this resolution we put within the Ice the wind being at East North-east this first entrance I liked not very well scarce finding any place to put in our ships head and being neere thirtie leagues from the shoare towards Euening wee were fast amongst the Ice But sometimes each day the Ice would a little open we making what way we could towards the North-west in for the shoare till the two and twentieth day hauing had the wind all Southerly Yet we plainly saw that we set to the Southwards for all that wee could doe The two and twentieth day the wind came vp at North North-west then our Master determined to stand forth againe For if the wind should haue come to the North-east it would be vnpossible for vs to fetch any part of the Channell seeing wee droue so fast to the Southwards with Southerly winds and hauing so farre into the shoare not hauing seene the Land Our Master was also determined to spend some twentie or foure and twentie dayes in Fretum Dauis to see what hopes would be that wayes supposing there would be little good to be done in Hudsons Streights for this time limited then we plying to get to Sea-ward and so by eight a clock at night the three and twentieth day we were cleere of the thick Ice againe the Lord make vs thankfull the wind at North-west and by North faire weather but no sooner were we forth of the Ice but that our Master changed his opinion and beeing cleere of this thicke Ice wee stood to the Northward as much as the Ice and winde would giue vs leaue running some thirteene leagues true North-east by North being in the latitude of 61. degrees 50. minutes The foure and twentieth day faire weather the fiue and twentieth day also faire weather the wind at North and by West till sixe a clocke we hauing made a North-east by North way about twelue leagues and an halfe our latitude at noone 62. degrees 20. minutes at sixe a clocke the wind was at the North North-east The sixe and twentieth day all the forenoone faire weather and cold but in the afternoone it blew very hard being close hasie weather that about two a clocke this afternoone wee tooke in our sailes and hulled with our ship till the next morning at foure a clocke all the time that we sayled this day we past through many ledges of Ice hauing great quantitie to the Northward of vs and hauing runne about twentie one leagues true vpon a West course And note where I put this word true I meane the true course the variation of the Compasse and other accidents allowed The seuen and twentieth day close foggy weather with much snow freezing on our shrowds and tackling the like we had not all this yeare before but towards foure a clocke in the afternoone it began to cleere vp and about fiue a clocke we saw Land being the Iland of Resolution and bearing West from vs about thirteene or fourteene leagues This morning we set sayle and stood to and fro as the Ice would suffer vs and at ten at night wee moored our ship to a piece of Ice the wind being at West The eight and twentieth day being Whitsunday it was faire weather but the winde was at the West and West by North al this day we were fast to the piece of Ice Yet we plainly perceiued that we set a great deale more into the Streights with the floud Then we set forth with the ebbe the nine and twentieth day the wind was variable and faire weather about eleuen a clock we set saile and tacked to and fro along by the Iland And about two a clocke the next morning the wind came to the South South-east but we had so much Ice that we could doe but little good with a faire wind the wind continued all this day and night a stiffe gale this night or rather Euening because it was not darke at all we were set within the point of the Iland so that now we were within the Streights The one thirtieth day also faire weather the wind for the most part at North North-west the afternoone being cleere wee saw the point of the South shoare called Buttons Iles to beare from vs due South by the Compasse which is indeed South South-east somewhat Eastward because here the Compasse is varied to the Westwards twentie foure degrees The first of Iune wee had some snow in the forenoone but very faire weather in the afternoone the wind at West North-west We perceiuing the Ice to be more open close aboord the shoare made the best way we could to get in and to come to Anchor if the place were conuenient and by seuen a clocke we were in a good Harbour on the North-west side of the Iland of Resolution where an East South-east Moone maketh full Sea or halfe an houre past seuen on the change day as Sea-men account the water doth rise and fall neere foure fathomes the Compasse doth vary to the West 24. degrees 6. minutes and is in longitude West from London 66. degrees 35. minutes The breadth of the South Channell or the distance betweene the Iland and the South shoare is sixteene leagues and the North Channell is eight miles wide in the narrowest place Vpon this Iland we went on shoare but found no certaine signe of Inhabitants but the tract of Beares and Foxes Rockes and stonie ground hardly any thing growing thereon it is indifferent high Land to the Northward hauing one high Hill or Hummocke on the North-east side but to the Southward it falleth away very low The second of Iune in the morning the wind came vp at East South-east with much snow and fowle weather about noone wee weighed Anchor and stood vp along by the Iland so well as the Ice would giue vs leaue to get to the North shoare Wee continuing our courses so neere the North shoare as conueniently we could with much variable weather and windes but stedfast in continuance among Ice till the eight day hauing the wind full contrary to vs and being somewhat neere a point of Land or rather a company of Ilands which after wee called Sauage Iles hauing a great Sound or In-draught betweene the North shoare and them At sixe a clocke we came to Anchor neere one of them being the Eastermost sauing one But whiles wee were furling our sailes we heard and saw a great company of Dogges running vp and downe with such howling and barking that it seemed very strange Shortly after we had moored our ship we sent our Boat somewhat neerer the shoare to see if they could perceiue any people who returning told vs that there were Tents and Boats or Canowes with a great many Dogges but people they saw none After Prayer when our men had supt wee fitted our Boate and our selues with things conuenient then my selfe with seuen others landed and went to their Tents where finding no people we marched vp to the top of a Hill
her selfe among the Rocks till the other had told her how well wee had vsed them in giuing them pieces of Iron and such like which they highly esteeme in change thereof they giue vs Seales skinnes other riches they had none saue dead Seales and fat of Seales some of which fat or blubber afterward we carried aboord the poore women were very diligent to carry it to the water side to put into our caske making shew that the men were ouer at the Mayne and at an other small Iland something more Eastward Then making signes to them that wee would shew them our ship and set them where the men were the foure youngest came into our Boate when they were aboord they much wondred to see our ship and furniture we gaue them of our meat which they tasting would not eate Then two of them wee set on the Iland where they supposed the men to be the other two were carried to their Tents againe Those that went to seeke the men could not finde them but came as neere the ship as they could and at euening wee set them ouer to the other This place wee called Womens Ilands it lyeth in the latitude of 72. degrees 45. minutes here the Flood commeth from the Southward at nep Tydes the water ariseth but sixe or seuen foote and a South South-east Moone maketh a full Sea The Inhabitants very poore liuing chiefly on the flesh of Seales dryed which they eate raw with the skinnes they cloathe themselues and also make couerings for their Tents and Boats which they dresse very well The Women in their apparell are different from the men and are marked in the face with diuers blacke strokes or lines the skin being rased with some sharpe instrument when they are young and blacke colour put therein that by no meanes it will be gotten forth Concerning their Religion I can little say onely they haue a kinde of worship or adoration to the Sunne which continually they will point vnto and strike their hand on their breast crying Ilyâ—nt their dead they burie on the side of the Hils where they liue which is commonly on small Ilands making a pile of stones ouer them yet not so close but that wee might see the dead body the aire being so piersing that it keepeth them from much stinking sauour So likewise I haue seene their Dogs buried in the same manner Vpon the fourth day we set sayle from thence hauing very faire weather although the winde were contrary and plyed to and fro betweene the Ice and the Land being as it were a channell of seuen or eight leagues broad then on the ninth day being in the latitude of 74. degree 4. minutes and much pestered with Ice neere vnto three small Ilands lying eight miles fromth shore we came to anchor neere one of them These Ilands are vsed to be frequented with people in the latter part of the yeare as it seemed by the houses and places where the tents had stood but this yeare as yet they were not come here the tides are very small especially the floud which ariseth not aboue fiue or six foot yet the ebbe runneth with an indifferent streame the cause thereof in mine opinion is the great abundance of Snow melting on the Land all this part of the yeare The tenth day wee set sayle from thence and stood through much Ice to the Westward to try if that further from the shoare wee might proceede but this attempt was soone quailed for the more Ice we went through the thicker it was till wee could see no place to put in the Ships head Seeing that as yet we could not proceede we determined to stand in for the shoare there to abide some few dayes till such time as the Ice were more wasted and gone for we plainely saw that it consumed very fast with this resolution we stood in and came to anchor among many Ilands in the latitude of 73. degrees 45. minutes On the twelfth day at night here wee continued two dayes without shew or signe of any people till on the fifteenth day in the morning about one a clocke then came two and fortie of the Inhabitants in their Boates or Canoas and gaue vs Seale skinnes and many peeces of the bone or horne of the Sea Vnicorne and shewed vs diuers peeces of Sea Mors teeth making signes that to the Northward were many of them in exchange thereof we gaue them small peeces of Iron Glasse Beads and such like at foure seuerall times the people came to vs and at each time brought vs of the aforesaid commodities by reason thereof we called this place Horne Sound Here we stayed six dayes and on the eighteenth day at night we set sayle hauing very little winde and being at Sea made the best way we could to the Northward although the winde had beene contrary for the most part this moneth but it was strange to see the Ice so much consumed in so little space for now we might come to the three Ilands before named and stand off to the Westward almost twenty leagues without let of Ice vntill we were more North as to 74. degrees 30. minutes then we put among much scattered Ice and plyed to and fro all this month still in the sight of shoare and many times fast in the Ice yet euery day we got something on our way nothing worthy of note happening but that at diuers times we saw of the fishes with long hornes many and often which we call the Sea Vnicorne and here to write particularly of the weather it would be superfluous or needelesse because it was so variable few dayes without Snow and often freezing in so much that on Midsummer day our shrowds roapes and sailes were so frozen that we could scarse handle them yet the cold is not so extreame but it may well be endured The first of Iuly we were come into an open Sea in the latitude of 75. degrees 40. minutes which a new reuiued our hope of a passage and because the winde was contrary wee stood off twenty leagues from the shoare before we met the Ice then standing in againe when we were neere the Land we let fall an anchor to see what tyde went but in that we found small comfort Shortly after the winde came to the South-east and blew very hard with foule weather thicke and foggie then we set sayle and ran along by the Land this was on the second day at night The next morning we past by a faire Cape or head land which wee called Sir Dudley Digges Cape it is in the latitude of 76. degrees 35. minutes and hath a small Iland close adioyning to it the winde still increasing we past by a faire Sound twelue leagues distant from the former Cape hauing an Iland in the midst which maketh two entrances Vnder this Iland we came to anchor and had not rid past two houres but our Ship droue although we had two
forth in May 1555. and Master George Killingworth was made their first Agent the particulars whereof are found at large in Master Hakluyts first Tome of Voyages as also other things touching that Trade then setled which heere I omit and come to Master Ienkinsons Voyage to Mosco and thence to Tartaria §. II. The first Voyage made by Master ANTHONIE IENKINSON from the Citie of London toward the Land of Russia begunne the twelfth of May in the yeare 1557. FIrst by the grace of God the day and yeare aboue mentioned I departed from the said Citie and the same day at Grauesend embarked my selfe in a good ship named the Primrose being appointed although vnworthy chiefe Captaine of the same and also of the other three good ships to say the Iohn Euangelist the Anne and the Trinitie hauing also the conduct of the Emperour of Russia his Ambassadour named Osep Nopea Gregoriwich who passed with his company in the said Primrose And thus our foure tall ships being well appointed as well for men as victuals as other necessary furniture the said twelfth day of the moneth of May we weighed our Anchors and departed from the said Grauesend in the after-noone and plying downe the Thames the wind being Easterly and faire weather the thirteenth day we came a ground with the Primrose vpon a sand called the blacke tayle where wee sate fast vntill the fourteenth day in the morning and then God bee praysed shee came off and that day we plyed downe as farre as our Ladie of Holland and there came to an Anchor the winde being Easterly and there remayned vntill the twentieth day then wee weyed and went out at Goldmore gate and from thence in at Balsey slade and so into Orwell wands where we came to an Anchor but as we came out at the said Goldemore gate the Trinitie came on ground on certayne Rockes that lye to the North-ward of the said gate and was like to be bilged and lost But by the ayde of God at the last she came off againe being very leake and the one and twentieth day the Primrose remaining at an Anchor in the wands the other three ships bare into Orwell Hauen where I caused the said Trinitie to be grounded searched and repayred So we remayned in the said Hauen vntill the eight and twentieth day and then the wind being Westerly the three ships that were in the Hauen weighed and came forth and in comming forth the Iohn Euangelist came on ground vpon a Sand called the Andros where she remayned one tyde and the next full Sea she came off againe without any great hurt God be praysed The nine and twentieth day in the morning all foure ships weighed in the Wands and that tyde went as farre as Orfordnesse where we came to an Anchor because the wind was Northerly And about sixe of the clocke at night the wind vered to the South-west and we weighed Anchor and bare cleere of the Nesse and then set our course North-east and by North vntill mid-night being then cleare of Yarmouth sands Then wee winded North and by West and North North-west vntill the first of Iune at noone then it waxed calme and continued so vntill the second day at noone then the wind came at North-west with a tempest and much raine and we lay close by and caped North North-east and North-east and by North as the wind shifted and so continued vntill the third day at noone then the winde vered Westerly againe and we went North our right course and so continued our way vntill the fourth day at three of the clocke in the after-noone at which time the winde vered to the North-west againe and blew a fresh gale and so continued vntill the seuenth day in the morning wee lying with all our ships close by and caping to the Northwards and then the winde vering more Northerly we were forced to put roomer with the Coast of England againe and fell ouerthwart New-castle but went not into the Hauen and so plyed vpon the Coast the eight day and the ninth The tenth day the wind came to the North North-west and wee were forced to beare roomer with Flamborow head where we came to an Anchor and there remayned vntill the seuenteenth day Then the wind came faire and we weighed set our course North and by East time and so continued the same with a merry wind vntill the one and twentieth at noone at which we took the Sunne and had the latitude in sixtie degrees Then we shifted our course and went North North-east North-east and by North vntill the fiue and twentieth day Then we discouered certain Ilands called Heilick Ilands lying from vs Northeast being in the latitude of sixty sixe degrees fortie minutes Then we went North and by West because we would not come too nigh the Land and running that course foure houres we discouered and had sight of Rost Ilands joyning to the mayne Land of Finmarke Thus continuing our course along the Coast of Norway and Finmarke the seuen and twentieth day we tooke the Sunne being as farre shot as Lofoot and had the latitude in sixtie nine degrees And the same day in the afternoone appeared ouer our heads a Rain-bow like a Semicircle with both ends vpward Note that there is betweene the said Rost Ilands and Lofoot a Whirle-poole called Malestrand which from halfe ebbe vntill halfe floâ—d maketh such a terrible noyse that it shaketh the Rings in the doores of the Inhabitants Houses of the said Ilands ten miles off Also if there commeth any Whale within the current of the same they make a pittifull cry Moreouer if great Trees be carryed into it by force of streames and after with the ebbe be cast out againe the ends and boughes of them haue beene so beaten that they are like the stalkes of Hempe that is bruized Note that all the Coast of Finmarke is high Mountaynes and Hils being couered all the yeare with Snow And hard aboard the shoare of this Coast there is one hundred or one hundred and fiftie fathomes of water in depth Thus proceeding and sayling forward we fell with an Iland called Zenam being in the latitude of seuentie degrees About this Iland wee saw many Whales very monstrous about our ships some by estimation of sixtie foote long and being the ingendring time they roared and cryed terribly From thence we fell with an Iland called Kettlewicke This Coast from Rost vnto Lofoot lyeth North and South and from Lofoot to Zenam North-east and South-west and from Zenam to Kettelwicke East North-east and West South-west From the said Kettelwicke we sayled East and by North ten leagues and fell with a Land called Inger sound where we fished being becalmed and tooke great plentie of Cods Thus plying along the Coast we fell with a Cape called the North Cape which is the Northermost Land that we passe in our Voyage to Saint Nicholas and is in the latitude of seuentie one
Capstan barres about the bowes of our ship But for all our fendors our ship had a great knocke vpon a piece of Ice About a North Sunne we got out into the open Sea with humble thankes to God for our deliuerance The sixteenth day the Iland did beare North-east and by North eight leagues from vs and it did freeze all that day the wind being at North which was almost calme The seuenteenth at noone the Iland did beare North-east and by North about nine leagues off the wind Southerly snowy weather The same day we saw a sayle bearing East North-east off vs about 5. leagues The eighteenth the Iland did beare North about 15. leagues off the wind being at East and by North Snow and frosty weather The nineteenth at twelue of the clocke at noone the Iland bare North and by East and we finding the Ice somewhat scattered and the wind Southerly put roome toward the Iland and vpon one piece of Ice we saw fiue Seales one I killed and one I tooke aliue and brought it aboord our ship But wee could not come neere the Iland by sixe leagues The wind came to the West with thicke weather and Snow The twentieth at twelue at noone the Iland beare North North-west about twelue leagues off We sounded and had 100. fathoms greenish Oze faire weather but cold The one and twentieth we saw the ship that wee had seene the seuenteenth day wee spake with them about 12. at noone The Master told vs he was of Hull Wee demanded whether he was bound He told vs to Cherie Iland and that there he would make his Voyage The Iland at this time did beare North and by East about nine leagues off and it was faire but cold frostie weather The 22.23.24 and 25. dayes we did beate vp and downe in the Ice The 26.27 and 28. dayes likewise wee sayled vp and downe in the Ice hauing the wind Northerly and the Iland bearing betweene the North and the North North-east cold weather The nine and twentieth the Iland beare North nine leagues off the wind at North-east snowy weather and Frost The thirtieth day we slue 26. Seales and espied three white Beares wee went aboord for Shot and Powder and comming to the Ice againe we found a shee-Beare and two young ones Master Thomas Welden shot and killed her after shee was slayne wee got the young ones and brought them home into England where they are aliue in Paris Garden The one and thirtieth we beate vp and downe in the Ice but could not come neere the Land for Ice the winde was Northerly The first of Iune we got within fiue or sixe miles of the Iland but finding very much Ice close by the Land we stood off againe the wind being at North-east cold weather The second day we got within three leagues of the Iland but finding exceeding much Ice round about vs we stood off againe the wind at North-east cold frostie weather From the second day to the fift wee sayled first one way and then another as the wind and Ice would giue vs leaue The wind being at North and by East and the Iland being betweene the North-west and by North within sixe leagues and lesse The sixth day we spake with the Hull man who told vs that he was put twentie leagues to the North-west of the Iland being fast in the Ice We had the wind Northerly and frosty weather the Land bearing North North-west The seuenth and eight we beate vp and downe in the Ice the Iland did beare North-west eight leagues off The winde was Northerly with cold and frostie weather The ninth the Land beare North-west off vs about six leagues off That day we had the first fogge since the time of our arriuall which was the eight of May. Neither lost wee the sight of the Iland aboue eighteene houres in all this time This day about a North-east Sunne it began to thaw and in sixe houres the snow was melted which lay vpon the Ice aboue sixe inches thicke which put vs in good hope that the Ice was almost past The tenth we got within sixe miles of the shoare where I made an attempt to haue got to the land with the Shallop but comming within three miles of the shoare I could get no farther the Ice was so thicke and such foggy weather I made another attempt the same day and got within one mile of the Land but the Ice was so thicke that I could get no farther The same day wee saw good store of Morses on the Ice and in the Sea The eleuenth and twelfth we plyed vp and downe fayre by the Iland to see if wee could get on Land with our Shallop but the Ice was so close about the Land that wee could not by any meanes This day the wind was at South-east thicke foggie weather The thirteenth we had thicke fogge and calme weather and when it began to cleere wee had sight of the Souther part of the Iland bearing East South-east about sixe miles off but it fell thicke suddenly againe There wee anchored in fortie fathoms white shelly ground and rid till ten of the clocke at night at what time I prepared to goe on shoare as fast as I could with a Shallop and sixe men About eleuen of the clocke we put from the Ship and with great labour got through the Ice to the Iland by a North-east Sunne The fourteenth day I landed on the Wester side of the Iland and determined to goe from thence to the North side where wee slew the Beares The ninth of May I left three men with the Shallop and tooke three men with me In my iourney I found such bad way that I had no stomacke to goe through for where there was no snow the ground was so soft and without grasse that we went vp to the anckles in dirt and where the snow lay which was in some holes three or foure fathoms thicke it was so soft that we slipt each step vp to the twist so that wee were aboue three houres in going scarce two miles Whereupon considering it would bee long before I should get ten miles and backe againe I returned to our Shallop and found that the men which I left had killed some fowle which wee sod and when wee had eaten them I prepared to goe in the Shallop to the North side I went close by the shoare for the Sea was full of Ice As wee went along by the Cliffes we got good store of Fowle which made vs glad and ioyfull because there was no hope to get aboord the Ship that day nor the next About a North-west Sun wee got to the place abouesaid and found nine Beares three of them I slew the other tooke the Sea Those three that were slaine we flead and tooke their flesh and salted it in their skinnes which I stowed in the Shallop for feare of a dearth I had
weather the winde at South in the morning from twelue vntill two of the clocke we steered North North-west and had sounding one and twentie fathoms and in running one Glasse we had but sixteene fathoms then seuenteene and so shoalder and shoalder vntill it came to twelue fathoms We saw a great Fire but could not see the Land then we came to ten fathoms whereupon we brought our tackes aboord and stood to the Eastward East South-east foure Glasses Then the Sunne arose and we steered away North againe and saw the Land from the West by North to the North-west by North all like broken Ilands and our soundings were eleuen and ten fathoms Then wee looft in for the shoare and faire by the shoare we had seuen fathoms The course along the Land we found to be North-east by North. From the Land which we had first sight of vntill we came to a great Lake of water as wee could iudge it to bee being drowned Land which made it to rise like Ilands which was in length ten leagues The mouth of that Lake hath many shoalds and the Sea breaketh on them as it is cast out of the mouth of it And from that Lake or Bay the Land lyeth North by East and wee had a great streame out of the Bay and from thence our sounding was ten fathoms two leagues from the Land At fiue of the clocke we Anchored being little winde and rode in eight fathoms water the night was faire This night I found the Land to hall the Compasse 8. degrees For to the Northward off vs we saw high Hils For the day before we found not aboue 2. degrees of Variation This is a very good Land to fall with and a pleasant Land to see The third the morning mystie vntill ten of the clocke then it cleered and the wind came to the South South-east so wee weighed and stood to the Northward The Land is very pleasant and high and bold to fall withall At three of the clocke in the afeer-noone wee came to three great Riuers So we stood along to the Northermost thinking to haue gone into it but we found it to haue a very shoald barre before it for we had but ten foot water Then wee cast about to the Southward and found two fathoms three fathoms and three and a quarter till we came to the Souther side of them then we had fiue and sixe fathoms and Anchored So wee sent in our Boate to sound and they found no lesse water then foure fiue sixe and seuen fathoms and returned in an houre and a halfe So wee weighed and went in and rode in fiue fathoms Ozie ground and saw many Salmons and Mullets and Rayes very great The height is 40. degrees 30. minutes The fourth in the morning as soone as the day was light wee saw that it was good riding farther vp So we sent our Boate to sound and found that it was a very good Harbour and foure and fiue fathoms two Cables length from the shoare Then we weighed and went in with our ship Then our Boate went on Land with our Net to Fish and caught ten great Mullets of a foot and a halfe long a peece and a Ray as great as foure men could hale into the ship So wee trimmed our Boate and rode still all day At night the wind blew hard at the North-west and our Anchor came home and wee droue on shoare but tooke no hurt thanked bee God for the ground is soft sand and Oze This day the people of the Countrey came aboord of vs seeming very glad of our comming and brought greene Tabacco and gaue vs of it for Kniues and Beads They goe in Deere skins loose well dressed They haue yellow Copper They desire Cloathes and are very ciuill They haue great store of Maiz or Indian Wheate whereof they make good Bread The Countrey is full of great and tall Oakes The fifth in the morning as soone as the day was light the wind ceased and the Flood came So we heaued off our ship againe into fiue fathoms water and sent our Boate to sound the Bay and we found that there was three fathoms hard by the Souther shoare Our men went on Land there and saw great store of Men Women and Children who gaue them Tabacco at their comming on Land So they went vp into the Woods and saw great store of very goodly Oakes and some Currants For one of them came aboord and brought some dryed and gaue me some which were sweet and good This day many of the people came aboord some in Mantles of Feathers and some in Skinnes of diuers sorts of good Furres Some women also came to vs with Hempe They had red Copper Tabacco pipes and other things of Copper they did weare about their neckes At night they went on Land againe so wee rode very quiet but durst not trust them The sixth in the morning was faire weather and our Master sent Iohn Colman with foure other men in our Boate ouer to the North-side to sound the other Riuers being foure leagues from vs. They found by the way shoald water two fathoms but at the North of the Riuer eighteen and twentie fathoms and very good riding for Ships and a narrow Riuer to the Westward betweene two Ilands The Lands they told vs were as pleasant with Grasse and Flowers and goodly Trees as euer they had seene and very sweet smells came from them So they went in two leagues and saw an open Sea and returned and as they came backe they were set vpon by two Canoes the one hauing twelue the other fourteene men The night came on and it began to rayne so that their Match went out and they had one man slaine in the fight which was an English-man named Iohn Colman with an Arrow shot into his throat and two more hurt It grew so darke that they could not find the ship that night but labored too and fro on their Oares They had so great a streame that their grapnell would not hold them The seuenth was faire and by ten of the clocke they returned aboord the ship and brought our dead man with them whom we carryed on Land and buryed and named the point after his name Colmans Point Then we hoysed in our Boate and raised her side with waste boords for defence of our men So we rode still all night hauing good regard to our Watch. The eight was very faire weather wee rode still very quietly The people came aboord vs and brought Tabacco and Indian Wheat to exchange for Kniues and Beades and offered vs no violence So we fitting vp our Boate did marke them to see if they would make any shew of the Death of our man which they did not The ninth faire weather In the morning two great Canoes came aboord full of men the one with their Bowes and Arrowes and the other in shew of buying of Kniues to betray vs but we perceiued
eight dayes and no more And afterward being driuen to greater necessitie wee brought our selues to a greater extremitie by restrayning our proportion to halfe a goblet a day and none of vs could securely sleepe for the diuers doubts and dangers wherein wee alwayes presently stood Wee continued euery day and night foure or sixe of vs at the Helme and those that were at the Pumpe stood alwayes firme and vpright changing their courses where wee endured cold beyond comparison farre greater then that which not many yeeres since was in Venice when all the Channels were frozen so that from Margara to Venice not onely Men and Women but Oxen Horses Carts and Waggons went ouer vpon the Ice in great multitudes to the admiration of all the people because that Region is without comparison much colder then the Countrey of Italy Now consider what our case was being without Clothes to couer vs and not hauing any thing to eate or drinke or other necessary thing for the maintenance of mans life except a few Frisoppi which were left and the nights one and twentie houres long and also darke Through the which cold wee began to lose the feeling of our feete and by little and little the cold becomming more vehement possessed the whole body procuring a dogged and raging appetite and hunger so that euery one sought to deuoure that which was hid in a corner and whatsoeuer hee had next at hand wheresoeuer hee could finde it as well as hee might with that weake and little strength which hee had remayning Afterward death seasing vpon them you might see them shake the head and fall downe presently dead In the which Diseases of seuen and fortie men which wee found in that case sixe and twentie yeelded vp the ghost and it was not any wonder considering wee could not haue any succour nay it is a diuine miracle that any one remayned aliue And those few of vs that are remayning liue onely to commend to memorie and highly to exalt the great power of God Those sixe and twentie dyed from the three and twentieth of December vntill the fifth of Ianuary now one now two and sometimes more in one day whom we buryed in the Sea The one and thirtieth of December our Wine being wholly spent and hauing seene the cruell and lamentable experience of our sixe and twentie Companions who dyed with drinking of the Sea-water necessities gaue vs a good stomacke that is to say to take our owne water to quench our thirst Now there were some of the companie exceedingly troubled with giddinesse for wanting the abundant plentie of Wine they were not able to indure thirst nor to expell it but they accounted it a great fauour to bee able to obtayne of their companions whereof there were some who denyed it to their dearest friend to keepe it for themselues It is true that some of vs warily mortified it by mingling a little sirrop of greene Ginger or Limons therewith which by chance we had remayning During this time vntill the fifth of Ianuary we were euery houre more accustomed to greater extremities The third of Ianuary 1431. wee had sight of the first Land which gaue vs great hope although it so fell out that it was very farre distant where wee saw certayne Rockes to weatherward couered to the top with infinite heapes of Snow to the which the windes being contrary wee were not able to approach with the sayles and much lesse with Oares because our armes were exceedingly weakened wherefore wee stroâ—e to come neere them with the winde but passing beyond them through the current of the water wee lost sight of them altogether And after difficult escape from the Rockes sayling forward towards a very high Rocke wee had sight of a Valley scituated betweene the two next Mountaynes into the which desiring to enter about the fourth houre of the night the cruell and outragious windes would not suffer vs. Notwithstanding inflamed through an exceeding great desire to goe on Land wee tooke courage and strength and through force of the Oares and the helpe of God entred into the sayd Valley at a point of Land in the least doubtfull and dangerous place as it were at the very beginning and entrie thereof in the which as soone as they perceiued the Pinnasse to touch vpon the sand fiue of our companie being more desirous of drinke then of any other refreshing and recreation leaped into the water without any regard although it were very deepe and went their way toward the Snow and so glutted themselues therewith that it was an incredible thing And afterward they brought a great quantitie thereof vnto vs who remayned in the Pinnasse to defend it from the beating of the Sea of the which wee also with great greedinesse receiued without measure And running according to our iudgement as wee had runne in this Pinnasse for eighteene dayes from the day that wee departed from the ship vntill this sixth of Ianuarie sayling alwayes betweene the North-east and the East and not with lesse winde then after sixe miles an houre wee had runne about two thousand fiue hundred miles and more without euer seeing any Land On the sixth of Ianuary at the time of the solemne day of the Epiphanie nineteene of vs went on land in this desolate and drie place called the Iland of the Saints in the Coast of Norway subiect to the Crowne of Denmarke leauing two other to looke to the weake Pinnasse that it might not bee broken with the beating of the Sea And being landed there by meanes of an Oare we endeauoured to kindle fire and with a tynder boxe and steele to strike fire wee retired our selues into the closest place from the winde and at the sight of the fire nature thereby receiued a little strength Finding this Iland not inhabited and seeking to goe in the Pinnasse to another Iland fiue miles off shee so leaked that part of vs landing as it were all in the water and some of vs vp to the middle in shallower water wee stroue to draw her on land and despairing to bee euer able to goe in her againe wee determined to fit her in such sort that shee might serue our turne to couer vs after the best manner that wee could Wee broake her into two parts and of the greater wee made a shelter or Cottage for thirteene of vs and of the lesser a shedde capable of fiue men vnder the which wee entred couering them with part of our sayles and with the rest and the cordage of the sayd Pinnasse wee made continuall fire to preserue our liues Now being vtterly destitute of all sustenance of meate and drinke wee went wandring vpon the Sea shoare where Nature gaue vs food to maintayne life with certrine Perewinckles or Shel-fish and Barnacles And of these not as many nor when wee would but in very small quantitie And remouing the Snow in some places wee found a certayne Herbe which together with the
not maintaine a fore-course and draue vs backe to the altitude 63. degrees 56. minutes The storme continued so exceeding violent that I was faine to spoone before it fortie eight houres and the same wind and weather continued till the twentie one day and in that time wee were driuen as farre to the Southwards as Shottland And being faire by the Land and seeing no likelihood of faire weather I got a Fisher-man to conduct mee to a good Harbour called Hamersound not so much to eschew the stormy weather as to stop some leakes and to amend our rackling I tarryed in Shottland till the twelfth of April 1610. at which time the wind was Southerly The former wind came to the North at midnight with great store of Snow which froze as fast as it fell which wind continued till the fourteenth at noone At two of the clocke it came to the East north-east and I stood to the Northwards after many stormes much cold Snow and extreame Frosts I had sight of the North-cape the second day of May. Then I stood towards Chery Iland the winde being at West North-west The third day at noone the Cape bare South South-east seauenteene leagues off we had much Snow with Frost The fourth day it was thicke weather with great store of Snow and Frost the winde at North-west and by North. The fift day it was faire weather the winde at North North-east The sixt day at two of the clocke in the morning I met with some Ice but not very thicke so that I held my course toward Chery Iland the winde being at South at fiue of the clocke I saw the Ice so thicke that I could not possibly get through it Then I stood to the West wards with a short sayle and sounded but had no ground at a hundred fathome thicke foggie weather at eight of the clocke it began to cleere vp and I stoode into the Ice finding it scattered in some places and at twelue at noone I found the Pole eleuated aboue the horizon 74. degrees 7. minutes and sounded but had no ground at one hundred and seauentie fathomes From twelue till foure I ran North North-west two leagues and sounded and had a hundred and sixtie fathomes Then Chery Island did beare as I iudged North North-west about fifteene leagues off or more from foure till eight it was calme at eight of the clocke the winde came Southerly and I stood towards the Iland and found the Ice so thicke that the Ship had no roome to wend and withall such a fogge that I could not see one Cables length in which time the Ship had many a knocke but thankes be to God no harme was done By twelue of the clocke the seauenth day I got out of the Ice and lay a hull till the North Sunne at which time it began to be cleere weather then I set saile and stood to the Eastwards cold frosty weather The eight day it was very foggie the winde at North and by East with Snow and Frost I stood to the Eastwards in hope to get the Easter end of the Ice and so to Chery Island and I ranne into a Channell betweene two firme bankes of Ice and could finde no way through but lay in the Ice till the ninth day at a South Sunne Then I obserued and found the Ship in the altitude 74. degrees and 17. minutes the winde being at North North-west very faire weather but frostie I sailed in the abouesaid Ice one while one way and another while another in hope to finde some opening towards the Iland but which way soeuer I stood I saw all the Sea couered with Ice At a South Sunne the tenth day I obserued both with my Astrolabe and Crossestaffe and found the Poles height 74. degrees and 15. minutes and the variation 13. degrees and 30. minutes the North point Westerly by a North Sunne I got out of the Ice into the open Sea and to write each course way and winde with all other accidents would be too tedious but the thirteenth day of May at midnight I sounded being in very thicke Ice and had a hundred thirtie eight fadoms there presently I espied the Lionesse standing into the Ice I kept her company till eight of the clocke at night and then I steered as followeth from eight aboue said till twelue at noone The foureteenth day I sailed North-west and by North twelue leagues the winde at South South-east thicke foggie weather from twelue till foure at night I sailed seauen leagues North the same winde and weather with raine And by the fifteenth day at foure of the clocke in the morning I had sailed North twentie seauen leagues the same winde and weather at what time I supposed that I was not farre from land because I see great store of Sea-Foule about the Ship at eight of the clocke I sounded but had no ground at a hundred and fortie fathome very foggy weather likewise I sounded at twelue of the clocke at noone no ground at a hundred thirtie fiue fathomes where I met with Ice and grear store of Fowle as before winde at South and foggie weather I stood through the Ice till eight of the clocke at night holding no course by reason of it at which time I sounded and had nintie fiue fathom greene oze the weather being all one and very much Ice from eight till ten of the clocke I sayled North one legaue and a halfe and had seuentie fiue fathoms rockie ground From ten till twelue at midnight I sayled North one league and a halfe and sounded and had thirtie seuen fathoms the wind being at South with great store of raine and fogs and abundance of Ice round about but something broken Then I stood off West and by South and tooke in all the Sayles except the fore-saile and maine top-saile and at one of the clocke the sixteenth day sounded and had fortie fathomes oze likewise I sounded at two of the clocke and had fiftie two fathomes I could neither perceiue Current nor Tide in all this time and it did raine as fast as I haue commonly seene in England then I stood to the East wards and at three of the clocke sounded and had fortie fathomes oze and thus I sailed among the Ice East and East and by South and East North-east keeping no certaine course by reason of the Ice and had these depths following 30.20.19.16 and fifteene fathomes and then I saw the Land within two leagues and lesse of me bearing betweene the South and by East and the North-west then I stood in East and by South supposing to haue found a harborough within a ledge of rocks that lay off a low point which seemed like an Iland and standing in I found depths 10.9.8.7.6.7.4 and three fathomes standing in it a shoald bay and full of rockes Then I steered a way North-west and by West and had six seuen eight and ten fathome foule ground this
