing some Guns He took all the Provisions out of the Barque and burnt it On St. Lucies day hapned a Storm the more terrible because it was the first On Christmas-day they saw the Land which for that reason they called Terra de Natal or Christmas-land as also the River they named de los Reyes or of the Kings for being first seen on the day of Epiphany Here Gama left two Men to inform themselves of the Country and give him an account at his return To this purpose he carried some Malefactors their punishment being changed for these dangers After dealing for some Ivory and Provisions so much to the satisfaction of the Blacks that their King came aboard he went on as far as Cabo de Corrientes and without seeing the Town of Zofala passed 50 Leagues farther and went up a River where were several Boats with Sails made of Palm It was an encouragement to our Men to see these People for that they understood something of sailing a thing they had not seen in all those Coasts and because they were not so black as the others and understood the Arabick Letter They concluded them more civilized by their Habit of several Colours and divers sorts of Stuffs both Cotten and Silk They said that to the Eastward lived White People who sailed in Vessels like 〈◊〉 This River Gama called de Bons Sinays or of good Signs for the information he got of what he looked for though he lost some Men and many sickned their Gums swelling out of their Mouths and there was no cure but cutting which proceeded from the badness of the Provisions Sailing hence they again cast Anchor among the Islands of St. George opposite to Mozambique whence came several Zambucos or Boats in jovial manner the Musick of several Instruments sounding in them As they came near were seen some Black others almost White all had Persian Veils and were cloathed with Cotton of sundry Colours They asked our Men boldly who they were and what they wanted Gama answered to the first part and said he would answer to the rest when he knew whose that Town was They said the Lord of it was Zacoeja to whom all Vessels sent notice of their Arrival Then Gama replied that his Voyage was to India and wanted a Pilot to conduct him to Calicut that this was what he desired of the Xeque or Lord. He sent him some Presents though not of great value valuable for their rarity 4. A Moor who carried the advice returned with many thanks for the Presents with some fresh Meats making excuses that the great distance was what
500 Leagues and has seven Kingdoms subject which are Cambodia Como Lanchaam Cheneray Chencran Chiamay Camburii and Chaypumo The King has 30000 Elephants whereof he carries out 3000 armed to War and 50000 men only of the City Udia Metropolis of his Empire The King of China alone in extent exceeds them all and all the Princes of Europe put together China is above 700 Leagues in length it has abundance of all sorts of Metals and exceeds Europe in Manufactures some of their Works seem beyond Human Wit the Silks Provisions and Pleasures wherewith it abounds are beyond computation 3. All the Heathens of India chiefly between Indus and Ganges write upon Palm Leaves without Ink with Wooden or Steel Pens which easily cut the Letters on the Leaf whereof I have seen some in Rome curiously folded what they design should be lasting they carve on Stone or Copper they begin on the left Hand their Histories are fabulous 600 years before the arrival of the Portugueses in India there was a King so powerful in Malabar that the People began their Era or Computation of Time from his Reign as they did afterwards from our arrival He was persuaded by the Moors that traded in his Ports to turn Mahometan and gave them leave to build Calicut Being old he divided his Kingdoms among his Kindred To the Chief he gave that of Coulan where he placed the Head See of the Religion of the Bramens and called him Cobritim that is the same as High Priest to his Nephew he gave Calicut with all the Temporal Dominion calling him Zamori that is the same with Emperour This last Dignity continues in the same place the other was translated to Cochin Having disposed of his Dominions he resolved to die at Meca but was drowned by the way Calicut is a plain Country well watered plentiful of Pepper and Ginger all other Spice it has from its Neighbours The People are very Superstitious and do not suffer those of one Trade or Profession to marry into another or put their Children to Learn The Nayres who are their Nobles if they chance to touch any of the Commons cleanse themselves by washing as the Samaritans and Jews The Women of the Nayres are common to them all but chiefly the Bramens therefore know no Father nor is any bound to maintain them They are most expert at their Weapons beginning to exercise them at the age of seven years They use all the antient manners of Augury and Divination 4. The Viceroy Don Francisco de Almeyda had an interview ashoar with the King of Cananor who brought with him 5000 men well armed He acquainted him he came to reside some time in India by reason of some troubles that were so inflamed with the Zamori King of Calicut He asked leave to build a Fort in the Harbour and it was granted Having begun it he left there Lorenço de Brito to command with 150 men and two Vessels to cruise upon the Coast. Being arrived at Cochin he received the News that the Factor of Coulan with all his men were killed by the Moors He sent his Son Don Lorenço with three Ships and three Caravels with Orders to procure Lading without taking notice of what had past but in case of denial to revenge the slaughter The Messenger was answered by a Shower of Arrows and twenty four Ships of Calicut and other places prepared to receive ours Don Lorenço after pouring in his Shot liberally burnt them all only a few of the Moors were saved by swimming Don Lorenço then went to load in another Port. 5. He returned to Cochin where his Father according to his Instructions was preparing to Crown Triumpara that King in recompence of the Gallantry wherewith he had defended the Portugueses against their Enemies But he being retired to follow a Religious Life and his Nephew Nambeadâ—…ra left Successor it was thought fit to bestow the same Honour upon him He was Crowned with great Solemnity with a Crown of Gold set with Jewels carried from Portugal for that purpose This was a security for that Prince and a terror to others six Ships were now sent home richly laden 6. King Emanuel to secure the Trade of the Gold of Zofala had caused a Fort to be built at Quiloa another at Moçambique and a Factory at Melinde After Don Francisco he sent out Pedro de Annaya with six Ships to build a Fort at Zofala three of the Ships were to go on to India and return with lading the other three to cruise on the Coast of Zofala One of the Captains fell overboard and was lost another had 16 men killed in an Island where he landed The others found Don Pedro de Annaya in the Port of Zofala He obtained leave of that King and raised a Fort whereby the Trade was secured which that King never intended imagining that the Country being unhealthful the Portugueses would be obliged to quit it Here Annaya found twenty Portugueses in a miserable condition after travelling with great hardships from Cape Corientes where they were forced to run their Ship ashoar being no longer able to keep above water Their Captain was Lope Sanchez whom they would not obey ashoar but dividing travelled in several Companies through those unknown Countries They were all lost except these twenty and five found by Antony de Magallanes in the River Quiloame who brought them to Zofala CHAP. X. A Continuation of the Conquests the same Year 1506. and the Government of the same Viceroy Don Francisco de Almeyda 1. THE Kingdom of Zofala is a large tract of Land of 750 Leagues circumference subject to the Monomotapa that is Emperour of that South Part of Africk called by the same Name or Ethiopia Inferior it is watered by these two Famous Rivers Rio del Espiritu Santo and Cuama the latter Navigable 250 Leagues These and many other Rivers that fall into them have Golden Sands Most part of the Land enjoys a Temperate Air pleasant wholsom and fruitful In part it bears great flocks of Sheep of the Skins whereof the Natives are Cloathed because of the cold South Winds Along the Banks of Cuama the Country is Mountanous covered with Woods and watered with many Rivers which make it delightful and therefore the best Peopled and the common residence of the Monomopata It is abundantly stocked with Elephants and consequenty Ivory and Mines of Gold encompassed 30 Leagues about with Mountains on the tops whereof the Air is serene and clear They are called the Mines of Manica 50 Leagues South-west of Zofala there are others 150 Leagues distant none then much valued by their Owners Here are some Buildings of wonderful Structure with Inscriptions of unknown Characters but the Natives know nothing of their Foundation They believe in one God under the Name of Mozima and use no Idols Witchcraft Theft and Adultery are most severely punished by them They have as many Wives as they can maintain the Kings are above 1000 but the first commands the
over-ruled by Siqueira and went to Cochin By the way he obtained a Victory over the Malabares of Calicut who opposed our lading Pepper then he dispatched Siqueira with the Trading Ships homeward-bound and soon after Duarte de Lemos with four more and then turned his view again to the affair of Goa Iames Mendez who commanded the four Ships and was before inclinable to the design now excused himself Albuquâ—… finding this commanded him and his Captains upon the severest penalties not to stir without his Orders It troubled them because they feared losing the opportunity of going to Malaca whither the King sent them but they obeyed Albuquerque set out from Cananor with 23 Sail and therein 1500 Fighting-men He passed by Onor to joyn Timoja whom he found busied in his Wedding being to marry the Daughter of a Queen and he desiring to be honoured with the Presence of Albuquerque obliged him to land which proved very dangerous for a Storm rising kept them ashoar three days and when he returned to his Ships a Boat with 30 men was lost Timoja sent with him three Ships and promised to join him at Goa with 6000 men 9. On the 22th of November Albuquerque anchored the second time before the Bar Calling to mind the dangers he had there escaped and the discontent that was among some of his Officers he thought fit to sooth the Principals with an obliging Harangue and therewith won all their Inclinations At break of day on the Feast of St. Catharine the City was assaulted with great slaughter of the Enemy that maintained the Shoar but though it seem strange not one Portugues killed The Enemy fled to recover one of the Gates of the City and our men to enter with them Here the Fight was renewed till many Portugueses forced their way in doing great execution in the Streets They cleared all to the Pallace with great danger and loss of five Men of Note and there was a most furious Contest begun with equal Valour on both sides Now Albuquerque having done what became him came up and Fortune