kill the Whale About a West North-west sunne they went away the winde at South The twentieth the Biscaine shallop came aboord of vs from the Foreland and told vs that they had strooken three Whales which brake away The two and twentieth wee rid still the winde being at North-west with snowe and frost The fiue and twentieth we got the Whale on flote hauing stopped her leake We were no sooner off but it blew most fiercely so that the Whales long Boate and our shallop brake from the Whales sterne and were split in pieces on the Ice that lay on shoare The same day about a South sunne two men came from Faire Foreland and told vs that Master Edge was come from the South in the Pinnasse and had spoken with one Nicolas Woodcock an English man which was my Mate to this Countrey of Greenland in the yeere 1610. The said VVoodcocke was now Pilot of a ship of Saint Sebastian in Biscay and rid in Ice Sound Moreouer they spake with the men of the Boate of the Diana and saw the Hollanders Boate but spake not with their men The two men abouesaid told vs likewise that Iohn Chapel our Baske with fiue English men had killed a Whale and betwixt them and another shallop they had slaine another and had them both on shoare The seuen and twentieth we rid still and our Carpenter went to worke to mend the knee of our beake-head And I went to see what Morses were on Land where I found neere one hundred and fiftie The eight and twentieth the shallop that had all English men in her saue one Baske came aboord for prouision and told me that they and Iohannes Chapel had slaine a great Whale close by our ship which towed them off into the Sound and our long Boate followed them At the same time we saw sixe Whales close by the ships side as we rode in harbour and we saw great store in the Sound and within one houre there were so many about our ships and in the Sound that we could not count them About a North-west sunne our long Boate brought the men that strooke the Whale abouesaid and towed their shallop on land for the said Whale had sunke her with his taile The same time our Carpenter went to worke on the broken shallop and I went to the place where the Morses lay where I found about three hundred on land Then I went aboord the Whale to get some harping Irons for they had all but I could get but one because the rest of the Basks had laid them vp enuying that one Baske that went with all English men had done so much because by their good wills they would not haue vs to haue any insight into this businesse Moreouer hee that had the chiefest command in this voyage did greatly condemne the going of so many English men with that one Baske either for feare they should kill none and lose all their prouision for the said vse or for feare that our men should kill the Whale aswell and as soone as they yet was there none of the other Boates but had lost more then they had lost And as for killing there was not one Whale killed with one Boate alone saue ours with all English saue the Baske aforesaid which slue three without the helpe of any other Boate. This day the Basks slue another Whale at the Foreland The nine and twentieth the broken shallop was mended and I went to the Foreland to see whether the other shallops would come where the ships rode in harbour where abundance of Whales were still The same time the Basks killed another Whale Then I romaged my ship and put caske on land All this day it was calme The last of Iune one came from the Foreland and told vs that the Basks had slaine two great Whales All this day likewise it was calme and there lay abundance of huge Whales in the harbour about our ships One of the whales abouesaid Iohannes with the fiue English men slue without any of the others helpe For they stood on the land flouting and saying that it was vnpossible for them to kill him and would not once lanch their Boates to helpe them yet hee was one of the greatest that were killed this yeere All this day the whales lay so thicke about the ship that some ran against our Cables some against the Ship and one against the Rudder One lay vnder our beake-head and slept there a long while At which time our Carpenter had hung a stage close by the water whereon his tooles lay And wee durst not molest the said whale for feare he should haue ouerthrowne the stage and drowned all his tooles In the end he went away and carried the ships head round his taile being foule of the Cable The first of Iuly at a North North-east Sunne the shallops came to kill whales in the harbour where we rid and strooke three which all brake away The same day Iohannes strooke a whale that smit in the side of his shallop and split it Now wee perceiued the whales to begin to goe out of the Bayes The second day the Basks slue three great whales faire by our ships in lesse then foure houres vvhich vvee vvith our long Boate and men towed into harbour and made fast to our ship And the Basks vvent with their shallops to Faire Foreland The seuenth day wee had abundance of Ice about our ships which vvith the winde and the tyde draue out off another Sound The eight vve rid still and vvere troubled vvith much Ice by reason of a storme that blue at South-vvest and by vvest c. The rest is omitted as hauing nothing of note but ordinarie accidents CHAP. V. A Iournall of the Voyage made to Greenland with sixe English ships and a Pinnasse in the yeere 1613. Written by Master WILLIAM BAFFIN BY the prouidence of Almightie God wee departed from Queenborough the thirteenth day of May with sixe good Ships viz. The Tigre Admirall the Matthew Vice-admirall the Sea-horse called the Gamaliel the Reare-admirall the Desire the Annula and the Richard and Bernard with the Iohn and Francis shortly to follow The one and twentieth day faire weather the winde Southward wee still making to the Northwards This morning wee had sight of Land on the Coast of Norway it lying East and by North off about twelue or fourteene leagues This day at noone we were in the latitude of 61. degrees and 30. minutes the variation of the Compasse at Scoutes-nes is eight degrees East it being about ten or twelue leagues off wee hauing made a North way halfe East about thirtie leagues The three and twentieth at noone in the latitude of 65. degrees and 45. minutes in which place the Needle of Declination doth dippe vnder the Horizon 63. degrees and 30. minutes by that Instrument which declineth 54. at London The thirtieth day about three of the clocke wee espied the land of Greenland
being about eight or nine leagues off The Southwardest part of it bare South-east and by East off it which shortly wee perceiued to bee the Land lying in 76. degrees and 55. minutes which is called Horne-sound This Land lyeth by our common Compasse North North-west Within two houres after we had sight of Land it began to snowe and was very cold This euening the Compasse was varied thirteene degrees West The one and thirtieth day variable weather with snowe and very cold and the winde also variable and in the afternoone the winde was at the North-east In the morning wee espied a ship and about noone we spoke with her and their Master and Pilot came aboord of vs. And wee knew them to bee that ship of Saint Iohn de Luz which had leaue of the Companie to fish And they told vs that there were eight Spaniards on the Coast. Also wee espied another ship which we supposed to be a French man and had one Allan Sallas to their Pilot. The second of Iune in the morning about fiue of the clocke our Generall sent our shallop to a small Pinke that all this night we saw along the shoare to bid their Master and Pilot come aboord vs which presently they did The Masters name was Claiâ— Martin of Horne and his ship was for Dunkerke and he told vs that he was consorted with another ship that was his Admirall the Captaines name was Fopp of Dunkerke and that he was on the Coast. Wee kept the Master and Pilot aboord of vs and sent some of our men aboord of her and brought her vnder our lee and then we sent their Master aboord againe charging them to follow vs. This afternoone we tooke their shallop with fiue or sixe men whereof two were English men and one Scot at the Faire foreland The fourth day also faire weather This morning was the first Whale killed Wee had no night since the three and twentieth of May. The fift day faire weather but very cold the winde North. Wee sayled along the Iland being about eighteene or twentie leagues in length lying for the most part by the common Compasse North and by West halfe Westward About nine of the clocke in the afternoone we saw our other three ships viz. the Gamaliel the Desire and the Richard and Barnard which lay there to and fro because they could not goe into their Harbour by reason of the Ice and also because there were foure other ships in a Bay or Coue called Pooppy Bay or Nickes Coue and also other ships on the other side in Greene Harbour We sayled along the drift Ice vntill about one or two of the clocke in the morning at which time we came to an anchor in the entrance of the Sound because the Ice came driuing out so fast The sixt day faire weather the winde variable till the afternoone at which time it came to the Northwards About three in the afternoone we weighed anchor and about ten of the clocke we came to the foure ships lying in Pooppy Bay two of them being Hollanders and one a Rocheller and the other a ship of Burdeaux The Masters of the Hollanders came aboord of our ship to speake with the Generall both of them being of Amsterdam and brought a Commission granted by the Graue Maurice for to fish in this Countrey But when they saw our Kings Maiesties Commission granted to the worshipfull Companie they told our Generall that they would depart this Coast hauing our Generals Ticket to shew to their Aduenturers that they were there and had made their Port and how he would not suffer them to fish We anchored close by the French ship wherein was Allane Sallas being readie to fight if they refused to come aboord vs. So when we sent our shallop the Master came presently and their Surgeon who could speake English At the first they denyed that Sallas was aboord of them but being hardly vrged they confessed that hee and one Thomas Fisher an English man were aboord who were both presently sent for This Sallas was their Pilot and Fisher was their Gunner The seuenth day faire weather we road still at an anchor This day I obserued the latitude of the place and found it in 78. degrees 24. minutes The variation of the Compasse is in this place 15. degrees 21. minutes West About a North Sunne a small ship of Biscay came into the harbour where we roade The eight day for the most part snow the winde Southward This day the Master of the French ship being a ship of nine score or two hundred called the Iaques of Bardeaux agreed with our Generall that hee might fish on the coast our Generall was to haue halfe the Whales he could kill Also this day the Master of the ship of Râ—chel and the Master of the small ship of Biscay were agreed to depart from the coast The ninth day faire weather This morning the Gamaliel our Reare-Admirall and the Desire weighed anchor to goe for Greene harbour where two ships lay one of Dunkerke and the other of Saint Sebastian in Biscay The Captaine of the Dunkerke called Fopp had beene with our Generall and told him that he would depart from this Coast. Our Generall gaue him leaue to take the Pilot of the small Pinke and the other Dutch men he had taken of his keeping only the English men and the Scots Also the two ships of Holland with the ship of Biscay and that of Rochel weighed anchor and departed from this Harbour About six of the clocke in the afternoone came the Master of the ship of Saint Sebastian aboord of vs being brought by one of the Masters Mates of the Desire they hauing taken two of his Shallops to know our Generals pleasure whether he should haue them againe or no. Our Generall gaue them him againe vpon condition that he would depart the Coast. About a North North-west Sunne we weighed anchor to goe for Horne-Sound where we heard that there were diuers ships the wind Northward a small gale The tenth day faire weather the winde at North being very close weather About a North Sunne we came to an anchor in the entrance of Low Sound where we saw two ships ride at anchor Our Generall sent our shallop to see what ships they were who found them to bee the two ships of Holland Also our long Boate went on shoare to set vp the Kings Maiesties Armes vpon a low point of land lying a great way off called Low-nesse We set vp a Crosse of wood and nayled the Armes vpon it The thirteenth day in the morning it snowed very fast being very thicke weather the winde variable we standing off from the land About seuen of the clock it began to cleere vp at which time we espied three ships and making toward them at length we perceiued them to be the three ships which came from the Bay where we road the winde also was at East and by South
the Hauen of Saint Iohn the third day of August written in haste 1527. By your seruant Iohn Rut to his vttermost of his power I haue by me also Albert de Prato's originall Letter in Latin stile almost as harsh as the former English and bearing the same date and was indorsed Reuerend in Christo Patri Domino Domino Cardinali Domino Legat◠Angliae and began Reuerendissime in Christo Pater salutem Reuerendissime Pater plaeceat Reuerendissima peternitati vestra scire Deo fauente post quam exiuimus à Plemut quae fuit x. Iunij c. the substance is the same with the former and therefore omitted Datum apud le Baya Saint Iohan in Terris Nouis die x. Augusti 1527. Reuer Patr. vest humilis seruus Albertus de Prato the name written in the lowest corner of the sheet The voyage of Captaine GEORGE WEYMOVTH intended for the discouerie of the North-west Passage toward China with two flye Boates. ON Sunday the second day of May 1602. in the afternoone I weighed anchor and set saile from Redcliffe with two Fly-boates the one called the Discouery of seuentie Tunnes and the other called the God speed of sixtie Tunnes to discouer the North-west passage hauing in my ships fiue and thirtie men and boyes throughly victualled and abundantly furnished with all necessaries for a yeere and an halfe by the right Worshipfull Merchants of the Moscouie and Turkie Companies who for the better successe of the voyage prouided mee of a great trauailer and learned Minister one Master Iohn Cartwright The Master vnder mee in the Discouerie was one William Cobreth a skilfull man in his profession and in the God speed one Iohn Drewe and Mate in the said ship one Iohn Lane The first of Iune we descried Buquhamnes in the Latitude of 57. degrees The second day we saw the Point of Buquhamnes North-west from vs being a very smooth land and the land by it to the Southward riseth with many Homocks There lyeth a ledge of Rockes hard by the Nesse in a sandie Bay faire by the shore When we came neer the land we met with a fisher Boat and I agreed with one of the fisher men to carry me betweene the Isles of Orkney because I was not acquainted with the coast The fourth day at ten of the clocke wee descried the Isles of Orkney Some of those Southerne Ilands are prettie high land but the Northerne Iland which is called the Start is very low land There is no danger giuing the shore a good birth vnlesse it be by the Norther point of the Start there doth a ledge of Rockes lye a mile from the shoare At noone I found my selfe to be in the latitude of 59. degrees and 30. minutes the point of the Start bearing West and at one of the clocke in the afternoone we saw a faire I le which bare North-east and by North from vs and at eight of the clocke at night wee were North of the Start Then I directed my course West and by North. The fifth day about ten of the clocke in the morning we ranne some tenne leagues and then we saw two small Ilands some two leagues off and at eight and nine of the clocke we saw foure or fiue Boats of Fisher-men and spake with one of them and they were Scottish-men The sixt in the morning fell much raine and lasted till nine of the clocke and at ten of the clocke it cleared vp and became very faire weather and very temperate and warme and our course was West The seauenth the winde was at East and by North faire weather and our course West The eight at noone I obserued the Sunne and found vs to be in 59. degrees and fortie seuen minutes and we ran West South-west The twelfth day we held our course West the winde at East North-east with fogge in the morning at noone I obserued the Sunne and found my selfe in 57. degrees and 55. minutes the variation here was nothing at all The thirteenth at noone our course was West and by North the winde at North-east with fogge some three or foure houres and then cleare againe the ayre very warme as in England in the moneth of May. The foureteenth was faire weather and the winde at East North-east and our course West and by North. The fifteenth much raine all the forenoone our course West the winde at East and by North. The sixteenth the winde was at North North-east with much raine winde and fogge In the forenoone being very cold and at noone I obserued the Sun and found vs to be in 57. degrees and 35. minutes we found the variation to be eleuen degrees Westward and by that meane I found my selfe to be one degree more to the Southward then we should haue bin by our course for we could not see the Sunne in 96. houres before this day at noone and at our last obseruation before this which was the twelfth day we could not finde any variation at all Then we stood close by a winde to the Westward the winde being at North North-east The seauenteenth wee ranne North and by West the winde at North North-east faire weather This day we saw many gray Gulles and some Pigions The eighteenth at noone I obserued the Sunne and found our selues to be in the latitude of 59. degrees and 51. minutes And then we first descried a great Iland of Ice which lay North from vs as farre as we could ken it from the head of our maine topmast and about two of the clocke in the afternoone we saw the South part of Groneland North from vs some ten leagues As we coasted this Ice to the Northward we found it to be a maine banke of Ice for we saw the other end of it to beare West North-west from vs the winde being at South South-west little winde Then we ranne West South-west to cleere vs of the Ice The nineteenth the winde was at East South-east with some small raine The twentieth our course was West North-west the winde being at North and by East little winde This day sometimes we came into blacke water as thicke as puddle and in sailing a little space the water would be cleare againe Seeing this change of water so often to be thick and cleare againe so suddenly we imagined it had beene shallow water then we founded and could fetch no ground in one hundred and twenty fathomes and the Sea was so smooth that we could discerne no current at all At this time I reckoned the Cape of desolation to beare North North-east twentie foure leagues from vs. The one and twentieth the winde was variable The two and twentieth we were in the latitude of 60. degrees and 37. minutes the winde being at West wee ranne North and by West The seauen and twentieth the winde was at West South-west then our course was North-west and by North the weather faire and warme as in England in
neerer the Land so that wee iudged our selues three leagues off Here we sounded againe and had but eightie fathoms The variation of the Compasse we found to be 22. degrees and 10. minutes Westward At fiue of the clocke there sprung vp a fine gale of winde at East South-east and being so neere night wee stood to the Southward thinking the next day to seeke some harbour But it pleased God the next day being the twelfth to send vs a storme of foule weather the winde being at East and by South with fogge so that we could by no meanes get the shoare Thus wee were forced to beate vp and downe at Sea vntill it should please God to send vs better weather The foureteenth I thought good to stand to the Westward to search an Inlet in the latitude of 56. degrees I haue good hope of a passage that way by many great and probable reasons The fifteenth the winde continued at the South with exceeding faire weather and our course was West We were this day at noone in the latitude of 55. degrees and 31. 〈…〉 I found the variation to be 17. degrees and 1â— minutes to the Westward And about seuen of the clocke at night we descried the Land againe being tenne leagues to the Eastward of this Inlet This Land did beare from vs South-west some eight leagues off and about nine of the clocke the same night the winde came to the West which blew right against vs for our entring into this Inlet The sixteenth the winde was at West North-west and was very faire weather and our course South-west about nine of the clocke in the forenoone we came by a great Iland of Ice and by this Iland we found some peeces of Ice broken off from the said Iland And being in great want of fresh water wee hoysed out our Boates of both Shippes and loaded them twice with Ice which made vs very good fresh water This day at noone wee found our selues to be in the latitude of 55. degrees and twentie minutes when we had taken in our Ice and Boates the weather being very faire and cleare and the winde at West North-west we bent our course for the Land and about three of the clocke in the afternoone we were within three leagues of the shoare It is a very pleasant low Land but all Ilands and goodly sounds going betweene them toward the South-west This Land doth stand in the latitude of 55. degrees and I found the variation to be to the West â—8 degrees and 12. minutes This coast is voide of Ice vnlesse it be some great Ilands of Ice that come from the North and so by windes may be â—riuen vpon this chast Also we did finde the ayre in this place to be very temperite Truely there is in three seuerall places great hope of a passage betweene the latitude of 62. and 54. degrees if the fogge doe not hinder it which is all the feare I haue At sixe of the clocke wee being becalmed by the shoare there appeared vnto vs a great ledge of roâ—kes betweene vs and the shoare as though the Sea did flye ouer it with a great height As we all beheld it within one houre vpon a sudden it vanished cleanâ— away which seemed very strange vnto vs all And to the Eastward of vs some two leagues we saw a great Rocke lying some three leagues off the Land we then supposing it to be shoald water by this broken ground sounded but could get no ground in one hundred and sixtie fathoms About seuen of the clocke there sprung vp a gale of windâ— by the South South-east which was a very good winde to coast this Land But the seuenteenth in the morning the winde being at the South it began to blow so extreamely that we durst not stay by the shoare for it was like to be a great storme then our course was East North-east to get vs Sea roome This storme still increasing our slye-boates did receiue in much water for they wanted a Sparre-decke which wee found very dangerous for the Sea About twelue of the clocke at noone this day there rose vp a great showre in the West and presently the winde came out of this quarter with a whirle and taking vp the Sea into the ayre and blew so extreamely that we were forced alwayes to runne before the Sea howsoeuer the winde did blow And within twelue houres after this storme beganne the Sea was so much growen that we thought our flye Boates would not haue beene able to haue endured it The eighteenth the winde was at North-west and the storme increased more extreame and lasted vntill eight of the clocke in the morning of the nineteenth day so furious that to my remembrance I neuer felt a greater yet when we were in our greatest extremities the Lord deliuered vs his vnworthy seruants And if the winde with so great a storme had bin either Northerly or Southerly or Easterly but one day we had all perished against the Rocks or the Ice for wee were entred thirty leagues within a Head-land of an Inlet in the latitude of 56. degrees But it pleased God to send vs the winde so faire as we could desire both to cleare our selues of the Land and Ice Which opportunitie caused vs for this time to take our leaues of the coast of America and to shape our course for England The fourth in the morning wee descried the Iland of Silly North-east and by East some foure leagues off vs. Then wee directed our course East and by North and at tenne of the clocke in the forenoone wee descried the Lands end and next day were forced to put into Dartmouth CHAP. XIV IAMES HALL his Voyage forth of Denmarke for the discouery of Greeneland in the yeare 1605. abbreuiated IN the name of God Amen we set sayle from Copeman-hauen in Denmarke the second day of May in the yeare of our redemption 1605. with two Shippes and a Pinnace The Admirall called the Frâ—st a shippe of the burthen of thirty or fortie lasts wherein was Captaine and chiefe commander of the whole Fleet Captaine Iohn Cunningham a Scottish Gentleman seruant vnto the Kings Maiestie of Denmarke my selfe being principall Pilot. The Lyon Viceadmirall being about the foresaid burthen wherein was Captaine one Godscâ—â—â— Lindenose a Danish Gentleman and Steereman of the same one Peter Kilsâ—n of Copeman-hauen The Pinnace a Barke of the burthen of twelue Lasts or thereabouts wherein was Steereman or commander one Iohn Knight my Countrie-man So setting sayle from Copeman-hauen with a faire gale of winde Easterly wee came vnto Elsonure where we anchored to take in our water The third day we tooke in our water at which time the Captaines my selfe with the Lieutenants and the other Steeremen did thinke it conuenient to set downe certaine Articles for the better keeping of company one with another to which Articles or couenants wee were all seuerally sworne setting thereunto our
the fogge began somewhat to cleere wee hauing sight one of another and so stood alongst the shoare as nigh as we could for Ice The first of Iune wee had a fresh gale of winde at South-west wee steering North-east and by North into the shoare about three in the morning there fell a mightie fogge so that we were forced to lye by the lee for the Lion playing vpon our Drum to the intent for them to heare vs and to keepe companie with vs they answering vs againe with the shooting of a Musket wee trimming our sailes did the like to them and so stood away North-east and by East larboord tackt aboord halfe a glasse when we were hard incumbred amongst mightie Ilands of Ice being very high like huge Mountaines so I caused to cast about and stand to the Westwards North-west and by West About twelue of the clocke this night it being still calme wee found our selues suddenly compast round about with great Ilands of Ice which made such a hideous noyse as was most wonderfull so that by no meanes wee could double the same to the Westward wherefore wee were forced to stand it away to the Southwards South South-West stemming the Current for by the same Current wee were violently brought into this Ice so being incumbred and much to doe to keepe cleere of the mightie Ilands of Ice there being as both I and others did plainly see vpon one of them a huge rocke stone of the weight of three hundred pounds or thereabouts as wee did suppose Thus being troubled in the Ice for the space of two or three houres it pleased God that we got thorow the same The second day in the morning about three a clocke I came forth of my Cabin where I found that the Shipper whose name was Arnold had altered my course which I had set going contrarie to my directions North North-west away whereupon hee and I grew to some speeches both for at this time and other times hee had done the like The Captaine likewise seeing his bad dealing with we did likewise roundly speake his minde to him for at this instant wee were nigh vnto a great banke of Ice which wee might haue doubled if my course had not beene altered so that we were forced to cast about to the Southwards South and by East and South South-east with the winde at South-west and by South or South-west till ten a clocke when we stood againe to the Westwards lying West North-west and North-west and by West being at noone in the latitude of 60. degrees 18. minutes Cape Desolation is I did suppose bearing North and by West three or foure leagues off the weather being so thicke and hasie that wee could neuer see the Land The fourth day betweene one and two a clocke in the morning it began to blow a fresh gale Easterly we steering away North and North and by West we being at noone in the latitude of 59. degrees 50. minutes hauing made a West and by North way foure and twentie leagues This euening about seuen a clocke we had very thicke water and continued so about halfe an houre about nine a clocke we did see a very high Iland of Ice to the windward of vs and about halfe an houre after with some drift Ice they in the Lion thorow the fearefulnesse of their Commanders presently cast about standing away larboord tackt till they did perceiue that I stood still away as I did before without impediment of the Ice they cast about againe and followed vs. The fift in the morning being very faire weather with the winde at East South-east our course North North-west some of our people supposed they had seene the Land our Captaine and I went aboord the Pinnasse when after an houre of our being there wee did see the supposed Land to be an hasie fogge which came on vs so fast that wee could scarce see one another But the Lion being very nigh vnto vs and it being very calme wee laid the Pinnasse aboord of her and so the Captaine and I went aboord of them The ninth day about foure a clocke it began to blow an easie gale at South-east and by South I directing my course still North North-west when some of our people would not be perswaded but they did see Land and therefore I stood in North and by East and North North-east till about three a clocke in the afternoone when wee met with a huge and high Iland of Ice wee steering hard to board the same and being shot a little to Northwards of it there fell from the top thereof some quantitie of Ice which in the fall did make such a noyse as though it had beene the report of fiue Cannons This euening wee came amongst much drift Ice being both windwards and to leewards of vs yet by Gods helpe we got very well through the same when being cleere I directed my course againe North North-west The tenth day the winde at South-west and by West I steering still North-west and by North. This forenoone also wee met with great Ilands of Ice it being very hasie and thicke weather the which did driue them in the Lion into great feare and calling to vs very fearfully perswaded me to alter my course and to returne homeward saying that it was impossible for vs by any working and course keeping to sease vpon the Land which did driue all our companie into such a feare that they were determined whether I would or not to haue returned home had not the Captaine as an honest and resolute Gentleman stood by mee protesting to stand by me so long as his blood was warme for the good of the Kings Maiestie who had set vs forth and also to the performing of the Voyage Which resolution of his did mitigate the stubbornenesse of the people yet nothing would perswade those fearfull persons in the Lion especially the Steerman who had rather long before this time haue returned home then to haue proceeded on the action as before the said Steerman had done when he was imployed eight yeeres before in the said action or discouerie Therefore our Captaine and my selfe seeing their backwardnesse now as before we had done went our selues the same euening into the Pinnasse hauing a mightie banke of Ice of our larboord side and spake to them very friendly giuing order both to our owne ship and to them that they should keepe a Seaboord of vs for I did suppose this banke of Ice to lye in the narrowest of the Streight betweene America and Groenland as indeed by experience I found the same to be therefore I determined to coast the Ice alongst till I found it to bee driuen and fall away by reason of the swift current that setteth very forcibly through the said Strait and then by the grace of God to set ouer for a cleere part of the coast of Groenland so all this night we coasted the Ice as close aboord as we could East
The Pinnasse called the Cat was of twentie tunnes had twelue men Bredaransies Foord is most Northerly Cunninghams Foord is next in sixtie seuen degrees and odde minutes The Foord wherein they saw the Towne ten leagues vp the same is two leagues to the South of Cunninghams Foord The Kings Foord is in sixtie sixe degrees and an halfe William Huntris of Stowborow in Yorke-shire is Master Hall his man and is allowed thirtie pound by the yeere of the King of Denmarke for his skill in Nauigation I haue also Master Halls Voyage of the next yeere 1607. to Groenland from Denmarke written and with representations of Land-sights curiously delineated by Iosias Hubert of Hull but the Danes enuious perhaps that the glory of the Discouery would be attributed to the English Pilot after the Land saluted 〈◊〉 and in fine forced the ship to returne for Island For which cause I haue here omitted the whole CHAP. XVI The Voyage of Master IOHN KNIGHT which had beene at Groenland once before 1605. Captaine of a Pinnasse of the King of Denmarke for the Discouery of the North-west Passage begun the eighteenth of Aprill 1606. I Set sayle from Grauesend in a Barke of fortie tunnes called the Hope-well well victualled and manned at the cost of the Worshipfull Companies of Moscouie and the East Indie Merchants for the Discouerie of the North-west Passage the eighteenth of Aprill 1606. and arriued the sixe and twentieth of the same moneth in the I le of Orkney in a Sound called Pentlefrith Heere wee were stayed with contrary winds at West and North-west and with much storme and foule weather aboue a fortnight In which meane space I entertained two men of this Countrey which are both lustie fellowes at Sea and Land and are well acquainted with all the Harbours of these North parts of Scotland These men brought vs into a very good Harbour called Saint Margarites Hope where we had the Sea open to vs for all winds that are good for vs to proceed on our Voyage In this Countrey we found little worthy of Relation For it is poore and hath no wood growing vpon it Their Corne is Barley and Oates Their fire is Turffe their houses are low and vnseemely without and as homely within Vpon Munday the twelfth of May I set sayle from Saint Margarites Sound or Hope in Orkney at nine of the clocke in the morning our course being West and by South and at eight of the clocke at night the Hill called Hoyce did beare West Southerly eleuen or twelue leagues and the Stacke South and by East Easterly three leagues and an halfe the winde beeing at East South-east This day was for the most part calme and sometimes wee had a fresh gale of winde our course was West and by South halfe a point Southerly This day I passed by two small Ilands The one of them is called the Clete and the other the Run They are distant foure leagues the one from the other The course betweene them is South-west and North-east The Southermost is called the Clete and is the lesser of the twaine it is distant from the North-east part of Lewis called the Bling-head seuen leagues and the course betwixt them is North-west and South-east Also this Bling-head is distant from the Farrâ— Headpunc of the Hieland of Scotland West and by North halfe a point Westerly and is distant seuenteene leagues Also the course betweene Bling-head and the North-west part of Lewis is West and by South halfe a point Westerly and faire low Land without Wood. There is good riding all along the shoare the winde beeing off the Land and in some places are very good Harbours for all winds From eight to twelue at night we ran sixe leagues West South-west This morning we had a fresh gale of wind at East North-east our course was South-west and by West two houres fiue leagues From two to ten South-west and by South 20. leagues From ten to twelue West South-west sixe leagues The latitude at noone was 58. degrees 27. minutes From Wednesday at noone till Thursday at noone was for the most part raine and fogge the wind at North-east and by East our course was West halfe a point Southerly our latitude at noone being Thursday 58. degrees 23. minutes From Thursday at noone till Friday at noone being the sixteenth our way was West Southerly about twentie leagues the latitude at noone was 58. degrees 19. minutes This night the wind was sometimes variable betweene the South and by West and South-east with faire weather the Magneticall Declination 18. degrees the height of the Pole was 58. degrees 10. minutes Also in the morning the Sunne beeing tenne degrees aboue the Horizon was distant from the East to the North-wards of the East twentie two degrees From Friday at noone vntill midnight was little wind Southerly and sometimes calme and from midnight till twelue at noone the next day a stiffe gale of wind at East North-east This foure and twentie houres I judged our way to be made good West something Southerly thirtie leagues The latitude at noone was 58. degrees 10. minutes Also the sunne did rise fiftie degrees to the Northward of the East From Saturday at noone being the seuenteenth till Sunday at noone being the eighteenth our course was West and by South a stiffe gale of wind fiftie leagues being close weather we made no obseruation of latitude From Sunday at noone till Munday at noone I steered away West and West and by South hauing a storme at East and by North our course was West and Southerly fiftie leagâ—â—s From Munday at noone till midnight our course was West and Southerly and from that time till noone West and by North and West among I iudged wee sayled fortie leagues these foure and twentie houres being for the most part foggie The latitude at noone was 57. degrees 50. minutes From Tuesday at noone till noone on Wednesday our course was West and by North fortie fiue leagues being foggie weather without obseruation Here wee had a current which I iudge setteth to the Northwards From Wednesday at noone till Thursday at noone being the two and twentieth our course was West and by North fiftie leagues with much fogge and close weather and much winde at North-east and by East From Thursday at noone till midnight our course was West and by North. Then the winde came to the North wee tooke in our mayne course and I spooned away with our fore-saile till Friday the winde being at North North-east I iudged our way West South-west the twelue houres that I spooned about fifteene leagues the other twelue houres West Northerly fiue and twentie leagues This three and twentieth day wee saw many Gulles and much Rock-weed From Friday at noone till Saturday at noone I iudged our way to bee made South-west and by West but it proued West and by South rather Westerly twentie leagues by reason of a current that I
being about a flight shot off where we saw one great Canow or Boat which had about fourteene men in it being on the furthest or North-west point of the Iland and from vs somewhat more then a Musket shot Then I called vnto them vsing some words of Groenlandish speech making signes of friendship They did the like to vs but seeing them so fearefull of vs and we not willing to trust them I made another signe to them shewing them a Knife and other Trifles which I left on the top of the Hill and returned downe to their Tents againe There wee found some Whale Finnes to the number of fortie or fiftie with a few Seale skinnes which I tooke aboord leauing Kniues Beades and Counters instead thereof and amongst their houses I found a little bagge in which was a company of little Images of men one the Image of a woman with a child at her backe all the which I brought away Among these Tents being fiue in number all couered with Seales skinnes were running vp and downe about thirtie fiue or fortie Dogges most of them muzled They were of our mungrell Mastiffes being of a brinded blacke colour looking almost like Wolues These Dogges they vse in stead of Horses or rather as the Lappians doe their Deere to draw their sleds from place to place ouer the Ice their sleds are shod or lined with great bones of fishes to keepe them from wearing and their Dogges haue Collars and Furniture very fitting These people haue their Apparell Boots Tents and other necessaries much like to the Inhabitants in Groineland sauing that they are not so neate and artificiall seeming to bee more rude and vnciuill ranging vp and downe as their fishing is in season For in most places where wee came ashoare we saw where people had beene although not this yeere but where their Habitation or their abode in Winter is I cannot well coniecture This Iland lyeth in the latitude of 62. degrees 30. minutes and in longitude West from London 72. degrees or neere thereabouts being sixtie leagues from the entrance of the Streights here the Compasse doth varie 27. degrees 30. minutes and a South-east Moone foure degrees East maketh a full Sea it doth ebbe and flow almost as much water as it doth at the Resolution and here the floud commeth from the Eastward although our Master was of opinion to the contrarie The tenth day in the morning at sixe a clocke we set sayle the winde at North which continued not but was very variable till noone and then it came to North-west we hauing sayled along by the shoare about some nine leagues and an halfe North North-west the Ice lying so thicke in the offen that wee could not well get out of it then perceiuing a good Harbour betweene two small Ilands and the Mayne wee went in with our ship where wee moored her and stayed till the twelfth day at Euening In this place it is high water on the change day at nine of the clocke or a South-east Moone maketh a full Sea the latitude of this place is 62. degrees 40. minutes and the floud doth come from the Eastward although our Master was perswaded otherwise as well in this place as at Saluage Ilands for being among Ilands euery point hath his seuerall set and eddie But I going to the top of the Iland plainely perceiued the Ice to come from the South-east and from the North-west on the ebbe In this place is no signe of people as we could perceiue The sixteenth day lying still in the Ice the weather being very close and hasey as it hath beene these six dayes and being neere a great company of Ilands in the afternoone the winde being at West North-west wee stood in amongst these Ilands and in the euening we moared our Shippe to one of them in a small coue the better to defend her from the Ice In this place wee stayed all the seuenteenth day and vpon the eighteenth being Sunday about eleuen a clocke we set sayle being almost calme making the best way wee could to get forth Here are a great company of Ilands each hath his seuerall set and eddy that the Ice doth so runne to and fro and with such violence that our Shippe was in more safetie further off then in this place the latitude of the I le we rode by is 63. degrees 26. minutes and longitude West from London neere 72. degrees 25. minutes the Compasse hath variation 27. degrees 46. minutes and at a quarter of an houre after nine on the Change day doth make a full Sea This Euening and the next morning wee had a faire steering gale of winde at South-east wee standing along by the Land it beeing all small broken Ilands to a point of Land about twelue leagues in distance from the I le wee put last from which Point I called Broken Point it being indeede a point of broken Iles. On the nineteenth day by twelue a clocke at noone wee were about foure miles from the Point before named fast inclosed with Ice very faire weather and well we might haue called this Point Fairenesse or Faire Point for from this day till the thirtieth day the weather was so faire and almost or altogether calme that in few places elsewhere finer weather could not be and till the seuen and twentieth at night wee were so fast inclosed vp with Ice that at some times one could not well dippe a paile of water by the Ship sides while wee were thus fast in the Ice vpon the one and twentieth day I saw both the Sunne and Moone at one time as indeede it is vsuall in faire weather This one and twentieth being faire weather as afore is said and I seeing both the Sunne and Moone so faire I thought it a fit time to make an obseruation for the longitude But the two and twentieth day being very faire and cleare and also calme being almost as steedy as on shoare it was no neede to bid me fit my Instrument of variation to take the time of the Moones comming to the Meridian hauing also my quadrant ready to take the Sunnes almicanter it being indifferent large as of foure foote semiâ—â—amiter haue taken the variation of my needle as precisely as possible I could which was 28. degrees 20. minutes West and if any be desirous to worke the same they may but my worke was as followeth The Sunnes almicanter at the instant when the Moone was on the Meridian was 26. degrees 40. minutes and the Sunnes declination for that time 23. degrees 6. minutes By which three things giuen I found the houre to be fiue a clocke 4. minutes 52. seconds 1. third 4. fourths or 76. degrees 13. minutes 16. seconds of the equinoctiall afternoone and according to Searles Ephemerides the Moone came to the Meridian at London at foure a clocke 54. minutes 30. seconds and after Origanus the Moone came to the Meridian at foure a clocke 52. minutes 5.
rung on it 275.30 New-yeares feasting like to our Christmasse lasts fifteene dayes 374.60 New-yeares gifts 343.30 New-yeares gifts in China 202 10 Nicaragua Prouince in the West Indies the Iurisdiction Commodities Tributary Indians Lake of that name Cities Riuers c. 880 Nicenesse ridiculous 375.20 Nidrosia is Dronten in Norway 651.30 A Prouince it is 660.1 Saint Nicholas the Russes great Saints his three hundred Angels 452.50 Saint Nicholas day how kept in Russia 553.40 Saint Nicholas the towne in Russia in 63. degrees 50. minutes 415 Nicolo and Maffio their Voyages to the Tartars 65.50 66. sons Ambassadours from Cublai Chan to the Pope 66.40 Returne to Tartary 67.40 They goe into India 68.20 Night none at all where 218.60 483.10 574. c. Night none in Greenland from May the three and twentieth to Iune the fourth 716.40 Night none in ten weekes together 580.50 Night one and twenty houres long 613.20 For three moneths together 617.40 Nights long in Island 647.30 When and when no night at all ibid. Night shall be as cleere as the day say the Chinois 275.50 Night see day Nightingales sweetest in Russia 415 10 Night-Sparrowes fight with the Bats in the West Indies 995 50 Nigua a small Indian Verminâ— bites off mens feet c. 975.50 Nilus in Norway 630.60 Nine a number of esteeme in Tartary 84.60 The reason 112.50 113.20 Nyse-Nouogrod in Russia 231 Nixiamcoo in China taken by the Tartars 278.30 Noahs Arke where it rested 50.10 The City Câ—mainum or Eight built in memory of it ibid. Armenian Fables of those Hilles ibid Noble Families decayed relieued by the Prince in Tartary 88 10 Nobles of Russia oppresse the people 421 60. They exercise absolute authority 422.40 The priuiledge lost ibid. Nobility of Russia their foure sorts 423.40 The ancient Houses enforced to write themselues the Emperours Villaines ibidem How still kept vnder and made away 424. The Names of the chiefe Families 424.50 The second degree of Nobles 425.1 The third and fourth degrees 425.30 Nobilitie of Russia are sometimes made Bishops They change their names then 769.20 Slaine 770 780.20 Nobilitie and power not suffered to meete in Ruâ—sia 436.40 Nobilitie of the Crim Tartars their Seruice in the Emperours Warres with two Horses 441 Nobilitie of China 346.50 Nocueran a Sauage Iland of Spices 104.10 Nombre de Dios first peopled and discouered distance from Porto bello 883.1 Noone sacrificed vnto in Mexico 1049.20 North not alwayes the coldest and why 472.30 474.10 North parts of Europe last peopled 661.50 North-starre from about the Aequinoctiall Line is seene very low 975.1 North-starre not seene in Iaua Maior 103.30 Where seene againe 106.20 North wind causes Raine in Africa 922. Where misty and vnholesome 923.10 c. North winds at certaine Monthes 307.50 308.40 North Sea which 858.1 The seuerall courses of Nauigation in it ibid. 600. iles in it 860.50 North and South Seas of the West Indies but eight leagues distant why not let one into another Where each begins 929. The Tydes of both rise encounter and retire at the same time 930.20 Northerne Seas and Passages why so long concealed the occasion of discouering that way 462.40 North Cape 223.10 The latitude 699.60 marg North Cape the variation there 574 60. The latitude 58.20 Northerne Passage beyond 80. degrees the probabilitie of it What ship conuenientest to discouer it 731.10 Voyages and Obseruations towards the North Pole 699 700. c. North-east Passages giuen ouer 463.20 North-east parts the right way to discouer them 529.40 North-west Passages attempted 463.20 The commodity of it 806 North-west Passage the greatest hopes of it 811.1 813.40 841.30 Discouered as farre as the latitude of 65. Deg. 26. Min. by Baffin 841.40 Hope 's another way 843. marg Sir Thomas Button satisfied the King concerning the hopes of the Passage 848.40 A Discourse about the probabilities 848.849 Concealed by the Spaniard 849. A Treatise of it by M. Brigges 852 Norus the manner of Norway 659 40 Norway some of the Coasts described 518. Barren 630.60 Norway sometimes subiect to England 621.50 Seuerall Expeditions of the English Kings thither 623. The King of Norway inuades England 623.20 Trafficke betwixt England Norway 623. Matthew Paris his Voyage thither ibid. Norwegians Expedition to the Holy-Land ibid. Monasticall Houses and Orders destroyed there and reformed 624. Peopled by King Arthur out of Brittaine 624.40 Norwegian Iles peopled by Brittaines 619.30 The people setled here ibid. Norwegian Antiquities some 656 40. 661.20 Norwegians their first breaking out and their exploits 644.50 Nosegayes a great present in India 958.60 Nosegay of Siluer giuen for a Reward 293.30 Noua Albion of Sir Fran. Drake 849.1 Noua Hispania first discouered why so named it is the North Indies the Natiue Commodities of it 860.30 40 Noua Hispania called the best Countrey in the World a high Land 935.60 Rich in pastures 937.60 The temperature Graine Siluer Mynes c. 870.40 The customes of the people 1000 Noua Zembla discouered 463.20 The Sea frozen there 473.50 Nothing green in it 474.1 How farre from the Low Countries 474.20 Why so cold 527.50 And why that way vnpassable 528.1 No passage that way to the East Indies 577.30 See also 578.40 579.30 The Hollanders misplace it in their Maps 579.40 Called Costing Sarch ibid. Whence the Ice comes thither 579.30 The Eleuation and Decliâ—ation of the Sun there 474.30 c. Ice there in Iuly and August 477.10 Ilands by it 478.60 The length of it 498 60. The difference in longitude from Venice 500.30 The longitude of Noua Zembla ibid. The distance from Russia 514.50 Day and Night for many Moneths together there 494. 505 The stretch of the Land from one point of the Coast to another exactly set downe and so forth to Russia 509 Nouda in China taken by Portugals 258. The rich spoyle 259 Noueltie China will admit none 197.10 Nouogrode or Gratanoue 214 10 Nouograd in Russia as bigge as London 418.60 The vsurping Slaues defeated here by the Whip 419.10 Noyses horrible in Island whence 649.1 Nunez the Iesuite his landing in China 319.40 His reportes of China ibid. Nunnes of the Gentile Indians 1034.20 They were either sacrificed or made Concubines ibid. And in Mexico and their Offices ibid. By what the people ghessed that the Nunne had bin dishonest ibid. Nunnes of the Chinois 274.40 Nunneries in the Greeke Church 449.20 Noble women thrust into them ibid. O O Come let vs worship c. The Psalme said before the Psalmes for the Day in the Russian Seruice-booke as we do 450 Oares like fishes finnes 354.20 Oathes of seuerall Nations 202 50 Oath of olde Island the manner 665.10 Oath of the Chinois 258.30 Oathes Witnesses in China not examined vpon and why 188.20 202.50 Oath vpon the Crosse 434.10 Vpon the Crosse and the Euangelists 795.1 Oath vpon the holy Fount 783.20 40. Vpon Wheate Eares 264.30 Oathes taken in Temples 397 40 Ob the Riuer in the
after this manner The kindred send for the Astrologers and tell them what yeare moneth day and houre hee who dyed was borne who perceiuing the constellation declare the day when hee is to be burned so that when the Planet fits not they reserue the dead bodie sometimes seuen dayes and sometimes sixe monethes preparing a Chest for it at home and ioyning the sides together with such cunning Art that no stinke can issue forth They also imbalme the bodie it selfe with Spices and couer the Chest fairely painted with a costly cloth and euery day that the dead corps is kept at home at the houre of Dinner a Table is prepared neere the Chest setting wine and meate thereon for the space while one might well eate a meales-meat supposing that the soule of the dead feedeth of the sauour thereof The Astrologers sometime forbid to carrie it forth at the chiefe gate pretending some disastrous starres thereto and cause them to carrie it out another way and sometimes breake the wall which is opposite to that place which the Planet makes more luckie for otherwise the spirits departed would bee offended and hurt those of the house And if any such euill happen they ascribe it to the dead thus wronged When the bodie is carryed through the Citie to be burned without woodden Cottages are erected in the way with a porch couered with Silkes in which they set the bodie and set before it Bread Wine and Flesh and Delicate Cates supposing the spirit to be refreshed therewith which must bee presently present at the burning of the bodie And when they come vnto the place of burning they write and paint vpon Papers made of the barkes of Trees the Images of Men and Women Horses Camels Money and Garments All the Instruments of the Citie meane-while resounding all which are burned together with the dead bodie For they say that that dead man shall haue so many Men-seruants and Mayd-seruants Cattell and Money in another life as resemblances and Pictures were burned together with him and shall perpetually liue in that honour and riches The Prouince Chamul lyeth in the great Prouince Tanguth subiect to the Great Can hauing many Cities and Townes the chiefe Citie is called Chamul The Land butteth vpon two Desarts to wit the great Desart whereof wee haue spoken before and a certaine other that is lesse of three dayes Iourney It aboundeth with such things which a man needeth for the sustentation of life The Inhabitants are Idolaters haue a peculiar Language and seeme to bee borne for none other purpose but to apply themselues to sporting singing dancing writing and reading after their fashion playing on Instruments and to giue themselues delight When any Traueller passing by turneth into any mans house for entertaynment the Master of the Family receiueth him with great ioy and commandeth his Wife and all the Family that they as long as he will abide with them obey him in all things In the meane space he departeth not to returne so long as the Guest remayneth in his house And meane-while hee lyeth with the Wife Daughter and the rest as with his owne Wiues The women of that Countrey are beautifull and readie to obey all those Commandements of their Husbands who are so besotted with this folly that they thinke it a glorious thing for them and acceptable to their Idols for which they prosper with plentie of all things Mangu Can hauing heard of this folly commanded them to obserue this detestable custome no longer which they did about three yeares and then seeing not their wonted fertilitie and troubled with some Domesticall crosses sent Ambassadours to the Can and instantly entreated that he would reuoke so grieuous an Edict and not abolish that Tradition which they had receiued from their Elders The Can answered seeing you desire your reproch and shame let it be granted you Goe and doe herein after your wont The Messengers returning with this Answer brought great ioy to all the people this custome is obserued by that people vntill this day After the Prouince of Camul followeth the Prouince of Chinchintalas which on the North boundeth vpon the Desart and is sixteene dayes Iourney in length subiect to the Dominion of Great Cham. It hath Cities and many Castles The people thereof are diuided into three Sects Some few acknowledge Christ and these are Nestorians others worship Mahumet the third adore Idols In this Prouince there is a Mountaine where are Mines of Steele and Andanicum and also Salamanders of the which cloth is made which if it bee cast into the fire cannot bee burned But that cloth is made of the Earth in this manner as one of my companions a Turke named Curcifar a man indued with singular industrie informed me who had the charge of the Minerals in that Prouince A certaine Minerall of Earth is found in that Mountayne which yeeldeth threeds not vnlike to Wooll which being dryed in the Sunne are bruised in a brazen Morter and afterward washed and whatsoeuer earthy substance cleaueth vnto them is taken away lastly those threeds so purged and made small are spunne like other Wooll and wouen into cloth And when they will whiten those clothes they cast them into the fire for an houre and then they are taken out of the flaming fire vnhurt whiter then Snow After the like manner they clense them when they haue taken any spots for no other washing is added to them besides the fire But touching the Salamander the Serpent which is reported to liue in the fire I could search out nothing in the East Countries They say there is a certayne Napkin at Rome wouen of the Salamander wherein the Handkerchiefe of the Lord is kept wrapped vp which a certayne King of the Tartars sent vnto the Bishop of Rome After you are past this Prouince you go betwixt the East and North-east ten dayes Iourney in which few Habitations or things remarkable are found and then you come to the Prouince Succuir which hath many Habitations and Townes The chiefe Citie thereof is called Succuir In this Prouince among many Idolaters a few Christians are found they are subiect to the Great Can. They apply not themselues to Merchandize but liue of the fruits of the Earth The best Rhubarbe is found in great quantitie in this Prouince which is carryed thence by Merchants to diuers parts of the World Strangers dare not go to the Mountaynes where it growes by reason of venemous herbs which if their beasts should eate them would lose their hoofes but those of that Countrey know and auoyd them The generall name of this Prouince and of the two following is Tanguth Campion is a great Citie the principall in the Countrey of Tanguth In it are Christians which haue there three great and faire Churches Mahumetans and Idolaters The Idolaters haue many Monasteries where they worship their Idols Moreouer those Idols are made either of stone wood or clay some ouer-layed with gold and
Familie decayed by disaduentures or of any which cannot worke and haue no meanes he causeth to giue to such Families the whole yeares expenses each of such Families going to the Officers for that purpose and shewing their Bill of allowance receiue prouisions accordingly There is a Palace deputed for those Officers They are prouided also of garments for Winter and for Summer the Can hauing the Tenths of all Wool and Silke and Hempe which he causeth to bee made into Clothes in a house thereto appointed for all Trades are bound one day in the weeke to worke for him He prouides also apparell for his Armies and in euery Citie causeth Cloth to be made of his tithe wooll You must vnderstand that â—he Tartars ancient customes knew no almes but rather vpbraided such as were in necessitie as hated of God But the Idolaters especially these Bachsi haue propounded it as a good worke acceptable to God and haue taught him to be thus bountifull so that in his Court bread is neuer denyed to any which aske and there is no day in which is not giuen away twentie thousand Crownes in Rice Millet and Panike whereby he is esteemed as a God There are also in Cambalu of Christians Saracens and Catayans about fiue thousand Astrologers and Diuiners which the Great Can prouideth yeerly of foode and rayment as those poore abouesaid These haue an Astrolabe in which are marked the signes of the Planets the houres and points of all the yeere Herein all these Astrologers each Religion apart view the course of the yeere according to euery Moone obseruing the disposition of the weather referring alway to God to doe more or lesse after his owne pleasure They write also vpon certaine squares they call them Tacuini the things which are to come that yeere which they sell to those that will buy them and such as speake most truth are most honored If any intend any great worke or to goe a farre iourney and will know the euent before-hand he makes recourse to these Astrologers to see it with their eyes in the Heauens which they doe comparing the present Constellation with that of his Birth which they demand of him so foretelling him the good or euill The Tartars reckon the computation of their yeeres by twelues the first signified by a Lion the second by an Oxe the third by a Dragon the fourth by a Dogge and so thorow the whole twelue so that if a man be demanded when he was borne he will answer such a point of such an houre of such a day in the yeere Lion this their fathers exactly set downe in a booke and when the twelue is complete they goe ouer the same againe Of their Religion we haue said that they are Idolaters and for their Gods haue a Table set aloft in the wall of their Chamber on which is written a Name representing the High God of Heauen and there euery day with a Censer of incense they adore it in this manner They lift vp their hands aloft and strike their teeth thrice praying it to giue them a good vnderstanding and health and desire thereof nothing else Besides on the ground they haue another statue called Natigai The God of earthly things with his Wife and Children as before is said whom likewise they worship with incense striking or gnashing the teeth and lifting vp the hands and desire thereof temperature of the aire fruits of the earth children and the like They hold the Soule to be immortal and that when a man dies it enters into another bodie better or worse according to the merits in the former life as of a poore man to become a Gentleman and after of a Prince or Lord and so higher till it be assumpted in God or if it hath ill deserued to be a poorer man after a Dogge alway descending to the lowest ranke of basenesse They haue a comely speech salute cheerfully and honestly haue a gracefull carriage and feed cleanly They beare great reuerence to their Parents and if any be vndutifull or helplesse to their necessitie there is a publike Office designed to this particular to punish vngratefull or disobedient children Prisoners are released at three yeeres end and marked in the cheeke to be knowne Malefactors The Barons and People which goe to the Grand Can obserue these Rites First within halfe a mile of the place where the Can is all is husht and quiet without noyse or cryes or any loud speech and euery Baron carries continually a little faire vessell to spit in after which hee couers it none daring to spit on the Hall They haue Furre buskins of white leather which they put on when they enter the Hall putting off the former and giuing them to the seruants lest they should foule the faire artificiall Carpets TEn miles off Cambalu is a certayne great Riuer named Pulisangan emptying it selfe into the Ocean by which many ships with much merchandise ascend And in that place there is a very faire Bridge all of Serpentine stone curiously wrought contayning three hundred paces in length and eight in breadth that ten men may ride abrest On each side it is fairely mounted with a wall of marble and Pillars set on a rew and in the height of the ascent is a great and high Pillar at the foote whereof is a great Lion and on the top another And so quite thorow the Bridge one pace and halfe distant are Pillars with Lions on the top and a faire well-wrought marble worke betwixt to keepe men from falling Hauing passed ouer the Riuer and Bridge proceeding thirtie miles westward in which Palaces are continually seene with Vineyards and fertile Fields you come to the Citie Gouza both faire and great hauing many Monasteries of Idols Cloth of gold and silkes are made there and the purest and finest Cambricks or Launes and many common Innes for Strangers and Trauailers are found in that Citie The Citizens are Artificers and Merchants A mile without this Citie the way parteth one leading West the other South-east that to the West leadeth through the Prouince of Cathay but the other towards the Countrey of Maugi From the Citie of Gouza to the Kingdome of Tainfu you ride ten dayes thorow Cataio alway finding many faire Cities and Castles well traded with Vineyards and tilled Fields from whence Wine is carried to Cataio where it wants There are many Mulberrie trees for Silke-workes the People ciuill and Cities very frequent Tainfu is the name of the Kingdome and of the chiefe Citie which is great and faire hath much trading with store of munition fit for the Cans Armies The Wine about this Citie serueth the whole Prouince Seuen dayes further westward is a goodly Countrey beautified with many Castles and Cities in which also great trade of merchandise is vsed After which you come to a Citie very great named Pianfu in which there is great abundance of Silke and Trading Westward from Pianfu
some part to this solace with their Friends or with Women in the Lake or else by Chariots riding thorow the Citie which is also another of the Quinsay pleasures For all the streets are paued with stone as also are all the high Wayes in the Prouince of Mangi onely for the Postes is left on the side a space vnpaued The principall street of Quinsay is paued ten paces on each hand and in the midst it is full of Grauell with passages for the Water which keepe it alway cleane On this street are alway innumerable long close Chariots accommodated with Clothes and Cushions of silke for six persons which solace themselues in the street or goe to Gardens and there passe the time in places made by the Gardeners for that purpose and returne at night in the said Chariots When one is borne the Father sets downe the print of Time and with that note goes to the Astrologer to consult of his future fortunes Of these Astrologers are a great number in euery Market place They will not celebrate a marriage without such consultation When one dies that is of note his Kindred clothe themselues in Canuasse and so both Men and Women accompanie him to the burning place playing on Instruments and singing all the way prayers to their Idols and being comne to the place cast into the fire many Papers of Cotton whereon are painted Slaues Horses Camels Clothes of gold and silke Monies which they thinke hee shall really possesse in another World and make such minstrelsie in conceit of the ioy wherewith the Idols there receiue his Soule where hee beginneth they say to liue anew In euery street are Towres of stone whither in danger of fire they vse to carrie their goods their timber houses being much subiect to such casualtie The Can hath ordayned that on the most part of the Bridges day and night there stand vnder a couert ten Guardians fiue by day and fiue by night and in euery Guard is a Tabernacle of Wood with a great Bason whereby they know the houres of the day and night which at euery houres end the Warders strike to notifie what houre one two c. beginning at the Sunne rising and then againe at the beginning of the night They walke vp and downe and if any haue a light or fire after the deputed time they cause him to answer it before the Iustices or Gouernors aforesaid or if any walke later If any be not able to worke they carrie him to Hospitals of which are exceeding many founded by the Kings of old with great reuenues thorow the Citie When they are well againe they are compelled to worke If a fire happen these from diuers places come to quench it and to carrie the goods into Boats or the Ilands or those Towres for in the night the Citizens dare not come out but those who are in danger The Can alway keepeth here store of his best and faithfullest Souldierie as being the best and richest place in the World Within a mile of each other are builded Rampiers of wood where a sound is made to be heard further off for like purposes When the Can had reduced all Mangi to his obedience hee diuided it being before but one Kingdome into nine parts and set a King ouer each which there administers iustice Euery yeere they giue account to the Cans Officers of the reuenues and other accidents and euery third yeere are charged as all other Officers are One of these Deputie-Kings is resident at Quinsay who is Gouernour of aboue one hundred and fortie Cities all rich and great Nor may this be a wonder seeing in Mangi there are twelue thousand Cities all inhabited with rich and industrious people In euery of which the Can maintayneth a Garrison proportionable to the greatnesse and occasions one thousand ten or twentie thousand not all Tartars but Catayans for the Tartars are Horse-men and keepe where they may exercise their Horses Into Cathay he sends those of Mangi and Cathayans hither such as are fit for Armes of which he makes choise euery third yeere and sends for foure or fiue yeeres together into places twentie dayes iourney from their Countrey and then suffers them to returne home others succeeding And most part of the Cans Receits are this way expended and if any Citie rebell he suddenly from the next Garrisons rayseth an Armie to reduce or destroy them This Citie of Quinsai hath in continuall Garrison thirtie thousand Souldiers and that which hath least hath one thousand in Horse and Foote To speake now of the Palace of King Fanfur his Predecessors caused to enclose a place of ten miles circuit with high walls and diuided it into three parts That in the midst was entred by one Gate on the one side and the other were great and large Galleries the Roofe sustayned by Pillars painted and wrought with gold and fine azure these were smaller at the entrie and the further the greater the fairest at the end the Roofe fairely adorned with gold and on all the Walls were painted the stories of the former Kings artificially There euery yeere on certaine Idoll holy-dayes Fanfur kept his Court and feasted his principall Lords the great Masters and rich Artificers of Quinsai ten thousand at a time vnder those Terraces This dured ten or twelue dayes with incredible magnificence euery guest indeuouring to present himselfe in greatest pompe Behinde this middle-most building was a wall and going out which diuided the Palace in which was as it were a Cloyster with Pillars sustayning the Porch or Terrace round about the Cloyster wherein were Chambers for the King and Queene curiously wrought From this Cloyster was entrance into a Gallerie six paces wide in length extending to the Lake all couered On each side of this Gallerie were ten Courts answering one another fashioned like Cloysters each Court hauing fiftie Chambers with their Gardens and in them one thousand Lasses abode which the King kept for his seruice who sometimes with the Queene sometimes with them went in his Barge on the Lake for solace or to visit his Idoll Temples The other two parts of the Serraile were diuided into Groues Lakes Gardens planted with Trees in which were inclosed all sorts of beasts Roes Bucks Stags Hares Conies and there the King solaced himselfe with his Damsels in Charets or on Horse-backe no man entring there There did he cause These to hunt with his Dogs wearie whereof they went into those Groues which answered one another ouer the Lakes and there leauing their garments came forth naked and set themselues a swimming in the Kings presence Sometimes hee would take his repast in those Groues being serued by those Damsels without once thinking of Armes which sweet meat cost him the soure sawce yee haue heard All this was told mee by a rich old Merchant of Quinsai whiles I was there one which had beene an inward familiar of King Fanfur
in circuit and of old encompassed three thousand and sixe hundred miles as is seene in the Maps of the Mariners of those parts but the North winds haue made a great part of it Sea It is the best Iland of the World The King is named Sendernaz The men and women are Idolaters goe naked saue that they couer their priuities with a cloth haue no Corne but Rice and Oyle of Sesamino Milke Flesh Wine of trees abundance of Brasill the best Rubies in the World Saphires Topazes Amathists and other Gems The King is said to haue the best Rubie in the World one palme long and as big as a mans arme without spot shining like a fire not to be bought for money Cublai Can sent and offered the value of a Citie for it but the King answered he would not giue it for the treasure of the world nor part with it hauing beene his Ancestours The men are vnfit for warres and hire others when they haue occasion §. X. Of the firme Land of the Greater India FRom Zeilan sayling sixtie miles to the West is the great Prouince of Malabar which is not an Iland but firme Continent called India the greater the richest Prouince in the World There are in it foure Kings the chiefe of which is Senderbandi in whose Kingdome they fish for Pearles to wit betwixt Malabar and Zeilan in a Bay where the Sea is not aboue ten or twelue fathome in which diuers descend and in bags or nets tyed to their bodies bring vp the Oysters in which they are And because there are great fishes which kill the Fishermen they hire certaine Bramines to charme them being skilfull to charme all sorts of beasts also and birds and these haue the twentieth the King the tenth These Oysters are found all Aprill and till the midst of May and not else in September they finde them in a place aboue three hundred miles off and till the midst of October The King goeth as naked as the rest saue that he weareth some honorable Ensignes as a Coller of precious stones about his necke and a threed of Silke to his breast with one hundred and foure faire Pearles as Beads to number his Prayers of which he must daily say so many to his Idols like Bracelets he weareth on three places of his armes and likewise on his legs and on his fingers also and toes The prayers which he sayth are Pacauca pacauca pacauca one hundred and foure times This King hath one thousand women and if any please his sense he takes her as one he did from his brother whence warres had followed but the mother threatning to cut off her breasts which had nourished them if they proceeded stayed the broyle He hath many Horsemen for his Guard which alway accompanie him who when the King dies throw themselues voluntarily into the fire wherein he is burned to doe him seruice in the next World This and his brethren the Kings of Malabar buy their Horses from Ormus and other parts The Countrey breeds none and if it happens sometimes yet are they there bred ill-fauoured and naught Condemned persons will offer themselues to die in honour of such an Idoll which is performed with twelue Kniues and twelue wounds in diuers parts of the bodie at euery blow saying I kill my selfe in honour of that Idol and the last he thrusts in his heart and then is burned by his kindred The wiues also cast themselues into the fire with their husbands they being disreputed which refuse it They worship Idols and most of them Beeues and would not eat of so holy flesh as Beefe for all the World There are some called Gaui which eate those Beeues which dye alone may not kill them and dawbe ouer their houses with Oxe dung These Gaui are of the Posteritie of those which slue Saint Thomas and cannot enter the place where his bodie is if ten men should carrie them They sit on Carpets on the ground in this Kingdome they haue no Corne but Rice are no Warriours kill no beasts but when they will eat any get the Saracens to doe it or other people wash twice a day morning and euening both men and women and will not otherwise eate which they which obserue not are accounted Heretikes They touch not their meat with the left hand but vse that hand only to wipe and other vncleane offices They drinke each in his owne pot and will not touch another mans pot nor suffer their owne to touch their mouth but hold it ouer and powre it in To strangers which haue no pot they powre drinke into his hands to drinke with them Iustice is seuerely executed for Crimes and Creditors may encompasse their Debtors with a Circle which he dares not passe till hee hath paid or giuen securitie if he doth he is to be put to death and M. Marco once saw the King himselfe on Horse-backe thus encircled by a Merchant whom he had long delayed and frustrated neither would the King goe out of the Circle which the Merchant had drawne till he had satisfied him the people applauding the Kings Iustice. They are very scrupulous in drinking Wine of the Grape and they which doe it are not admitted to be Witnesse a thing denyed also to him which sayles by Sea for they say such men are desperate They thinke Leachery no sinne It is very hote and they haue no raine but in Iune Iuly and August without which refreshing of the Ayre they could not liue They haue many Physiognomers and Sooth-sayers which obserue beasts and Birds and haue an vnluckie houre euery day of the weeke called Choiach as on Munday betwixt two and three on Tuesday the third houre on Wednesday the ninth c. thorow all the yeare set downe in their Bookes They curiously obserue Natiuities at thirteene yeares old they put the Boyes to get their owne liuings which runne vp and down to buy and sell hauing a little stocke giuen them to begin and in Pearle-season they buy a few Pearles and sell them againe to the Merchants which cannot well endure the Sunne for little gaine What they get they bring to their Mothers to dresse for them but may not eate at their Fathers cost They haue Idols Males and Females to which they offer their Daughters which when the Monkes or Priests appoint sing and dance to cheere the Idols and diuers times set victuals before them saying that they eat leauing it the space of a meale singing the while and then they fall to eating in deed after which they returne home The cause of these solaces is the household quarrels betwixt the God and his Goddesse which if they should not thus appease they should lose their blessing The great men haue Litters of large Canes which they can fasten artificially to some vpper place to preuent Tarantulas byting and Fleas and other Vermine and for fresh Aire The place of Saint Thomas his Sepulchre is a small
the which was performed being yet day for the battaile was wonne at foure of the clocke and there was as yet fiue houres of day-light The children of Baiazet were brought before him hee caused them to bee vsed curteously and as the children of an Emperour The next day hee commanded the dead to bee buried they found the Prince of Tirzis dead in the middest of the Ianizaries where he remained enclosed The Emperour did greatly lament this young Prince who was his kinsman and would haue beene one day worthie for to doe him great seruice In that battaile there died manie Captaines almost the chiefe Ottomans This was a great Battaile the which was fought from seuen vnto foure of the clocke in such sort that they knew not vnto whom the victorie did incline Our Armie stayed vntill the next day euery one causing his friends to bee buried The Prince of Tirzis was emblamed and conueyed with two thousand horse vnto Samarcand vntill the Emperour returned All the other dead bodies were buried at Sanas with all the honour that might be Axalla was much grieued for his kinsman because hee was verie well beloued of the Prince his charge was giuen vnto one of his brethren who was verie famous in fighting this same day we might iudge the euents of the matters of the world Behold this Emperour Baiazet who was as hee thought superiour to fortune which in an instant found himselfe and his estate by one battaile onely ouerthrowne euen vnto the lowest place and at such time as hee thought least thereof Hee vsed to say that hee was iustly punished for despising the multitude we had for the assurance that hee had in the valour of his horsmen and especially of his Ianizaries Hee was three dayes as they report before he could bee pacified as a desperate man seeking after death and calling for it The Empeour did not vse him at all curteously but caused small account to bee made of him and for to manifest that he knew how to punish the proud vpon festiuall dayes when as hee mounted on horseback they brought this proud man vnto him and he serued him in stead of a foot-stoole this did he for to manifest the folly and arrogancie of men and how iustly God had humbled him The next day the Prince marched directly towardes Bursia whither all the remainder of Baiazet his Armie was retired with the Bassa Mustapha All the countrie yeelded vnto vs and the Prince caused all the holdes and fortresses to bee ouerthrowne and destroyed and punished all those which were so euill aduised as to stay vntill they were besieged I had forgotten to declare how hee caused the Prince of Tirzis bodie to bee accompanied with diuers prisoners chained and tied together whom hee did send vnto Samarcand the which the Prince had determined to make great for a perpetuall memorie of his greatnesse Euen so had hee greatly peopled with people of China which had beene taken in the Battailes and of those likewise which were taken out of the two great Cities Paguinfou and Quantoufou Now this battaâ—le did bring great astonishment vnto all the countries possessed by Baiazet and no bodie resâ—sted vs euen vnto Bursia whither this Armie was fled and therein were also two sonnes of Baiazet verie young Axalla being alwaies aduanced forward before our Armie with fortie thousand Horse and an hundred thousand Foot-men without any carriages who hindred the Enemies from joyning themselues againe together and hee made a cruell Warre vpon the Ottomans deliuering the Graecians from the tyrannie of Baiazet Hee approached neere vnto Bursia where the Ottomans did not stay the comming of Axallas Armie but only they which could not runne remayned behind Baiazet his two Sonnes were sent vnto the Greekish Emperour for to bring them vp and to haue mercie vpon them the rest went vnto Gallipoli for to goe vnto Andrinopoli the which they held hauing conquered it from the Graecians Now the Prince for to returne vnto my purpose dispatched towards the Emperour his Vncle and vnto the Empresse his Wife one of his Familiars called Lieban Captayne of his Chamber for to carrie him newes of this Victorie and to ioyne it also vnto all the rest He sent vnto him Baiazet his Sword and Bow and the Caparisons of his Horse the which was esteemed to be worth aboue two hundred thousand Duckets You may easily thinke that Prince Lieban was well entertayned of the old Emperour and of the young Princesse bringing word vnto them that all the World did bend it selfe to make our Prince victorious who surely receiued these Victories from God without insolencie and at such time as hee sent him most glory then did his men note him to be least puffed vp He was neuer bold but in the day of battaile and on the Eeue for to command seuerely and with greater Majesty To tell you what he was in aduersitie I did neuer see him in that estate but it is to be thought that they which bee not insolent in prosperitie are not faint-hearted in aduersitie So our victorious Prince marched directy vnto Bursia loaden with Spoyles and Trophees which hee daily got departing from the Cities which did come and yeeld themselues vnto him therein obseruing the same manner of proceeding the which we did in the Conquest of China they which did yeeld vnto him without fighting were well vsed and the obstinate well punished the Prince knowing that reward and punishment are the Moderators of Common-wealthes the one to bee vsed towards the good and the other towards the euill In the end we receiued newes by Axalla that he had receiued Bursia in the Emperours name and how the Inhabitants thereof had punished the Garrisons of Baiazet hauing driuen them away and slaine many But I dare not follow our Author any further from Tartaria for whose sake I haue entertayned him Leauing therefore his agreement with the Greeke Emperour and secret visiting Constantinople his comming to Ierusalem and Expedition against the Soldan With his Exploits in Egypt Syria Persia we will returne with him to Samarcand §. IIII. Encrease of Samarcand Affaires of China Funerals of the Can comming to Quinza and description thereof His disposition of his estate and death PErsia as long as he liued was much affected vnto him which greatly serued him for the keeping as well of Syria as of the Soldans Empire leauing continually men there and drawing out Colonies the better to settle his Affaires in those places So the Emperour leauing the Prince of Thanais with his Army to attend his pleasure he marched with the rest of his forces into his owne Countrey with all the Ioyes and Triumphes that might be possible the chiefest Prisoners marching before the Emperour amongst the which was Baiazet Emperour of the Turkes all chayned and was a Spectacle vnto all the World of Fortunes inconstancy hee continued notwithstanding in the same fiercenesse was woont to be in him So wheresoeuer the
Gouernement but a great helpe that all might obey him and keepe his Lawes This onely remedie there is in China to reape any fruit and not any other speaking humanely And without this it is impossible for any Religious men to Preach or fructifie and because I had not this remedie hauing the abouesaid inconueniences I came away from China and therefore neither I nor they of the company of IESVS which enterprised alreadie this businesse sundry times could fructifie in China This people hath besides the ignorances abouesaid that filthy abomination that they refraine no sexe among them Notwithstanding I Preaching sometimes as well publike as priuately against this vice they were glad to heare mee saying that I had reason in that which I sayd but but that they neuer had had any that told them that was a sinne nor any thing euill done It seemeth that because this sinne is common among them God was willing to send them a grieuous punishment in some places of the earth the which was common in all China I being in the Citie of Cantan and being willing to know of a rich China Marchant the euils that had happened in the Countrey and hee not able to tell it me by word of mouth gaue me a Letter which they had written vnto him of what had happened saying to me that I should translate it and giue it him againe but not trusting me hee translated it presently and remayning with the copie gaue me the principall which I translated into Portugall with the helpe of one that could speake our language and theirs the tenour of the Letter is this The principall Louthias of Sanxi and of Sauiton wrote vnto the King saying that in those Prouinces the earth did shake terribly and the dayes waxed darke like night hee saith not how long a South-sayer told them all that should happen In the yeere before in the moneth of September the earth opened in many places and vnder it were heard great noyses like the sound of Bells there followed a great winde with much rayne and the winde ranne about all the Compasse This winde is called in China Tufaune and many yeeres it bloweth but once a yeere and it is so raging that it driueth a Ship vnder sayle on the Land a great space and the men cannot keepe their feete not leauing and holding one by another and it doth things worthie admiration and incredible In the yeere that I was in China in the part where the Portugals were they shewed the Boat of a Ship of a good bignesse and the place where it was a land that this winde caâ—rayed it might bee a great stones cast from the water and many did affirme it to mee that the winde had such force that it carryed it tumbling till it blew it into the Sea And all the houses the Portugals had made of timber and couered with strawe which were many and were built vpon great stakes and not very high it threw them all downe breaking the stakes And one house being fastened with foure Cables where many Portugals retired themselues at the last fell also and onely one that was sheltered with a high place escaped that it fell not To blow downe these houses was nothing for it doth many other things incredible This winde is almost euerie yeere in China the which within twentie foure houres that it raigneth it runneth about all the points of the Compasse With this winde and the Lands being shaken with the Earthquakes many Cities fell and were made desolate in the which dyed innumerable people In a Citie called Vinyanfuu in this day was a great Earthquake And on the west side a great Fire burst out that swallowed vp all the Citie in the which innumerable people perished escaping in one place two in another three and so some of the Mogores escaped In another Citie neere to this there happened the same but in this none escaped In a Citie called Leuchimen the Riuer increased in such sort that it ouer-flowed the Citie where infinite people were drowned In a Citie called Hien was an Earthquake with the which many houses fell which slew neere eight thousand soules In Puchio the house of the Kings kinsman fell and slew all that were in the house except a Childe of seuen or eight yeeres old his sonne which was carryed to the King and day and night was a noyse heard vnder the earth like the sound of Bells In a Countrey called Cochue with fire from Heauen and with many waters of a Floud many perished and the land remayned vnable to bee cultiuated againe In a Countrey called Enchinoen at midnight the houses fell and the Citie remayned desolate and ruined where perished neere one hundred thousand soules In a Citie called Inchumen in one day and a night the Riuer did flow and ebbe ten times and with the great floud many people perished Hitherto the translation of the Letter that which followeth was heard by word of mouth of the Portugals that were in the Port of Cantan in the moneth of May and I receiued the Letter in September In a Citie called Sanxi from midnight till fiue of the clocke in the morning the earth shooke three times the eighteenth of Ianuarie 1556. and the next day after from midnight till noone happened the same the next day following the twentie of the sayd moneth the earth shooke mightily after midnight with great Thunder and Lightnings and all the Prouince was burnt and all the people thereof and all the Suburbes Townes and Cities they say it is from bound to bound fiftie or sixtie leagues that there was not one saued but a Childe sonne to a kinsman of the King which was carried to the King And the third of Februarie in the same yeere in the Citie of Panquin where the King is fell a shower of rayne like bloud These newes brought one of China that came to Cantan from a Citie neere to Sanxi to giue newes to a Louthia that hee should resort to his owne house and said that the Citie where he was a dweller was ouerflowne and that he knew not whether it would perish with the rest That which ought to bee held for truth is that in three Prouinces which commonly are sayd to be destroyed there was no more destruction then of those places whereof the Letter maketh mention or little more The agreeing in the Childe sheweth that the Towne whereof the Letter maketh mention with the childe was in the Prouince of Sanxi This hath more apparance of truth because the Letter was written from the Court then to say that all the three Prouinces perished After the happening of the things abouesaid the same yeere in the Prouince of Cantan a woman which went to the Panchasi told him that the Prouince of Cansi would bee destroyed with power from Heauen the which after shee was well whipt was imprisoned but in the moneth of May of the