appearing wholly on our side the Moors fled and abandoned the City endeavouring to get over to the Continent but through hast and confusion perished in the River After the Victory it was found that of 9000 Fighting-men who defended the Town 6000 had perished and 50 Portugueses Medeorao who commanded the three Ships sent by Timoja behaved himself well Timoja with 3000 men came too late he was only Witness to the Slaughter The booty of Horses Artillery Arms Provisions and Ships was excessive and such as was necessary for the great designs Albuquerque had conceived 10. Our Dead were honourably buried those of the Enemy in the Bellies of the Crocodiles of that River into which they were cast Not one Moor was left alive in the Island The Gentiles who were Country-men were restored to their Farms and the Government of them given to Timoja and after to Melrao a Nephew of the King of Onor Whilst Albuquerque setled these Affairs he received many Embassadors with Congratulations of his success from several Princes of Malabar Many of Hidalean's Officers then and afterwards made inroads as far as Goa but always returned with loss Iames Mendez and his two other Captains desirous to go to Malaca stole away out of the Port by Night contrary to Albuquerque's Orders He sent after them and being brought back Prisoners he Ordered they should be sent to answer it in Portugal and two Pilots condemned to be hanged at the Yard-arms Some were suspicious that Albuquerque detained Iames Mendez lest he should take Malaca which Action he designed for himself others said he kept him from the danger Siqueira met with there that Enterprize requiring a greater Power 11. Albuquerque providing for the safety of Goa laid the Foundation of a Fort which he called Emanuel being the King's Name He caused the Names of the Captains who were at the taking of it to be carved upon a Stone but because every one would be named before the others he turned down the Stone hiding the Names and on what was visible put this Inscription Lapidem quem reprobraverunt aedificantes and thus they were all pleased for the Portugueses had rather their own Praise should be forgot than that another should partake He coined Mony that of Gold he called Emanuels that of Silver Esperas and half Esperas that of Copper He married some Portugueses to Women of the Country giâ—…ing them in Portion Lands Houses or Emâ—…loyments the better to secure his Colony One Night that some of these Weddings â—…ere Celebrated the Brides were so mixt â—…nd confounded together among the People â—…at some of the Bridegrooms went to Bed to those that belonged to others and next Morning finding the mistake they changed them each taking his own and all equal as to the point of Honour This gave the more occasion to some Gentlemen to ridicule the care of Albuquerque But he persisted with such Constancy that he brought to pass what he intended which was to make Goa the Portugues Bulwark in India King Emanuel was very desirous of and recommended to Albuquerque with much instance the taking the City Aden and raising a Fort there He now possessed of Goa thought time loâ—… while he attempted not something he therefore counterfeits the carrying on this Enterprize and sent some Ships towards the Red Sea when at the same time his design was upon Malaca He went to Cochin having first secured and ordered all things at Goa Where was left for the defence of it Rodrigo de Castello Branco with 400 Portugueses and 5000 Gentiles under Melrao to secure the Country and Revenue He set out of Cochin for Malaca on the 2d of May with 19 Sail and 1400 Fighting-men 800 of them Portugueses the rest Malabares CHAP. VI. A Continuation of the Conquests under King Emanuel the Year 1511 and the Government of Alfonso de Albuquerque 1. THE City Malaca whither Albuquerque now directed his Course is seated on that part of Land being a Peninsula commonly called by the name of Aurea Chersonesus and upon that Channel which parts the Island Sumatra from the Continent of Asia about the middle of that Channel in something more than two Degrees of North Latitude stretched along the Shoar about a League in the same manner as Lisbon It is divided by a River and the two parts joyned by a Bridge The Buildings of Wood except the Mosque and Pallace which were of Stone It afforded a pleasant Prospect to the Sea and was well secured with Fortifications The Port was filled with abundance of Ships as being the great Market of all those Parts It was first built by the Celates a People for the most part imployed in Fishing who joyned themselves to the Malayes that before inhabited the Mountains They were assisted by Parisamora submitting to him This Man had been great in the Island of Iava and expelled by a Tyrant who usurped his Lordship fled to Cincapura
Cambaya Albuquerque rejoyced more than at his Victories to see his Nephew Don Garcia with that Command the great succour he and Melo brought the Captives released and all things concurring to further his designs His satisfaction was increased by the arrival of Antony de Sadanna with the Garrison of Quiloa which Place being of small importance they had quitted At the same time came an Embassador from the King of Persia and one from him of Ormuz to go to Portugal Albuquerque ordered the affairs of Cochin to pass to Goa and by the way left George de Melo in the Fort of Cananor 4. He was received at Goa as a publick Father and being informed of the past as well as present posture of Affairs he visited the Fortifications and studied how to drive Rotzomo Cam from his Works The sixth day from his arrival being on an eminence with some Gentlemen viewing 4000 Moors and 200 Horse who diverted themselves in the Field it being Friday which is their Sabbath he could not hinder our men from rushing upon them and driving them up to their Fortifications where was a hot Skirmish and our men victorious with some Booty having killed above 100 and lost one Captain and another man and some wounded 5. Albuquerque resolving to take that Fortress from the Enemy gave the assault by Land and Sea and thinking it was not vigorously carried on by Sea he leaped into a Boat and came so near that a Cannon Ball killed a Canara that steered the Vessels dashing his Brains and Blood on his Beard This so inflamed him that he promised a reward to any that should break that Cannon and immediately one of our Gunners directed a Ball into the Mouth of it wherewith it flew in pieces and killed the Canonier This made way for our men to come up the River and lay the siege closer when Zufolari appearing on the Continent with 7000 men coming to the relief of it but finding nothing could be done he retired with some loss sustained by our Cannon Albuquerque set down before the place with 4000 men whereof 3000 were Portugueses in two Bodies one Commanded by himself the other by his Nephew Don Garcia de Noronha At first we received some damage but afterwards did so much that Rotzomo Cam surrendred upon condition to leave the Fort with all the Cannon and Ammunition and deliver all the Slaves and Renegadoes which last Albuquerque punished by cutting off their Noses Ears Right Hands and Thumbs of the Left and sending them so maimed to Portugal One of these was Ferdinando Lopez who to do Pennance for his Sins voluntarily staid with a Black in the Island St. Helena where he was afterward serviceable to some Ships and began to sow that Island Albuquerque endeavoured to bring Rotzomo Cam over to the Portugues Service but succeeded not But this his Fortune terrified many Princes The King of Calicut concluded a Treaty with Don Garcia de Noronha whom his Uncle had sent to Cochin to take charge of Affairs there Those of Narsinga and Bisa Hidalcam and others sent Embassadors to all which he answered extolling the value of the Portugueses Amity and the terror of their Arms and being dispatched sent after them Messengers of his own to inform those Princes and gain intelligence of them Now arrived at Goa Mathew Embassador from Prester Iohn in order to go to Portugal he brought with him a piece of the Holy Cross and Letters from Queen Helena who Governed that Kingdom during the minority of her Son David The design of this Embassie was to settle Amity with our King and ask Aid against the Moors who ever infested that Empire The Embassador said that at his Masters Court there were then three Portugueses one called Iohn who stiled himself Embassador of the King of Portugal and two who said they had been lately set ashoar at Cape Guardafu to discover the Country These were Iohn Gomez and Iohn Sanchez set ashoar there by Order of Albuquerque himself with a Moor for that discovery 7. Finding the Affairs of Goa in so good a posture he resolved to put in execution an Enterprize he had been charged with by King Emanuel This was the Conquest of the City Aden He fitted 20 Ships without acquainting any body with the design When ready to sail he acquainted the Captains with his intentions The number of the men was 1700 Portugueses and 800 Canaras and Malabars They set sail the 18th of February and arrived safe at Aden Miramirzan Governour of the Town sent to complement Albuquerque and a Present of Provision Several Messages passing and no hopes of a surrender appearing it was resolved to give the assault 8. The City Aden is seated on the Coast of Arabia Felix near the Mouth of the Red Sea called by Ptolomy Modocan Over it appears the Mountain Arzira all a barren Rock in many Cliffs The Town from the Sea looks beautiful and strong It is rich and famous for the great resort thither of many Nations The Soil so scarce of Water that it has only a few Wells and Cisterns Even from the Clouds it is scarce watered above once in two or three years whence it is void of all Trees Plants and Orchards the delight and pleasure of other Towns 9. Albuquerque found the Enterprize was more difficult than it had been represented On Easter-Eve in the Morning our men landed with Scaling Ladders this being thought the proper method for gaining the place It was doubtful who first mounted the Wall but several being already upon it the Ladders overburdened with the multitude that pressed to get up broke several times so that there was no hope of relieving those who had gained the top and stood in great danger and Albuquerque was forced to order them down making one out of the broken Ladders some fighting while the others came off After four hours engagement they retired with great danger and loss more sustained by the accident than the Enemy George Silveyra and five men were killed some died after of their wounds and some with the fall from the Wall 10. Albuquerque complying with his ill fortune and the persuasions of his Captains and to save time resolved to give over that attempt and sail towards the Mouth of the Red Sea But first they took a Bulwark that guarded the Port where many Moors were killed and 37 great pieces of Cannon found The Ships were all first plundered and then burnt The fourth day after their arrival they sailed out of this Port and arrived at the Mouth of the Red Sea next the Coast of Arabia which was much celebrated with great signs of Joy by Albuquerque as being the first of our Nation that had entred those Seas CHAP. VIII A Continuation of the Conquests of the Year 1513 the Reign of King Emanuel and Government of Alfonso de Albuquerque 1. THE Form of the Red Sea is not unlike to that of a Crocodile the Mouth of it is the place answerable to the narrow