They doe obserue the Law of the Greekes with such excesse of superstition as the like hath not beene heard of They haue no grauen Images in their Churches but all painted to the intent they will not breake the Commandement but to their painted Images they vse such Idolatrie that the like was neuer heard of in England They will neither worship nor honour any Image that is made foorth of their owne Countrey For their owne Images say they haue Pictures to declare what they bee and how they be of God and so be not ours They say looke how the Painter or Caruer hath made them so wee doe worship them and they worship none before they bee Christened They say wee be but halfe Christians because we obserue not part of the old Law with the Turkes Therefore they call themselues more holy then vs. They haue none other learning but their mother tongue nor will suffer no other in their Countrey among them All their seruice in Churches is in their mother tongue They haue the old and new Testament which are daily read among them and yet their superstition is no lesse For when the Priests doe reade they haue such trickes in their reading that no man can vnderstand them nor no man giueth eare to them For all the while the Priest readeth the people sit downe and one talke with another But when the Priest is at seruice no man sitteth but gaggle and ducke like so many Geese And as for their prayers they haue but little skill but vse to say As bodi pomele As much to say Lord haue mercie vpon me For the tenth man within the Land cannot say the Pater noster And as for the Creed no man may bee so bold as to meddle therewith but in the Church for they say it should not be spoken of but in the Churches Speake to them of the Commandements and they will say they were giuen to Moses in the Law which Christ hath now abrogated by his precious Death and Passion therefore say they wee obserue little or none thereof And I doe beleeue them For if they were examined of their Law and Commandements together they should agree but in few points They haue the Sacrament of the Lords Supper in both kindes and more ceremonies then we haue They present them in a dish in both kinds together and carrie them round about the Church vpon the Priests head and so doe minister at all such times as any shall require They bee great offerers of Candles and sometimes of money which wee call in England Soule pence with more ceremonies then I am able to declare They haue foure Lents in the yeere whereof our Lent is the greatest Looke as wee doe begin on the Wednesday so they doe on the Munday before And the weeke before that they call the Butter-weeke And in that weeke they eate nothing but Butter and Milke Howbeit I beleeue there bee in no other Countrey the like people for Drunkennesse The next Lent is called Saint Peters Lent and beginneth alwayes the Munday next after Trinitie Sunday and endeth on Saint Peters Eeuen If they should breake that Fast their beliefe is that they should not come in at Heauen gates And when any of them dye they haue a testimoniall with them in the Coffin that when the soule commeth to Heauen gates it may deliuer the same to Saint Peter which declareth that the partie is a true and holy Russian The third Lent beginneth fifteene dayes before the later Lady day and endeth on our Lady Eeuen The fourth Lent beginneth on Saint Martins day and endeth on Christmas Eeuen which Lent is fasted for Saint Philip Saint Peter Saint Nicholas and Saint Clement For they foure bee the principall and greatest Saints in that Countrey In these Lents they eate neither Butter Egges Milke nor Cheese but they are very straightly kept with Fish Cabbages and Rootes And out of their Lents they obserue truely the Wednesdayes and Fridayes throughout the yeere and on the Saturday they doe eate flesh Furthermore they haue a great number of Religious men which are blacke Monkes and they eate no Flesh throughout the yeere but Fish Milke and Butter By their order they should eate no fresh-Fish and in their Lents they eate nothing but Colâ—wâ—rts Cabbages salt Cucumbers with other rootes as Radish and such like Their drinke is like our peniâ— Alâ— and is called Quass They haue Seruice daily in their Churches and vse to goe to seruice two houres before day and that is ended by day light At nine of the clocke they goe to Masse that ended to Dinner and after that to seruice againe and then to Supper You shall vnderstand that at euerie dinner and supper they haue declared the exposition of the Gospell that day but how they wrest and twine the Scripture and that together by report it is wonderfull As for wheredome and Drunkennesse there bee none such liuing and for Extortion they bee the most abominable vnder the Sunne Now iudge of their holinesse They haue twise as much Land as the Duke himselfe hath but yet hee is reasonable euen with them as thus When they take bribes of any of the poore and simple hee hath it by an order When the Abbot of any of their Houses dyeth then the Duke hath all his goods mooueable and vnmooueable so that the Successour buyeth all at the Dukes hands and by this meane they bee the best Fermers the Duke hath Thus with their Religion I make an end trusting hereafter to know it better Some additions for better knowledge of this Voyage taken by CLEMENT ADAMS Schoole-master to the Queenes Henshmen from the mouth of Captaine CHANCELOR RIchard Chancelor with his Ship and companie being thus left alone and become very pensiue heauie and sorrowfull by this dispersion of the Fleet hee according to the order before taken shapeth his course for Ward-house in Norway there to expect and abide the arriuall of the rest of the Ships And being come thither and hauing stayed there the space of seauen dayes and looked in vaine for their comming hee determined at length to proceed alone in the purposed voyage And as hee was preparing himselfe to depart it happened that hee fell in companie and speech with certaine Scottish-men who hauing vnderstanding of his intention and wishing well to his actions began earnestly to disswade him from the further prosecution of the discouerie by amplifying the dangers which hee was to fall into and omitted no reason that might serue to that purpose But he holding nothing so ignominious and reproachfull as inconstancie and leuitie of minde and perswading himselfe that a man of valour could not commit a more dishonourable part then for feare of danger to auoyd and shun great attempts was nothing at all changed or discouraged with the speeches and words of the Scots remayning stedfast and immutable in his first resolution
degrees and ten minutes and is from Inger sound East and to the North-wards fifteene leagues And being at this North Cape the second day of Iuly wee had the Sunne at North foure degrees aboue the Horizon The third day we came to Wardhouse hauing such mists that wee could not see the Land This Wardhouse is a Castle standing in an Iland two miles from the mayne of Finland subject to the King of Denmarke and the Eastermost Land that he hath There are two other Ilands neere adjoyning vnto that whereon the Castle of Wardhouse standeth The Inhabitants of those three Ilands liue onely by fishing and make much Stock-fish which they dry with Frost their most feeding is fish bread and drinke they haue none but such as is brought them from other places They haue small store of Cattle which are also fed with fish From Wardhouse we sayled South South-east ten leagues and fell with a Cape of Land called Kegor the Northermost part of the Land of Lappia And betweene Wardhouse and the said Cape is a great Bay called Dommes haff in the South part whereof is a Monastery of Monkes of the Russes Religion called Pechinchow Thus proceeding forward and sayling along the Coast of the said Land of Lappia winding South-east the fourth day through great mists and darknesse we lost the company of the other three ships and met not with them againe vntill the seuenth day when we fell with a Cape or head-land called Swetinoz which is the entring into the Bay of Saint Nicholas At this Cape lyeth a great sâ—one to the which the Barkes that passed thereby were wont to make Offerings of Butter Meale and other Victuals thinking that vnlesse they did so their Barkes or Vessels should there perish as it hath beene oftentimes seene and there it is very darke and mystie Note that the sixt day wee passed by the place where Sir Hugh Willoughby with all his company perished which is called Arzina reca that is to say the Riuer Arzina The Land of Lappia is an high Land hauing snow lying on it commonly all the yeere The people of the Countrey are halfe Gentiles they liue in the Summer time neere the Sea side and vse to take fish of the which they make bread and in the Winter they remoue vp into the Countrey into the Woods where they vse hunting and kill Deere Beares Wolues Foxes and other beasts with whose flesh they be nourished and with their skins apparelled in such strange fashion that there is nothing seene of them bare but their eyes They haue none other habitation but only in Tents remouing from place to place according to the season of the yeere They know no arte nor facultie but onely shooting which they exercise daily as well men as women and kill such beasts as serue them for their food Thus proceeding along the coast from Swetinoz aforesaid the ninth day of Iuly wee came to Cape Grace being in the latitude of 66. degrees and 45. minutes and is at the entring in of the Bay of Saint Nicolas Aboard this Land there is twentie or thirtie fathoms water and sundry grounds good to anchor in The current at this Cape runneth South-west and North-east From this Cape wee proceeded along vntill we came to Crosse Iland which is seuen leagues from the said Cape South-west and from this Iland wee set ouer to the other side of the Bay and went South-west and fell with an Head-land called Foxenose which is from the said Iland fiue and twentie leagues The entring of this Bay from Crosse Iland to the neerest Land on the other side is seuen leagues ouer From Foxenose proceeding forward the twelfth day of the said moneth of Iuly all our foure ships arriued in safety at the Road of Saint Nicolas in the Land of Russia where we anchored and had sayled from London vnto the said Road seuen hundred and fiftie leagues The Russian Ambassadour and his companie with great ioy got to shoare and our ships heere forthwith discharged themselues and being laden againe and hauing a faire winde departed toward England the first of August The third of the said moneth I with other of my companie came vnto the Citie of Colmogro being an hundred verstes from the Bay of Saint Nicolas and in the latitude of 64. degrees 25. minutes I tarried at the said Colmogro vntill the fifteenth day and then I departed in a lâ—ttle Boat vp the Riuer of Duina which runneth very swiftly and the selfe same day passed by the mouth of a Riuer called Pinego leauing it on our left hand fifteene verstes from Colmogro On both sides of the mouth of this Riuer Pinego is high Land great Rockes of Alabaster great Woods and Pine-apple trees lying along within the ground which by report haue lyen there since Noâ—s flood And thus proceeding forward the nineteenth day in the morning I came into a Towne called Yemps an hundred verstes from Colmogro All this way along they make much Tarre Pitch and ashes of Aspen trees From thence I came to a place called Vstiug an ancient Citie the last day of August At this Citie meet two Riuers the one called Iug and the other Sucana both which fall into the aforesaid Riuer of Duina The Riuer Iug hath his spring in the Land of the Tartars called Cheremizzi ioyning to the Countrey of Permia and Sucana hath his head from a Lake not farre from the Citie of Vologda Thus departing from Vstiug and passing by the Riuer Sucana we came to a Towne called Totma About this place the water is very shallow and stonie and troublesome for Barkes and Boats of that Countrey which they call Nassades and Dosneckes to passe that way wherein merchandise are transported from the aforesaid Colmogro to the Citie of Vologda These vessels called Nassades are very long builded broad made and close aboue flat bottomed and draw not aboue foure foot water and will carrie two hundred tunnes they haue no Iron appertayning to them but all of Timber and when the winde serueth they are made to sayle Otherwise they haue many men some to hale and draw by the neckes with long small ropes made fast to the said Boats and some set with long poles There are many of these Barkes vpon the Riuer of Duina And the most part of them belongeth vnto the Citie of Vologda for there dwell many Merchants and they occupie the said Boats with carrying of Salt from the Sea side vnto the said Vologda The twentieth of September I came vnto Vologda which is a great Citie and the Riuer passeth through the midst of the same The houses are builded with wood of Firre trees ioyned one with another and round without the houses are foure square without any Iron or stone worke couered with Birch barkes and wood ouer the same Their Churches are all of wood two for euery Parish one to be heated for Winter and the other for Summer
Winter there is a great Market without the Castle vpon the Riuer being frozen and there is sold Corne earthen Pots Tubs Sleds c. The Castle is in circuit two thousand and nine hundred paces The Countrey is full of marish ground and Playne in Woods and Riuers abundant but it bringeth forth good plentie of Corne. This Emperour is of great power for he hath conquered much as well of the Lieflanders Poles Lettoes and Swethens as also of the Tartars and Gentiles called Samoeds hauing thereby much inlargâ—d his Dominions Hee keepeth his people in great subiection all matters passe his iudgement bee they neuer so small The Law is sharpe for all offenders The Metropolitan dealeth in matters of Religion as himselfe listeth whom the Emperour greatly honoureth They vse the Ceremonies and Orders of the Greeke Church They worship many Images painted on Tables and specially the Image of Saint Nicholas Their Priests bee married but their wiues being dead they may not marry the second time and so become Monks whereof there are a great number in the Land They haue foure Lents in the yeere and the weeke before Shrouetide they call the Butter weeke c. They haue many sorts of meats and drinks when they banket and delight in eating of grosse meates and stinking fish Before they drinke they vse to blow in the Cup their greatest friendship is in drinking they are great Talkers and Lyars without any faith or trust in their words Flatterers and Dissemblers The Women be there very obedient to their Husbands and are kept straightly from going abroad but at some seasons At my being there I heard men and women that drunke away their children and all their goods at the Emperours Tauerne and not being able to pay hauing impawned himselfe the Tauerner bringeth him out to the high way and beats him vpon the legs then they that passe by knowing the cause and hauing peraduenture compassion vpon him giue the money and so hee is ransomed In euery good Towne there is a drunken Tauerne called a Cursemay which the Emperour sometime letteth out to farme and sometimes bestoweth for a yeere or two on some Duke or Gentleman in recompence of his seruice and for that time hee is Lord of all the Towne robbing and spoyling and doing what pleaseth him and then hee being growne rich is taken by the Emperour and sent to the warres againe where hee shall spend all that which he hath gotten by ill meanes so that the Emperour in his warres is lttle charged but all the burden lyeth vpon the poore people They vse saddles made of wood and sinewes with the tree gilded with damaske worke and the seat couered with cloth sometimes of gold and the rest Saphian leather well stitched They vse little drummes at their saddle bowes by the sound whereof their horses vse to runne more swiftly The Russe is apparelled in this manner his vpper garment is of cloth of gold silke or cloth long downe to the foot and buttoned with great buttons of siluer or else laces of silke set on with Brooches the sleeues thereof very long which he weareth on his arme ruffed vp Vnder that he hath another long garment buttoned with silke buttons with a high coller standing vp of some colour and that garment is made straight Then his shirt is very fine and wrought with red silke or some gold with a coller of pearle Vnder his shirt he hath linnen breeches vpon his legs a paire of hose without feet and his bootes of red or yellow leather On his head hee weareth a white Colepeck with buttons or siluer gold pearle or stone and vnder it a black Foxe cap turned vp very broad When he rideth on horse-back to the warres or any iourney he hath a sword of the Turkish fashion and his Bowe and Arrowes of the same manner In the Towne he weareth no weapon but onely two or three paire of kniues hauing the hafts of the tooth of a Fish called the Morse In the Winter time the people trauell with Sleds in Towne and Countrey the way being hard and smooth with snow the waters and Riuers are all frozen and one horse with a Sled will draw a man vpon it foure hundred miles in three dayes but in the Summer time the way is deepe with myre and trauelling is very ill The Russe if he be a man of any abilitie neuer goeth out of his house in the winter but vpon his Sled and in summer vpon his Horse and in his Sled he sits vpon a Carpet or a white Beares skin the Sled is drawne with a Horse well decked with many Foxes and Woolues tailes at his necke and is conducted by a little boy vpon his backe his seruants stand vpon the taile of the Sled c. §. III. Notes taken out of another mans Relation of the same Voyage touching the Russian Rites ON Christmasse day we were all willed to dine with the Emperors Maiestie where for bread meate and drinke we were serued as at other times before but for goodly and rich Plate we neuer saw the like or so much before There dined that day in the Emperors presence aboue fiue hundred strangers and two hundred Russes and all they were serued in vessels of Gold and that as much as could stand one by another vpon the Tables Besides this there were foure Cup-boards garnished with goodly Plate both of gold and siluer Among the which there were twelue barrels of siluer contayning aboue twelue gallons a piece and at each end of euery Barrell were six hoopes of fine gold this dinner continued about six houres Euery yeere vpon the twelfth day they vse to blesse or sanctifie the Riuer Moscua which runneth through the Citie of Mosco after this manner First they make a square hole in the Ice about three fathoms large euery way which is trimmed about the sides and edges with white boords Then about nine of the clocke they come out of the Church with procession towards the Riuer in this wise First and foremost there goe certaine young men with waxe Tapers burning and one carrying a great Lanthorne then follow certaine Banners then the Crosse then the Images of our Lady of Saint Nicholas and of other Saints which Images men carry vpon their shoulders after the Images follow certaine Priests to the number of one hundred or more after them the Metropolitan who is led betweene two Priests and after the Metropolitan came the Emperour with his Crowne vpon his head and after his Maiestie all his Noble men orderly Thus they followed the Procession vnto the water and when they came vnto the hole that was made the Priests set themselues in order round about it And at one side of the same Poole there was a Scaffold of boords made vpon which stood a faire Chaire in which the Metropolitan was set but the Emperours Maiestie stood vpon the Ice After this the Priests began to sing to blesse and to
be of any reputation so that a man shall not see one of them but at a chance when shee goeth to Church at Christmasse or at Easter or else going to visit some of her friends The most part of the women vse to ride a-stride in Saddles with stirrops as men doe and some of them on Sleds which in Summer is not commendable The Husband is bound to find the Wife colours to paint her with all for they vse ordinarily to paint themselues it is such a common practice among them that it is counted for no shame they grease their faces with such colours that a man may discerne them hanging on their faces almost a flight shoot off I cannot so well liken them as to a Millers Wife for they looke as though they were beaten about the face with a bagge of Meale but their Eye-browes they colour as blacke as I eat The best propertie that the women haue is that they can sewe well and imbroider with Silke and Gold excellently When any man or woman dyeth they stretch him out and put a new paire of shooes on his feet because he hath a great Iourney to goe then doe they wind him in a sheet as wee doe but they forget not to put a testimonie in his right hand which the Priest giueth him to testifie vnto Saint Nicholas that he dyed a Christian man or woman And they put the Corse alwayes in a Coffin of Wood although the partie be very poore and when they goe towards the Church the Friends and Kinsmen of the partie departed carrie in their hands small Waxe Candles and they weepe and howle and make much lamentation They that bee hanged or beheaded or such like haue no testimonie with them how they are reciued into Heauen it is a wonder without their Pasport There are a great number of poore people among them which dye daily for lacke of sustenance which is a pitifull case to behold for there hath bin buried in a small time within these two yeares aboue eightie persons yong and old which haue dyed onely for lacke of sustenance for if they had had straw and water enough they would make shift to liue for a great many are forced in the Winter to dry straw and stampe it and to make bread thereof or at the least they eate it in stead of bread In the Summer they make good shift with grasse herbes and roots barkes of Trees are good meat with them at all times There is no people in the World as I suppose that liue so miserably as doe the pouertie in those parts and the most part of them that haue sufficient for themselues and also to relieue others that need are so vnmercifull that they care not how many they see dye of famine or hunger in the streets It is a Countrey full of Diseases diuers and euill and the best remedie is for any of them as they hold opinion to goe often vnto the Hot-houses as in a manner euery man hath one of his owne which he heateth commonly twice euery weeke and all the houshold sweat and wash themselues therein The first and principall Meade is made of the juyce or liquor taken from a Berrie called in Russia Malieno which is of a maruellous sweet taste and of a Carmosant colour which Berrie I haue seene in Paris The second Meade is called Visnoua because it is made of a Berrie so called and is like a blacke Gooseberrie but it is like in colour and taste to the red Wine of France The third Meade is called Amarodina or Smorodina short of a small Berrie much like to the small Raisin and groweth in great plentie in Russia The fourth Meade is called Chereunikyna which is made of the wild blacke Cherrie The fift Meade is made of Honey and Water with other mixtures There is also a delicate Drinke drawne from the Root of the Birch Tree called in the Russe Tongue Berozeuites which drinke the Noblemen and others vse in Aprill May and Iune which are the three moneths of the Spring-time for after those moneths the sap of the Tree dryeth and then they cannot haue it I haue by me a Letter of Master Christopher Hoddesdon written the seuenteenth of Nouember 1555. wherein he writes that it seemes there is no great punishment for breaking their Region some of them aduenturing to eate Milke with him on a Fasting day which yet others refused Yarostâ—sly so he cals the Towne where he writ is fairer then Volga the Riuer almost a mile broad he was asked seuen Altines for a Sturgeon he had giuen at Danske nine Mark-sprace for a worser neither had he seene such abundance of Ling in England as there of Sturgeons there being in that dayes Market about three thousand §. IIII. The Voyage of Master ANTHONIE IENKINSON made from the Citie of Mosco in Russia to the Citie of Boghar in Bactria in the yeare 1558. written by himselfe to the Merchants of London of the Moscouie Company THe three and twentieth day of Aprill in the yeare 1558. hauing obtayned the Emperour of Russia his Letters directed vnto sundry Kings and Princes by whose Dominions I should passe departed from Mosco by water hauing with mee two of your Seruants namely Richard Iohnson and Robert Iohnson and a Tartar Tolmach with diuers parcels of Wares as by the Inuentorie appeareth and the eight and twentieth day wee came to a Towne called Collom distant from the Mosco twentie leagues and passing one league beyond the said Collom we came vnto a Riuer called Occa into the which the Riuer Mosco falleth and loseth his name and passing downe the said Riuer Occa eight leagues wee came vnto a Castle called Terreuettisko which we left vpon our right hand and proceeding forward the second day of May wee came vnto another Castle called Peroslaue distant eight leagues leauing it also on our right hand The third day we came vnto the place where old Rezan was situate being now most of it ruined and ouer-growne and distant from the said Peroslaue sixe leagues the fourth day we passed by a Castle called Terrecouia from Rezan twelue leagues and the sixt day we came to another Castle called Cassim vnder the gouernment of a Tartar Prince named Vtzar Zegoline sometime Emperour of the worthy Citie of Cazan and now subject vnto the Emperour of Russia But leauing Cassim on our left hand the eight day we came vnto a faire Towne called Morom from Cassim twentie leagues where wee tooke the Sunne and found the latitude fiftie sixe degrees and proceeding forward the eleuenth day wee came vnto another faire Towne and Castle called Nyse Nouogrod situated at the falling of the foresaid Riuer Occa into the worthy Riuer of Volga distant from the said Moron fiue and twentie leagues in the latitude of fiftie sixe degrees eighteene minutes From Rezan to this Nyse Nouogrod on both sides the said Riuer of Occa is raysed the
greatest store of Waxe and Honey in all the Land of Russia We tarryed at the foresaid Nyse Nouogrod vntill the nineteenth day for the comming of a Captaine which was sent by the Emperour to rule at Astracan who being arriued and hauing the number of fiue hundred great Boates vnder his conduct some laden with Victuals Souldiers and Munition and other some with Merchandize departed altogether the said nineteenth day from the said Nyse Nouogrod and the two and twentieth wee came vnto a Castle called Vasiliagorod distant fiue and twentie leagues which wee lest vpon our right hand This Towne or Castle had his name of this Emperours Father who was called Vasilius and Gorod in the Russe Tongue is as much to say as a Castle so that Vasiliagorod is to say Vasilius Castle and it was the furthest plâ—ce that the said Emperour conquered from the Tartars But this present Emperour his Sonne called Iuan Vasiliwich hath had great good successe in his Warres both against the Christians and also the Mahometists and Gentiles but especially against the Tartars inlarging his Empire euen to the Caspian Sea hauing conquered the famous Riuer of Volga with all the Countreyes thereabout adjacent Thus proceeding on our journey the fiue and twentieth day of May afore-said we came to another Castle called Sabowshare which wee left on our right hand distant from Vasiliagorod sixteene leagues The Countrey hereabout is called Mordouits and the Habitants did professe the Law of the Gentiles but now beeing conquered by this Emperour of Russia most of them are christened but lye in the Woods and Wildernesse without Towne or Habitation The seuen and twentieth day we passed by another Castle called Swyasko distant from Shabowshare aforesaid twentie fiue leagues we left it on our right hand and the nine and twentieth came vnto an Iland one league from the Citie of Cazan from which falleth downe a Riuer called Cazankareca and entreth into the foresaid Volga Cazan is a faire Towne after the Russe or Tartar fashion with a strong Castle situated vpon a high Hill and was walled round about with Timber and Earth but now the Emperour of Russia hath giuen order to plucke downe the olde wals and to build them againe of free stone It hath beene a Citie of great Wealth and Riches and being in the hands of the Tartars it was a Kingdome of it selfe and did more vexe the Russes in their Warres then any other Nation but nine yeares past this Emperour of Russia conquered it and tooke the King captiue who being but young is now baptized and brought vp in his Court with two other Princes which were also Kings of the said Cazan and being each of them in time of their Raignes in danger of their Subiects through ciuill discord came and rendred themselues at seuerall times vnto the said Emperour so that at this present there are three Princes in the Court of Russia which had beene Emperours of the said Cazan whom the Emperour vseth with great honour We remayned at Cazan till the thirteenth day of Iune and then departed from thence and the same day passed by an Iland called the Iland of Merchants because it was wont to be a place where all Merchants as well Russes and Cazanites as Nagayans and Crimmes and diuers other Nations did resort to keepe Mart for buying and selling but now it is forsaken and standeth without any such resort thither or at Cazan or at any place about it from Mosco vnto Mare Caspium Thus proceeding forward the fourteenth day we passed by a goodly riuer called Cama which we left on our left hand This Riuer falleth out of the Countrey of Permia into the Riuer of Volga and is from Cazan fifteene leagues and the Countrey lying betwixt the said Cazan and the said Riuer Cama on the left hand of Volga is called Vachen and the Inhabitants bee Gentiles and liue in the Wildernesse without House or Habitation and the Countrey on the other side of Volga ouer against the said Riuer Cama is called the Land of Cheremizes halfe Gentiles halfe Tartars and all the Land on the left hand of the said Volga from the said Riuer vnto Astracan and so following the North and North-east side of the Caspian Sea to a Land of the Tartars called Turkemen is called the Countrey of Mangat or Nagay whose Inhabitants are of the Law of Mahomet and were all destroyed in the yeare 1558. at my beeing at Astracan through Ciuill Warres among them accompanied with Famine Pestilence and such Plagues in such sort that in the said yeare there were consumed of the people in one sort and another aboue one hundred thousand the like Plague was neuer seene in those parts so that the said Countrey of Nagay being a Countrey of great Pasture remayneth now vnreplenished to the great contentation of the Russes who haue had cruell Warres a long time together The Nagayans when they flourished liued in this manner they were diuided into diuers companies called Hords and euery Hord had a Ruler whom they obeyed as their King and was called a Murse Towne or House they had none but liued in the open fields euery Murse or King hauing his Hords or people about him with their Wiues Children and Cattell who hauing consumed the Pasture in one place remoued vnto another and when they remooue they haue Houses like Tents set vpon Waggons or Carts which are drawne from place to place with Camels and therein their Wiues Children and all their Riches which is very little is carried about and euery man hath at the least foure or fiue Wiues besides Concubines Vse of money they haue none but doe barter their Cattell for apparell and other necessaries They delight in no Art nor Science except the Warres wherein they are expert but for the most part they bee pasturing people and haue great store of Cattell which is all their Riches They eate much flesh and especially the Horse and they drinke Mares Milke wherewith they be oftentimes drunke they are seditious and inclined to Theft and Murther Corne they sow not neither doe eate any Bread mocking the Christians for the same and disabling our strengths saying wee liue by eating the top of a Weed and drinke a Drinke made of the same allowing their great deuouring of flesh and drinking of Milke to be the increase of their strength But now to proceed forward to my Iourney All the Countrey vpon our right hand the Riuer Volga from ouer against the Riuer Cama vnto the Towne of Astracan is the Land of Crimme whose Inhabitants bee also of the Law of Mahomet and liue for the most part according to the fashions of the Nagayes hauing continuall Warres with the Emperour of Russia and are valiant in the field hauing countenance and support from the great Turke The sixteenth day of Iune we passed by certayne Fishermens Houses called Petowse twentie leagues from the Riuer Cama where is
great fishing for Sturgeon so continuing our way vntill the two and twentieth day and passing by another great Riuer called Samar which falleth out of the aforesaid Countrey and runneth through Nagay and entreth into the said Riuer of Volga The eight and twentieth day we came vnto a great Hill where was in times past a Castle made by the Crimmes but now it is ruined being the just mid-way betweene the said Cazan and Astrachan which is two hundred leagues or thereabout in the latitude of one and fiftie degrees fortie seuen minutes Vpon all this shoare groweth abundance of Licoris whose Root runneth within the ground like a Vine Thus going forward the sixt day of Iuly we came to a place called Perouolog so named because in times past the Tartars carried their Boats from Volga vnto the Riuer Tanais otherwise called Don by Land when they would rob such as passed downe the said Volga to Astracan and also such as passed downe by the Riuer Tanais to Afou Caffa or any other Towne situated vpon Mare Euxinum into which Sea Tanais falleth who hath his Springs in the Countrey of the Rezan out of a plaine ground It is at this streight of Perouolog from the one Riuer to the other two leagues by Land and is a dangerous place for Theeues and Robbers but now it is not so euill as it hath beene by reason of the Emperour of Russia his Conquests Departing from Perouolog hauing the Wildernesse on both sides wee saw a great Heard of Nagayans pasturing as is abouesaid by estimation aboue a thousand Camels drawing of Carts with Houses vpon them like Tents of a strange fashion seeming to bee afarre off a Towne that Herd was belonging to a great Murse called Smille the greatest Prince in all Nagay who hath slaine and driuen away all the rest not sparing his owne Brethren and Children and hauing peace with this Emperour of Russia hee hath what hee needeth and ruleth alone so that now the Russes liue in peace with the Nagayans who were wont to haue mortall Warres together The fourteenth day of Iuly passing by an old Castle which was Old Astracan and leauing it vpon our right hand we arriued at New Astracan which this Emperour of Russia conquered sixe yeares past in the yeare 1552. It is from the Mosco vnto Astracan sixe hundred leagues or thereabout The Towne of Astracan is situated in an Iland vpon a Hill side hauing a Castle within the same walled about with Earth and Timber neither faire nor strong The Towne is also walled about with Earth the Buildings and Houses except it be the Captaines Lodging and certaine other Gentlemens most base simple The Iland is most destitute and barren of wood and pasture and the ground will beare no Corne the Aâ—re is there most infected by reason as I suppose of much fish and specially Sturgeon by which onely the Inhabitants liue hauing great scarsitie of flesh and bread They hang vp their fish in their streets and Houses to dry for their prouision which causeth such abundance of flyes to increase there as the like was neuer seene in any Land to their great Plague And at my beeing at the said Astracan there was a great Famine and Plague among the people and specially among the Tartars called Nagayans who the same time came thither in great numbers to render themselues to the Russes their Enemies and to seeke succour at their hands their Countrey being destroyed as I said before but they were but ill entertayned or releeued for there dyed a great number of them for hunger which lay all the Iland through in heapes dead and like to beasts vnburied very pittifull to behold many of them were also sold by the Russes and the rest were banished from the Iland At that time it had beene an easie thing to haue conuerted that wicked Nation to the Christian Faith if the Russes themselues had beene good Christians but how should they shew compassion vnto other Nations when they are not mercifull vnto their owne At my being there I could haue bought many goodly Tartars Children if I would haue had a thousand of their owne Fathers and Mothers to say a Boy or a Wench for a Loafe of bread worth sixe pence in England but we had more need of victuals at that time then of any such Merchandize This Astracan is the furthest hold that this Emperour of Russia hath conquered of the Tartars towards the Caspian Sea which he keepeth very strong sending thither euery yeare prouision of men and victuals and Timber to build the Castle There is a certayne Trade of Merchandize there vsed but as yet so small and beggerly that it is not worth the making mention and yet there come Merchants thither from diuers places The chiefest Commodities that the Russes bring thither are red Hides red sheeps skinnes woodden Vessels Bridles and Saddles Kniues and other Trifles with Corne Bacon and other Victuals The Tartars bring thither diuers kinds of Wares made of Cotton Wooll with diuers kinds of wrought Silkes and they that come out of Persia namely from Shamacki doe bring sewing Silke which is the coursest that they vse in Russeland Crasso diuers kinds of pide Silkes for Girdles Shirts of Male Bowes Swords and such like things and some yeares Corne and Wal-nuts but all such things in such small quantitie the Merchants being so beggeâ—ly and poore that bring the same that it is not worth the writing neither is there any hope of Trade in all those parts worth the following This foresaid Iland of Astracan is in length twelue leagues and in breadth three and lyâ—th East and West in the latitude of fortie seuen degrees nine minutes we tarryed there vntiâ—l thâ— sixt day of August and hauing bought and prouided a Boate in company with certayne Tartars and Persians wee laded our goods and imbarked our selues and the same day departed I with the said two Iohnsons hauing the whole charge of the Nauigation downe the said Riuer Volga beeing very crooked and full of flats toward the mouth thereof Wee entred into the Caspian Sea the tenth day of August at the Easterly side of the said Riuer being twentie leagues from Astracan aforesaid in the latitude of fortie sixe degrees twentie seuen minutes Volga hath seuentie mouthes or fals into the Sea and we hauing a large wind kept the North-east shoare and the eleuenth day we sayled seuen leagues East North-east and came vnto an Iland hauing an high Hill therein called Accurgar a good Marke in the Sea From thence East ten leagues we fell with another Iland called Bawhiâ—ta much higher then the other Within these two Ilands to the Northwards is a great Bay called the Blue Sea From thence wee sayled East and by North ten leagues and hauing a contrary wind wee came to an Anchor in a fathome water and so rid vntill the fifteenth day hauing a great storme at South-east being a most contrary
wind which we rid out Then the wind came to the North and wee weighed and set our course South-east and that day sayled eight leagues Thus proceeding forwards the seuenteenth day we lost sight of Land and the same day sayled thirtie leagues and the eighteenth day twentie leagues winding East and fell with a Land called Baughleata being seuentie foure leagues from the mouth of the said Volga in the latitude of fortie sixe degrees fiftie foure minutes the Coast lying neerest East and by South and West and by North. At the point of this Iland lyeth buried a holy Prophet as the Tartars call him of their Law where great deuotion is vsed of all such Mahometists as doe passe that way HONDIVS his Map of Tartaria TARTARIA The nineteenth day the winde being West and wee winding East South-east we sayled ten leagues and passed by a great Riuer called Iaic which hath his spring in the Land of Siberia nigh vnto the foresaid Riuer Cama and runneth through the Land of Nagay falling into this Mare Caspium And vp this Riuer one dayes iourney is a Towne called Serachicke subiect to the foresaid Tartar Prince called Murse Smille which is now in friendship with the Emperour of Russia Heere is no trade of merchandise vsed for that the people haue no vse of money and are all Men of warre and Pasturers of cattell and giuen much to theft and murther Thus being at an anchor against this Riuer Iaic and all our men being on Land sauing I who lay sore sicke and fiue Tartars whereof one was reputed a holy man because hee came from Mecca there came vnto vs a Boat with thirtie men well armed and appointed who boorded vs and began to enter into our Barke and our holy Tartar called Azy perceiuing that asked them what they would haue and withall made a prayer with that these Rouers stayed declaring that they were Gentlemen banished from their Countrey and out of liuing and came to see if there were any Russes or other Christians which they call Caphars in our Barke To whom this Azi most stoutly answered that there were none auowing the same by great oaths of their Law which lightly they will not breake whom the Rouers beleeued and vpon his words departed And so through the fidelitie of that Tartar I with all my companie and goods were saued and our men being come on boord and the wind faire we departed from that place and winding East and South-east that day being the twentieth of August failed sixteene leagues The one and twentieth day we passed ouer a Bay of sixe leagues broad and fell with a Cape of Land hauing two Ilands at the South-east part thereof being a good marke in the Sea and doubling the Cape the Land trended North-east and maketh another Bay into which falleth the greater Riuer Yem springing out of the Land of Colmack The two and twentieth three and twentieth and foure and twentieth dayes we were at anchor The fiue and twentieth the winde came faire and we sayled that day twentie leagues and passed by an Iland of lowe land and thereabout are many flats and sands and to the Northward of this Iland there goeth in a great Bay but we set off from this Iland and winded South to come into deepe water being much troubled with shoalds and flats and ranne that course ten leagues then East South-east twentie leagues and fell with the maine Land being full of copped Hills and passing along the coast twentie leagues the further we sayled the higher was the Land The seuen and twentieth day we crossed ouer a Bay the South shoare being the higher Land and fell with a high point of Land and being ouerthwart the Cape there rose such a storme at the East that we thought verily we should haue perished this storme continued three dayes From this Cape we passed to a Port called Manguslaue The place where we should haue arriued at the Southermost part of the Caspian Sea â—s twelue leagues within a Bay but we being fore tormented and tossed with this foresaid storme were driuen vnto another Land on the other side the Bay ouerthwart the said Manguslaue being very lowe Land and a place as well for the ill commoditie of the Hauen as of those brute field people where neuer Barke nor Boat had before arriued not liked of vs. But yet there we sent certaine of our men to Land to talke with the Gouernour and People as well for our good vsage at their hands as also for prouision of Camels to carrie our goods from the said Sea side to a place called Sellyzure being from the place of our landing fiue and twentie dayes iourney Our Messengers returned with comfortable words and faire promises of all things Wherefore the third day of September 1558. we discharged our Barke and I with my companie were gently entertayned of the Prince and of his people But before our departure from thence we found them to bee a very bad and brutish people for they ceased not daily to molest vs either by fighting stealing or begging raysing the price of Horse and Camels and Victuals double that it was wont there to be and forced vs to buy the water that we drinke which caused vs to hasten away and to conclude wiâ—h them as well for the hire of Camels as for the price of such as wee bought with other prouision according to their owne demand So that for euery Camels lading being but foure hundred weight of ours we agreed to giue three Hides of Russia and foure wooden dishes and to the Prince or Gouernour of the said people one ninth and two seuenths namely nine seuerall things and twice seuen seuerall things for money they vse none And thus being ready the fourteenth of September we departed from that place being a Carauan of a thousand Camels And hauing trauelled fiue dayes iourney wee came to another Princes Dominion and vpon the way there came vnto vs certaine Tartars on horsebacke being well armed and seruants vnto the said Prince called Timor Sultan Gouernour of the said Countrey of Manguslaue where wee meant to haue arriued and discharged our Barke if the great storme aforesaid had not disappointed These aforesaid Tartars stayed our Carauan in the name of theâ—r Prince and opened our Wares and tooke sâ—ch things as they thought best for their said Prince without money but for such things as they tooke from mee which was a ninth after much dissention I rode vnto the same Prince and presented my selfe before him requesting his fauour and Pasport to trauell thorow his Countrey and not to be robbed or spoyled of his people which request he granted me and entertayned me very gently commanding me to be well feasted with flesh and Mares milke for Bread they vse none nor other drinke except water but money he had none to giue me for such things as he tooke of me which might be of value in Russe money fifteene Rubbles
such time as he may get power and aide to inuade some of his brethren againe From the Caspian Sea vnto the Castle of Sâ—llizure aforesaid and all the Countries about the said Sea the people liue without Towne or habitation in the wilde fields remoouing from one place to another in great companies with their Cattell whereof they haue great store as Camels Horses and Sheepe both tame and wilde Their sheepe are of great stature with great buttockes weighing sixtie or eightie pound in weight There are many wilde Horses which the Tartars doe many times kill with their Hawkes and that in this order The Hawkes are lured to seize vpon the beasts neckes or heads which with chafing of themselues and sore beating of the Hawkes are tyred then the Hunterr following his game doth slay the Horse with his Arrow or Sword In all this Land there groweth no grasse but a certaine brush or heath whereon the Cattell feeding become very fat The Tartars neuer ride without their Bowe Arrowes and Sword although it bee on hawking or at any other pleasure and they are good Archers both on horse-backe and on foot also These people haue not vse of Gold Siluer or any other coyne but when they lacke apparell or other necessaries they barter their Cattell for the same Bread they haue none for they neither till nor sowe they be great deuourers of flesh which they cut in small pieces and eate it by handfuls most greedily and especially the Horse flesh Their chiefest drinke is Mares milke sowred as I haue said before of the Nagayans and they will bee drunke with the same They haue no Riuers nor places of water in this Countrey vntill you come to the foresaid Gulfe distant from the place of our landing twentie dayes iourney except it bee in Wells the water whereof is saltish and yet distant the one from the other two dayes iourney and more They eate their meate vpon the ground sitting with their legs double vnder them and so also when they pray Arte or Science they haue none but liue most idlely sitting round in great companies in the fields deuising and talking most vainely They sixe and twentieth day of Nouember wee departed from the Towne of Vrgence and hauing trauelled by the Riuer Oxus one hundred miles wee passed ouer another great Riuer called Ardocke where wee payed a certaine petie custome This Riuer Ardocke is great and very swift falling out of the foresaid Oxus and passing about one thousand mile to the North-ward it then consumeth it selfe in the ground and passing vnder the same about fiue hundred miles issueth out againe and falleth into the Lake of Kitay as I haue before declared The seuenth of December following we arriued at a Castle called Kait subiect to a Sultan called Saramet Sultan who meant to haue robbed all the Christians in the Carauan had it not beene for feare of his brother the King of Vrgence as we were informed by one of his chiefest Counsellours who willed vs to make him a present which he tooke and deliuered besides wee payed at the said Castle for Custome of euery Camell one red hide of Russia besides petie gifts to his Officers Thus proceeding in our iourney the tenth day at night being at rest and our watch set there came vnto vs foure Horsemen which we tooke as Spies from whom we tooke their weapons and bound them and hauing well examined them they confessed that they had seene the tract of many Horsemen and no footing of Camels and gaue vs to vnderstand that there were Rouers and theeues abroad for there trauell few people that are true and peaceable in that Countrey but in companie of Carauan where there be many Camels and Horse-feeting new without Camels were to be doubted Whereupon we consulted and determined amongst our selues and sent a Poste to the said Sultan of Kaite who immediatly came himselfe with three hundred men and met these foure suspected men which wee sent vnto him and examined them so straightly and threatned them in such sort that they confessed there was a banished Prince with fortie men three dayes iourney forward who lay in wait to destroy vs if hee could and that they themselues were of his companie The Sultan therefore vnderstanding that the Theeues were not many appointed vs eightie men well armed with a Captaine to goe with vs and conduct vs in our way And the Sultan himselfe returned backe again taking the foure theeues with him These souldiers trauelled with vs two dayes consuming much of our victuals And the third day in the morning very early they set out before our Carauan and hauing ranged the wildernesse for the space of foure houres they met vs comming towards vs as fast as their horse could runne and declared that they had found the tract of horses not farre from vs perceiuing well that wee should meete with enemies and therefore willed vs to appoint our selues for them and asked vs what wee would giue them to conduct vs further or else they would returne To whom wee offered as we thought good but they refused our offer and would haue more and so wee not agreeing they departed from vs and went backe to their Sultan who as wee coniectured was priuie to the conspiracie But they being gone certaine Tartars of our companie called holy men because they had beene at Mecca caused the whole Carauan to stay and would make their prayers and diuine how we should prosper in our iourney and whether wee should meet with any ill companie or no To which our whole Carauan did agree And they tooke certaine sheâ—pe and killed them and tooke the blade bones of the same and first sod them and then burnt them and tooke of the bloud of the said sheepe and mingled it with the powder of the said bones and wrote certaine Characters with the said bloâ—d vsing many other ceremoniâ—s and words and by the same diuined and found that wee should meeâ—e with enemies and theeues to our great trouble but should ouercome them to which sorcerie I and my companie gaue no credit but wee found it true for within three houres after that the souldiers departed from vs which was the fifteenth day of December in the morning wee escryed farre off diuers horsemen which made towards vs and we perceiuing them to bee rouers gathered our selues together being fortie of vs well appointed and able to fight and wee made our prayers together euery one after his Law professing to liue and dye one with another and so prepared our selues When the theeues were nigh vnto vs wee perceiued them to be in number thirtie seuen men well armed and appointed with bowes arrowes and swords and the Captaine a Prince banished from his Countrey They willed vs to yeeld our selues or else to bee slaine but wee defied them wherewith they shot at vs all at once and we at them very hotly and so continued our fight from morning vntill two houres within night diuers
men horses and camels being wounded and slaine on both parts and had it not beene for foure hand-guns which I and my companie had and vsed wee had beene ouercome and destroyed for the theeues were better armed and were also better Archers then wee But after we had slaine diuers of their men and horses with our Guns they durst not approach so nigh which caused them to come to a truce with vs vntill the next morning which wee accepted and encamped our selues vpon a hill and made the fashion of a Castle walling it about with packes of wares and layd our Horses and Camels within the same to saue them from the shot of arrowes and the theeues also incamped within an arrow shot of vs but they were betwixt vs and the water which was to our great discomfort because neither wee nor our Camels had drunke in two dayes before Thus keeping good watch when halfe the night was spent the Prince of the Theeues sent a messenger halfe way vnto vs requiring to talke with our Captaine in their tongue the Carauan Basha who answered the messenger I will not depart from my companie to goe into the halfe way to talke with thee but if that thy Prince with all his companie will sweare by our Law to keepe the truce then will I send a man to talke with thee or else not Which the Prince vnderstanding as well himselfe as his company swore so loude that wee might all heare And then we sent one of our companie reputed a holy man to talke with the same messenger The message was pronounced aloude in this order Our Prince demandeth of the Carauan Basha and of all you that bee Bussarmans that is to say Circumcised not desiring your blouds that you deliuer into his hands as many Caphars that is vnbeleeuers meaning vs the Christians as are among you with their goods and in so doing hee will suffer you to depart with your goods in quietnesse and on the contrarie you shall bee handled with no lesse cruelty then the Caphars if hee ouercome you as hee doubteth not To the which our Carauan Basha answered that hee had no Christians in his companie nor other strangers but two Turkes which were of their Law and although hee had hee would rather dye then deliuer them and that wee were not afraid of his threatnings and that should hee know when day appeared And so passing in talke the Theeues contrary to their oath carried our holy man a way to their Prince crying with a loude voyce in token of victorie Ollo ollo Wherewith wee were much discomforted fearing that that holy man would betray vs but he being cruelly handled and much examined would not to death confesse any thing which was to vs preiudiciall neither touching vs nor yet what men they had slaine and wounded of ours the day before When the night was spent in the morning wee prepared our selâ—es to battell againe which the theeues perceiuing required to fall to agreement and asked much of vs And to bee briefe the most part of our company being loath to goe to battell againe and hauing little to lose and safe conduct to passe wee were compelled to agree and to giue the theeues twentie ninths that is to say twentie times nine seuerall things and a Camell to carrie away the same which being receiued the theeues departed into the Wildernesse to their olde habitation and wee went on our way forward And that night came to the Riuer Oxus where wee refreshed our selues hauing beene three dayes without water and drinke and tarried there all the next day making merrie with our slaine Horses and Camels and then departed from that place and for feare of meeting with the said theeues againe or such like wee left the high way which went along the said Riuer and passed through a wildernesse of sand and trauelled foure dayes in the same before wee came to water and then came to a Well the water being very brackish and we then as before were in need of water and of other victuals being forced to kill our Horses and Camels to eate In this wildernesse also wee had almost fallen into the hands of Theeues for one night being at rest there came certaine scouts and carried away certaine of our men which lay a little separated from the Carauan where with there was a great shoute and crie and we immediatly laded our Camels and departed being about midnight and very darke and droue sore till we came to the riuer Oxus againe and then wee feared nothing being walled with the said riuer and whether it was for that wee had gotten the water or for that the same theeues were farre from vs when the scouts discouered vs we know not but we escaped that danger So vpon the three twentieth day of December we arriued at the Citie of Boghar in the land of Bactria This Boghar is situated in the lowest part of all the Land walled about with a high wall of earth with diuers Gates into the same it is diuided into three partitions whereof two parts are the Kings and the third part is for Merchants Markets and euery Science hath their dwelling and market by themsâ—lues The Citie is very great and the houses for the most part of Earth but there are also many Houses Temples and Monuments of stone sumptuously builded and gilt and specially Bath-stoues so artificially built that the like thereof is not in the world the manner whereof is too long to rehearse There is a little riuer running through the midst of the said Citie but the water thereof is most vnwholesome for it breedeth sometimes in men that drinke thereof and especially in them that bee not there borne a Worme of an ell long which lyeth commonly in the leg betwixt the flesh and the skin and is pluckt out about the Ancle with great art and cunning the Surgeons being much practised therein and if shee breake in plucking out the partie dyeth and euery day she commeth out about an inch which is rolled vp and so worketh till she bee all out And yet it is there forbidden to drinke any other thing then water and Mares milke and whosoeuer is found to breake that Law is whipped and beaten most cruelly through the open markets and there are Officers appointed for the same who haue authoritie to goe into any mans house to search if hee haue either Aquauita Wine or Brag and finding the same doe breake the vessels spoyle the drinke and punish the masters of the house most cruelly yea and many times if they perceiue but by the breath of a man that hee hath drunke without further examination he shall not escape their hands There is a Metropolitane in this Boghar who causeth this law to be so straightly kept and he is more obeyed then the King and will depose the King and place another at his will and pleasure as hee did by this King that raigned
prouiding some victuals and shifting certaine of their Cossacks or Barkmen and so departed thence the same day vp the Sughano and came to Totma which is counted somewhat more then halfe the way from Vstyoug the fifteenth day where they shifted some of their Cossacks and departed thence the same day and came to the Citie Vologda the nineteenth of August where they landed their goods and stayed at that place till the thirtieth of the same Hauing prouided at Vologda Telegas or Waggons whereupon they laded their goods they departed thence with the same by land towards Yeraslaue the said thirtieth of August at eight of the clocke in the morning and came to the East side of the riuer Volga ouer against Yeraslaue with fiue and twentie Telegas laden with the said goods the seuenth of September at fiue of the clocke afternoone Then the three stroogs or barkes prouided to transport the said goods to Astracan where they should meete the ship that should carrie the same from thence into Persia came ouer from Yeraslaue vnto the same side of the riuer Volga there tooke in the said goods And hauing prepared the said Barks ready with all necessarie furniture they departed with them from Yeraslaue down the riuer of Volga on the fourteenth day of September at nine of the clocke in the morning and they arriued at Niznouogrod the seuenteenth day at three of the clocke afternoone where they shewed the Emperours letters to passe free without paying any custome and tarried there about three houres to prouide necessaries and then departing arriued at Cazan or neere the same Towne on the two and twentieth of September at fiue of the clocke afternoone where through contrary windes and for prouiding new Cossacks in the places of some that there went from them they remayned till the sixe and twentieth day at what time they departed thence about two of the clocke after noone and arriued at Tetushagorod which is on the Crim side of Volga and in latitude 55. degrees 22. minutes the eight and twentieth day at ten in the forenoone where they anchored and remained about three houres and departing thence came to Oueak which is on the Crims side on the Westerne side of Volga the fift of October about fiue of the clocke in the morning This place is accounted halfe the way betweene Cazan and Astracan and heere there groweth great store of Liqouris the soyle is very fruitfull they found there Apple-trees and Cherrie-trees The latitude of Oueak is 51. degrees 30. minuts At this place had beene a very faire stone Castle called by the name Oueak and adioyning to the same was a Towne called by the Russes Sodom this Towne and part of the Castle by report of the Russes was swallowed into the earth by the iustice of God for the wickednesse of the people that inhabited the same There remayneth at this day to be seene a part of the ruines of the Castle and certaine Tombes wherein as it seemeth haue beene layd noble personages for vpon a tombe stone might be perceiued the forme of a Horse and a man sitting on it with a Bow in his hand and Arrowes girt to his side there was a piece of a Scutchion also vpon one of the stones which had characters grauen on it whereof some part had been consumed with the weather and the rest left vnperfect but by the forme of them that remained we iudged them to be characters of Armenia and other characters were grauen also vpon another tombe stone Now they departed from Oueak the said fift of October at fiue of the clocke after noone and came to Perauolok the tenth day about eleuen or twelue of the clocke that night making no abode at that place but passed alongst by it This word Perauolok in the Russe tongue doth signifie a narrow straight or necke of land between two waters and it is so called by them because from the riuer Volga at that place to the riuer Don or Tanais is counted thirtie versts or as much as a man may well trauell on foot in one day And seuen versts beneath vpon an Iland called Tsaritsna the Emperour of Russia hath fiftie Gunners all Summertime to keepe watch called by the Tartar name Carawool Betweene this place and Astracan are fiue other Carawools or watches The First is named Kameni Carawool and is distant from Perauolok one hundred and twentie verstes The second named Stupino Carowool distant from the first fiftie verstes The third called Polooy Carowool is one hundred and twentie verstes distant from the second The fourth named Keezeyur Carawool is fiftie verstes distant from the third The fift named Ichkebre is thirtie verstes distant from the fourth and from Ichkebre to Astracan is thirtie verstes The sixteenth of October they arriued at Astracan The ninteenth of Nouember the winde being northerly there was a great frost and much Ice in the Riuer the next day being the twentieth of Nouember the Ice stood in the Riuer and so continued vntill Easter day The sixth of Ianuarie being Twelfe day which they call Chreshenia the Russes of Astracan brake a hole in the Ice vpon the Riuer Volga and hallowed the water with great solemnitie according to the manner of their Countrey at which time all the Souldiers of the Towne shot off their small Peeces vpon the Ice and likewise to gratifie the Captaine of the Castle being a Duke whose name is Pheodor Michalouich Troiocouria who stood hard by the ship beholding them as they were on the Riuer was shot off all the Ordnance of our ship being fifteene Peeces viz. two Faulcons two Faulconets foure Fowlers foure Fowlers Chambers and three oother small Peeces made for the Stroogs to shoot Haile-stones and afterwards the great Ordnance of the Castle was shot off On the one and thirtieth of Ianuarie there happened a great Eclipse of the Moone which began about twelue of the clocke at night and continued before shee was cleere an houre and an halfe by estimation which ended the first of Februarie about halfe an houre past one in the morning shee was wholly darkned by the space of halfe an houre The seuenteenth of Aprill the variation of the Compasse obserued in Astracan was 13. degrees 40. minutes from North to West This Spring there came newes to Astracan that the Queene of Persia the King being blind had beene with a great Armie against the Turkes that were left to possesse Media and had giuen them a great ouerthrow yet notwithstanding Derbent and the greatest part of Media were still possessed and kept by the Turkes The Factors of the Companie consulting vpon their affaires determined to leaue at Astracan the one halfe of their goods with Arthur Edwards and with the other halfe the other three Factors would proceed in the ship on their purposed Voyage to the coast of Media to see what might bee done there where if they could not finde safe trafficke
they determined to proceed to the coast of Gilan which is a Prouince neere the Caspian Sea bordering vpon Persia and thereupon appointed the said goods to be laden aboord the ship and tooke into her also some merchandise of Tisiks or Persian Merchants The second of May they weighed and plyed downe the Riuer Volga toward the Caspian Sea The seuenth of May in the morning they passed by a Tree that standeth on the left hand of the Riuer as they went downe which is called Mahomet Agatch or Mahomets Tree and about three verstes further that is to say to the Southwards of the said Tree is a place called Vchoog that is to say The Russe Weare but Ochoog is the name of a Weare in the Tartar tongâ—e where are certaine Cotages and the Emperour hath lying at that place certaine Gunners to guard his Fisher-men that keepe the Weare This Vchoog is counted from Astracan sixty verstes they proceeded downe the said Riuer without staying at the Vchoog The ninth and tenth dayes they met with shallow water and were forced to lighten their ship by the Pauos The eleuenth day they sent backe to the Vchoog for an other Pauos This day by mischance the ship was bilged on the grapnell of the Pauos whereby the companie had sustayned great losses if the chiefest part of their goods had not beene layd into the Pauos for notwithstanding their pumping with three Pumps heauing cut water with Buckets and all the best shifts they could make the ship was halfe full of water ere the leake could be found and stopt The twelfth day the Pauos came to them from the Vchoog whereby they lighted the ship of all the goods The thirteenth day in the morning there came to them a small Boat sent by the Captaine of Astracan to learne whether the ship were at Sea cleare off the flats The fifteenth day by great industrie and trauell they got their ship cleare off the shoales and flats wherewith they had beene troubled from the ninth day vntill then they were forced to passe their ship in three foot water or lesse The sixteenth day they came to the Chetera Bougori or Iland of foure Hillockes which are counted fortie verstes from Vchoog and are the furthest Land towards the Sea The seuenteenth day they bare off into the Sea and being about twelue verstes from the Foure hillockes riding in fiue foot and a halfe water about eleuen of the clocke in the fore-noone they tooke their goods out of the Pauoses into the ship and filled their ship with all things necessarie The eighteenth day in the morning about seuen of the clocke the Pauoses being discharged departed away towards Astracan the winde then at South-east they rode still with the ship and obseruing the eleuation of the Pole at that place found it to be 45. degrees 20. minutes The nineteenth day the winde South-east they rode still The twentieth day the winde at North-west they set sayle about one of the clocke in the morning and steered thence South by West and South South-west about three leagues and then anchored in sixe foot and a halfe water about nine of the clocke before noone at which time it fell calme the eleuation of the Pole at that place 45. degrees 13. minutes The one and twentieth hauing the winde at North-west they set sayle and steered thence South by West and South vntill eleuen of the clocke and had then nine foote water and at noone they obserued the latitude and found it to bee 44. degrees 47. minutes then had they three fathoms and a halfe water being cleare off the flats It is counted from the Foure hillockes to the Sea about fiftie verstes From the said noone-tide vntill foure of the clocke they sayled South by East fiue leagues and a halfe then had they fiue fathoms and a halfe and brackish water from that till twelue at night they sayled South by East halfe a league East ten leagues then had they eleuen fathoms and the water salter From that till the two and twentieth day three of the clocke in the morning they sayled three and fiftie leagues then had they sixteene fathoms water from thence they sayled vntill noone South and by West seuen leagues and a halfe the latitude then obserued 43. degrees 15. minutes the depth then eight and twentie fathoms and shallow ground from that vntill eight of the clocke at night they sayled South by East fiue leagues and a halfe then had they three and fortie fathoms shallow ground From thence till the three and twentieth at foure of the clocke in the morning they sayled South South-west three leagues and a halfe then could they get no ground in two and fiftie fathoms deepe From thence vntill noone they sayled South nine leagues then the latitude obserued was 42. degrees 20. minutes From that till the foure and twentieth day at noone they sayled South by West seuenteene leagues and a halfe then the latitude obserued was one and fortie degrees two and thirtie minutes From noone till seuen of the clocke at night they sayled South South-west foure leagues then had they perfect sight of high Land or Hills which were almost couered with Snow and the midst of them were West from the ship being then about twelue leagues from the neerest Land they sounded but could finde no ground in two hundred fathoms From thence they sayled South-west vntill mid-night about three leagues from thence till the fiue and twentieth day foure of the clocke in the morning they sayled West three leagues being then little winde and neere the Land they tooke in their sayles and lay hulling at noone the latitude obserued was 40. degrees 54. minutes they sounded but could get no ground in two hundred fathoms At foure of the clocke in the after-noone the winde North-west they set their sayles and from thence till the sixe and twentieth day at noone they sayled East South-east foure leagues From thence they sayled till eight of the clocke at night South-west three leagues the winde then at North. From thence they sayled vntill the seuen and twentieth day two of the clocke in the morning West South-west eight leagues the winde blowing at North very much From the said two till foure of the clocke they sayled South by West one league then being day light they saw the Land plaine which was not past three leagues from them being very high ragged Land There were certaine Rockes that lay farre off into the Sea about fiue leagues from the same Land which are called Barmake Tash they sayled betweene those Rockes and the Land and about fiue of the clocke they passed by the Port Bilbill where they should haue put in but could not and bearing longst the shoare about two of the clocke after noone they came to Bildih in the Countrey of Media or Sheruan against which place they anchored in nine foot water Presently after they were at
so they continued driuing with the Ice South-east into the Sea by the space of fortie houres and then being the sixteenth day the Ice stood Whiles they droue with the Ice the dangers which they incurred were great for oftentimes when the Ice with force of wind and Sea did breake pieces of it were tossed and driuen one vpon another with great force terrible to behold and the same happened at sometimes so neere vnto the Lighters that they expected it would haue ouer-whelmed them to their vtter destruction but God who had preserued them from many perils before did also saue and deliuer them then Within three or foure dayes after the first standing of the Ice when it was firme and strong they tooke out all their goods being fortie and eight Bales or Packes of Raw Silke c. laid it on the Ice and couered the same with such prouisions as they had Then for want of victuals c. they agreed to leaue all the goods there vpon the Ice and to goe to the shoare and therevpon brake vp their Chests and Corobias wherewith and with such other things as they could get they made Sleds for euery of them to draw vpon the Ice whereon they layed their clothes to keepe them warme and such victuals as they had and such other things as they might conueniently carrie and so they departed from the said goods and Pauoses very early about one of the clocke in the morning and trauelling on the Ice directed their way North as neere as they could judge and the same day about two of the clocke in the after-noone they had sight of the Chetera Babbas foure Hillocks of Ilands so called vnto the same they directed themselues and there remayned that night The goods and Pauoses which they left on the Ice they judged to be from those Chetera Babbas about twentie Versts And the next morning departed thence East-wards and came to the Chetera Bougories or foure Ilands before spoken of before noone the distance betweene those places is about fifteene Versts where they remained all that night departing thence towards Astracan the next morning very early they lost their way through the perswasion of the Russes which were with them taking to much towards the left hand contrary to the opinion of Master Hudson whereby wandering vpon the Ice foure or fiue dayes not knowing whether they were entred into the Crimme Tartars Land or not at length it fortuned they met with a way that had beene trauelled which crost back-wards towards the Sea that way they tooke and following the same within two dayes trauell it brought them to a place called the Crasnoyare that is to say in the English Tongue Red Cliffe which diuers of the company knew There they remayned that night hauing nothing to eate but one Loafe of Bread which they happened to find with the two Russes that were left in the ship to keepe her all the Winter as is aforesaid whom they chanced to meet going towards Astracan about fiue miles before they came to the said Crasnoyare who certified them that the ship was cut in pieces with the Ice and that they had hard scaping with their liues In the morning they departed early from Grasnoyare towards the Ouchooge and about nine of the clocke before noone being within ten Versts of the Vchooge they met Amos Riall with the Carpenter which he found at Ouchooge and a Gunner newly come out of England and also sixtie fiue Horses with so many Cassacks to guide them and fiftie Gunners for guard which brought prouision of victuals c. and were sent by the Duke to fetch the goods to Astracan The meeting of that company was much joy vnto them The Factors sent backe with Amos Riall and the said company to fetch the goods Thomas Hudson the Master Tobias Paris his Mate and so they the said Factors and their company marched on to the Vchooge where they refreshed themselues that day and the night following And from thence proceeded on towards Astracan where they arriued the last day of Nouember These that went for the goods after their departure from the Factors trauelled the same day vntill they came within ten Versts of the Chetera Babbas where they rested that night The next morning by the breake of the day they departed thence and before noone were at the Chetera Babbas where they stayed all night but presently departed thence Thomas Hudson with the Carpenter and Gunner to seeeke where the goods lay who found the same and the next day they returned backe to their company at the Chetera Babbas and declared vnto them in what sort they had found the said goods The third day early in the morning they departed all from the foure Babbas towards the said goods and the same day did lade all the goods they could finde vpon the said sleds and withall conuenient speed returned backe towards Astracan And when they came to the Chetera Bougori where they rested the night in the morning very early before the breake of day they were assaulted by a great company of the Nagays Tartars Horse-men which came shouting and hallowing with a great noyse but our people were so inuironed with the sleds that they durst not enter vpon them but ranne by and shot their Arrowes amongst them and hurt but one man in the head who was a Russe and so departed presently Yet when it was day they shewed themselues a good distance off from our men being a very great troope of them but did not assault them any more The same day our men with those carriages departed from thence towards Astracan where they arriued in safetie the fourth of December about three of the clock in the after-noone where our people greatly rejoyced of their great good hap to haue escaped so many hard euents troubles and miseries as they did in that Voyage and had great cause therefore to prayse the Almightie who had so mercifully preserued and deliuered them They remayned the Winter at Astracan where they found great fauour and friendship of the Duke Captaine and other chiefe Officers of that place but that Winter there hapned no great matter worth the noting In the Spring of the yeere 1581. about the midst of March the Ice was broken vp and cleare gone before Astracan A Letter of Master HENRIE LANE to the worshipfull Master WILLIAM SANDERSON containing a briefe discourse of that which passed in the North-east discouerie for the space of three and thirtie yeeres MAster Sanderson as you lately requested me so haue I sought and though I cannot finde some things that heretofore I kept in writing and lent out to others yet perusing at London copies of mine old Letters to content one that meaneth to pleasure many I haue briefly and as truely as I may drawne out as followeth The rough hewing may bee planed at your leasure or as pleaseth him that shall take the paines First the honourable attempt
lake as some write containeth in circuit sixtie Iaons each of which is three leagues alongst which are Mines of Siluer Copper Tinne and Lead carried thence by Merchants in Cafilas with Elephants and Badas Rhinocerotes to the Kingdomes of Sornau or Siam Passiloco Sauady Tangù Prom Calaminhan and other Kingdomes Being asked of the weapons of those Countries they answered That they haue none but Poles burned and short Crises of two spannes They might not go vp the Riuer in lesse then two months or two and a halfe by reason of the force of the water which way downe they might dispatch in eight or ten dayes Faria going from thence came to Pullo Champeiloo an Iland not inhabited in fourteene degrees and twentie minutes at the entrie of the Bay of Cauchin-China and thence hauing fitted his Ordnance to Ainam to seeke Coia Acem and being come to Pullo Capas a Fleet of fortie great Iunkes of two or three Deckes a piece was seene in the Riuer by Boralho whom Faria had sent to discouer and after that another seeming two thousand saile great and small and a walled Towne of some ten thousand houses At his returne hee saw also one Iunke in the Barre of the Riuer at anchor which seemed of another Coast. Faria supposed this last was of that Pyrat Coia Acem which therefore hee assailed and tooke One of the company was a Christian of Mount Sinai named Tome Mostangue a Merchant whose Barke Solyman Bassa had taken A. 1538. in the Port of Iudaa with seuen others to be victuallers for his Armada of sixtie gallies wherewith he was sent by the Great Turke to restore Sultan Baadur to his Kingdome of Cambaya whereof the Mogor had then dispossessed him and to driue the Portugalls out of India And when he demanded of the Turkes his freight which they had promised they tooke his wife and his daughter and openly rauished them before his eyes his sonne which cried at that spectacle they threw into the Sea bound hand and foot and laid himselfe in yrons tooke away his goods worth aboue sixe thousand Duckets His wife and daughter died and hee as desperate leaped one night into the Sea at the Bar of Diu with a sonne which there hee had and got to Surat and came thrice to Malacca in a Ship of Garcia de Saa whence by Stephen Gama he was sent for China with Christouan Sardinha Factor of Maluco whom riding at anchor in Cincapura Quiay Tayiam Captaine of this Iunke slew with six and twentie Portugals and saued him aliue because he was a Gunner Faria cried out that he had heard of this Quiay Tayiam that he had killed aboue one hundred Portugals and spoiled them of one hundred thousand Cruzados and that since he killed Sardinha he caused himselfe to bee called by his name Hee asked this Armenian where he was hee shewed where he with sixe or seuen others were hidden in the Iunke Faria went and opened the skuttle and Taiam with his company began a new fight killed two Portugals and seuen boyes and wounded twentie but in the end were slaine Faria hasted away for feare of the Iunkes in the Riuer and came to the Coast of Cauchin-China where he rifled this Iunke and found in her Spices and other goods to the value of sixtie thousand Cruzados besides Artillery which the Pirate had taken out of the Ships of Sardinha Oliueyra and Matos The next day hee set saile againe for Ainam and by the way lighted on Boates fishing for Pearles to whom they offered contract who told them that Guamboy a Port somewhat before as in Cantan Chinchâ—o Lamau Comhay Sumbor and Liampoo and other Coast Cities was a place of trade for strangers and counselled him to goe thither for there they had nothing but Pearles which they fished for the treasure of the Sonne of the Sunne by the command of the Tutan of Comhay supreme Gouernor of all Cauchin-China And that the law was that if any Barke besides the appointed entred it should bee burnt with all the people therein And because hee was a stranger it was best for him to saile away before Buhaquirim the Mandarin which was but seuen leagues thence came who had fortie great Iunkes with two thousand Mariners and fiue thousand Souldiers and did abide there the sixe moneths of fishing from March to August both included They much maruelled at the Portugall fashion hauing neuer seene any such men and suspected them theeues they professing themselues Merchants of Siam with gifts and courtesie they wonne good estimation of these Fishers One of these being asked touching Aynam answered That it was once an absolute Kingdome gouerned by Prâ—chau Gamu who dying without an heire there arose such contentions that in foure yeeres and a halfe there dyed sixteen Lacasaas of men which are so many hundred thousands whereby the Land was so dispeopled that the Cauchin King made himselfe master thereof with seuen thousand Mogores which the Tartar sent him from Tuymican then the chiefe Citie of his Empire Hee set ouer the same Hoyha Paguarol who rebelled and made himselfe tributarie to the King of China paying sixe hundred thousand Duckets or foure hundred thousand Taeis yearely and dying without heire two hundred thirtie fiue yeares since hee declared the King of China his Successour and so it hath continued He counselled him not to goe to Aynam because they were Dissemblers nor would the Monson suffer him to go to Liampoo but to go to the good riuer Tanauquir stil sounding as he went for the shoalds there he should haue sure Anchorage and in little space hee might sell all his goods where yet it was not safe by reason of reasonlesse men to aduenture his goods on Land To that Riuer we went and in the mouth thereof not able to stemme the Current two Iunks assayled vs and their first Language was sixe and twentie Peeces of Ordnance the Issue was Paria tooke them both most of their men being drowned or slaine and found therein seuenteene Christians Prisoners by whom hee learned that the Captayne was a Rouer which bare two names one of a Christian Francisco de Saa the other of a Gentile Necoda Xicaulem Fiue yeares he had beene a Christian at Malaca Garcia de Saa Captayne of the Fortresse in his Baptisme imparting his owne name to him who married him to a Gentlewoman of Portugall But hee going Anno 1534. for Chincheo in a China Iunke with twentie Portugals and his Wife slue both her and them at Pulo Caâ—an and the next yeare took another Portugall Iunke at Chincheo which came from Sunda and slue ten Portugals in her and thence-forth practised Pyracie on Chineses â—s hee thought vs to bee and Portugals The goods of the two Iunkes amounted to fortie thousand Taeis and seuenteene Brasâ—e Peeces The Captayne of this place was in league with him and shared a third of his Pyracies Faria therefore went to another Port
fortie leagues Eastward called Mutipinan wherein were many Merchants which came in Cafilas from the Land of the Lauhos and PÃ fuaas and Gucos with great store of siluer The current setting strong against vs at the Rock of Tilauinera Wee came to Mutipinan and learned that the Riuer was deepe the best in that Bay the people peaceable that Merchants had come nine dayes before from the Kingdome of Benan in two Cafilas each of fiue hundred Oxen with store of Siluer Iuory Waxe Benioyn Camfire Gold in poulder to buy Pepper Drugs and pearles of Aynam that they had not any Armada of great ships because the Wars which the Prechau King of the Cauchins made wereby land that he abode at Quangepaaru a Citie twelue dayes iourny thence that his Mynes yeelded him fifteene thousand Pikes of Siluer halfe of which by Diuine Law belonged to the people which had remitted it to him on conditon to pay no other tributes wherto the ancient Prechaus had sworne to keepe it as long as the Sun should giue light to the Earth There hee sold a great part of his goods till newes of the Tanauquir Rouer made them afraid to come aboard so that he was forced to set saile Thus after many dayes spent in this Bay of Cauchin-china because Coia Acem and the Pyrates which robbed Christians were in league with the Mandarines and sold that which they had gotten in Ainan he pursued that purpose againe and came to Anchor in Madel a Hauen in that Iland where he encountred with Hinimilau a Chinese Rouer which had becomne lately a Moore and bitter enemy of Christians of which Religion hee had also beene Fiue Portugall Captiue Boyes which were aboard him cryed out for mercy whereby Faria mooued sent to know what they were which answering with stones on their heads that came in the Boat a cruell fight followed in which Faria remayned Victor and seised of the Captaine with fifteene others left aliue He demanded for the Portugall Boyes who told them they were in the Prow vnder Hatches whereupon sending to see they found them lying on a heape with their heads off a woman with her two children being also so serued Faria asked why hee dealt so with the small Innocents He answered it was sufficient that they were children of Portugals Being asked why he had forsaken the Christian Religion he said because the Portugals had respected him being a Gentile with Cap in hand saluting him Quiay Nicoda but after hee was Christian made little account of him whereupon he became a Moore in Bintam and the King of Iantan vsed him with much honour his Officers called him Brother and hee sware on a Booke to become an Enemy to the Portugall and Christian Name as long as he liued the King and Priest applauding and promising all happinesse to his soule Seuen yeares he had beene in execution of that Oath and had taken a Iunke of Luys de Pauia in the Riuer of Liampoo with foure hundred Bares of Pepper slue eighteene Portugals besides slaues and after that had taken at times foure ships in which he had slaine neere three hundred persons seuentie of them Portugals and taken fifteene or sixteen hundred Bares of Pepper and other Commodities of which the King of Pan had halfe to secure him and let him haue sale in the Riuer Choaboque on the Coast of China he had killed Ruy Lobo his old acquaintance with seuenteene Portugals escaping a wracke and taken into his Iunke on condition to pay him two thousand Cruzados to set him on shoare at Patane which notwithstanding hee slue him and the rest by the Moores counsell one night as they were asleepe Faria would heare no further but caused him to bee slaine and cast into the Sea In Silke and other goods he found in the Iunke to the value of fortie thousand Taeis the Iunke he burned hauing none to man her The other Necodas or Captaynes of the Iunkes seeing what Faria had done consulted together and seeing he might also doe as much to them sent two chiefe men to him desiring him as King of the Sea to giue them securitie to passe in dispatch of their businesses before the Monson were ended and that as his Tributaries they would giue him twentie thousand Taeis of Siluer to which he sware and that no Thiefe should rob them and with a Present receiued the Money brought him within an houre after A Boy which writ their Passes gayned in thirteene dayes aboue foure thousand Taeis besides gifts for dispatch each Iunke giuing fiue Taeis and the lesse Barkes two The Vice-Roy also of Ainan sent him a rich Present with a Letter to intreat him to serue the Sonne of the Sunne as Admirall from Laman to Liampoo at ten thousand Taeis annuall wages besides after three yeares end further aduancement whereto he excused his vnworthinesse and departed to Quangiparu a Citie of fifteene thousand Housholds and so coasted all alongst the Iland of Ainan seuen monethes space till the Souldiers were wearie and required their shares as had beene agreed which was quieted with promise to winter at Siam and hauing there made Money of all to giue each man his part With this agreement they came to an Iland called Theaues Iland because standing out of the Bay it is their place to take the first of the Monson Here at the new Moone in October wee were encountred with a cruâ—ll Tempest in the night by which the foure Vessels were broken in pieces fiue hundred eightie sixe persons drowned of which eight and twentie Portugals three and fiftie of vs by Gods mercie saued Faria being one and one and twentie other Portugals the rest Slaues and Mariners They spent two dayes and a halfe in Buriall of their dead and to get some of their prouision which yet hauing taken Salt-water would not last aboue fiue dayes of the fifteene they stayed there Faria comforted them saying that God would not permit so much euill but for a greater good nor would haue taken from them fiue hundred thousand Cruzados but to giue them sixe hundred thousand God doth not punish with both hands his mercie curing the wounds which his Iustice maketh Thus we walked naked and bare-foot on the Strand in the Wildernes suffering hunger and cold many of our companions dying not so much for want of food as the stinke and putrified vnholsomnesse thereof In this disconsolate plight a Sea-kite came flying from behind the South Cape of the Iland and let fall from his Talons a Mullet a span long which he taking vp with great prayse to God and Prayer to Iesus Christ not to consider their merits but his merits for them hee caused it to bee rosted and giuen to the sicke Looking to the place whence the Fowle came they saw more of them flying vp and downe and going thitherwards discouered a Valley with diuers Fruit-trees and before they came at it they found a Deere