Four thousand Men that were killed he set sail firing the Ships that were to spare by the loss of those Men. This great Success cost us but three Portugueses 8. The Commander D. Leonis bestow'd not only Praises but Money and Jewels on all that had signaliz'd themselves to the value of 15000 Crowns The Viceroy receiving advice of the danger the City was in sent to its relief Iohn de Silva Pereyra with Men and Ammunition in seven Ships but he came when the Siege was raised So the King of Ujantana our Neighbour with sixty Sail who visited our Captain in the Fort and was received with Royal Magnificence rejoycing at our Success not without trouble that he had no share in it 9. The Viceroy offended at the Insolence of the Natives of the Island Salsete who persecuted the new converted Christians fitted out a Fleet against them without letting his design be known When those of Salâ—…te least thought of it he fell upon them and destroyed 200 of their Idolatrous Temples Because we have sometimes mentioned this Island without speaking of an ancient and wonderful Structure that is in it it will not be amiss to say something of it here 10. In this Island is a high Mountain winding about which are 3000 Cells with each of them a Cistern all cut out of the solid Rock Under the same Mountain is a way cut through the same Rock with such Cells on the sides which is said to go as far as Cambaya which if so must run under the Sea F. Antony de Porto a Franciscan resolving to enquire into this Secret got Company Provision Torches and great quantity of strong Packthread and fastning an end at the Mouth of the way travelled seven days through it Then finding no end and the Provision growing short he returned by the help of the Thread having as he believed travelled fifty Leagues to his great admiration but not satisfied The Gentils said this was the Work of Bimilamansa who 〈◊〉 300 Years before was King of all that is between Bengala and the Mogol's Country Formerly a Learned Man of those Parts affirm'd this and some others were the Works of the holy Prince Iosaphat 11. The Affairs of the Molucos were not at all successful We left Gonâ—…alo Pereyra Marramaque on his Voyage to Amboyna he joined with the Kings of Bacham and 〈◊〉 set out for the Island Cebu where some Spaniards had settled under the Command of Michael Lopez de Lagaspa à Biscainer and a Man so valiant and subtle that he amuzed our Captain till he got together his Men that were dispersed and then expelled him the Island with shame for that if attacked at first the Spaniard had been utterly defeated To add to this Misfortune he lost almost Three hundred Men by a Sickness natural to that Country 12. Hence he passed to Amboina or Ito for it is called by both Names a most beautiful and pleasant Island abounding in Fish Flesh and Fruit of all sorts and delicious taste It is inhabited by two sorts of people the Ulimas who are native Mahometans and have three Towns the Ulensivas are Heathens and have four Our Captain found the Natives assisted by Six hundred of the Islanders of Iava and well fortified under the Command of Gemiro Governour of those Islands He attacked them with such peril and was so vigorously opposed he seemed rather to fight for Life than Victory 13. At length the Portugueses prevailing were in danger of being overcome by their great Disorder in plundering The Captain rectified all by firing the Booty and many of the Men were scorched whose Covetousness overcame the fear of the Flames The Enemy retired to a Mountain and there compounded only for Life laying down their Arms. But the People of Amboina having been the first among those Islands who admitted the Portugueses offering Subjection to our Crown Lands and leave to erect a Pillar in their Metropolis with the Royal Arms of Portugal and finally embracing our Religion and contracting Marriages with us it will be convenient to look a little back in order to proceed in the relation of these Affairs and particularly of one wonderful Passage that may serve as an Example to such as pretend to Plant Colonies CHAP. IV. The End of the Government of the Viceroy D. Anton. de Noronna 1. THEY who know with what kindness the People of Amboina at first received us will be earnest to understand the Cause why now they are become our mortal Enemies The worst is they had so just a Cause which was thus The People of Curon I suppose this should be Ceram became implacable Enemies to those of Amboina on no other account but that they received the Portugueses admitted their Religion and contracted Marriages with them Hereupon they resolved to expel not only the Portugueses but even the Natives out of the Island accordingly on a sudden came uponthem with a great Power Those of Amboina had been ruin'd but that the Portugues stood by them and to be short utterly defeated their Enemies 2. The People of Amboina to shew their Gratitude to those who had defended them invited them to a splendid Entertainment The Wives of those who made the Feast came abroad to see the Portugueses entertain'd One of these doubtless he was drunk was so charmed with the Beauty of one of those Women or so blinded with Lust that leaping suddenly from his Seat he catched her in his Arms with such insolence after being three times admonished without desisting that if Genulius a Man of great Authority had not interposed the Portugueses had there been all cut to pieces And well they had deserved it for it appears they did not hinder or obstruct so insolent and publick a lustful Extravagancy which openly in the sight of the World durst force a Hand to those Parts which even with consent are not touched but in private and without Witnesses 3. Those People burned with the desire of Revenge for the affront they had receiv'd and look'd upon as most hainous Nor could Genulius appease them but by expelling the impudent Guests which he desir'd as much as any looking upon himself equally concerned in that Injury and knowing it was a new offence every time the injured saw him that gave the wrong he therefore reproaching them with the hainousness of the Crime and shewing how greatly they were favour'd in having their Lives spared ordered them instantly to depart the Island and never more presume to set their feet upon it 4. The People overturning the Tables with furious Countenances gave them to understand they would by force execute what Genulius had directed if the Portugueses doubted doing of it by fair means There was nothing to do but submit so they went away to their Ships full of shame their general Confusion paying for the Impudence of one in which all had a share because none reproved it 5. Scarce had the Portugueses left the Shore when those of Amboina prescribed
Preach the Gospel in that Country 17. The famous Monasteries of Abbagarima and Aleluya and the Church of Acçum stand in the form of a Triangle a Days journey distant from each other In the Center is Tremona Abbagarima took name from its founder who was one of the 9 Saints and Son of a King of Rome called Isaac as the Son also was but the Ethiopians called him Abbagarima which signifies a Man prodigious for Miracles they feign that there was a way under ground from this Saints Cave to Rome and that he used to travel it 18. The Monastery of Aleluya sormerly the habitation of many religious Men â—…ow of very few was founded by Abba Samuel Disciple to one that was so to Abba Arragavi one of those 9 Roman Saints and Preachers The religious of these Monasteries are of two sorts those of Abba Tula Aymanot and those of Abba Stateus the founders They live not in community but every one where he pleases with Servants they observe no noviceship nor make any vow such as will Marry and have 2 or three Wives most of them have Mistresses and think it no sin Such as do profess Chastityare much esteem'd all their business is to gather Riches and get Governments Their Habit is white Shirts or striped with several colours over them a black Scapulary before a narrow round hood of the same colour they never take it of not even when they consecrate Cloaks or Mantles as every one can afford the Poorest or most observant wear Cow hides like the meanest of the People All carry crosses in their Hands the Masters who are not Marryed bigger then the others but they want not for Women even of those they call Nuns 19. The Nuns make no Vow live where they will and wear hoods like the Fryarsâ—… sometimes they retire into Deserts where they say the religious Men follow them The Men are well read in Scripture the Clergy lead much the same life but must not Marry twice if they do they are excluded the Church The Abugnas who give the Holy Orders scarce do it gratis They use no ceremonies nor examine those who are to be ordained they pay more respect to the Altar stone on which they lay the blessed Sacrament then to the the Sacrament it self their Chalices are made of Tin or Copper very large that they may hold much Wine for the People to whom it is given in little spoons The Priest to say Mass puts nothing over his cloaths but as it were a piece of a Casula which hangs behind and covers his back The Thuribels have bells to make a noise they use no Mass book but say the Mass by Heart they assist at it with a confused noise their Chalice cloaths are black and dirty so rags for other uses their bells of stone 20. In the Country of Barnagassa towards Arquico is the famous Monastery of Birau corruptly called Vizan or Vision It is of 200 Years standing had once 500 Fryers now not above 40. There is a great Church with 3 Isles sustained upon 12 Pillars built and dedicated as they say to the Blessed Virgin before her birth about half a League from it is the Church of St. George possess'd by the last Patriarch near this Church is a large Cave cut out of the Rock where are kept with great veneration and even Heathen Sacrifices some dead bodies they call Saints and not dead Men for they say they rest there and if any offer to lift the cloaths that cover them to see what is under they hinder them saying Do it not for they will wake 21. There are many other ancient remarkable Churches those most admirable which are curiously cut out of Rocks those lately built are that of Dancas those of Nebesse and Tremona of Gorgorra Colena and Sarca most of the Antient ones are round Men and Women go not to the same Church but each Sex to their own apart 22. Their errors in Faith are many the chief that they baptize without saying any thing or if they do use not the words instituted by the Church In confession they use no form of absolution others absolve without hearing the sins giving unreasonable Pennances They say God is like a Man that the Divinity was born of the Blesied Virgin that there is but one nature in Christ that the Holy Ghost proceeds not from the Son that there is no Purgatory that the Souls