sixe or seuen Kine before him to whom Similau made a signe and hee stayed till we came to the Bankes side and shewing him a piece of greene Taffata which hee sayd they much esteemed with a harsh voyce he sayd Quiten paran faufau words which none vnderstood Faria commanded to giue him three or foure Conados of the taffata and sixe Porcelanes which he receiued with much ioy saying Par pacam pochy pilaca hunangue doreu signing with his hand to the place whence hee came and leauing his Kine he ranne thither He was cloathed with a Tygers skin the hayre outward his armes head and legges bare with a rude pole in his hand well shaped seeming ten palmes or spans long his hayre hanging on his shoulders Within a quarter of an houre hee returned with a liue Deere on his backe and thirteene persons with him eight men and fiue women with three Kine tyed in coards dancing at the sound of a Drum giuing now and then fiue strokes on it and other fiue with their hands crying aloude Cur cur hinan falem Antonio de Faria caused to shew them fiue or sixe pieces and many Porcelanes All of them were cloathed in like manner only the women had on their wrists grosse bracelets of Tin their hayre longer then the men and full of Flowers and on their neckes a great neck-lace with coloured Shels as big as Oyster-shels The men had great poles in their hands furred halfe way with such Pelts as they wore they were strong set with thicke lippes flat noses great open nostrils bigge faces Faria caused to measure them and none of them were higher then ten spannes and a halfe one old man nigh eleuen the women not ten but I suppose the most sauage that euer yet were discouered Faria gaue them three corges of Porcelane a piece of greene Taffata and a basket of Pepper and they fell on the ground and lifting vp their hands with their fists shut sayd Vumguahileu opomguapau lapan lapan lapan They gaue vs the three Kine and the Deere and after many words in three houres conference returned with like dance as they came Wee followed our way fiue dayes more vp the Riuer about fortie leagues in which we had sight of that people and sixteene dayes more without sight of any at the end of which we came to the Bay of Nanquim hoping in fiue or sixe dayes to effect our desires Similau willed Faria not to let his Portugals be seene And hauing sayled sixe dayes East and East North-east we had sight of a great Citie called Sileupamor and entred into the Port two houres within night being a faire Bay almost two leagues in ciâ—cuit where abundance of shipping rode at anchor seeming aboue three thousand which made vs so afraid that out againe we went and crossing the Riuer which may bee about sixe or seuen leagues ouer wee ranne alongst a great Champaine the rest of the day with purpose to get some refreshing hauing passed thirteene hungry dayes We came to an old building called Tanamadel and got prouision to our mindes This place the Chinois which wee found there told vs belonged to an Hospitall two leagues thence for entertainment of the Pilgrims which visited the Kings Sepulcher Wee continued our voyage seuen dayes more hauing spent two moneths and a halfe since wee came from Liampoo and now Faria could no longer conceale his discontent that hee had thus followed Similaus proiect and receiuing of him answer little to the purpose had stabbed him with his Dagger if others had not interposed Similau the night following as wee rode at anchor neere the land swam a shoare the watch not perceiuing which Faria hearing was so impatient that going on shoare to seeke him hee returned frustrate and found of his sixe and fortie Chinais two and thirtie fled Full now of conâ—usion it was by counsell resolued to seeke Calempluy which could not be farre off and the next night entred a Barke riding at anchor and tooke fiue men sleeping therein of whom hee learned that Calempluy was ten leagues off and with their helpe found it eightie three dayes after he had set out on that enterprise This Iland was seated in the midst of the Riuer and seemed to bee a league in Compasse Hither came Faria with trouble and feare three houres within night anchoring about a chamber shot from it In the morning it was agreed first to goe about it to see what entrances it had and what impediments might befall their designe The Iland was all enuironed with a â—ampire of hewen Marble sixe and twentie spannes-high so well cut and set together that all the wall seemed but one piece the like whereof wee had neuer seene in India or elsewhere from the bottome of the water to the brim it contayned other sixe and twentie spannes In the top was a border of the same worke round ingirting it like a Friers girdle of the bignesse of a rundlet of twelue gallons on which were set grates of Latten turned euery sixe fathoms fastened into holes of the same Latten in each of which was the Idoll of a woman with a round ball in her hands none knowing what it signified Within these grates was a rew of many Monsters of cast Iron which in manner of a dance hand in hand compassed the I le round Further inwards from those monstrous Idols in the same ranke was another of Arches of rich worke pleasant to behold And all from hence inward was a groue of dwarfe Orange-trees thicke set in the midst whereof were builded three hundred and sixtie Hermitages dedicated to the Gods of the yeere whereof those Paynims haue many fabulous praises A quarter of a league higher on a hill to the East were seene buildings with seuen fronts of houses like Churches all from the top to the bottome wrought with gold with high Towers seeming Bell-steeples and without two streets with Arches which encompassed these buildings of the same worke with the fronts and all from the highest top of the steeple pinacles to the bottom wrought with gold whereby we iudged it some sumptuous and rich Temple After this view taken Faria resolued though it were late to goe on shoare to see if he could speake with any in those Hermitages and so leauing sufficient guard in the Barkes with fortie Souldiers twentie Slaues and foure Chinois which knew the place and had beene sometimes there and might serue vs for Interpreters he committed the two Barkes to Father Diego Lobato and entred at one of the eight Entrances walking thorow the Orangetto-groue to an Hermitage two Caliuer shots from our landing place with the greatest silence that might bee and with the name of Iesus in our heart and mouth Hauing yet seene no person he felt at the doore of the Hermitage with his Halberd and perceiued it locked on the inside hee bade one of the Chinois knocke which hauing done twice he heard an answer
vs more speedily and came all discontent to a Village called Susoquerim and there prouided our selues of victuall and instruction and entred into a straight called Xalingau in which wee ranne in nine dayes one hundred and fortie leagues and turning to enter the same Bay of Nanquim which was there ten or twelue leagues wide wee sayled with Westerly windes thirteene dayes and being in the sight of the Mines of Conxinacau in 41. degrees and two thirds there a Tufan or tempest from the South tooke vs with windes and raines seeming more then naturall and the winde chopped into the North North-west the Sea going so high that except our prouisions and Chests of plate we threw all into the Sea cut both our masts ouer-board and about midnight heard a great cry in the Panura of Antonia de Faria Mercy Lord God whereby wee imagined shee was cast away we seconded the same cry but heard no answer Our Barke also the next day split on a Rocke and of fiue and twentie Portugals eleuen were drowned besides eighteene Christian boyes and seuen China Mariners This hapned the fifth of August 1542. Wee fourteene which escaped the next day trauelled into the Land alongst a Hill and discouered a Lake without shew of Land which made vs returne backe where wee found our men cast on shoare to the renewing of our sorrow and the next day buried them that the Tigres of which there are many should not eate them In this hauing nothing but our hands to doe it and they thirtie sixe now stinking wee spent the most part of the day Thence wee went Northward thorow the Woods three dayes till wee came at a straight without sight of any person In swimming ouer three men and a boy were drowned being faint the current strong and the water somewhat spacious the men were two brethren Belchior and Gaspar Barbosa and Francisco Borges Cayciro all of Ponte de Lima and of good account Wee which remayned eleuen men and three boyes passing that obscure nights winds raines and cold imitated by our disconsolate sighs teares and feares saw before day a fire Eastward and went right towards it commending our selues to God our only hope And trauelling along the Riuer wee came in the euening where fiue men were making Coles and casting our selues at their feet desired them to take pitie on vs and helpe vs to some place where wee might finde reliefe They gaue vs a little Rice and warme water and shewed vs the way to a Village where was an Hospitall to which wee came an houre within night and found there foure men appointed to that charge which vsed vs charitably The next day they asked what wee were and whence and wee told them strangers of Siam which came from the Port of Liampoo to the fishing at Nanquim where by tempest we lost all but our battered flesh They asked what wee intended to doe and wee answered to goe to Nanquim to get passage to Cantan or Comhay where our Countrey-men haue trade by licence of the Aitao of Paquim vnder the shadow of The Sonne of the Sunne the Lion crowned in the Throne of the World for whose sake we desired them to let vs stay there till we had recouered strength to trauell and to giue vs some clothing to couer vs. They carried vs about the Village and begged some old clothes and victuals and two Taeis in money for our reliefe and gaue vs two Taeis of the House and with words of much comfort to trust in God they gaue vs a Letter of commendation to the Hospitall of Siley iacau which was in a great Towne three leagues thence and had better maintenance Thither we went and shewed our Letter from the Ouerseers of Buatendoo in the said Village of Catihoraâ— to the Officers of this house which sate then at Table in consultation and the Scribe reading the Letter they accommodated vs in a neat roome with fourteene Beds a Table and many Stooles and Meate and next morning examined vs wee answering as before They gaue charge to a Physician to cure vs and wrote our names in a Booke to which we subscribed In eighteene dayes wee all recouered and went thence to a place called Susoanganee fiue leagues off and sate downe wearie at a Well where one came to vs with a handful of Wheat eares which he wetted in the water and adjured vs holding the same in our hands by these substances of bread and water which the high Creator had made for the sustenance of man to tell the truth what we were c. which we did answering as before and he gaue leaue to his neighbours to relieue vs. They layde vs in a Church Porch and gaue vs victuals and the next day we begged from doore to doore foure Taeis which well helped our wants Thence we went two leagues to Xiangulee with intent to goe to Nanquim one hundred and fortie leagues distant Comming thither late three boyes which were feeding Cattell ranne into the Towne with an out-crie of Theeues the people running out and so welcomming vs that one of the boyes died with the blowes They kept vs two dayes in a Cisterne of water vp to the waste full of Hors-leaches without victuals and our hands bound whence by a man of Suzanganee wee were freed reporting better things of vs. Thence wee went to Fingmilan in the way finding good reliefe at a Gentlemans house still auoyding Cities and Townes of note for feare of stricter iustice two moneths holding on our way sometime in sometimes out from Village to Village one of which was Chautir where a woman was then buried which had made the Idoll her Heire and we were inuited as poore men to eate at her Graue and had sixe Taeis giuen vs to pray for her soule At Taypor an Offâ—cer charged vs to be Rogues begging against the Law and therefore layed vs in Prison where we continued sixe and twentie dayes in which Rodrigues Brauo one of our companie died Thence wee were sent to Nanquim and there continued sixe weekes in a miserable Prison in which was said to be foure thousand Prisoners where two of our companie and a boy died of the whipping and the rest hardly escaped being besides sentenced also to haue our thumbs cut off as theeues After this bloudy whipping they brought vs to a house within the Prison where wee were cured being as it were an Hospitall for the sicke where in eleuen dayes wee were pretily well recouered but lamenting the cutting off our thumbes according to the rigour of the Sentence which had beene giuen one morning came in two honourable persons which were Procurers of the poore These questioned vs of our case and hearing the same made a Petition to the Chaem on our behalfe and the eight Conchacis which are as it were Criminall Iudges and being there delayed they made another Petition to another Table called Xinfau nicor pitau where are foure
very great each hauing a woman sitting thereon with a Sword in her hand of the same metall and a siluer Crowne on the head so many had sacrificed themselues at her death to doe her seruice in the next World Another compasse environed that of the Giants all of triumphant Arches gilded with a great quantitie of siluer Bels hanging on siluer chaines which by the motion of the Aire continually yeelded a strange sound Without those Arches in the same proportion stand two rankes of Latten grates encircling the whole worke set in spaces with Pillars of the same and thereon Lions set on balls which are the Armes of the Kings of China At the foure corners were placed foure Monsters of Brasse one which the Chinois call the Deuouring Serpent of the deepe Caue of the House of smoke in the figure of a dreadfull Serpent with seuen Serpents comming out of his brest sported with greene and blacke with many prickles more then a span long quite thorow the bodie like Hedge-hogges each hauing in his mouth a woman ouerthwart with disheuelled haires looking deadly The old or great Serpent holds in his mouth a Lizard halfe out of aboue thirty spans in length as bigge as a Pipe with nose and lips full of bloud and in his hands he holds a great Elephant so forcibly that his entrailes seeme to come out of his mouth all so naturally represented that it is most dreadful to behold The folds of his tayle were aboue twentie fathome long enfolding therein another Monster the second of the foure called Tarcamparoo which they say was the Sonne of that Serpent which stands with both his hands in his mouth which is as bigge as a gate the teeth set in order and the blacke tongue hanging out aboue two fathomes Of the two other one was the Figure of a woman named Nadelgau seuenteene fathomes long and sixe about from whose waste issued a beake or face aboue two fathomes which cast smoake out of the nosthrils and flames of fire out of the mouth which they make therein continually saying shee is the Queene of the Fierie Spheare and shall burne the Earth at the end of the World The fourth is like a man set cowring with cheekes puffed like ships sayles so monstrous that a man could not endure the sight The Chinois call him Vzanguenaboo and say that it is hee which makes Tempests in the Sea and throwes downe Houses by Land to which the people giue much Almes not to hurt their Iunkes The second day we went from Pocasser and came to another Citie called Xinligau very great well built walled with Tyles ditched about with two Castles at the end hauing their Towres Bul-warkes and Draw-bridges in the midst of each Castle was a Towre of fiue Lofts with many workes painted in which the Chinois said were fifteene thousand Picos of siluer of the Rents gathered in that Archipelago which this Kings Grand-father there layd vp in memory of his Sonne Leuquinau which signifieth the ioy of all holden for a Saint because he dyed a Religious man and lyes there buried in the Temple of Quiay Varatel the God of all the Fishes in the Sea of whom they haue large Legends In that Citie and another fiue leagues from it is made the greatest part of the Silke of that Kingdome the waters there giuing quicker colours they say then in other parts The Weauers Loomes of these Silkes which they affirme thirteene thousand pay yearely to the King three hundred thousand Taeis Going further vp the Riuer wee came the next day Euening to a great Champaigne continuing ten or twelue leagues in which were many Kine Horses and Mares pastured for the shambles as well as other flesh and kept by many men on Horse-backe These Champaignes past wee came to a Towne called Iunquileu walled with Tyles but without Towres or Bul-warkes Here wee saw a stone Monument with an Inscription Heere lyeth Trannocem Mudeliar Vncle to the King of Malaca who dyed before hee was reuenged of Captayne Alboquerque the Lion of Sea Robberies We enquiring hereof an old Chinese said that about fortie yeares agoe the man there interred had come Embassadour from a King of Malaca to sue to the Sonne of the Sunne for succour against a Nation of a Land without name which had comne from the end of the World and taken Malaca with other incredible particularities printed in a Booke which hee made thereof Hauing spent three yeares in this Suite and brought it to some maturitie hee sickned of the Aire one night at Supper dyed in nine dayes and left this Memoriall Wee proceeded on our way the Riuer growing lesse but the Countrey more peopled scarsly a stones cast free of some House eyther of a Pagode or Labourer And two leagues higher on a Hill compassed with Iron grates were two Brasse Statues standing on their feete one of a man the other of a woman both seuentie foure spans long with their hands in their mouthes and puffed cheekes fastned to Cast-Iron Pillars seuen fathomes high The Male was named Quiay Xingatalor the woman Apancapatur The Chinois told vs that the man was Fire-blower in Hell to torment such as in this life gaue them no Almes the woman was the Hell-Porter which suffered the Almes-giuers to flye by a Riuer of cold water called Ochileuday and hid them their from the Deuils hurting them One of our company laughed at this Tale whereat a Bonzo was so offended that hee set Chifu in rage with vs who bound vs hand and foot and gaue vs one hundred stripes a-piece Twelue Priests were incensing these Monsters when wee were there with Siluer-censours full of sweet Odours Saying as wee serue thee helpe thou vs another company of Priests answering So I promise thee as a good Lord. And thus went they on Procession about the Hill an houres space sounding certayne Bels causing a dreadfull noyse Hence wee passed vp the Riuer eleuen dayes all peopled with Cities Townes Villages Castles in many places scarsly a Calieuer shot distant one from another and all the Land in compasse of our sight had store of great Houses and Temples with gilded Steeples which amazed vs with the sight Thus wee came to the Citie Sampitay where wee stayed fiue dayes by reason of the sicknesse of Chifus Wife There by his leaue wee went thorow the streets a begging the people wondering at vs and giuing vs largely One woman amongst others which busily questioned with vs shewed vs a Crosse branded on her left arme asking if we knew that signe and wee deuoutly answering yes shee lifted vp her hands to Heauen and sayd Our Father which art in Heauen hallowed be thy Name in Portugues and could speake no more but proceeded in China speech and procured leaue to lodge vs at her House those fiue dayes telling vs she was named Inez de Leiria and was the Daughter of Thomas Perez which came Embassadour to China
here with that Trade others are laden with skuls of dead men they dreaming that all the Almes of those men whose skuls these haue beene shall belong to their soules and that the Porter of Heauen seeing them come with thus many attending will open to him as an honourable person Others haue Cages of Birds and call to men to set free those Captiues which are the creatures of God with their Almes which they which doe let loose the Bird and bid him tell God what he hath done in his Seruice others do the like with liuing fishes offering their freedome to the charitable Redeemers which themselues will not giue them much like the sale of Indulgences saying they are Innocents which neuer sinned which freed by Almes are let goe in the Riuer with commendations of this their Redeemers Seruice to the Creator Other Barkes carry Fidlers and Musicians to offer their Seruice Others the Priests sell Hornes of sacrificâ—d Beasts with promise of I know not what Feasts in Heauen others had Tents of sorrow Tombes and all Funerall appurtenances with Women-mourners to be let out for Burials others laden with Books of all sorts of Historie and these also haue Scriueners and Proctors others haue such as offer their seruice to fight in defence of their honour others haue Mid-wiues others Nurses others carry graue men and women to comfort those that haue lost Husbands Wiues Children and the like disconsolate persons others Boyes and Girles for seruice others offer Counsellors in Cases of Law or Learning others Physicians and to conclude nothing is to bee sought on the Land which is not here to be found in this Water-citie Once the cause of the greatnesse of this Kingdome of China is this easie concourse of all parts by water and Riuers some of which in narrow places haue bridges of stone like ours and some made of one only stone laid ouer sometimes of eightie ninetie or one hundred spannes long and fifteene or twentie broad All the High-wayes haue large Causies made of good stone with Pillers and Arches fairely wrought inscribed with the Founders names and prayses in golden Letters In many places they haue Wels to refresh the Trauellers And in more barren and lesse inhabited places are single women which giue free entertainment to such as haue no monie which abuse and abomination they call a worke of Mercie and is prouided by the deceased for good of their soules with Rents and mayntenance Others haue also bequeathed in the like places houses with Lights to see the way and fires for Trauellers water and Lodging I haue in one and twentie yeares vnfortunate trauels seene a great part of Asia and the riches of Europe but if my testimonie be worthy credit all together is not comparable to China alone such are the endowments of nature in a wholsome Ayre Soyle Riuers and Seas with their Policie Iustice Riches and State that they obscure all the lustres of other parts Yet such is their bestiall and Deuillish Idolatry and filthy Sodomitry publikly permitted committed taught by their Priests as a vertue that I cannot but grieue at their vngratitude Departing from this admirable Citie we sailed vp the Riuer till on the ninth of October on Tuesday we came to the great Citie of Pequim whither wee were sent by Appeale Wee went three and three as Prisoners and were put in a Prison called Gofania serca where for an entrance they gaue each of vs thirtie stripes Chifu which brought vs presented to the Aitao our Processe signed with twelue seales from Nanquiu The twelue Conchalis which are Criminall Iudges sent one of their company with two Notaries and sixe or seuen Officers to the Prison where wee were and examined vs to whom we answered as before and hee appointed vs to make petition to the Tanigores of the holy Office by our Proctors and gaue vs a Taell for almes with a caueat to beware of the Prisoners that they robbed vs not and then went into another great Roome where he heard many Prisoners Causes three houres together and then caused execution to be done on seuen and twentie men sentenced two dayes before which all dyed with the blowes to our great terrour And the next day wee were collared and manicled being much afraid that our Calempluys businesse would come to light After seuen dayes the Tanigores of the Hospitall of that Prison came in to whom we with pitifull lamentation gaue the Certificate which wee brought from Nanquin By their meanes the Conchalis petitioned the Chaem to reuoke the Sentence of cutting off our thumbs seeing there was no testimonie of theft by vs committed but only our pouertie we more needed pitie then rogour He heard the pleading for and against vs for diuers daies the Prometor or Fiscall laying hard against vs that wee were theeues but being able to proue nothing the Chaem suspended him from his Office and condemned him in twentie Taeis to vs which was brought vs. And at last we were brought into a great Hall painted with diuers representations of execution of Iustice for seuerall crimes there written very fearefull to behold and at the end a fairer gilded roome crossed the same where was a Tribunall with seuen steps compassed with three rewes of grates Iron Latten and blacke Wood inlayed with Mother of pearle hauing a Canopie of Damaske fringed with Gold and greene Silke and vnderneath a Chaire of Siluer for the Chaem and a little Table before him with three Boyes attending on their knees richly attired with chaines of gold on their neckes the middlemost to giue him his Penne the other two to receiue Petitions and to present them on the Table two other Boyes standing at his side in exceeding rich aray the one representing Iustice the other on the right hand Mercy without which conioyned the Iudge they say becomes a Tyrant The rest of the state and ceremonie I omit wee kneeling on our knees with our hands lifted vp and our eyes cast downe to the ground heard gladly our Sentence of absolution Only we were for one yeere banished to the workes of Quansy and eight moneths of that yeere ended to haue free pasport to goe home or whither we would After the Sentence pronounced one of the Conchalys stood vp and fiue times demanded aloud if any could take exception against the Sentence and all being silent the two Boyes representing Iustice and Mercy touched each others Ensignes which they had in their hands and said aloud let them be free according to the Sentence and presently two Chumbims tooke off our Collars and Manicles and all our bonds The foure moneths the Tanigores told vs were taken off the yeere as the Kings almes in regard of our pouertie for had wee beene rich wee must haue serued the whole yeere They gaue vs foure Taeis of almes and went to the Captaine which was to goe for Quansy to commend vs to his charitie which vsed vs accordingly PEquin
feare lest this vndertaking would cost our liues with a People so cruell The next day George Mendez and two others of our companie were carried with a band of Horse-men about the Castle to view it and then brought to the Mitaquer to whom he professeth great facilitie of effecting his purpose which so contented him that he sware by the Rice he eate to present vs to the King and to fulfill his promises presently taking off the remainder of our Irons Hee made vs to eate neere him and did vs other honour After which George Mendez as Camp-master appointed store of Chists Boxes and matterials to fill vp the ditch and three hundred large scaling Ladders able to hold each three Souldiers against the next morning to be made ready two hours before day All this was happily effected the ditch filled and Mendez with two others of vs first scaled the wall and set vp the Tartars Colours fiue thousand Tartars gallantly seconding so that with a hote skirmish the besieged were all slaine and the Castle taken the gates opened to the Mitaquer who with great ceremonies tooke thereof possession He caused George Mendez and the rest of vs to eate neere him razed the Castle and taking Mendez with him on horse-backe returned to his Tent giuing him 1000. Taeis and each of vs 100. the cause of much emulation in some of our companie who by his meanes had obtayned libertie Thence the Mitaquer marched by places desolate to a good Towne by the Riuers side called Lautimey the people whereof were fled the Towne these barbarians fired as they did other places where they came The next day they burned Bunxay a sowne field of aboue sixe leagues circuit most Wheat and came to the Hill Pommitay and the next day to the Riuer Palemzitau within two leagues of the Kings Campe. Guijay Paran sonne of the King of Persia at the Castle of Lautir by the Kings appointment stayed for him to whom Mitaquer on his knees deliuered his Scimitar hauing first kissed the ground fiue times Hee welcomed him with honourable termes and after that stepping backe two or three paces with a new ceremonie and with a voyce high and seuere as he which represented the Kings person said He whose rich border of his garment my mouth continually kisseth whose great power ruleth ouer others by Land and on the Iles of the Sea sends to tell thee by mee his Slaue that thy honourable comming is as welcome to his presence as the sweet Summer morning wherein the bathing of cold water most delights the flesh and that without delay thou hastenest to heare his voice mounted on this Horse richly furnished out of his Treasurie with mee that thou mayest be equall in honour with the principall of his Court and they which see thee thus honoured may know that thou art a strong member whose valour deserues this reward Thus with great state and pompe they went to the King and fifteene dayes after he brought vs to the Tents of the King well horsed then in the sumptuous House of Nacapirau When he came to the Trenches hee descended from his Litter wee from our Horses and asked leaue of Nautaran to enter which granted he againe went to his Litter and we followed on foot at the next passage he descended and went in leauing vs to expect him An houre after he returned with foure faire Boyes gallantly arayed in greene and white with their golden Xorâ—as on their feet to whom all the people rose vp and drawing their Scimitars laid them on the ground saying three times A hundred thousand yeeres liue the Lord of our heads Wee lying prostrate with our faces on the ground one of the Boyes said to vs with a loude voice Reioyce yee men of the Worlds end for the houre of your desire is comne in which the libertie which the Mitaquer promised you in the Castle of Nixianco shall bee granted you Lift vp your heads from the ground and your hands to Heauen giuing thankes to the Lord which made the Stars Wee answered as wee were taught Let it bee our fortune that his foot tread on our heads the Boy answered The Lord grant your request These foure Boyes with Mitaquer guided vs on thorow a Gallerie standing on sixe and twentie Pillars of Brasse from which wee entred a great Hall of timber in which stood Mogores Persians Berdios Calaminhans and Bramas thence wee came to another Hall called Tigihipau where were great store of armed men in fiue files quite thorow the Hall their Swords garnished with Gold There Mitaquer performed some ceremonies swearing on the Maces which the foure Boyes carried kneeling and kissing the ground three times Then we passed another gate and came to a square great Hall like the Cloister of a Monasterie in which stood foure files of brazen Images like Sauages with Maces and Crownes seuâ—n and twentie spannes high and sixe broad which the Tartars said were the three hundred and sixty Gods which made the dayes of the yeere which the Tartar King had taken out of a Temple called Angicamoy in the Citie Xipatom in a Chappell of the Sepulchres of the Kings of China to carrie home in triumph In this Hill was a Garden of strange herbs and flowers and therein a Tent vpon twelue turned posts of Camphire wood in which was a Throne all garnished with much curiositie of Gold and Siluer workes representing very liuely the Sunne Moone Starres Cloudes In the midst of the Throne stood a siluer great Statue called Abicaunilancor that is God of the health of Kings taken also from Angicamoy about which stood foure and thirtie Idols as big as children about sixe yeeres old in two rankes set on their knees and hands lifted vp as in veneration At the entrie of the Tent were foure Boyes gorgeously arayed which went about it with Censers and at the sound of a Bell prostrated themselues on the ground and censing said Let our crie come vnto thee as a sweet sauour that thou mayest heare vs. That Tent was guarded by sixtie Halbarders standing a pretie distance from it round about Beyond that Hill wee entred another place where were foure rich roomes in which were many great persons Thence we followed Mitaquer and the Boyes vnto a great Hall like a Church where stood sixe Porters with Maces which with new ceremonie let vs in Here was the King of Tartars accompanied with his Grandes among which were the Kings of Pafua Mecuy Capimper Raia Benam and the Anchesacotay and other Kings to the number of fourteene all in rich attire placed at the foot of the Throne two or three paces distant and a little further off stood two and thirtie faire women playing on diuers Instruments The King sate on the Throne encompassed with twelue Boyes on their knees with small Scepters of gold on their shoulders amongst which was a faire Damsell which euer and anone fanned the King This was the sister of Mitaquer who
little Baskets very curiously wrought or else in Barrels made of earth all gilt Within two houres after their comming thither there came another messenger from the Vice-roy with many men laden with Capons Hennes Geese Teales gamons of Bacon and Conserues of diuers sorts and of great abundance sufficient for one hundred men to suppe that night and for their dinner the next day The next day in the morning very earely there came much people vnto their lodging sent by the Vice-roy and brought with them two rich Chayres for to carrie the Fathers in and the Curtaines tyed vp that they might the better bee seene and for their companions very good Horses sadled after the fashion which they doe vse They foorthwith made haste for to depart and although they made great speed yet were they a good houre and a halfe before they could come vnto the gates of the Citie and seemed vnto them that they had trauelled two leagues in the Suburbes well peopled faire houses and many shops full of Merchandise Before they came vnto the Gates they passed a mightie Riuer three times ouer Bridges that were great and very faire and the Riuer so deepe that great Ships came vp the same but their mastes stooping downe to passe vnder the bridges This Citie is the head Citie of all the Prouince verie rich and fertile and many Townes belonging vnto it and but eight leagues from the Sea They had no leasure to tell the Souldiers but they saw that from the Gate vntill they came vnto the Vice-royes Palace on both sides which was a good way to bee full of them and all richly apparelled and of one colour The people that were at the windowes and in the street betwixt the houses and the Souldiers were so great a number that it seemed to be doomes day and that all the people in the world were there ioyned together in that street When they came vnto the Palace which was two houres after day the Gentlemen that were their guides did cause the Spaniards to enter into a roome which was hard by till such time as the Gate was open for that it is open but once a day and so continue no longer time then the audience endureth which is done by the Vice-roy once euery day and that is but a small time But first before he doth enter into audience there is shot off foure peeces of Artillerie with a great noyse of Trumpets Drums and Waytes And there is no day that passeth without audience as our people did see by experience so long as they were there and were likewise informed of others The houre being come and the ceremonie done as aforesayd the Gates were opened and there was in the Court many Souldiers apparelled in the same liuerie that those were of in the street From the midst amongst them came foorth a Gentleman who was as it was told them the Captayne of the guard of the Vice-roy who came with great grauitie and authoritie towards the place whereas our people were and after they had saluted the one the other hee made signes vnto them that they should goe towards the gates of the Palace When they were within the first Court which was great and wrought with mightie pillars there was a great number of Souldiers and many Sergeants that entred into another great court and mounted vp a payre of stayres that was on the one side whereas all the people were with great silence sauing the Captayne of the guard who went with our people till they came to the gates of the Hall where was the Vice-roy at which gate hee stayed with his head discouered and made signes vnto ours that they should doe the like Then straight-wayes came foorth of the Hall a man apparelled in a long Robe of good personage and asked of the Spaniards if they would speake with the Vice-roy and they answered yea then asked hee againe from whom they came and by whom they were sent they answered that they were sent by the Gouernour of Philippinas who was seruant vnto the mightiest King in all Christendome When he had this answer he returned againe into the Hall and within a little while after he came foorth and bad them come in but gaue them to vnderstand that in entring into the hall whereas the Vice-roy was that they should kneele downe and talke with him in that order till hee commanded to the contrarie if they would vse this Ceremonie that then they should come in if not that they should returne backe againe They sayd that they would obserue the order giuen vnto them Therewith hee went in who seemed to bee the Master of ceremonies making a signe that they should follow after him and doe that which hee willed them to doe At the entring in at the doore they stayed a little and then kneeled downe right ouer against there whereas the Vice-roy sate in a Chayre very high like vnto a Throne with a Table before him and was in so darke a place that almost they could not see his face very well On the one side of him there were some like vnto Heralds of Armes with Scepters in their hands and on the other side two men of a gallant comlinesse armed with Corslets made of scales of Gold downe to the calfe of their legges with Bowes in their hands of gold and Quiuers at their backs of the same Both the one and the other were vpon their knees There was vpon the Table before him paper and all things necessarie to write which is an ordinarie vse amongst them at all times when there is any publike audience and on the one side of the board a Lion made of blacke wood which was as after they vnderstood the Armes of that Prouince So straight-wayes hee made signes vnto them to draw neere which they did and kneeled downe a little from the Table which was whereas the Master of Ceremonies did will them In this sort they began to talke with him by their Interpreter and told them the occasion of their comming into that Citie and Kingdome and from whom and vnto whom they were sent But hee made signes vnto them that they should arise the which they did with a very good will and did perseuer in their intent But the Vice-roy did cut them off before they could make an end and asked if they had brought any Letter from their King vnto the King his Lord whom they would goe to see and talke with but when they answered no hee straight-wayes tooke his leaue of them saying that they were welcome and that they should depart vnto their lodgings and to take their ease for that afterwards they should haue occasion to declare their mindes vnto him and hee would giue them their answer for that the King was farre off and it requireth along time to come whereas hee is but he would write vnto him and according vnto his commandement he would make them answer And therewith hee tooke the Letter and
publike audience the cause of their comming and being heard to giue them their answer according as they had determined for the which vpon a day appointed they met all together but not the Vice-roy in the house of the Cagontoc and commanded to come before the Castillos who did accomplish their request with a great good-will for that they vnderstood that they were called to entreat of their matter either to tarrie or depart So when they came thither they were commanded to enter into a mightie Hall whereas they were all set in verie rich Chayres with great grauitie and maiestie The Insuanto seemed to bee the chiefest amongst them but whether it was for that hee was the principallest next vnto the Vice-roy or as it was told them for that it was hee that sent Omoncon in the chase of the Rouer Limahon they knew not but so soone as they were entred into the Hall they were commanded to draw nigh there whereas they were all placed without bidding them to sit downe neither did they vse any particular circumstances or courtesie The Insuanto tooke vpon him the charge and demanded of the Spaniards by meanes of the Interpreters what was the occasion of their comming into that Countrey The Spaniards answered as they thought and supposed that at that time it could not bee but that Limahon was either taken prisoner or slaine Then did the Insuanto conclude his speech in saying vnto them that they should returne vnto their owne Countrey to the Ilands and at such time as they did bring Limahon they would conclude all things touching the friendship they requested and also for the Preaching of the Gospell So from that day forwards they did procure with all haste for to depart and gaue the Vice-roy to vnderstand thereof who answered them and sayd that they should comfort themselues and receiue joy and pleasure and that hee would dispatch them so soone as the Visitor of that Prouince was come to Aucheo which would bee within ten dayes for that hee had written vnto him that he should not dispatch them vntill his comming for that he would see them From that day forwards he commanded that sometimes they should let them goe foorth abroad to recreate themselues and that they should shew vnto them some particular pleasure or friendship So one of them was carryed to see the Mustering of their men of warre which they haue in a common custome throughout all the Kingdome to doe it the first day of the New-moone and is sure a thing to bee seene and they doe it in the field which is joyning vnto the walls of the Citie in this manner following There were joyned together little more or lesse then twentie thousand Souldiers Pike-men and Harquebusse shot who were so expert that at the sound of the Drum or Trumpet they straight-wayes put themselues in battle aray and at another sound in a squadron and at another the shot doe diuide themselues from the rest and discharge their Pieces with very gallant and good order and with a trice put themselues againe into their places or standings this being done the Pike-men came foorth and gaue the assault all together with so good order and consort that it seemed vnto the Spaniards that they did exceed all the warlike orders vsed in all the world and if it were so that their stomacks and hardinesse were equall vnto their dexteritie and number of people it were an easie thing for them to conquer the dominion of all the world If it so chance that any Souldier should lacke in his Office and not repayre to his place appointed hee is straight-wayes punished very cruelly which is the occasion that euery one of them hath a care vnto his charge This their Muster indured foure houres and it was certified vnto the Spaniards that the same day and houre it is done in all Cities and Townes throughout the whole Kingdome although they are without suspection of enemies Fiue and twentie dayes after that the Insuanto had giuen the resolute answer vnto the Spaniards came the Visitor thither and the whole Citie went foorth to receiue him who entred in with so great Maiestie that if they had not knowne who hee was they could not haue beene perswaded but that he had beene the King The next day following the Spaniards went to visite him for duties sake as also for that hee had a desire to see them They found him in his lodging where he began to make visitation of the Citie In their Courts were an infinite number of people which came thither with Petitions and complaynts but in the Halls within there was none but his Seruants and Sergeants When that any came for to present his Petition the Porter that was at the entrie made a great noyse in manner of an Oâ—est for that it was a good way from the place whereas the Visitor did sit then commeth foorth straight-wayes one of his Pages and taketh the Petition and carryeth it vnto him At this time it was told him how that the Castillas were there hee commanded that they should enter and talked with them a few words but with great courtesie and all was touching the Imprisonment of Limahon without making any mention of their departure or tarrying So after a while that hee had beheld them and their apparell he tooke his leaue of them saying that by reason of the great businesse hee had in that visitation he could not shew them any courtesie neither to vnderstand of them what their request and desire was but gaue them great thankes for their courtesie shewed in that they would come to visite him Three dayes after the Visitor was come thither the Insuanto departed for his owne house with order that with all speed possible hee should ordayne Ships wherein the Castillas should returne vnto the Philippinas Likewise the same day all those that were there assembled by the order of the Vice-roy departed vnto their owne houses And the Spaniards were commanded for to stay vntill the full of the Moone which should bee the twentieth of August and that day they should take their leaue of them for on that day amongst them it is holden for good to begin any thing whatsoeuer Wherein they doe vse great superstition and doe make many banquets as vpon New-yeeres day The day before the departure of the Spaniards there came some in behalfe of the Vice-roy to inuite them and made them banquet in the order and fashion as at the first although this for that it was at their departure was more sumptuous wherein was represented a Comedie which was very excellent and good whose argument was first declared vnto them All the which they did represent so naturally and with so good apparell and personages that it seemed a thing to passe in Act. There was not in this banquet the Vice-roy but those Captaynes which were there the first time and another Captayne vnto whom was giuen the charge to