are given by the Parents not by Heaven that till the Day of Judgment none goes to Heaven or Hell even the Blessed Virgin They Eat not Swines Flesh Hare Rabbet or Eel Saturday they keep better then Sunday no Woman in the time of her courses enters the Church nor 40 Days after she is delivered of a Son and 80 of a Daughter nor those who have had carnal Copulation the Day they had it If any one enters the Church when they are communicating he must receive without confessing though he be loaded with sin they had no knowledge of the Sacrament of confirmation nor extream unction There is no punishment for errors in matters of Religion CHAP IX Of the Nature of the Country of Ethiopia of its Towns and the Kings it has had and of the entrance and expulsion of our Doctrine 1. ALL this Country is divided by vast Mountains so high that they appear as if they had been heaped one upon another of strange figures on which they build impregnable Castles some are difficult of ascent some almost and others quite impossible to be ascended they are beautified with variety of Trees and inhabited by a rebellious People that have much of the nature of their habitation 2. Their Cities and Towns are small but the ruins of great ones are to be seen In Accum they appear to have been very sumptuous for there are Obeliscks of black stone some ruined some standing two whereof are above 40 Yards high It is believed the Court of their Kings was there kept for some Ages after the famous Queen Saba I will here give a particular account of the City Adem though on the Coast of Arabia because it was in a manner and is the inlet into Ethiopia 3. About 30 Leagues from the mouth of the red Sea a point of the Continent runs into the Sea making a small Peninsula covered with vast Hills and Rocks that do not produce the least Plant on the top of one is a square Fort with Towers thence runs down towards the Bar a wall with Bastions the last of them at the foot of the Mountain Hence the wall turns along the foot of the Hill till it joins the lower Fort making a sort of Circle This work though it appears formidable at Sea can do no great harm to the Ships byreason of its great height to remedy which fault there is a Plat-form raised near the Water In all the works there are about 12 large and 20 lesser pieces of Canon and 600 Soldiers armed with good Firelocks Swords without shells Cimitars
Officer couragiously fell on the place appointed him The Enemy received them with desperate fury Many were killed and among them the brave Hector de Silveyra who in so many Occasions had notably signalized himself This to us was a great loss Our dead in all were twelve A Portuguese ran through an Islander with his Lance and he pressing forward upon it with his Cymiter cut off the Portuguese his Leg and they both fell down dead One stood upon a Rock with four Women and seeing our Men comeon killed two of the Women by their free consent but a Bullet preventing him from killing the other two they both leap'd into the Sea to prevent being made Slaves but to no effect for they were taken in the Sea Eighteen hundred of the Enemy were killed and sixty Cannons taken 14. Nuno de Cuna parting from Beth appeared no less formidable to Diu than that City did to him The City considered the Sea covered with that Fleet. The Fleet a City built upon Rocks and encompassed by them and Water the Mouth of the River crossed with massy Chains sustained upon Vessels and eighty filled with Archers and Musqueteers to defend them within ten thousand armed Men and an infinite number of great Artillery The tops of Houses Walls and Rocks covered with multitudes of People of both Sexes and all Ages rending the Air with Shouts Our Governor viewed the danger consulted the Captains and ordered the Assault 15. On the sixteenth of February the signal being given the Sea and Land were covered with Clouds of Smoak and Dust of the Destruction our Guns made in the City Nuno standing in a Boat cloathed in red to be the better seen flew to all parts where there was occasion and being known was all the Mark the Enemies Shot was directed to Which Sebastian de Sa who by favour was taken out of another Boat into his perceiving with some concern said to him Alas Sir was it for this you brought me hither And he pleasantly as if no danger had been near replyed to him and others Humilitate capita vestra D. Vasco de Lima had not lowered his Head for a Ball took it off his shoulders Our Cannon began to burst with the continual Fire Cuna perceiving this loss and that twelve Men were killed without doing any considerable Execution upon the Enemy the day being spent consulted with the principal Men and it was agreed the Enterprize was not practical He desisted leaving Antony de Saldana with sixty Vessels in the Bay of Cambaya to do what damage he could to the Enemy It was agreed on all Hands that had not the Governor stayed to take Beth he had carried Diu for the Moor Mustapha was the only cause of its holding out who entered but three days before with considerable Relief We lost never a Vessel and that part of the Fleet which went with Nuno de Cuna arrived at Goa the fifteenth of March where it stayed till two Ships came in of six that sailed this year from Lisbon Of the other four one returned to Portugal another perished in a storm at Cape Comori the Captain Manuel de Macedo and all the Men being saved ashore where they defended themselves against a great number of Moors till relieved from Cochin A third was never heard of And the fourth came afterwards but returning home with another it was never known of what became of both 16. Mustapha as soon as the Portugues Fleet was gone went to offer himself to King Badur carrying great Presents and was received with Honor and rewarded He gave him the Command of Baroche in the Bay of Cambaya and other considerable Revenues with the Title of Rume because he was a Grecian for the Indian Moors being ignorant of the Division of the Provinces of Europe called all Thracia Greece Sclavonia and the adjacent Countries Rum and the Natives thereof Rumii this Name being proper only to those of Thracia called Romania Therefore the Turks and Rumes are different Nations those being originally of Turchestan and these of Greece and Thrace and the Rumes esteem themselves more honorable than the Turks He also gave him the Title of Cham a Dignity among the Tartars like a Duke with us and among the Eastern People is given to Persons of great Merit So Mustapha from hence forward was called Rume Cham. 17. Antony de Saldana who was left in the Sea of Diu with sixty Sail and fifteen hundred Men went to the City Madrefabat five Leagues distant towards the Island Beth and burnt it with small opposition Then he went to Goga twenty four Leagues distant from the last a place of great Trade formerly populous and strong In the Port were fifteen of the best Paraos of Calicut laden with Spice who fled up a Creek and were followed by Saldana with eight hundred Men in the smaller Vessels It was found necessary to land and three hundred Horse and eight hundred Foot coming down to the Relief of the Malabars there was a sharp Engagement till above two hundred of the Enemy being killed they quitted the Field and Vessels which were all burnt as was the Town and eight Ships in the Port. We lost some Men. The chiefest Booty was much good Cannon The same happened to the Towns Belsa Tarapor Maii Quelme and Agacim and lastly Surat then rising after the last Fire and some Vessels in that River Saldana having thus terrified all that Coast retired to Goa About this time came into Nuno de Cuna's power a Brother of the King of Cambaya who was the rightful Heir of that Crown and through him our Governor hoped to compass some considerable advantage D. Antony de Silveyra who parted from Chaul with six Ships arrived at Aden and found that King who not long before submitted to the Portugueses had killed such as had stayed there for Covetousness of a Ship laden with Spice that came to his Port. Silveyra being too weak to revenge this sailed to Ormuz where he died George de Lima succeeded in his Command and took two rich Ships in the Bay of Cambaya 18. Our Cruisers had about this time taken twenty seven Ships of the King of Calicut richly laden He being preplexed with these Losses and fearing greater proposed an Accommodation Iames Pereyra was sent to treat and obtained what he desired which was leave to build a Fort at Chale Chale is an Island in a River that falls into the Sea three Leagues from Calicut navigable in Boats up to the Mountain Gate Urinama a Heathen was a King of it and next to him he of Tanor both Subjects of Calicut Both coveted the Friendship of the Portugueses as well to cast of that Yoke as in hopes to grow rich with our Trade As soon as Nuno had obtained consent to raise the Fort he set out from Goa with one hundred and fifty Sail three thousand Portugueses and one thousand Lascarines of the Country Such diligence was used in the Work the Gentlemen not
Insect to death The other two sorts are the Resbuti who are good Soldiers formerly the chief of this Kingdom They acknowledge one God and three persons and worship the Blessed Virgin a Doctrine preserved from the time of the Apostles The last are Mahometans called Lauteas that is Natives who embraced that Sect and those who came to conquer the Countrey The common people are very ingenious in Mechanicks in Works of Silk Gold Ivory Mother of Pearl Tortoise-shell Crystal Ebony and other things of Delight They follow the Rules of Pithagoras killing no Creature but rather buy all tho venemous from those who take them and set them loose again They entertain men whose only Business it is to look about the Towns and Fields for Beasts that are sick which they cure with great care in Hospitals erected for that purpose Notwithstanding all this Beastly Charity they have none that may be called human for they will not reach their Hand to assist any person in the greatest necessity 2. In the year 1292 and according to the Mahometan Account 700 the Pagan Galacama was in quiet possession of this Kingdom and disturbed it to deprive his Brother of the Kingdom of Champanel left him by his Father Galacarna employed two Brothers as Generals upon his Frontiers Madana one of them had the most beautiful Woman of that Country to Wife She was of the Race of Padaminii who are affirmed besides their comely Shape to have so sweet a Scent in their Skin that they communicate it to their Cloaths which makes them esteemed above all o others With much reason for it is a wonder to find a Woman that has a good smell Yet not impossible They say there are scarce any of these Women in this Kingdom but many in Orixa There is no mischief without a Woman even where they have an ill favour how much more where one smelt well The King in love with this Wife of Madana tried all means to gain her but she being chaste which was doubtless the sweet Smell acquainted her Husband and Brother who joining with Xiath Nosaradim King of Delhi on whom the Covetousness of that Kingdom prevailed they wasted the Kingdom of Cambaya till Galacarna was at last slain in Battel Nosaradim