that vnto that time it remained dispeopled and full of wilde Swine of the brood that remained there at such time as they were slaine and carried away as you haue heard This Iland and the rest adjoyning thereunto which are very many haue very excellent and sure Ports and Hauens with great store of fish These Ilands endured vntill they came vnto a little Gulfe which is fiue and fortie leagues ouer and is sayled in one day and at the end thereof is the Port of Cabite which is neere vnto Manilla So when that winde and weather serued their turne they departed from the Iland of Ancon and sailed till they came vnto another Iland called Plon where they vnderstood by a ship that was there a fishing how that the Rouer Limahon was escaped in certaine Barkes which he caused to bee made very secretly within his Fort of such Timber and Boards as remained of his ships that were burnt the which was brought in by night by his Souldiers on that side of the Fort which was next vnto the Riuer and were not discouered by the Castillas which were put there with all care and diligence to keepe the mouth that come in to helpe them And towards the Land there whereas he might escape they were without all suspection they were so strong and did not mistrust that any such thing should be put in vre as afterwards did fall out the which was executed with so great policie and craft that when they came to vnderstand it the Rouer was cleane gone and in safeguard calking his Barkes at the Iland of Tocaotican the better for to escape and saue himselfe and they said that it was but eight dayes past that he fled With this newes they all receiued great alteration but in especiall Omoncon and Sinsay After they had remained three weeks in that Harbour detayned with a mighty North-wind that neuer calmed night nor day in all that time The eleuenth day of October two houres before day they set sayle and went to Sea Sixteene leagues from the Port sailing towards the South they discouered a mightie Iland very high Land which was called Tangarruan and was of three score leagues about all inhabited with people like vnto those of the Ilands Philippinas Vpon Sunday in the morning being the seuenteenth day of October they discouered the Iland of Manilla of them greatly desired they sayled towards the Iland that they so long desired to see and came thither the twentie eight day of October as aforesaid So that from the Port of Tansuso which is the first Port of China till they came vnto the Iland of Manilla they were fiue and fortie dayes and is not in all ful two hundred leagues which may be made with reasonable weather in ten dayes at the most I could haue here added two other Voyages of Franciscans to China the one by Peter de Alfaro and other three of his Order 1579. the other 1582. by Ignatio c. both written at large by Mendoza But I hasten to our Iesuites exacter Relations Only I will conclude this Storie with Alfaros returne from China to the Philippinas and his Relation of their Witch-crafts vsed in a Tempest then happening after that two Letters mentioning English ships on that Coast. But it so fell out as they were going alongst the Coast of the Iland for to enter into the Port of Manilla and being within fiue leagues of the entry thereof vpon a sudden there arose the North-wind with so great furie and caused so great a Sea that they found themselues in a great deale more danger then in the other storme past in such sort that they sponed before the winde with their fore-sayle halfe Mast high shaking it selfe all to pieces and in euery minute of an houre readie to be drowned The Chinois for that they are Superstitious and Witches beganne to inuocate and call vpon the Deuill for to bring them out of that trouble which is a thing commonly vsed amongst them at all times when they find themselues in the like perplexitie also they doe request of him to shew them what they should do to bring themselues out of trouble But when the Spaniards vnderstood their dealings they did disturbe them that they should not perseuer in their Lots and Inuocations and beganne to conjure the Deuils which was the occasion that they would not answere vnto the Inuocation of the Chinois who did call them after diuers manners yet they heard a Deuill say that they should not blame them because they did not answere vnto their demand for they could not doe it for that they were disturbed by the conjuration of those Spanish Fathers which they carried with them in their ship So presently when the night was come God was so pleased that the storme ceased and became in few houres very calme although it endured but a while for as they began to set sayle to nauigate towards the Port and almost at the point to enter into the same a new storme seized on them and with so great force that they were constrayned to returne vnto the Sea for feare to bee broken in pieces vpon the shoare The Chinos began anew to inuocate the Deuils by writing which is a way that they neuer let but doe answere them as they did at this instant and were not disturbed by the coniurations of the Fathers yet notwithstanding they lyed in their answer for that they said that within three dayes they should be within the Citie of Manilla and after it was more then foure dayes In conclusion hauing by the fauour of almightie God ouercome all their trauels by the Sea and the necessitie of the lacke of water and victuals they arriued at the desired Port the second day of February Anno 1580. whereas they were receiued by the Gouernour and of all the rest with great ioy c. Two Letters taken out of BARTOLOME LEONARDO DE ARGENSOLA his Treatise called Conquista de las Islas Malucas Printed at Madrid 1609. pagg. 336.337 mentioning the comming of two English ships to China which seeme to bee two ships of the fleet of BENIAMIN WOOD The former written by the Visitor of Chincheo in China vnto the Gouernor of the Philippinas Don PEDRO DE ACVNNA TO the grand Captaine of Luzon Because wee haue vnderstood that the Chineses which went to trade and trafficke into the Kingdome of Luzon haue beene slaine by the Spaniards wee haue made inquisition of the cause of these slaughters and haue besought the King to doe iustice on him that hath beene the cause of so great mischiefe to procure a remedie for the time to come and that the Merchants may liue in peace and safety In the yeeres past before I came hither to be Visitour a certaine Sangley called Tioneg with three Mandarines or Iudges hauing the Kings Passe came to Cabit in Luzon to seeke Gold and Siluer which was all lyes because he found neither Gold
shee bountifully repayed in pieces of Marble much esteemed in China the best merchandise for such as goe to Catay Leo Grimane the Priest wearied with the tediousnesse of the iourney went no further and Demetrius stayed in this Citie on merchandising affaires Goes held on with Isaac the Armenian in the companie of other Merchants which gaue likelihood of better securitie The first Citie they came at was called Ciaracar in which place is great store of Iron Here Goes was not a little troubled the Mogols Seale in these his borders being neglected which all this way hitherto had freed him from payment of Customes Ten dayes after they came to a small Towne called Paruam the vtmost of the Mogoll confines After fiue dayes stay they had twentie dayes iourney ouer high Mountaines into a Region named Aingharan In fifteene dayes more they came to Calcia The people of this Region hath yellow haire on head and beard like the Low-Countrey-men and dwell in diuers Villages Ten dayes after they came to a place called Gialalabath where the Bramanes exact Customes granted them by the King Bruarate After other fifteene dayes â—key came to Talban where Ciuill broiles detayned them a moneth the Calcians rebelling and endangering the wayes Hence they passed to Cheman Vnder Abdulahan King of Samarhan Burgania and Bacharate and of other neighbouring Kingdomes is a small Towne the Captaine whereof sent to the Merchants to containe themselues within the walls the Calcians infesting all without They answered that they would pay their Customes and pursue their iourney by night But hee forbad them saying that the Rebels had no Horses as yet which if they could take from the Carauan they would proue more mischieuous much better it were if they would ioyne with him to repell them Scarcely were they comne to the walls when the rumour came of the Calcians comming at which newes the Captaine and his ranne away The Merchants erected a sudden fortification of their packes and carried into the same great store of stones to serue their turnes if Arrowes failed The Calcians perceiuing that sent a message to the Merchants that they should feare nothing for they would accompanie and defend them They durst not trust them but resolued to flee to the next Wood the Theeues taking out of the packes what they pleased and then calling them forth and permitting them with their emptied packes to enter the emptie walls Benedict lost nothing but a Horse for which also hee after receiued Cotton clothes They liued within the walls in great feare But at that time a great Captaine named Olobet Ebadascan sent his Brother out of the Bucharate Region to the Rebels which caused them to permit the Merchants to goe freely in all which iourney the Rere was vexed with Pilferers Foure of them set vpon Goes to escape whom hee threw amongst them his Persian Turbant whereof they making a foot-ball hee meane while set spurres to his Horse and ouertooke his companie Eight dayes after with a tedious passage they came to Badascian called Tengi which signifieth A troublesome way for there is space but for one to passe and that on the high banke of a great Riuer The Inhabitants with a companie of Souldiers set vpon the Merchants and tooke from Goes three Horses which he after redeemed with gifts Here they stayed ten dayes and thence in one day came to Ciarciunar where they were fiue dayes detayned with raines in the open field and were besides assaulted by Theeues Ten dayes after they arriued at Serpanil a place quite forsaken They climbed into a high Hill called Sacrithma whither the strongest Horses were only able to passe the rest going about Two of Goes his Horses halted and had much adoe to ouertake their fellowes In twentie dayes iourney comming to the Prouince Sarcil they there found many neighbouring Villages After two dayes stay for refreshing they in two dayes more came to the foot of a Hill termed Ciecialith which they ascended thicke couered with Snow wherewith many were frozen and Goes was in great danger For the Snow held them sixe dayes after which they came to Tangetar which belongs to the Kingdome of Cascar There Isaac the Armenian fell from the banke of a great Riuer into the water and was eight houres space halfe dead In fifteene dayes more they attayned the Towne Iaconich such an ill way that Goez lost sixe Horses with the trauell In fiue dayes he got hasting before the companie to the chiefe Citie named Hiarchan whence hee prouided his companions of necessaries who soone after arriued there in Nouember 1603. Hiarchan the Seat Royall of the Kingdome of Cascar hath great resort of Merchants and is also well stored with variety of merchandise The Carauan of Cabul here ends their Voyage and from thence to Catay is a new one furnished the Captainship whereof the King selleth at a great price and conferreth on the Captaine Regall power ouer the Merchants thorow all that way It was a yeeres space before they could all bee ready to so long and dangerous a iourney which required many persons Neither is it performed euery yeere but by them onely which know they shall be admitted into Catay There is no better merchandise as before is said then a certaine shining Marble which wee are wont to call Iasper for want of a fitter word which the King of Catay buyeth at a great price and what hee leaueth they may sell to others at exceeding rates Of it they make diuers ornaments for Vessels Garments Girdles with leaues and flowers artificially engrauen The Chinois call it Tuscè and of it are two kinds one more precious which is taken out of the Riuer Cotan not farre from the Citie Royall in manner as the Diuers fish for Pearles and is brought out like thicke flints the other meaner is digged out of Hils and is sawed into broad stones aboue two Ells wide after fitted to the Voyage This Hill is twentie dayes Iourney from that Citie Royall and is stiled Cansangui Cascio that is The stonie Mountayne They are thence taken with incredible labour both for the desertnesse of the place and the inexorable hardnesse of the Marble which they say is forced with fire made thereon to yeeld the license also to take it is deere sold by the King to some one Merchant who purchaseth the Monopoly and when they goe thither they carrie a yeares prouision for the Labourers which in that space returne not Goez visited the King whose name is Mahamethin and presented him with a Watch a Glasse and other European Commodities which made him very welcome Hee would not at first tell him of going to Catay but only spake of the Kingdome of Cialis East-ward from thence and procured his grant thereto assisted by the Sonne of his Sister the Pilgrime Queene before mentioned Sixe moneths passed and Demetrius one of his old Societie which staid at Cabul
diuided by a great Riuer from China and tributarie to the King of China it is in length about an hundred leagues and sixtie broad the people vnlike the Chinois in language and bodily strength but following their lawes customes and gouernement They are better Archers then at any other weapons and not comparable to the Iaponians except in shipping wherein they and the Chinois exceed Yet at this time they were destitute of that defence and Augustine gaue them a great ouerthrow Before Quabacondono would goe he made his Brothers Sonne by the Dairi to be entituled Quabacondono as his Heire and Successour contenting himselfe with the title of Taicosama that is Great Lord. All the Iaponian Princes were commanded to be present at the translation to giue him obedience to whom the Dairi gaue the Fortresse of Meaco and the Palaces of Quabacondono making him Lord of Tensa But his Vncle held the sway of all in his owne hands and after hauing a Sonne of his own caused this his Nephew with some others to crosse himselfe that is to cut his breast acrosse his bowels falling out and some one of those which died with him cutting off his head Augustine with a Fleet of eight hundred sayles entred Corai and tooke two Fortresses the Coraians being driuen from the walls by the Iaponders Gunnes vnknowne to the other and fiue thousand of them slayne This wanne him great credite with Taicosama who promised him much yet performed little Hee defeated also an Armie of twenty thousand and after another of fourescore thousand and the King fleeing into China tooke the Meaco or Royall Citie of Corai Taicosama sent him a Horse and a Sword the honour that Nabunanga was wont after any great Victorie to doe to him The Coraians seeing their King with his troops in safety fled with their prouisions into Woods and Hills and would not thence bee brought by any promises The Iaponian possessed of the Fortresses wanted men to till the ground and therefore must needes want necessaries the wayes also were by the Coraians vpon all occasions assaulted There are two hundred thousand Iaponians at this present in Corai and Augustine is in the extreme borders adioyning to China separated notwithstanding by a Riuer three leagues broad abounding in ships and the shores fortified with multitudes of men so that the successe is doubtfull Froes in his Epistle 1595. writeth that there were then an hundred and ninety Iesuites in Iapon and China that Taicosama not succeeding in his Coraian expedition returned to Meaco and quarrelled the new Quabacondono out of his life who with fiue others at Taicos command executed themselues after the Iaponian manner Augustine meane while endeauoured an Embassage to bee sent from the King of China who thinking himselfe Lord of the World sent to Taicosama that it was an vnmeet thing that He whose industrie and valour had subdued threescore and sixe Kingdomes of Iapon to his Empire should permit the Dairi a priuate man and Subiect to the King of Iapon to hold his former place of dignitie And if hee would depriue him thereof hee promised to send him a Crowne and the title of King and by the same Legates to treate further about the Iaponians forsaking Corai Two Embassadours were sent from Pequin to Augustine to Corai who presently sent word to Taico the Embassadours abiding with him because of the solemne entertaynment which Taico intended for the renowme of his name to all posteritie The Nobles exhaust in the former expedition were yet now enforced to new braueries and expences Hee caused at Ozaca a Hall to bee erected with a thousand Tatami very elegant Mats the timber costly and gilding incredible Yet by store of raynes a great part thereof fell downe which hee intended soone to repaire hauing an hundred thousand men at worke there both night and day in great miserie standing with their feet in the water If any runne away they are killed Before this Hall hee erected a Theatre for Comedies exceeding stately and costly with artificiall paintings of Vrusci Hee repaired the Tower of Ozaca seuen stories high The gilded Plates or Tiles the Bridge called The Bridge of Paradise the new Citie of Fuscimo which he builded and other his immane expenses the Offerings to his Idoll of Fame I omit Hee caused his little Sonne to goe with great State to Sandai to the Dairi that is to bow his head thrice before him downe to the Mats who entertayned him with a solemne feast with great Iubilee in alteration of names and titles of honour to the Nobles Taico had settled peace thorow all Iapon from Warres from Robbers by land and from Rouers by sea which before continually infested all with Piracies one of which Noximandono is mentioned by the Iesuites in this time to haue had a great Fleet of ships and to haue forced a great part of the Coast to yeerely tribute vnto him to bee freed from his Robberies onely the Dairi had higher title and a Crowne and Scepter seemed wanting to his realitie of Regalitie and Soueraigntie already possessed And now whiles hee intended to exceed himselfe in his entertaynment of the Embassadours one of them hating this long detention or imprisonment in Corai fled which newes Augustine sent to both Courts From China the Legacy was renewed the Delinquents kindred punished Meane while the two and twentieth of Iuly 1596. at Meaco it rayned ashes wherewith the houses hills and trees were couered as with snow and a great myst accompanied it At the same time at Ozaca and Sacaia it rayned sands At Meaco after the showre of ashes came another of haires long and white like the hoary haires of an old womans head but softer and not so smelling when cast into the fire In the Northerne Kingdomes of Iechu Iechingo Scimano and Nota the land and houses were couered with them A Comet appeared in August on the thirtieth whereof followed an Earth-quake as a warning to a greater on the fourth of September which threw downe Taicos magnificent Hall with a thousand Tatamos in which hee had purposed to entertayne the China Legates and the Tower of seuen lofts and another Tower and almost all the buildings of the Fortresse and the Store-houses which were very large and stored with Corne and halfe the houses of Ozaca all in halfe an houre sixe hundred people being buried in the ruines It made a noise like Thunder and like the waues beating on the shoare The Earth opened in many places A great new Temple and a Monastery fell downe and the same day in which the Iesuite had heard a Bonzi in the same Temple inuiting to call vpon Amida and much depredicating his mercies The next day at Meaco was a noise greater then of the greatest Cannons that euer were heard dreadfull to man and beast and wee said the Letanies on our knees but scarsely could keepe on our knees for the Earth-quake Others forsooke their houses lamented
Snowes from the Hills whence they spring By the heate in that Iourney of a moneth and sometimes two moneths the viands which they carrie are often corrupted before they come to Pequin for which cause they coole them with Ice and in all those wayes much Ice is preserued for that purpose and distributed to the passengers and so all things are carryed fresh to the Court. The Eunuches of those Ships sell emptie roomes to the Passengers for their gayne for the Chinois thinke it a glory to send that which goeth to the King in many ships not to giue them their full lading which is also profitable for that sterilitie of Pequin Merchants by these conuenient fraights making nothing to want there where nothing growes Ours hyred a roome in like manner for their ease By reason of the great heat they all fell sicke yet by Gods helpe recouered When they were to passe out of the Riuer in the Prouince of Sciantum they met with a hand-made Riuer which runnes out neere Pequin to the Tower Tiensin Another Riuer from Pequin or rather from Tartaria meetes it and runnes together with it into the Sea or into that Bay betwixt Corai and China after they haue runne together one day In this Tower there was a new Vice-roy extraordinary by reason of that inuasion of Corai from Iapon Hee prouided a huge Fleet for defence of Corai by which meanes that whole Riuer was full of Ships of warre and militarie tumult Ours went thorow the thickest of them without let and at length came to the Port or Banke rather of Pequin which banke is a dayes journey from the walls of Pequin And although by Art they haue made a huge Channell to the walls yet lest it should bee filled with multitude of Ships they suffer none but the Kings burthens to goe that way the others being carryed by Carts Beasts and Porters They came to Pequin on a festiuall day the Eeuen of the Virgins Natiuitie The chiefe Mart Townes in this way were Iamcheu in Nanquin Prouince in thirtie two degrees thirtie minutes Hoaingan in thirtie foure not all so much Sinceu in thirtie foure degrees thirtie minutes In Sciantum Prouince Zinim in thirtie fiue degrees fortie minutes Lincin in thirtie seuen degrees fortie minutes In Pequin Prouince Tiencin in thirtie nine degrees thirtie minutes Pequin in fortie large They are deceiued which eleuate it to fiftie Now from Canton which is two dayes from Amacao are of China furlongs fiue of which make a mile and fifteene a league by Riuer to Nanhiun one thousand one hundred and seuentie Thence to Nancian eleuen hundred and twentie From that to Nanquin one thousand foure hundred and fortie And thence to Pequin three thousand three hundred thirtie fiue in all seuen thousand sixtie fiue which makes of miles one thousand foure hundred and thirteene PEquin is situated in the Northerne border about one hundred miles from the wall against the Tartars Nanquin exceeds it in greatnesse composition of the Streets hugenesse of Buildings and Munitions but Pequin exceedeth it in multitude of Inhabitants and of Magistrates To the South it is compassed with two walls high and strong so broad that twelue Horses may easily runne abrest oin the breadth without hindering one the other They are made of Brickes saue that on the foot it stands all on huge stones the midle of the wall is filled with Earth the height farre xceeds those in Europe To the North is but one wall On these walls by night is kept as vigilant watch as if it were time of warre in the day Eunuches guard the gates or rather exact Tributes which is not done in other Cities The Kings Palace riseth within the inner Southerne wall neere the City gates and extends to the Northerne walls seeming to take vp the whole Citie the rest of the Citie running forth on both sides It is some-what narrower then the Palace of Nanquin but more goodly and glorious that seeming by the Kings absence as a carkasse without soule Few of the Streets are paued with Bricke or Stone so that in Winter dirt and dust in Summer are very offensiue and because it raineth there seldome the ground is all crumbled into dust and if any wind blow it enters euery Roome To preuent which they haue brought in a custome that no man of whatsoeuer ranke goeth on foot or rideth without a Veile or Bonnet hanging to his brest of that subtiltie that he may see and yet the dust not annoy him which also hath another commoditie that he may goe any whither vnseene so freed from innumerable tedious salutations and also he spares attendance and cost For to ride is not magnificent enough with the Chinois and to bee carried in their Seats is costly with Attendants especially and in that time of Warre it fitted with ours to passe vnknowne being Strangers Muletters stood at the Palace and City gates and in euery Street to let Mules themselues also attending the Hirers whether they would in the City which leading the beasts by the bridle in that frequencie made way being also skilfull of the wayes knowing most of the great mens Houses all at a reasonable rate There is a Booke also which truly relateth all the Streets Lanes Regions of the City Porters also with Seats to carrie Men and Horses are euery-where found but dearer then at Nanquin or other places All things are to bee had in abundaace but brought thither and therefore dearer Wood is scarce but supplied with Mine-coles we call them Sea-cole necessary to that Region cold beyond what the Glimate vsually exacteth their Beds are so made with Brick-workes that they by a new kind of Stones admit the heate of those Coles a thing vsuall in all those Northerne Regions These Northerne Chinois are some-what more dull but better Souldiers then the other Here they learned that this Kingdome is Cataio and the King of China the great Can and Pequin Cambalu For the nine Kingdomes of Mangi are those Southerly Prouinces which are vnder the great Riuer Iansuchian and sixe vpon it make vp the fifteene so great that some one of them is as great as all Italy Anno 1608. whiles we write it is fortie yeares since two Turkes or Moores out of Arabia brought to China a Lion a beast seldome here seene by Land which had an Office giuen by the King to them and theirs to keepe the Lion and that they should carry no Tales thence They in conference called this Kingdome great Catay and this City Camhalu the like we heard of others which had comne from Persia. The Chinois also haue heard of that name and still call the Tartars Lu and the North parts Pa and Pe to which Can the Tartarian Title added easily makes Canpalu or Cambalu with others for the Chinois seldome vse B. and Marco Polo comming in with the Tartars called it by their name And at
that belong to this Kingdome For in euery Citie there are two sorts of them one sort of vessels for burden and another sort for houses Some of them are very faire and as fit to dwell in as houses themselues and many of them also serue for houses for poore people wherein they haue their whole houshold and bring vp Hens and Hogs and gayne their liuing in them I remember that the same morning that wee entred into Nanquin there went 500. Vessels or more before our Barke to enter at the same houre with their sayles vp most pleasantly to behold many of them being laden with diuers things all for the prouision of that great Citie and on this manner they continued all day long in going and comming The Barges of the Mandarines which are all made at the Kings cost are the most costly and are most for the sight and very great They would much reioyce in our Europe to see them because it seemeth that there is nothing comparable to these in beauty Most commonly these haue Trumpets and Drummes which they play vpon when they passe by the Citie and when they meet with others that all may giue them place They are commonly as long as Gallies and as broad or more but very high so that to get vp into one of them is aboue a fathome high from the water and therefore they carrie a great burthen And because I spake before of those which carrie the Kings Tribute I will here speake more particularly Many Prouinces from whence they cannot carrie Rice and other like things with ease to Paquin because they are farre off pay their Tribute in Siluer but those Prouinces from whence they may passe by water pay a great part in Rice For which occasion all the Cities haue great and strong Vessels made of purpose for this seruice And when the time of their departure is come euery Cafila or Companie departeth from their Citie with a Mandarine that hath the charge of them And they say that those Vessels which goe from this part of Nanquin in all amount to ten thousand though they goe not all euery yeere yet they haue alwaies more for yeeres of greater plenty and because many cannot returne in time to goe backe againe the next yeere I know not certainly how many they be but this onely I know that all this way from Nanquin to Paquin seemed to be a path-way of these Vessels whereby wee passed for they went all along and because they went so deeply loden oftentimes they wanted water To helpe this want of water for because it is no naturall Riuer it neuer ouerfloweth it hath floud-gates like Sluces wherewith it keepeth in all the current three or foure or sixe houres then opening the same many doe passe with great ease and they may goe very well vntill they come to such another place Besides these Vessels of victuals they carrie to the King euery yeere many others which bring him particular things and dainties whereof this Countrey of Nanquin yeeldeth great store and also for the seruice of the Kings house Some Cafilas or Carauans of these are of pieces of Silke for the Kings house which may be some dozen of Vessels others carrie many things to eate and with one of these Cafilas we passed They were nine great and faire Vessels which carried pieces of Silke and other things which they are wont to burne in the Sacrifices which they make vnto the dead and before their Idols They say that these Vessels for particular things are a thousand and as soone as they come within the Kings house the Eunuches take the charge of them From Nanquin vnto the middest of the Kings Palaces Vessels may passe by this Riuer to come to the place which they goe vnto they passe thorow the middest of the Palaces In all these Riuers when they want winde the Mariners draw the Barkes with great facilitie and sixe or seuen are sufficient easily and merrily to draw one of these Vessels laden Wee met likewise vpon this way a very great number of Vessels which came from farre laden with Brickes for the Kings workes and greater store this yeere to build a great piece of an house which fire from Heauen had burned for this purpose they carried great store of timber for beames and boords and other lesser timber which are carried from the parts of Nanquin vnto Paquin some an hundred and two hundred paces long and one log fastened vpon another so that these rafts grow high and great they carrie vpon them frames of dwelling houses ready made wherewith there goeth an inferiour Mandarine which hath the care of it and sometimes the Mariners goe with all their houshold and breed of Hogs Hens and Duckes for sometimes they stay aboue a Summer in going to Paquin These seuen or eight yeeres this prouision of timber Brickes and lime and other things hath continued The fertilitie of this Kingdome is great of all things that seeme to be needfull for the vse of mans life And if there bee any other Nation which liueth commodiously without needing trafficke with forraine Kingdomes they are the Chinois And though it bee true that some things come vnto them from forraine Countries yet are they not the necessary things for the life and which all men vse The most that commeth out of forraine parts and they desire is Siluer And that which all men carrie from thence is very much and very good merchandise as Silke Gold Muske Porcelanes pieces of wrought Silke raw Silke cloth of Cotton wooll all kinde of worke in Copper Iron and Latten Quicksiluer Sugar Honey Waxe Cinnamon workes made of fine wood and gilded as Bedsteads Ink-horns Cabinets and an infinite number of other things whereof there is so great abundance that although they send out many ships laden for Iapon India Manila and other parts yet without doubt they might prouide ten times more and if more would come to buy they would alwaies haue the more to sell. All things are very cheape without all comparison cheaper then in our Countrey A pound of Sugar is worth eight or ten Marauedis and sometimes sixe and if they buy any quantitie at once an hundred pounds weight are worth nine or ten Rials of Plate And here at the Court where all things are dearest a pound is worth twenty or foure and twenty Marauedis There is great store of Waxe and that very good which wee buy heere in Paquin for the seruice of our Altar a pound for a Riall and a Quartill and the pounds here are greater then ours for euery one of them weigh sixteene Duckets of Siluer weight Honey likewise is very good cheape Of Copper and Latten there is exceeding great abundance and Latten made and wrought into any worke that a man would haue with the fashion and all is worth a Riall and a Quartill the pound Needles an hundred a quarto and if they buy many together
grieuous punishment besides the losing of their Offices for that was certayn neuerthelesse there were many men of courage which wrote vnto him among whom there was one very renowned The letter which he wrote to the King began thus That although hee were assured that he were to be hanged and that the Fire were kindled to burne him yet hee would reprehend his vices and lewdnesses and the euill example that hee gaue to all his Kingdome And so hee did and spake verie freely and put him in great feare And it seemeth that for his sinceritie and courage the King had some regard of him and though hee punished him yet it was verie moderately There fell out another accident in this kinde within these few yeeres which because it is notable I will heere set it downe This King hath many women besides his lawfull wife which among themselues keepe the order of first and second Hee hath no Sonnes by his lawfull Wife but he hath one which is the eldest of the third or fourth and others yonger of the second The Eldest by the custome or lawes of the Kingdome is the lawfull inheritour although he bee of the fourth wife but hee bare more affection to the other and to her Sonne and desired by her perswasion to aduance him to bee Prince and would not haue aduanced the lawfull Heire The time being passed to performe the same many Mandarins lost their Offices for reprehending him of this disorder and for seeking to make him aduance the Eldest But the principall Mandarins of the Court perceiuing that hee proceeded on and would not doe that which they requested and which was reason consulted together and published a Proclamation which commanded all the Mandarins which are in the Court which are aboue some thousands that vnder paine of losing their Office they should all meete at such a day and such an houre in such a place of the Kings Palaces When they were all assembled at the day appointed with their Ensignes of Mandarins they put vp a Petition vnto the King saying That since so often they had aduised him of a thing so Iust and that hee made none account of them not seeking to aduance the true Prince that hee should seeke those that would serue him that all of them would there giue ouer their Ensignes of Mandarins and would no longer serue It seemeth the King was afraid of so great a resolution of the chiefest men of his Kingdome And so hee commanded an Eunuch to goe foorth vnto them and answer them that they should resume their Offices in Gods name and that hee would fulfill their request Finally they did effect so much that they caused him to doe that which was reason and so this yeere 1602. hee aduanced the true Prince of whom hereafter I will speake somewhat §. VI. Of the Gouernment of China Of the Mandarins the China Complements and manifold nicities NOw I haue touched the state of the Mandarins it offereth it selfe to speake of the manner of Gouernment in particular But I confesse vnto your Worship that the multitude of Offices which they haue is so great a frame that I was not able to vnderstand it to reduce it into order Onely I will say in generall that they haue many good things belonging vnto Gouernment but not the execution finally it is a Gouernment of Gentiles with a thousand faults There are no great store of Lawes but commonly they decide Controuersies of their owne heads and make Lawes in their Iurisdiction after their pleasure euery one diuerse And heere your Worship may imagine that the Gouernment in the practise cannot bee very iust since euery one that can tell how to make a good theame or exercise are not sufficient to bee Law-makers And it is very ordinarie among them to direct all things to their owne profit whereby of necessitie they commit many absurdities and wrongs and take all that they can get Bribes are vsuall and men vse these more then any thing else And though one of them know this fault in another they all dissemble as being in the same fault that others may winke at them And though they seeke to hide it one from another yet it is like the secret of Anchuelus The Mandarins are many in all Cities but very extraordinarie in the Courts of Nanquin and Paquin For in this Citie of Paquin besides the Mandarins of Armes whereof no great account is made and are more in number then the rest and besides those which alwayes repaire thither vpon the businesses of all the Prouinces Those that properly belong to this Citie and Court are aboue two thousand and fiue hundred who all or the most part heare Causes ordinarily twice a day so that wee cannot imagine what businesses occupie so many Mandarins nor what is the Iurisdiction of euerie one The most principall which are in all the Kingdome and heere are sixe Presidents of sixe Councels being the chiefest of the Kingdome There is one which is the greatest to whom belongeth the gouernment of all the Mandarins of the Kingdome to aduance them to higher Offices that doe deserue it and as much as they deserue to chastise and to degrade those which badly performe their Office which because it is a place so great and honourable the Chinois call him The Mandarin of Heauen who proposeth all these things to the King as to promote to aduance to disgrade the Mandarins and the King confirmeth them So that all the Mandarins how small soeuer they bee that are in all the Kingdome are appointed by the King The second hath the charge of all things belonging vnto Ceremonies as well humane of Courtesies and ceremonies in all royall Acts as in making the King the Prince and in marrying of them c. And all that which belongeth to the worship of the Sacrifices of the Dead and others which the Kings offer to Heauen and Earth There is another chiefe of the Councell of Warre another of the Kings Treasure which taketh the account of the Kings rents another Councell is of the Workes as of the Kings houses prouision for all things necessarie for the Walls of the Cities c. There is another of Chastisement whereunto causes criminall and sentences of Death doe belong Aboue these sixe there is onely one Degree which are absolutely the greatest before whom whatsouer the King doth in any thing is consulted of Although it bee true that these be rich and opulent in the conceit of the Chinois yet none of them in any thing may compare with any of the meanest Lord of title of our Countrey The wages which they haue of the King is small the attendance which they haue is of base people and of small countenance yet they are much respected and obeyed And the common people kneeleth vnto them as to the Mandarins The common chastisement which all the Mandarins doe giue is to whip them with peeces
things to the Table cut in little pieces except it bee of softer condition as Egges Fish and such things as their stickes will diuide They vse to drinke hot euen in hottest weather whether their Cia-decoction or Wine or Water which it seemeth is profitable to the Stomacke for they liue long and are strong at seuentie or eightie yeeres Neither is any of them troubled with the Stone which I suppose is occasioned by our cold drinke When any is Inuited a Libell is sent a day or more dayes if it bee to a solemne Banquet before signifying that the Inuiter hath prepared a Banquet of Hearbs and hath washed his Cups that at such a day and houre which commonly is neare night hee may heare and learne somewhat of him At the day they send another like Libell on the out-side of these Libels there is a red paper added with the more honourable Name of the inuited which the Chinois vse besides their proper name in the morning to each Guest and a third at the houre Their furniture is not Hangings whereof they haue no vse but Pictures Flowers Vessels to each Guest his Table and sometimes two to one the one before the other These Tables are some Cubits long and broad but more in length and couered with a cloath as our Altars The Seats shine with their Varnish adorned also with Pictures and Gold The first entertainment is with Cia in the Hall and thence they goe to the Feasting-roome Before they sit downe the Inuiter salutes the principall Guest with a low courtesie and holding a cup of Wine then goeth to the doore or porch and first making a low courtesie turning his face to the South powres out that cup on the ground offering it to the Lord of Heauen and bowing downe againe returneth and filling another cup goeth to that principall Guest and bowing salutes him in the place in which the rites of salutation are vsed and then they goe together to the Table where the chiefe Guest must sit The midst of it is the chiefe place there with both his hands he sets a dish with great veneration and taking the two stickes which vsually are of Ebonie or Iuorie tipped with Gold or Siluer where they touch the meate layes them by and taking a seat brusheth it with his sleeues lightly and sets it in the middest after which both goe backe and bow themselues in the middest of the Roome Thus hee doth to euery one placing the second on the left hand the third on the right Lastly hee which shall haue the chiefe roome receiueth of his seruant the Inuiters Dish and Cup and bids Wine to be filled and together with the other Guests and the Inuiter boweth downe and placeth the Dish on his Table which is placed in the lower part of the Hall with his backe to the South and face to the chiefe Table with the stickes and seat as he had done before to him and then all goe againe to their place with great ceremonie to fit them better with both hands he to whome the rite is done standing by the side of the doer with his hands in his sleeues and modestly bowing with thanks They wash neither before nor after After all this they performe the last rite of inclination to the Inuiter together and then each to other and then sit downe When they drinke the Inuiter with both hands takes the Cup in the Dish and lightly lifting it vp and then letting it down inuites them to drinke all turning to him at the same time and beginning to drinke or to sip rather foure or fiue times setting it to his mouth not as we vse with one continued draught After the first Cup the Dishes are brought in of which the Inuiter beginning all with their stickes apply a bit or two to their mouthes diligently obseruing not to lay downe their stickes before the principall Guest hath layd downe his and then the seruants fill his and after euery mans Cup with hot Wine and the same rite is againe and againe repeated but more sipping then eating Mean-while some discourse or Comedie or Musike continue The grace of their Feast is variety a little of each Flesh also and Fish mixed taking off nothing but setting one Dish on another like Castles and Towers Bread and Rice which there supplyes our Bread comes not in solemne Banquets They haue games also in which the loser is fined to drinke with others disport None is compelled to drinke aboue his strength Their drinke is tipsie boyled like our Beere Their solemne Banquets last all night the remainders giuen to the Guests seruants Neere the end of the Feast they change Cups In eating they are more moderate The King is obserued with more Rites then any other in the World None speakes to him but his Eunuches and those which liue in his Palace Sonnes and daughters None of the Magistrates without the Palace the Eunuches also haue their degrees speake to the King but by Petition and those with so many formes of veneration that none can make them which is not well exercised though he be learned Euery new yeere which beginnes with that New Moone which next precedeth or followeth the Nones of February out of euery Prouince a Legate is sent to visite the King which is done more solemnely euery third yeere Also in euery Citie on euery Change day all the Magistrates assemble to one place in their Citie where the Kings Throne and Dragon-ensignes are carued and gilded often bowing and kneeling before it with peculiar composition of the body to veneration and wish ten thousand yeers of life to the King The like is done on his Birth-day yeerely the Pequin Magistrates and Prouinciall Legates and the Kings kindred make their appearance there and presents All also which are named to any Office by the King goe to giue thankes to the Throne for the King is not there with rites prescribed with habite peculiar to that purpose with an Iuorie Table couering their mouth as oft as they speake before the King the King was wont to come forth to a window with such a Table in his hand and another on his head ouer his Crowne hanged about with threads of gemmes his face hidden in presence from the beholders The Kings colour is yellow forbidden to others of which his garment is wrought with many golden Dragons which are carued or painted in all the Palace and Vessell and furniture in the roofe also whence some haue thought the Tiles to be of Gold or Brasse being of a yellow Earth each nayled to the Timber with Nayles gilded on the heads that all may appeare yellow It were treason for another to arrogate that colour or Armes except he bee of the Royall linage The Palace gates are foure to the foure corners of the World They which passe by descend from their Horses or Seats and goe on foot till they be past the greatest soonest alight and