lest Habedxiath his General to conquer the Remainder He rewarded the two Brothers who brought him to this Conquest and retured home having made the Kings of Mandou and Chitor tributary Nosaradim soon after being killed by his Nephew Civil Wars ensued and several Governors revolting called themselves Kings as did Habedxiath to whom Moors succeeded Thus 3. The year 1330 Hamet the Mahomemetan Tartar who lived in the City Cambaya with the assistance of Arabs Persians Greeks and Rumes or Turks usurped great part of this Kingdom then possessed by Desingue Rao What he had tyrannically gained he prudently maintained Ale Cham succeeded him and had forty Sons and three of them were Kings The first Peruxiath who succeeded him the second Azeide Cham who by his Wife got the Kingdom of Mandou and the third Ale Cham who with his Wife had the Kingdom of Agimar bordering on that of Chitor Peruxiath followed his Father's Example in securing his Government and built the City Diu in memory of a Victory gained over a Chinese Fleet. Sultan Mahomet his Son succeeded him and reigned at the time that D. Vasco de Gama discovered India he left the Crown to his Son Madafor as worthy of it for his Actions as Birth Not to his Son Scander Cham who gave occasion to his Subjects to kill him and set up his youngest Brother Mahomet Cham. But the second Brother Latisa Cham to whom of right the Crown belonged made War but without success and it remained in the third his Name was Badur Cham. 4. Modafar divided the Possession of Melique Az the Lord of Diu among his three Sons This Distribution enraged the King 's own Sons who coveted those â—…ands But chiefly Badur who poisoned his Father by whom he was as much hated as loved by his Mother After this Murder he fled to the King of Chitor and killing one there in the King's presence in a Ball made to entertain him with the assistance of Crementii the Queen he fled to Delhi 5. There he made himself a Calandar or Religious Man to shun the punishment of his Crimes These Calandars go loaded with Iron Chains and feed very hard with this outward rigor they practise privately all sorts of Wickedness and Uncleanness They enter into no Towns but blow a Horn without that people may bring them Alms. Sometimes they go together to the number of two thousand Badur was one of these Hearing of the Distractions of the Kingdom of Cambaya he repaired thither with his Chains in search of the Crown In that manner he entred Cambaya and was proclaimed King by favour of the people who were pleased with those Tokens of Religion His Brother Destaâ—… C ham thought to escape by submitting but he caused his Head to be cut off as a Traitor Then he gave the Cities of Reyner and Surat to two rich Merchants and afterwards overcame in battel his Brother Latisa Cham. He caused Madremaluco to be fley'd alive because he had settled his younger Brother in the Kingdom in hopes to have the Administration of it then with his own Hand beheaded the Brother and two others that reproved that Act. 6. Badur desiring to take off Melique Saca Commander of Diu sent for him upon pretence of Business but he excused himself upon other pretences and so stopped the Execution and being pressed endeavoured to escape with his Riches but being disappointed went off poor and not without danger His Friends at Diu brought thither from Madrefahat his Brothor Melique Tocam Badur the other being fled had like to have killed this but for some Reasons was obliged to pardon him and others but he destroyed many He set out for Champanel the year 1527 where were brought to him sorty French Men and one Stephen Dias Brigas a Portuguese who for some Crimes done in his Country fled into France and came to India Captain of a Ship of that Nation at Diu they were all taken and sent to Badur by whom they were all miserably put to death 7. At Champanel came to Badur Embassadors from Babor Paxiath King of Delhi demanding homage for that Kingdom as part of the Dominion of their Prince Badur at first would have killed them but replyed he would himself carry the Answer and instantly composed an Army of one hundred thousand Men four hundred Elephants and a great Train of Artillery His Design was disappointed being forced to turn himself to Doitabad a great Town taken by Nizamaluco and tho he recovered it it was with great loss some by the Weather as being Winter and some by a Shower of Stones as big as Oranges At Champanel he found certain Men of the Kingdom of the Colii who said they came to receive Tribute which he paid by fleying them
Turks frequenting the Baths in the City fell out with some of the Inhabitants and being worsted by them stirred up the whole Army to revenge They left no sort of Villany unessayed but Murdered Ravished Robbed and marched out with an unspeakble Treasure The Prince of Persia in a Rage obtained of his Father 20000 Horse and falling upon the Turks at one time killed 8000 and soon after 20000. They decamped and began to march and the Prince desiring to recover the Treasure they had taken at Tauris was so successful that killing 20000 more he retired with 18000 Camels loaded with Riches and an infinite quantity of Arms and Ammunition He pursues them again but Fortune changing he did less harm than he received and was forced to retire with loss of 3000 Persians 9. Fifteen Years before this time there came upon the Country of Moçambique such an Inundation of Cafres that they could not be numbred They came from that Part of Monomotapa where is the great Lake out of which spring those great Rivers whose source was formerly unknown to these were joined the Cafres Macabires and Ambei and other Borderers upon Abissinia With them came their Wives and Families as those that sought new Countries to inhabit their own not being able to contain them Their choice Food human Flesh and for want of it that of Beasts They left no other signs of the Towns they passed by but the heaps of Ruins and Bones of the Inhabitants For want of them they eat their own beginning by the Sick and Aged so that doubtless Fathers became Food to their Children The Women deformed and hardy carry their Goods on their Backs and in fight use the Bow as dexterously as the Men these march in Armour and where-ever they halt fortifie themselves 10. Hierome de Andrade from the Castle of Tete sent out a Party of Musqueteers who firing among that Multitude killed some to their great astonishment having never before seen that sort of Arms that they fled without looking back in two Rancounters above 5000 were slain They stopped not till they came to the Country of Moçambique having destroyed all in their way like a fiery Inundation This Place was approved of by Mambea Commander of about 6000 and he began to build a Fort and Towns two Leagues from Moçambique The Fort of Cuama where Nunno Vello Pereyra commanded was much incommoded by them he therefore sent out Antony Rodrigues Pimentel or Pinto with 400 Men four of them Portugueses who unexpectedly falling on the Barbarians slew a vast number and burnt the Fort but retiring in disorder they fell upon and killed him and all his Men except three Portugueses and very few Blacks All the dead were eaten by the victorious Cafres except their Heads Hands and Feet 11. Since this Relation has brought us to Moçambique it will not be amiss to give some Account of that Country It is full of Orchards and Fruit-trees especially Citron Limon and Orange-trees has all sorts of tame and wild Beasts as in Europe an infinite number of Elephants The People feed on Indian-Wheat the Woods are of Ebony a high Tree bearing a Leaf like that of our Apple-trees the Fruit like Medlars but not eatable from the Ground upward it is so covered with Thorns it is difficult to come to it where one is cut down another never grows the Bark of it is as susceptible of Fire as tinder There is another sort of a yellowish Colour that is of value The best Manna is produced here Among the Fish of that River there is one as devouring as Crododils no Man in reach escapes them but they touch not Women so great is the Privilege of that Sex One of these of a prodigious bigness was taken that had Gold Rings in the Ears It was supposed to be some piece of Witchcraft of the Cafres to clear the River of those dangerous Monsters To confirm this Opinion Metude a learned Arabian relates in an account of Modern Prodigies That about the Year 863 in the Foundation of an Aegyptian Temple there was found a brazen Crocodile with certain Characters which being broke to pieces the Crocodils of Nile began to devour Men whence it was inferred that was a Charm upon the Crocodiles 12. Hatred conceived against the Favourites of Nizamaluco in Canara brought the Mogols upon the Kingdom of Verara who after much Plunder and Desolation possessed themselves of many Towns and Cities The occasion was that the King being ill of a contagious Distemper his Favourite Acedecan first and after him Calabatecan kept him up without suffering any Body to see him The Prince and People â—…ad recourse to Arms to oblige these Tyrants to give them a sight of the King and they perswading it was to depose him so far prevailed that he meeting them in hostile manner made a great slaughter of them and hereupon the Mogols were called in to their aid 13. Five Ships sailed this Year from Lisbon for India one of them was lost beyond the Cape of Good-Hope at the Place called Bajos de la India a Promontory that rises with many Points which at a distance look like Trees it is oval and three Leagues in length and abounds in Coral which being naturally soft and white grows hard and turns green grey black and red but being pounded to Dust resumes its whiteness 14. The Captain with a few Men got into a Boat and after six Days landed at Quilimane About sixty got into another Boat others put to Sea on Planks above two hundred were upon the Rocks expecting to be swallowed by the Sea or else scorched by the Sun or starved to Death 15. Those in the second Vessel chose Duarte de Melo de Baçaim to command them and being over-loaded were forced the first time to throw Seventeen into the Sea to save the rest and not being light enough afterwards some others among which the Lot fell upon one of two Brothers the youngest whereof freely leaped overboard but having swam three Leagues after the Boat was again taken up 16. A Boat built by the Pilot Roderick Migueys contained 40 Men as they were under Sail a great Storm arose at Night and is said to have ceased by casting into the Water a piece of the Holy Cross one of them carried Of 400 Men that were in the Ship only these mentioned are known to have escaped CHAP. IV. Continues the Government of D. Duarte de Meneses 1. THE Vice-Roy governed India and his Unkle Ruy Gonçalez de Camara him who desiring to engross all that was honourable endangered what was necessary It was requisite at the same time to send a Squadron into the Red Sea and another to build a Fort at Panane in Malabar and he would command the one and build the other The Work ought to be solid and of Stone yet the Vice-Roy agreed it should be slight and of Wood that being soon finished Camara might be free to take the other Command 2. Camara being come
Mendoça Furtado returned to Goa where he found D. Hierome de Azevedo was then Viceroy Ruy Lorenço de Tavora was Viceroy three Years the 21th of that number 41th Governor and second of the Name and Sirname He had more Inclination to Peace than War which produced Concord with all the Kings of India of Stature tall his Complexion fair aged and a good Christian a rare thing among Men of Quality CHAP. XI Of the Propagation of the Christian Faith in China 1. THough these Affairs properly appertain to the Ecclesiastical History of which I design a particular Volume yet for the satisfaction of those who desire some Information herein and having at the end of the First Part said somewhat touching the first entrance of Christianity in China I will here briefly relate its Progress till the Year 1640 though it be anticipating the Time that the Relation may not be too much dismembred and because that Order is chiefly observed by me in Martial Affairs 2. The four Houses or Residences of Xancheu Nancham Nanking and Peking being setled F. Emanuel Diaz was sent as Visitor of the three first because F. Matthew Rivius could not be spared from the other which was the Soul of them all The Visitor-General Valiniano setled 30 Crowns a Year upon each Residence finding it sufficient to cloath and maintain the Religious who were to live there that they might not obstruct the advancement of the Faith by the necessity of asking any thing 3. The Visitor sent new Fathers to all the Residences In the Year 1604 Cuitayso was Baptized till then he only gave ear to it but was the cause that many were converted and procured the Foundation at Nanking He was called Ignatius In the Year 1606 died the Visitor Valiniano at Macao Nicholas Pimenta succeeded him 4. F. Matthew Rivius died at Peking in the Year 1610 the King appointed his place of Burial and allotted his Companions a House and Church The Mandarins and others celebrated his Funeral with great demonstrations of esteem He was the first buried in that country for all that died before were carried to Macao 5. The Year 1613 the Religious were expelled Hancheu and coming to the City Nanhiun built a Church there and afterwards others In the Year 1616 there were 7 Residences two at Peking one of them without the Walls one at Nanking one at Hancheu one at Nancham one at Caiyeu and one at Nanhiun In them all were 22 Fathers the Converts amounted to 6000 among them many Nobles Lawyers and Mandarines and some Bonzo's 6. The Year 1617 the Religious were expelled from all their Residences the Persecution began at Nanking Some escaped to Quantung and Macao 14 remained hid in China who were afterwards called by other Cities to erect new Foundations One was at Kiencham in the Province of Kiangsi through the means of a Lawyer who was converted and christned Stephen Another at Xambay in the Country of Paul the Doctor Another at Quartim in the Province of Nanking which City it could serve without a Residence there but the Fathers were restored to it by the assistance of Doctor Michael a great Admirer of them and of Christianity and afterwards one of the most famous Preachers of the Gospel By degrees the Persecution ceased and the Fathers were every where restored Two new Residencies were erected in the Cities of Xansi and Xensi and some of those that had been banished returned from Macao 7. The Year 1622 two other Residences were setled in the Province of Fokien another at Xansi another at Xensi another at Honan All things went on successfully and the Year 1630 the Converts came in by hundreds afterwards by thousands 8. In the Year 1634 there were in China 22 European Fathers and 4 Brothers greatly esteemed by the Mandarins and other Persons of Note A Prince of the Province of Xantung sent for some Fathers to hear their Doctrine so did other Provinces afterwards 9. At Peking there were 288 Converts among them Mandarines Lawyers and Soldiers one Eunuch and one Bonzo which is considerable they being a sort of Priests he converted his Father and some Relations 10. At Nanking 70 Converts and a Noble Eunuch of 75 Years of Age. The Christians here were so zealous that when the Fathers removed a Lawyer and his Nephew carrying the Vestments and other Church-stuff on their backs and being told by the Father The Servants might do it They replied It was not fit any body should carry the Things of the Church but they who were proud to be Porters to Iesus Christ. 11. At Kiamcheu and Pucheu almost 2000 Converts at a time when the three greatest Calamities of this World succeeded each other The first was Famine which raged to that degree they eat one another two Women were shot to Death being convicted of eating 40 Children A Father and Mother rather than see their Child perish in their Arms cast it into a River and themselves after it Others buried a Child alive a Christian call'd Peter saved both the Children and brought them up The next Calamity was War and the third the Plague 12. At Hancheu in the Province of Chekiang the Converts amounted not to 150. At Xamhay 400. At Narcham only 26. At Quiencham 80. In the City Fokien 257 and many in the Country At Singam not 100 by reason of the Famine that raged as at Quiamcheu they eat the Dead ground Stones and used the Dust in stead of Meal Some at Hoacheu and the Neighbourhood At Honan but 30. In the Kingdom of Hannam which the Portugueses call Tonking almost 100000. 13. Thomas a Native of Thinhoa laboured in the Kingdom of the Lao'â—… That People is white good conditioned and have no Thieves among them Those of Hannam undervalue them for eating of Vermin They wear narrow Gowns their Feet bare the Head commonly uncovered their Hair round and short like a Lay-Brother only one Lock on the Temples which is run through holes made to that purpose in the Ears they adore an Idol called Theica with the same Ceremonies those of Hannam worship their Tham. They Trade into this Kingdom their Merchandize Elephants Buda's Skins Benjamin and Amber 14. At Dangthan 2441 Converts and many at Thinhoa At Nighihan 4200 the Residence is at Rumo there are 26 Churches and the Divine Offices are celebrated with much magnificence In Bochinh a half Province next Cochinchina 130 were Baptized In an Orchard here was found a Tree brought from the Laos the Leaves whereof gain him that carries them the Affection of all he meets and Reconcile them if Enemies Being examined whether it was not Superstition it was judged to be a Natural Virtue 15. In the Year 1635 there were not above 3300 Converted among all the Residences The House at Chincheo was then first founded A Church was erected in the Town of Yunchum and another in the City Chancheu Now there will be a greater Fruit reaped because the King protects and countenances the Religious
not so dark with lank Hair some like Mulato's and some up the Inlands whiter yet of both sorts of Hair Of Stature large well made and strong of a clear judgment and apt to learn Every Man has as many Wives as he can or will and turns them off at pleasure and they find other Husbands The Husband gives the Portion saying It is a Recompence for their Fathers by whom they were bred for them Their Funeral Obsequies consist in Feasting the Guests The Mourning in laying aside all marks of Joy cutting the Hair or covering the Face and Body with Clay 5. Their Government is Monarchical the Kings are called Andias Anrias and Dias without any dependance on another They are continually in War the end whereof is rather Plunder than Slaughter No Arms were found among them but some Guns given by the Moors and Hollanders which they do not use and are fearful of them in their own hands Their Merchandize is excellent Amber white Sandal Tortoises Ebony other sweet Woods and abundance of Slaves There is plenty of all sorts of Cattle Their Goat is as sweet as our Mutton They have abundance of Sea-Cows Sea-Horses Monkeys some say Tigers and Snakes not very very venomous No Elephants Horses Asses Lions Bears Deer Foxes nor Hares 6. This is the Island of Madagascar where our Discoverers now were in a large Bay near Masialage in which is an Island half a league round which contains a City of 8000 Inhabitants most of them Weavers of excellent Stuffs made of the Palm-Tree in the Latitude of 16 degrees Here the Moors used to buy Boys whom they carried to Arabia to serve their Lust. The King of this Place was called Samamo with whom Friendship was established and he granted Leave to Preach the Gospel They coasted almost 40 leagues Westward discovering the mouth of the great River Balue in the Latitude of somewhat more than 16 degrees Turning Cape St. Andrew they saw the River and Kingdom of Casame in 17 degrees of Latitude where they found little Water and had much Trouble Here also Amity was established with the King called Sampilla a discreet old Man but in all this way heard no News of the Portugueses sought after About the middle of May on Whiâ—…sunday Mass was said on Shore and two Crosses set up which that King seemed to be pleased at promising to restore them if at any time they fell 7. In the Holy-days they discovered a small Island in 18 degrees of Latitude which they call Espiritu Santo half a degree farther Banks of Sand 9 leagues in length where they were in some danger On Trinity-Sunday they landed further on were again in danger of Sands anchored at the 7 Islands of Cuerpo de Dios in 19 degrees of Latitude near the River and Kingdom Sadia to which they came on the 19th of Iune and found scarce Water enough for Caravels The Kingdom is large the City on the Banks of the River has about 10000 Inhabitants great plenty of Flesh Indian Wheat Tar Tortoises Sandal Ebony and sweet Woods the People black simple but good natured and have no Trade The King's Name was Capitape an ancient Man much respected and very sincere He established Peace and gave his Son to guide our Men and assist them along that Coast. All along this Coast from Massalaje to Sadia which are 130 leagues is used the Language of the Cafres All the rest of the Island uses the Language called Buqua which is the Native 8. Turning towards the South they discovered the Country of the Buques a very wicked and poor People feeding upon the Spawn of Fish The Inland Kings who are more powerful oppress them They passed by the River Mane that of Saume in 20 degrees 15 minutes of South Latitude Manoputa in 20 degrees 30 minutes here they heard of Portugueses Isango in 21 degrees Terrir 21 degrees 30 minutes the 7 Islands of St. Elizabeth in 22 degrees On the 11th of Iuly they came into the Port of St. Felix in 22 degrees and heard somewhat of Portugueses from Dissamuto the King 9. Our Men offering a Silver Chain here for some Provisions the Natives gave it to an old Woman to try whether it was right she said That 3 days Journey down a River there was an Island inhabited long since by a white Warlike People habited like our Men that wore Crosses about their Necks and lived upon Rapine that they easily took what they would being Armed with Spears and Guns Our Men were pleased at this Information and here whilst they were at Mass the Prince of Loquexa with a Black ran away Three Portugueses catched him and he begged they would kill him being brought back and better treated he wholly submitted to their will 10. Passing by the Bay of St. Bonaventure and the mouth of the River Massimanga they entred the Port Santa Clara whither Diamassuto came to them concluded a Peace and on his knees worshipped the Crucifix They were told that white People resorted to the Neighbouring Port which were supposed to be Hollanders Going on they found Banks of Sand not set down in the Charts and entred the Port in 24 degrees of Latitude The People were affable their King's Name Diacomena they said That on the opposite Coast there were Portugueses who had been cast away and fed Cattle that the Hollanders had been there three times and left them four Musketiers with whose help they made War on their Enemies Friendship was established here upon condition they should not again admit the Hollanders Some Inscriptions were found carved on Trees one of them had these words Christophorus Neoportus Anglus Cap. And another Dominus Robertus Schurleius Comes Legatus Regis Persarum 11. In the Latitude of 25 degrees entring a Port they called it of St. Augustin the Name of the Kingdom is Vavalinta the King 's Diamacrinali a Buque who no sooner saw the Portugueses but he said Are these some of the Men of the other Coast This confirmed what had been heard of the Portugueses before and the King being asked said They were 6 days sail thence In September our Men saw Cape St. Mary where they spent 40 days in stormy weather and on St. Luke's day entred the Port of the same Name in the Kingdom of Enseroe The Natives said That half a day's Journey off there were white People with Crosses who had a great Town Randumana the King came to the Caravel and sent one of his Subjects with a Portugues to shew him where he said those White Men were but the Black left our Man half way 12. Among others there came thither to Trade with our Men a King with above 500 fighting Men his Sons almost white their Hair long wearing Gowns and Breeches of Cotton of several colours with Silver Buttons Bracelets and other Jewels of Gold Pearl and Coral This King's Name was Bruto Chembanga his Kingdom called Matacassi borders upon Enseroe on the West He shewed Arabick Books He said The
Peter de Zuniga and F. Luis Flores of Saint Dominick were burnt alive by the Emperor's Command together with Captain Ioachim a Iaponese who carried them in his Ship from Manila and twelve Seamen beheaded 3. At Mamgasaqui 25 were burnt alive and 25 beheaded Of the first number was Father Charles Spinola a Genoese and Father Sebastian Quimura born at Firando the first Iaponese Priest and six Iaponese Lay-Brothers all Jesuits Five Franciscans and nine Dominicans Also a Woman and twelve Children were executed and after that a Dominican and others 4. At Omura a Dominican a Franciscan and twelve more were burnt alive Ten suffer'd Martyrdom at Iquinosima Another was burnt at Firando fourteen at Namgasaqui and others in other Places all which made up the number of 118 whereof 46 burnt alive 5. In the Year 1624 another Persecution was raised at the Court by means of a Bonzo who becoming a Christian in hopes to grow rich and being disappointed became an Informer against Christians The Emperor gave him the Charge of Discovering them The first apprehended were two Jesuits and a Franciscan who being committed to Prison where Faramandondono the Emperor's Cousin was Baptized there forty Persons Fifty in all were taken out of the Prison and burnt alive Two Gentlemen who were Christians but not known being present leaped from their Horses and cast themselves into the Fire crying They died for the Faith At Night Three hundred Christians assembled and stole the Relicks of the Martyrs This gave occasion to a new Search and almost Five hundred suffered To prevent the concealing of any Religious Men all the Spaniards were expelled Nangasaqui and some married to Iaponese Women were parted from them Many Natives who would not renounce the Faith were banished and many more especially at Ozaqua had a Cross burnt deep on their Foreheads that they might be known to be Christians and they joyfully said Now we shall be known to be Slaves of Iesus They were turned off with that mark and almost naked in the dead of Winter with their Children and many of them died 6. In the Year 1637 Father Marcelas Francis Mastrili of the Society of Jesus was apprehended with his Companion Lazarus and carried to Namgasaqui where he endured many Tortures On the fourteenth of October he was brought out in sight of all the People with a Paper on his Back whereon were these Words Iogan Sama Emperor of Iapan Orders this mad Man to be Executed for Preaching in these Kingdoms a Law contrary to that of Xaxa and Amida and of the Fâ—…toques Come all to see him for he is to die hanging in the Cave for an Example At the Market-place of Tenâ—… where the Portugues Merchants resort he saluted them three times with his head having a Gag in his mouth 7. He was hanged up by the Feet in the Cave of the Mountain where generally Martyrs suffer and is therefore called Holy He hung four days uttering wonderful Doctrine and the Blood never fell into his Head as is usual in such Cases Seeing he did not die they took him out to be beheaded and he expected the stroke on his Knees saying twice My Father Saint Francis Xaverius It is believed he saw that Saint and that was the occasion of naming him The first stroke took no Effect the second made an impression and the third his Head fell to the Ground having called upon Jesus and Mary There followed an Earthquake all the Country about Being dead he had many Wounds given him then was burnt and the Ashes cast into the Sea Thus much of Iapan let us say somewhat of Ethiopia 8. In the Year 1521 Sultan Sagued being Emperor the Society of Jesus had a Residence at Gorgora in the Kingdom of Dambia and a stately Church Another Residence at Colela in the Kingdom of Gogan to which was subordinate the Mission of the Agaos a large Province Another at Fremona in the Kingdom of Tigre 9. The first Patriarch of Ethiopia was D. Iohn Bermudez chosen by the Emperor and confirmed by the Pope of whom we spoke in the Sixth Chapter of the Fourth Part of the Second Tome The second Patriarch was D. Iohn Nunnez Barreto a Jesuit of whose Sanctity it is a sufficient Testimony that he being at Tetuan serving the Slaves the Bassa of that Place said The Works of the Holiest Moor were not to compare with his He died at Goa without reaching Ethiopia The third was D. Andrew de Oviedo of a very Religious and Austere Life He suffered much Persecution for Preaching and Converting many Ethiopians The fourth Patriarch was D. Belchior Carnero a Jesuit who died at Goa The fifth D. Alfonso Mendez of whom we shall speak hereafter The sixth D. Apollinarius de Almeyda of whose Banishment also a further Account shall be given in its Place The End of the Third Part. THE PORTUGUES ASIA TOM III. PART IV. CHAP. I. The Second Government of the Viceroy D. Francis de Gama Count De Vidigueyra from the Year 1622 till 1627. 1. DON Francis de Gama Count De Vidigueyra having lest the Government of India much hated and affronted always endeavoured to obtain that Command again not to be revenged as some said but to satisfie the World he had not deserved that ill Usage Twenty Years passed before he could obtain his Desire which was upon the Accession to the Crown of Philip the Fourth of Spain and Third of Portugal 2. He sailed from Lisbon on the 18th of March with 4 Ships Not long before him parted thence Sancho de Tovar Silva with 2 Galleons and 2 Pinks On the Coast of Tierra de Natal a flash of Lightning falling upon the Count's Ship burnt the Colours and did some harm but killed no body Under the Line two of his Ships left him and arrived at Goa at the end of August The third stayed behind him it was thought they shunned his Company designedly 3. About this time 6 Dutch Ships plied near the Islands of Angoxa one of them perished in pursuit of a Portugues The Viceroy standing for Moçambique met the other five on the 22d of Iune His other Ships had now joyned him and there ensued a terrible Fight which fell heaviest upon the Vice-Admiral who was entirely disabled The Viceroy and D. Francis Lobo rescued and brought him off But the Ship being so much battered sunk some Men and Money were saved and some fell into the Enemies hands Night coming on the Viceroy and Lobo were drove upon the Sands and their Ships lost they saved what Goods Rigging Ammunition and Cannon they could and fired the rest that the Enemy might make no Advantage os it The Viceroy shipped all the Goods and what Men he could aboard some Galliots and arrived at Cochim Gonzalo de Sequeyra was gone before with his Galleon to relieve Ormuz but came too late 4. From Cochim he went to Goa and arrived there in September His Enemies seeing him in that Post were all terrified fearing he now
Horse and about 400 Blacks Hearing the Enemy was lodged in the Village Baylam two Leagues up the Country he resolved to surprize him at Noon when they use to Bathe Half a League from the place he halted to Rest the Men and the Enemy having Intelligence thereof came on with such diligence and secrecy that they had put them to the Sword had not Ferdinand de Silva who led the Van with much Bravery given a check to their Fury Antony de Sotomayor relieved him already wounded in the Leg was himself wounded and lost some Men but did great Execution This gave Tavora time to make ready whose furious coming up made great havock Our Men turning Back to Back and facing the Enemy round did Wonders Ruy Lorenço with his Horse ranging about did them great harm till falling on their Flank many were slain the rest fled without hopes 4. Next he resolved to take a Great Ship of Bramaluco's that was newly finished in the Dock of Agaçaim He marched thither by Land and D. Luis de Ataide went by Water The latter by force of Arms made his way to the City at such time as the other was reducing it to Ruins breaking through a Multitude of Enemies who endeavoured to stop his Fury each of them lost six Men. D. Luis Landed and both together cleared the Field unpeopled the City and then set Fire to it The Ship was carried to the Port of Baçaim and for many years Traded to Lisbon Bramaluco sued for Peace and he being a suspected Subject of Cambaya our Governour treated with that King and by this means secured the former Peace and obtained a Grant of half the Customs whereof only the Third part was offered before 5. Let us now return to the Fleet in which the Governour was to sail His great Liberality brought him more Men than he desired whereof he chose the best The Fleet consisted of 80 Sail of sundry sorts and sizes and carried two Thousand Men. 6. While this Fleet was fitting the King of Achem falling upon the King of the Bataas unexpectedly made a great slaughter of his People killing among the rest three Sons he rather adored than loved The King desirous of Revenge sent his Brother-in-Law Embassadour to Peter de Faria then Commanding at Malaca The Embassy was to confirm the Peace before concluded and desire assistance of Arms and Ammunition and the better to obtain it sent him a rich Present and offered a free Trade in his Dominions which abound in Gold Pepper Benjamin and Camphir Faria who was intent upon Profit as well as his King's Service plentifully supplied him with Arms and Ammunition offering his utmost assistance and entertaining the Embassadour with splendour The King of Bataa attacked his Enemy with Resolution but was beaten after having almost gained the Victory and retired with great Grief to his City Panaaju Here he dispatched Pinto sent thither by Faria to Trade who narrowly escaped being lost in the River Parles of the Kingdom of Queda by reason of the Revolution had then hapned in the City of that Name the Court of that Prince who had murdered his Father and married his own Mother The first he denyed and pretended he had done the latter in Honour to her having refused many considerable Matches Pinto brought News of the Island del Oro or of Gold the great motive of his Voyage 7. But now our Governour enters the Red Sea with his Fleet. He found most of the Islands and Cities abandoned the People having had notice of his coming The chief Island was Maçua The principal City Suanquem in about 19 Degrees of North Latitude well built and rich The King who was fled a League up the Country entertained the Governour with shews of Peace that he might not destroy the Island But the greatest damage was that hereby he prevented the burning the Ships at Suez gaining so much time as carried thither the News of this Design The Governour in Revenge marched with his Brother D. Christopher and 1000 Men made a great slaughter was Master of the Field and took a great Booty Then turning to the City it was plundered and private Men got four or five thousand Ducats each then it was burnt to the ground The Waters being shoal the Governour resolved to go over to Alcoçer and other places with only sixteen Catures or Barges the rest of the Fleet he sent to Maçua under the Command of Lionel de Lima. There was a great dispute about who should go with D. Stephen and he had much difficulty to compose it They set out of the Bay for this Reason called De los Agraviados or Of the Offended Many Gentlemen went in the Barges as private Souldiers accepting any place so they were admitted such was their desire to be in this Action The number of Men was Two hundred and fifty At Alconçer which is in the Latitude of 25 Degrees they did the same as had been done before at Suanquem Crossing over to Tor or Toro they took some Vessels of the Enemy The Turks at first opposed the Landing but some being slain fled and abandoned the City in which nothing of Value was found The Governour would not burn it in reverence of St. Catharine and a Monastery found there with Religious Men under her Invocation which at their Instance he visited To his great glory he was the first European Commander that took that City where he Knighted several who held this Honour done them there in great esteem and it was afterwards envied by the Great Emperour Charles the Fifth as shall appear in its place Our People and those Religious testified great Regret at parting They are of the Greek Church and of the Order of St. Basil. The City is in the Latitude of 28 Degrees and is thought by Learned Geographers to be the ancient Elana 8. The Governour went over to Suez and after many brave Attempts made by several to sound and view the Harbour which all failed he resolved in Person and in open Day to discover the Gallies He saw them and desiring to do something considerable Landed the Enemies Shot flew from the Town and 2000 Turkish Horse broke out of an Ambush some few whereof were killed by our Canon but our Men obliged to Retire much grieved that this Voyage was disappointed The Governour returned to his Fleet at Maçua where he found the Severity of Emanuel de Gama had caused a Mutiny which gave occasion to 80 Men to run away with a Ship designing to go over to Ethiopia They were met by a Captain of the King of Zeila and after a vigorous Resistance most of them killed On a Gallows hung five whom Gama had Executed for concealing the design of the other 80 they at Execution summoned him to answer before the great Tribunal and he within a Month run Mad and died CHAP. IV. Goes on with the Government of D. Stephen de Gama 1. AT this time Grada Hamed King of the Country called
by some Geographers Trogloditis vulgarly Adel having submitted himself to the Turk to obtain Assistance of Men casting off the Obedience he owed to the Emperour of Ethiopia began furiously to over-run that Country with a Powerful Army To excuse his Ambitious Designs he laid hold of the Opportunity his Sovereigns tender years offered and in a small time made himself Master of such part of Abassia that the Emperour Atanad Sagad or Claudius was obliged to retire towards the Kingdom of Goiame and his Mother Saban or Elizabeth with the Barnagais got into the rugged Mountain Dama a place naturally impregnable which rising to a prodigious height over a vast Plain on its Top forms another almost Round and about a League over in which is an indifferent Town with Fruit and Cattel that maintains it On one side only is a painful Ascent till near the Top from thence People are drawn up on Planks with Ropes and in like manner let down 2. The Queen reduced to this condition hearing D. Stephen was in the Red-Sea sent Barnagais Embassadour to him to desire his Assistance against that Tyrant who over-running her Kingdoms destroyed the ancient Churches and carried away Slaves the Religious Men and Priests The Embassadour was heard and received a favourable Answer It was Resolved in Council to send Relief and D. Christopher named Commander in Chief of Four hundred Men it consisted of He had with him eight Field-Pieces many small Fire-Arms and plenty of Ammunition D. Iohn Bermudez the Patriarch much desired by that Emperour to introduce the Roman Ceremonies accompanied them The two Brothers D. Stephen and D. Christopher took leave on the shoar never to meet again Let us conduct the one into India and then return to the other 3. About Iuly the Governour was taken in such a violent Storm that a Galliot sunk down right a Barque was lost and all the Fleet scattered Many Religous Vows were made in the danger but that of a private Souldier was pleasant who Vowed he would marry D. Isabel de Sa Daughter to D. Garcia de Sa after Governour of India and the applauded Beauty of all those parts which afterwards gave pleasant matter of Discourse At length the Governour arrived at Goa and perceiving the Ships did not come from Portugal and that he was exhausted with the charge of the last Fleets he loaded the Goods provided for the Ships expected on four Galeons and sent them away Peter de D. Castello Branco late Governor of Ormuz Commanded one of these Galleons and was taken by the French near the Islands Azores 4. Nizamoxa desired to possess himself of the Forts of Sangaça and Carnala held by two Subjects of Cambaya on the Frontiers of that Kingdom and formidable for their strength and situation The Commanders Nicoda Amorgin and Atridican being absent he assaults and enters them The Owners had recourse for the Recovery of them to D. Francis de Meneses Commanding at Baçaim promising to hold them of us if restored He went in person with Three hundred Portugueses a party of the Natives and each of the Proprietors Two hundred Men. They scaled the Fort Carnalia and the Defendants in a pannick Fear abandoned it some throwing themselves down the â—…ocks where they were beaten to pieces Those of Sangaça quitted it before it was demanded D. Francis left the Moors in possession with Portugues Garrisons Nizamoxa in a Rage sent 5000 Men who ruined all the Country about The Owners despairing of maintaining themselves against that Power resigned their Title to those Forts to the Portugueses and were received into Bacaim by D. Francis who sent Supplies to the Forts and resolved to maintain them 5. Nizamoxa sends 6000 Men more 1000 of them Musquetiers and 800 Horse well Armed They beset Sangaça and gave several Assaults that Day wherein many of them were killed The Portugueses stood all Day and Night at their Arms and with much difficulty sent Advice to D. Francis at Bazaim who came to their Relief with 160 Portugueses 20 Horse and some Naiques with 2000 Indians Don Francis received a Letter from the Governour of Chaul giving an account of the great Strength of the Enemy and some of his Men coming to hear the Contents of it he read quite the contrary to what really was in it and marched on A small Party of the Eâ—…my attacked the Van to draw them into two Ambushes each of which contained a Thousand Men. Some of the Portugueses fled D. Francis with his twenty Horse resolved to keep a Pass and he with some Gentlemen killed several Those of the Ambush coming on the Portugueses were forced to fight Back to Back Those who at first fled fell into the second Ambush and endeavouring to shun it returned to the first with whom the others were engaged The Moors thinking this had been a fresh Relief fled our Men took heart and struck such Terrour into the Enemy that running to Cangaça they raised their Camp leaving all the Ground about the Fort strowed with all sorts of Weapons and Ammunition D. Francis returning from the Pursuit found they had slain about 500 and lost 20 Men. He stored the Forts and went back to his Command 6. I shall relate a thing scarce Credible but most true In this Action a Giant-like Portugues of prodigious Strength called Trancoso seeing a Moor well wrapped in a large Veil falling from his Head laid hold of him thereby as if he had been a Buckler and so carried him before his Breast received upon him all the stroaks of the Enemies Weapons and thus continued making him his Shield till the Fight was ended 7. However considering the keeping of those Forts was of greater Charge and Danger than Advantage could be made of them and because Nizamoxa our Confederate offered for them 5000 Pâ—…rdao's besides the 2000 he paid before the Governour resigned them up to him to the great Regret of D. Francis de Meneses who had gained and maintained them with so much Honour The Garrisons marched out with all the usual Ceremonies 8. When this hapned the Governour was at Chaul in order to Visit the Northern Forts he furnished them with all Necessaries Being returned to Goa he provided the Loading for the Ships that were detained at Moçambique and received Embassadors from Xeque Ismael of Persia the Kings of Calicut and Cambaya about important Affairs and were answered to their satisfaction 9. Peter de Faria who Commanded at Malaca had received some Information of the Affairs and Seat of the Island del Oro or of Gold which was said to be in the Sea of the River Calandor in five Degrees of South Latitude 150 Leagues from the Point of Sumatra encompassed with great Banks of Sand and strong Currents He advertized the King who sent to that Discovery and Conquest Francis de Almeida that died by the way One Iames Cabral of Madera succeeded him and the Governour Martin Alfonso de Sousa displaced him to give that Charge to Hierom