with two hundred men white and blacke in which Magistrates spend much time and the cunning skill whereof gets much credit to a man although hee can doe nothing else and some chuse such their Masters with wonted rites Theft is not punished with Death the second fault therein is branded with an hot Iron and Inke in the Arme with two Characters the third time in the Face after with their terrible Whipping or condemning to the Gallies for a time limitted so that there are abundance of Theeues Euery night in Cities many Watchmen at certayne times beate Basons as they walke the streets the streets also enclosed and shut yet many thefts are committed the Foxe being the Gooseherd and the Watch partners with the Theefe The Cities in greatest Peace in the midst of the Kingdome are shut euery Night and the Keyes carryed to the Gouernour §. V. Of their Superstitions Cruelties feares of Magistrates of the Kings kindred of Strangers and Souldiers Their Deities and three Sects Priests Nunnes Monasteries Legends Lyes NO superstition is so generall in the Kingdome as the obseruation of luckie and vnluckie Dayes and Houres for which purpose yeerely is Printed a two-fold Table of dayes by the Kings Astrologers in such plentie that euery house is full of them In them is written on euery day what may bee done or not or to what houre yee must forbeare businesse which may in that yeere happen There are others more dangerous Masters which make a liuing by this Wizardly profession of selling lyes or prescribing fit houres wherby many differre the beginning of Building or Iourneying till their appointed day or houre come then how vnfitting soeuer that prooueth with crosse weather they set on neuerthelesse though it be but a little little onset that the worke might thence appeare to take beginning The like superstitious obseruation they haue of the moment of the Natiuitie which they precisely set downe diuers professing by Astrologie or by superstitious numbers or by Physiognomie or Palmestrie or Dreames or words in Speech or posture of the body by innumerable other wayes to foretell future Fortunes many Gipsie-juglings vsed to such impostures as by a stalking Knaue which shall professe his Fortunes exactly told him by the professor or by learning out of printed Bookes which describe euery Citie Street and Familie what hath hapned as an argument of the truth of that which they say shall happen Yea their credulitie breeds such strong imagination that some being foretold of a Sicknesse such a day will then fall sicke of conceit Many also consult with Deuils and familiar Spirits and receiue Oracles from the mouth of Infants or of Beasts not without fraud They are superstitious in chusing a plot of ground to erect a dwelling House or Sepulcher conferring it with the head tayle and feete of diuers Dragons which liue forsooth vnder our earth whence depends all good or bad Fortune Diuers Learned men busie their wits in this abstruse Science and are consulted when any publike Buildings are raysed And as Astrologers by the Starres so these Geologers by inspection of Riuers Fields Mountaines and scite of Regions foretell Destinies dreaming by setting a Doore or Window this or that way conueying the rayne to the right or left hand by a higher or lower roofe honour and wealth shall accrue to the House Of these Impostors the Streets Cities Courts Shops Markets are full which sell that which themselues want good Fortune to all Foole-fortunate buyers yea Women and blinde folkes professe it and some find such Chapmen of the Learned Noble King and all that they grow to great riches by others little wits All disasters publike or priuate are attributed to Fate and ill scite of some Citie House or Palace The noise of Birds the first meeting in the Morning Shadowes caused by the Sunne in the house are their Fortune-guides For other vices some will make themselues Seruants to rich men to haue one of the hand-maydes become his Wife so multiplying issue to bondage Others buy a Wife but finding their family becomne too numerous sell their Sonnes and Daughters as Beasts for two or three pieces of Gold although no dearth prouoke him to euerlasting separation and bondage some to the Portugals Hence is the Kingdome full of Slaues not captiued in warre but of their owne free-borne Yet is seruice there more tollerable then else-where for euery man may redeeme himselfe at the price payd for him when hee is able and there are many poore which with hard labour sustayne themselues A worse euill in some Prouinces is theirs which finding themselues poore smother their new-borne Babes specially Females by an impious pietie and pittilesse pitie preuenting that sale to Slauerie by taking away that life which euen now they had giuen They pretend hereunto also their Metempsychosis dreaming that the Soule of that Infant shall the sooner passe into some more fortunate body and are not therefore ashamed to doe this in others presence yea not the meanest of the communaltie Many more inhumanely kill themselues either wearie of a miserable life or willing after death to bee reuenged of some enemy whiles to the Enemy of mankind many thousands yeerely Sacrifice themselues by Halter Drowning and Poyson Another immanitie in the Northerne Prouinces is vsed vpon Male Infants whom for hope of Palace preferments their Parents make Eunuches of which in the Kings house are ten thousand a dull and blockish kinde of vnkind vnmanly men Their Whippings also take away more liues then the executions of sentences to Death their Reedes slit two ells long a finger thicke and foure broad at the first blow breaking the skinne and flesh on the hinder part of the thighes to preuent which many bribe the Magistrates of whose domineering fulnesse of power they liue in perpetuall feare where calumnies and lyes are so rife which China perfidiousnesse made the Kings come so guarded abroad and vnknowne and now not to come foorth at all The Kings kindred are now growne to sixtie thousand and daily increasing become a burthen to the publike and daily increase in idlenesse impotence numbers the King being very jealous of them and setting Guards besides their perpetuall exile from Pequin and Nanquin No maruell if Strangers be no better trusted in China where the Natiues and Bloud are suspected out of whose Bookes they scorne to learne and repute them little better then Beasts and the Characters whereby they expresse them are taken from Beasts How Legats are held as prisoners in publike houses is else-where deliuered Commanders of Souldiers which guard places are guarded and watched and not trusted with the pay of their Companies neither is there any more base then the Souldiery most Slaues or condemned persons for their owne or their Ancestors euils and when they are free from exercises of warre they become Muletters Porters and of
like the European Palaces There is also a Lake close to the Citie which the eye can scarsly measure which sliding into a Valley encompassing embossed with diuers Hillocks hath giuen occasion to Art to shew her vtmost in the adorning the same beautifyng all those spacious bankes with Houses Gardens Groues a very Labyrinth to the bewitched eyes not knowing whereat most in this Maze to bee most amazed wherein most to delight And in delights doe they spend their dayes filling the Lake with Vessels furnished with Feasts Spectacles and Playes on the water There is a pleasant Hill in the middle of the Citie whereon is a faire Towre or Steeple where they measure their houres by a strange deuice Out of huge Vessels water droppeth from one to another the lowest being very large in the middle whereof is perpendicularly raysed a Rule distinguished with houre-spaces which by the ascent or descent of the water diuide the rising and declining day and declare the houres euery halfe houre some men appointed by Tables with Cubitall Letters to giue notice of the time to all men From this Hill is a prospect ouer all the Citie All the streets being set with Trees make shew of pleasant Gardens It is so full of Riuers Lakes Rils Ponds both in the Citie and Suburbs as if a man would frame a Platonicall Idea of elegancie to his minde The Idoll Temples are many and stately which Idolatry where it is wanting in China hath a worse Successor Atheisme Let vs stay awhile and gaze for where haue you such an Object Is not Quinsay whilome the Royall Seat of the Kings of Mangi as Venetus recordeth supposed by our Moderne Geographers to be swallowed vp with some Earth-quake or in Bellona's all-consuming belly here raysed vp from the Graue The Lake situate on the one side so Paulus reports of Quinsay the Name Quinsay signifying the Citie of Heauen and this called a Heauenly Paradise by the Chinois and Han signifies Lactea via in Heauen and Ceu perfect yea Quinsay or as Odoricus calls it Canasia and Han or Chançeu not so disagreeing in sound as different Dialects are wont the excellencie being chiefe Citie in the Kingdom and this Prouince sometimes Royal as Pequin now and Nanquin are the situation South-east from Cinczianfu fiue and twentie miles from the Sea the high Houses and Shops vnderneath the exceeding Trade Reuenue Pastimes by water multitudes fairenesse and length of the streets all so conspiring to prooue this Han or Hamceu to be that Quinsay of Paulus True it is that Quinsay was then greater beeing as Venetus saith one hundred miles about But the euerting of that Farfur and his Family then reigning the diuerting of the Court to Cambalu by the Tartars and after to Nanquin by Humvu and neuer returning hither might lessen the same And might not warres in that long siege by the Tartars in the recouery thereof by the Chinois easily circumcise her superfluitie Besides who knoweth whether all this huge Lake might bee contayned in that account of Paulus still compassed about with Buildings Or before those Warres the Lake it selfe might as Suceu now is be builded on which Time and Warre hath consumed nor since the remooue of the Court were so necessarie Mandeuill mentions Warres at Quinsay in his time Nicolo di Conti which was heere about the yeere 1440. sayth Quinsay was in his time new built of thirtie miles compasse But that Quinsay of Conti and Ahacen is perhaps Thiensin being as they lay it neerer Cambalu I confesse much may bee sayd for Nanquin to finde Quinsay there and I haue giuen such a note vpon it to incite industrious search because it was the Ancient royall Chamber Neither could I finde any other Royall Citie but Pequin in Ricius or other Writers till Trigautius later Epistles intimated that the Chequian Prouince hath beene sometimes Imperiall which I conceiue to bee that time of Farfur mentioned by Polo and Hanceu his Quinsay Anno 1618. Trigautius writes of Persecution in China raised by an Idolotrous Magistrate in Nanquin and effected by bribes which hath caused the Iesuites to bee sent thence but because our intelligence is little wee will leaue them heere as much as lyeth in our power and visite some of the other Northerne people hauing first giuen you a briefe view of a French-mans trauell Monsieur de Monfart who hauing trauelled thorow the Indies saluted Canton in China and Cauchinchina whose knowledge therefore could not bee so solid as the Iesuites nor yet is so contemptible that it should vtterly bee forgotten Wee will therefore present his Seruice as a French Page and one attending the Iesuites Grauitie and thus as it were bearing their trayne FRom Malaca I went to Macao neere a moneths trauell which is a Citie scituate on the Sea coast at the foote of a great Mountayne where in times past the Portugals had a great Fort and to this day there bee yet many that dwell there This is the entrance into China but the place is of no great importance they are Gentiles and there the Inhabitants begin to bee faire complexioned Thence I trauelled two moneths to the Cochinchines finding nothing by the way worthy of note no not so much as necessaries so that wee were fayne to carrie our Victuals with vs the greatest part of the way They are Subiects to the King of China but sometimes they rebell and make Warre against him And there is great number of Christians among them Their Kings treasure consisteth in a certayne kinde of Wood called Calamba for which the Portugals pay one hundred Crownes a pound to make Pater-nosters with It is of a mixt colour with blacke and yellow veynes the better sort of it is moyst so that being cut it expelleth a kinde of fat oylie liquour It groweth out of a certayne Tree which they fell and let it lye a while a putrifying then they bruise it and within the same they finde this kinde of Wood like many hard knots They are a very white people because there it begins to bee cold low of Stature flat Nosed and little Eyed with a very few hayres on their Chins and Mustachoes none at all on their Cheekes the hayre of the Head they weare long like Women tyed vp with a blacke silke hayre-lace and weare a flat Cap vpon them They weare Cloath-breeches made very leuell and a short Robe aboue them like a Master of the chamber of Accounts There are found a kinde of Serpents that will swallow vp a whole Stagge two Friers assured me that trauelling in that Countrey together with sixteene other men through a Fenniemarsh about the dawning of the day they met to their seeming a great Tree lying along the ground the boughes being lopped off vpon which they all began to sit downe and rest themselues but no sooner were they sate but that which they tooke for a Tree fiercely rowsed it selfe from vnder them and
heathie grounds in the North parts of England which we call Heath or Ling. This groweth when the snow melteth and when the ground beginneth to be vncouered And on this doe the Deere feed in the Summer time and become very fat therewithall in a moneths space but how they liue in the Winter time it is not easily to be imagined For seeing at the end of May wee find the ground all couered with snow it is very like that in the time of Winter there is no part bare where any thing can grow especially during the time that the Sunne is altogether depressed vnder the horizon which in the latitude of 77. degrees continueth from the eighteenth of October till the fourth of Februarie This Countrey by all probabilities hath neuer been inhabited by any people notwithstanding I thinke men might liue there carrying thither good store of prouision of victuals and other things necessary against the cold which perhaps will be vehement in the Winter time by the former reasons namely because the Sunne remayneth so long vnder the Horizon Neuerthelesse there will not be any continuance of darknesse because the Sunne in his greatest declination will be but 10. degrees vnder the Horizon at this time of his being in the South of the Meridian in the former latitude of 77. degrees which is once in foure and twentie houres and therefore the time of their Noone will bee much lighter then our Night here in England when the dayes are at the longest for then is the Sunne 15. degrees vnder the Horizon at midnight and yet the greatest darknesse is but like twi-light And although it bee a generall saying and a common receiued opinion that the further North the greater cold yet experience teacheth that it is not alwaies true For at Mâ—sco and thereabouts in the Winter time there is extreme frosts and cold weather insomuch that oftentimes men are brought home dead being starued with cold and many haue their noses and eares caused to fall off through the extremity of the piercing aire yet at Edenborrow which is more Northerly by one degree and an halfe and in all places neere vnto it the aire is temperate and the cold tolerable the snow neuer lying any long time on the ground after it is fallen Notwithstanding wee haue snow remayning all the yeere long in diuers places of England but the reason of this is because the aire is euer warmest neere vnto the Sea shoare as Edenborrow standeth and contrariwise the cold is most vehement in places which are farthest remote from the Sea as Mosco is situated All the Creatures that appeare vnto vs vpon the Land are Deere Beares and Foxes and sundrie sorts of wilde Fowle as Cuthbert Duckes Willockes Stints Sea-pigeons Sea-parrets Gulls Noddies c. The Author addes a discourse of sending condemned men to inhabite there with diuers proiects for their seruice there for the further discouerie how best to bee effected for such things as are most necessary for this employment of Whale-killing c. but because experience hath giuen best instructions already and destructions must otherwise be preuented I haue forborne to detayne the Reader in those otherwise iudicious speculations A Whale is ordinarly about 60 foote longe When the whale comes aboue water the shallop rowes towards him and being within reach of him the harpoiner darts his harpingiron at him out of both his hands and being fast they lance him to death The whale is cut up as hee lyes floating crosse the stearne of a shipp the blubber is cut from the flesh by peeces 3 or 4 foote long and being rased is rowed on shore towards the coppers They place 2. or 3. coppers on a râ—â— and the chopping boat on the one side and the cooling boate on the other side to receiue the oyle of the coppers the chopt blubber being boyled is taken 〈◊〉 out of the coppers and put in wiker baskets or barowes throwgh which the oyle is dreaned and runÌ„es into the cooler which is fall of water out of which it is convaied by troughs into buts or hogsheads The manner of killing the Seamorces The manner of killâ—â—â— beres The Seamorce is in quantity as bigg as an oxe When the whale is killed hee is in this maner towed to the shipps by twoe or three shallops made fast one to another The peeces of blubber are towed to the shore side by a shallop and drawne on shore by a crane or caried by twoe menn on a barrowe to the twoe cutters which cutts them the breadt h of a trencher and very thinÌ„e by twoe boys are caried w th handhooks to the choppers Thus they make cleane and scrape the whale fins A tent and Coopers at worke REader I present thee here three admirable Voyages of Discouery made by the Dutch no whit enuying their due prayse but honouring their worthy Acts and Arts. They haue formerly beene published in Dutch and translated by W. Philip. I haue heere abbreuiated them as my vse is with others to auoid prolixitie The Dutch themselues write that after the English Russian Trade one Oliuer Bunell moued with hope of gaine went from Enckhuysen to Pechora where he lost all by shipwracke hauing discouered Costinsarca in Noua Zemla These Nauigations of the English and that of Bunell and the hopes of China and Cathay caused the States Generall to send forth two shippes vnder the command of Hugo Linschoten to the Streights of Wey-gates and two others vnder William Bernards by the perswasion of P. Plancius to goe right Northwards from Noua Zemla Linschot went fiftie miles beyond the Streights the Northerly winds and late season forcing him backe Bernards Iournall here followeth of that and his two later Voyages the two later written by one employed therein CHAP. III. The first Nauigation of WILLIAM BARENTS alias BERNARDS into the North Seas Written by Gâ—RAT de VEER IT is a most certayne and an assured Assertion that nothing doth more benefit and further the Common-wealth specially these Countryes then the art and knowledge of Nauigation in regard that such Countreyes and Nations as are strong and mightie at Sea haue the meanes and ready way to draw fetch and bring vnto them for their mayntenance all the principallest commodities and fruits of the Earth In these Nauigations we must not be dismayed if some mislike or if we cannot perfect a Discouery in the first second or third Voyage Alexander Magnus after he had wonne all Grecia and from thence entred into little and great Asia and comming to the farthest parts of India there found some difficultie to passe said If wee had not gone forward and persisted in our intent which other men esteemed and held to be impossible we had stil remayned and stayed in the entry of Cicilia where as now we haue ouer-runne and past through all those large and spacious Countreyes for nothing is found and effected all at one time neyther is any thing that is put in practice presently
off and so hee could doe nothing The first of March it was faire still weather the wind West but very cold and we were forced to spare our Wood because it was so great labour for vs to fetch it so that when it was day we exercised our selues as much as we might with running going and leaping and to them that lay in their Cabins wee gaue hot stones to warme them and towards night we made a good fire which we were forced to endure The second it was cold cleere weather with a West wind the same day we tooke the height of the Sunne and found that it was eleuated aboue the Horizon 6. degrees and 48. minutes and his Declination was 7. degrees and 12. minutes which substracted from 90. degrees resteth 76. degrees for the height of the Pole The third it was faire weather with a West wind at which time our Sicke men were somewhat better and sate vpright in their Cabins to doe some thing to passe the time away but after they found that they were too ready to stirre before their times The fourth it was faire weather with a West wind the same day there came a Beare to our House whom we watcht with our Pieces as wee did before and shot at her and hit her but shee runne away at that time fiue of vs went to our Ship where we found that the Beares had made worke and had opened our Cookes cupbord that was couered ouer with snow thinking to finde some thing in it and had drawne it out of the Ship where we found it The seuenth it was still foule weather and as great a winde so that wee were shut vp in our House and they that would goe out must climbe vp through the Chimney which was a common thing with vs and still we saw more open water in the Sea and about the Land whereby wee were in doubt that the Ship in that foule weather and driuing of the Ice would bee loose for as then the Ice draue while we were shut vp in our House and wee should haue no meanes to helpe it The eight it was still foule vveather with a South-west storme and great store of Snow whereby vve could see no Ice in the North-east nor round about in the Sea whereby vve were of opinion that North-east from vs there was a great Sea The ninth it was foule vveather but not so foule as the day before and lesse snow and then vve could see further from vs and perceiue that the vvater vvas open in the North-east but not from vs towards Tartaria for there vve could still see Ice in the Tartarian Sea otherwise called the Ice Sea so that vve vvere of opinion that there it was not very wide for vvhen it was cleere vveather vve thought many times that wee saw the Land and shewed it to our companions South and South-east from our house like a hilly Land as land commonly showeth it selfe when we see it The eleuenth it was cold but faire Sun-shine vveather the vvind North-east then we tooke the height of the Sunne vvith our Astrolabium and found it to bee eleuated aboue the Horizon 10. degrees and 19. minutes his Declination was 3. degrees and 41. minutes which being added to the height aforesayd made 14. degrees which substracted from 90. degrees there resteth 76. degrees for the height of the Pole Then twelue of vs went to the place where wee vsed to goe to fetch a Sled of Wood but still vve had more paine and labour therewith because we were vveaker and when we came home vvith it and were very vvearie we prayed the Master to giue each of vs a draught of Wine which hee did vvherewith we were somewhat releeued and comforted and after that were the willinger to labour vvhich vvas vnsupportable for vs if meere extremitie had not compelled vs thereunto saying oftentimes one vnto the other That if the Wood vvere to be bought for Money we would giue all our Earnings or Wages for it The twelfth it was foule weather the Winde North-east then the Ice came mightily driuing in which the South-west Wind had beene driuen out and it was then as cold as it had bin before in the coldest time of Winter The fifteenth it was faire vveather the Wind North that day wee opened our doore to goe out but the cold rather increased then diminished and was bitterer then before it had beene The sixteenth it vvas faire cleere weather but extreame cold with a North Wind which put vs to great extreamitie for that vve had almost taken our leaues of the cold and then it began to come againe This continued till the one and twentieth The one and twentieth it vvas faire weather but still very cold the Wind North the same day the Sunne entred into Aries in the Equinoctiall Line and at noone vvee tooke the height of the Sunne and found it to be eleuated 14. degrees aboue the Horizon but for that the Sunne was in the middle Line and of the like distance from both the Tropickes there was no declination neither on the South nor North side and so the 14. degrees aforesayd being substracted from 90. degrees there rested 76. degrees for the height of the Pole The same day we made shooes of Felt or Rugge which we drew vpon our feete for vve could not goe in our shooes by reason of the great cold for the shooes on our feet vvere as hard as hornes and then vve fetcht a Sled full of Wood home to our house with sore and extreame labour and with extremitie of cold which we indured as if March meant to bid vs farewell for our hope and comfort was that the cold could not still continue in that force but that at length the strength thereof would bee broken The three and twentieth it was very foule weather with infernall bitter cold the wind North-east so that we were forced to make more fire as we had beene at other times for then it was as cold as euer it had beene and it froze very hard in the floore and vpon the walls of our house The foure and twentieth it was alike cold with great store of snow and a North wind whereby we were once againe shut vp into the house and then the Coles serued vs well which before by reason of our bad vsing of them we disliked of The sixe and twentieth it was faire cleare weather and very calme then we digd our selues out of the house again and went out and then we fetcht another Sled of Wood for the great cold had made vs burne vp all that we had The eight and twentieth it was faire weather the wind South-west whereby the Ice draue away very fast The same day sixe of vs went aboord the ship to see how it lay and found it still in one sort but we perceiued that the Beares had kept an euill fauoured house therein The second of Aprill it was faire weather the wind North-east and very
but were forced to lie still but not long after the Ice opened againe like to a sluce and we past through it and set sayle againe and so sayled along by the Land but were presently enclosed with Ice but being in hope of opening againe meane time wee eate somewhat for the Ice went not away as it did before after that wee vsed all the meanes wee could to breake it but all in vayne and yet a good while after the Ice opened againe and we got out and sayled along by the Land West and by South with a South vvind The three and twentieth wee sayled still forward West and by South till the Sunne was South-east and got to the Trust-point which is distant from the Ice-point fiue and twentie miles and then could goe no furtheer because the Ice lay so hard and so close together and yet it was faire weather the same day we tooke the height of the Sunne with the Astrolabium and also with our Astronomicall Ring and found his height to be 37. degrees and his Declination 23. degrees and 30. minutes which taken from the height aforesayd there rested 13. degrees and 30. minutes which substracted out of 90. degrees the height of the Pole was 76. degrees and 30. minutes and it was faire Sun-shine weather and yet it was not so strong as to melt the Snow that we might haue water to drinke so that wee set all our Tinne platters and other things full of Snow to melt and so molt it and put snow in our mouthes to melt it downe into our throates but all was not enough so that we were compelled to endure great thirst FRom the Low-land to the Streame Bay the course East and West foure miles From the Streame Bay to the Ice-hauen point the course East and by North foure miles From the Ice-hauen point to the Ilands point the course East North-east fiue miles From the Ilands point to the Flushingers point the course North-east and by East three miles From the Flushingers point to the Head point the course North east foure miles From the Head point to the point of Desire the course South and North sixe miles From the point of Desire to the Iland of Orange North-west eight miles From the Ilands of Orange to the Ice point the course West and West and by South fiue miles From the Ice point to the point of Trust the course West and by South fiue and twentie miles From the point of Trust to Nassawes point the course West and West and by North ten miles From the Nassaw point to the East end of the Crosse Iland the course West and by North eight miles From the East end of the Crosse Iland to Williams Iland the course West and by South three miles From Williams Iland to the Blacke point the course West South-west sixe miles From the Blacke point to the East end of the Admirable Iland the course West South-west seuen miles From the East to the West point of the Admirable Iland the course West South-west fiue miles From the West point of the Admirable Iland to Cape Planto the course South-west and by West ten miles From Cape de Planto to Lombs-bay the course West South-west eight miles From Lombs-bay to the Staues point the course West South-west ten miles From the Staues point to Langenesse the course South-west and by South fourteene miles From Langenesse to Cape de Cant the course South-west and by South sixe miles From Cape de Cant to the point with the Blacke clifts the course South and by West foure miles From the point with the Blacke clifts to the Blacke Hand the course South South-east three miles From the Blacke Iland to Constint-sarke the course East and West two miles From Constint-sarke to the Crosse point the course South South-east fiue miles From Crosse point to Saint Laurence Bay the course South South-east sixe miles From Saint Laurence Bay to Mel-hauen the course South-east sixe miles From Mel-hauen to the two Ilands the course South South-east sixe miles From the two Ilands where we crost ouer to the Russia Coast to the Ilands of Matfloe and Delgoy the course South-west thirtie miles From Matfloe and Delgoy to the Creeke where we sayled the compasse round about and came to the same place againe two and twentie miles From that Creeke to Colgoy the course West North-west eighteene miles From Colgoy to the East point of Camdenas the course West North-west twentie miles From the East point of Camdenas to the West side of the White Sea the course West North-west fortie miles From the West point of the White Sea to the seuen Ilands the course North-west foureteene miles From the seuen Ilands to the VVest end of Kilduin the course North-west twentie miles From the VVest end of Kilduin to the place where Iohn Cornelis came vnto vs the course North-west and by VVest seuen miles From thence to Cola the course VVest Southerly eighteene miles So that wee sayled in the two open Scutes sometimes in the Ice then ouer the Ice and through the Sea three hundred and eightie one miles Flemish which is one thousand one hundred fortie and three miles English The foure and twentieth of Iune the Sunne being Easterly we rowed heere and there in the Ice to see where we might best goe out but wee saw no opening but when the Sunne was South we got into the Sea for the which we thanked God most heartily that hee had sent vs an vnexpected opening and then we sayled with an East winde and went lustily forward so that we made our account to get aboue the point of Nassawes close by the land and wee could easily see the point of Nassawes and made our account to bee about three miles from it The sixe and twentieth it still blew hard out of the South and broke the Ice whereunto we were fast in pieces and we thereby draue into the Sea and could get no more to the fast Ice whereby we were in a thousand dangers to bee all cast away and driuing in that sort in the Sea wee rowed as much as we could but we could not get neere vnto the Land therefore we hoysed vp our Focke and so made vp with our sayle but our Fock-mast brake twice in peeces and then it was worse for vs then before and notwithstanding that there blew a great gale of Wind yet we were forced to hoyse vp our great Sayle but the winde blew so hard into it that if wee had not presently taken it in againe we had sunke in the Sea or else our Boate would haue been filled with water for the water began to leape ouer-boord and wee were a good way in the Sea at which time the waues went so hollow that it was most fearefull and wee thereby saw nothing but death before our eyes and euery twinckling of an eye looked when wee should sinke But God that had deliuered vs out of so many dangers of Death
South-east and set at West due by the Compasse as I could set it the variation being two points Westerly for at a South South-west the Sunne commeth to the Meridian The twentieth I had conference with a Russe concerning their trade of Molgomsey who had beene there twice and he was the first that euer attempted it and none hath beene farther then he to the Eastwards And he told me that their course from Medenskoy Zauorot at the mouth of Pechora to the Eastward to the two Ilands called Zyelensa is two dayes and three nights distance sayling with a faire wind From thence to Breit-vinnose three dayes and three nights sailing with a faire wind which is within the Streight of Vaygats And from thence by an Iland or rather a Rocke called Socolia Lowdia leauing it on the Starboord side for feare of Rockes still keeping your course North-east vntill you come to a long Point on the Starboord side with a sand lying off into the Sea three miles some fiue or sixe dayes sayling Which when you haue gotten about you must hold your course somewhat more enclining to the South fiue or six dayes more and then you shall come to the Riuer of Ob against the mouth whereof lieth an Iland but you must keepe the Sea-boord of it by reason it is shoald betwixt it and the Mayne The Land all alongst the shoare is a fine lowe Land and the going into the Riuer is on the East side of the Iland The Riuer is reported to be a Summer dayes sayling ouer in bredth and is full of Ilands whereby they report it to be shoald Yet in my opinion so great a Riuer cannot be without a mayne channell which as yet they haue not sought for and therefore they iudge it innauigable Also they report it to bee very plentifull of Fish of diuers sorts but the people here and the Russes are vnwilling that wee should goe thither Moreouer hee told mee that from the Riuer Ob to the Eastwards the Land stretcheth East some sixe or eight dayes sayling more To the Eastward of the Riuer Ob lieth another great Riuer as large as Ob and is very deepe water and runneth from the South how farre as yet it is vnknowne Although that hee affirmed that he himselfe had sayled at the least three weekes vp the Riuer and all along as they went they met with sundry sorts of People differing in Language one from another which they call Samoyeds Yea and the People there did certifie them that vp more towards the South there are Tartars inhabiting who ride vpon Horses And hee affirmed that they found pieces of Ploughes that had beene driuen downe the Riuer by the flouds caused by the Snow melting from the Mountaines This Riuer is very high Land and deepe water on both sides Into this Riuer on the East side falleth another Riuer called Tingussey and the Inhabitants thereof are so called whereby I coniecture that it is not farre from the Citie Tangut in Cathay These Tingusses report that there is another huge Riuer that trendeth to the Southwards which the necke of a Land parteth from the Riuer of Tingussey wherein there are great ships not vnlike vnto the Russes ships that sayle in it hauing many Masts and Gunnes which when they are shot off make all the earth shake with the noyse which should seeme to be the Chinians that trade thither in the Summer and returne backe againe ere the Winter doth come The like also affirmeth another being a Russe who hath beene in the Riuer of Tingussey where the people make this report The first of March the Russes tooke their Iourney from hence from Pustozer into Russia with such commodities as they bought The twelfth the Sunnes altitude by the Quadrant was 67. degrees and 40. minutes and the declination no degrees 52. minutes which being added maketh 68. degrees and 30. minutes being the true heigth of Pustozer The thirteenth the Sun arose at East and by South a little Southerly and set at West North-west This day the Sunnes altitude by the Quadrant was 67. degrees 20. minutes and the declination 1. degree 15. minutes which added together maketh 68. degrees 35. minutes so that I conclude that Pustozer standeth in about 68. degrees 30. minutes The eight and twentieth the Sunne arose at East and by North and set at North-west and by West The eleuenth of Aprill the Inhabitants of this Towne returned from Slobodca bringing with them Rie Rieâ—meale and other prouisions The one and twentieth hauing conference with a Permack concerning what commodities were to be had at the Towne of Vst-zilma he told me that there were Losh hides Squerrils Sables white Foxes and Rosomackes Moreouer he told me that beyond the Riuer of Yenissey the Land trendeth due East and then there is a Riuer called Peaseda and beyond that another called Catonga which runneth into Cathay whose King these Permacks and Russes call Teulka tsar The Riuer lieth North and South as they of Yenissey say but they cannot tell how farre for there hath not any beene vp the Riuer by reason they are afraid of their shot And this Permack told me that on the Sea coast betwixt these two Riuers Peaseda and Catonga they found certaine stones like vnto Gold and some like Siluer being about the halfe way betwixt the two Riuers The two and twentieth we had newes brought that the Ice was broken in the Pechora all alongst by the sides The ninth of May the Sunne arose at North-east somwhat Easterly and set at North somwhat Westerly it being iust foure houres by the Houre-glasse vnder the Horizon The three and twentieth the Sun did not goe vnder the Horizon for it was a pretie height aboue the Horizon at a North North-east point of the Compasse it then being at the lowest The foure and twentieth we had newes that the Pechora brake vp vpon the twentieth day of this instant moneth The sixe and twentieth at foure of the clocke in the after-noone I departed from Pustozer to goe to Vst-zilma where I arriued the thirtieth day instant And the Riuer of Pechora lieth most part North North-east and South South-west and sometimes North and South Vst-zilma is a Village of some thirtie or fortie houses and standeth in the height of 66. degrees and 30. minutes They haue Corne growing there both Barley and Rie and their Barley is passing faire and white almost as Rice The ninth of Iune I departed from Vst-zilma backe againe to Pustozer where I arriued the eleuenth of Iune The one and twentieth seuenteene Soymas departed from hence to goe to Molgomsey some belonging to this place some to Vst-zilma and some to Mezen and Penega The two and twentieth diuers Boats went from hence to the Sea to fish for Omelyes and Bealowgaes Oyle The foure and twentieth I sent downe William Pursgloue to the Sea side to buy the Oyle which God shall send them The third of Iuly I
receiued a Letter forth of England by the way of Colmogro The fift we had newes that the Gouernour and Souldiers of Tom haue burnt the Towne and fled from thence by reason they wanted victuals and their pay and about three hundred of them intended to come to Vst-zilma to rob the Inhabitants thereof This day I was told that from Pustozer vp Pechora with a faire wind to the Riuer of Ouse is three weekes trauell and then vp the Riuer of Ouse to Podcamen ten dayes and from thence to Ob eight dayes drawne by Deere and from thence to Beresoua sixteene dayes which is a Towne of trading This mine Host told me that he was a prisoner at Beresoua and at Tobolsco and hee affirmeth that Tobolsco is a Citie of great trade and that the Teseeks Bowhars and Tartars come thither to trade who bring Silkes Veluets Grogran Sendames and Kindackes and that great store of Cloth Pewter and Copper may be vented there Also there is great store of Furres as Sables Squerrils Foxes Blacke Rosamackes and Beauers He sayth that from Pustozer to Vade in Iugoria which is on this side Ob with carriage vpon Deere it is a moneths Iourney and Nosoua is on the other side of Ob and it is two weekes and an halfe with light carriage or post Moreouer he told me that Pechora runneth into Veleka permia fiue weekes iourney from Pustozer and from Veleca permia to Verho towria nine dayes iourney by Horse and Sleds and from thence to Tumen by Riuer ten dayes and from Tumen to Tobolsco sixe dayes by the Riuer Irtish and is the chiefe Citie of all Siberia And from Tobolsco to Sowrgout is sixe weekes Iourney vp the Riuer Ob from whence come all the rich Furres which come to Arcania From Sowrgout to Tome which is amongst the Tartars is three weekes vp the Riuer Ob and yet none knoweth how farre the Ob runneth further as he sayth he was carried these wayes to the Musko in the beginning of Rostriga his time The sixteenth I was told by a Permack hauing some speech with him concerning the Vaygats that from Medniskoy Zauorot to the Vaygats is one day and a nights sayle with a faire wind And as you goe forth of the Vaygats there lieth an Iland called Meastno Ostroue not being farre from Socolia Lowdy and from Vaygats through Yougorskoy shar into Oarskoy gouba which is a great Bay and deepe is two dayes and one nights sayling into Mowtnoy Riuer the course East somewhat Southerly And from Mowtnoy to Sharrappa shar which is an Inlet is halfe a dayes sayling and from thence to Yowconoue is halfe a dayes sayling which is an high Land and from thence to Naromzia is a dayes sayling And there are three little Riuers betwixt them and there are Morses all alongst that shoare and farther he knew not by Sea But he sayth that the Riuer Ob is a dayes sayling right ouer And from Zylena reca to the Tazzauorot the course is South-east a dayes sayling and from the Zauorot of Taz to the Riuers mouth is a day and a nights sayling and there is an Iland in the mouth thereof being high land And from thence vp the Riuer the course is South-east to the Towne eight dayes iourney to be haled with a rope there runneth such a streame But ere you come to the Taz Riuer there is another Riuer on the Starboord side called Powre where they get of the best Sables that come and you must leaue the Iland at the Taz on the Larboord side And from Taz Towne vp the Riuer Volochanco is sixe dayes iourney Easterly against the streame vntill you come to a Vollocke about a mile and an halfe long Marish ground and so into another Riuer some foure dayes rowing with the streame to the Riuer that is called Trowhan which is a great Riuer and falleth into Yenissey some three dayes journey more with the streame at the entrance whereof lieth an Iland called by the same name whereon there is a little Towne of the same name From thence downe the Riuer Yenissey to the Riuer Hautike is twelue dayes sayling and it is a great Riuer and runneth to the East as it is thought into Cathay which of the Permacks is called Kithayskoy Tsarrstua The fift of August my selfe and the Boy went aboord the Lodia departing from Pustozer The tenth we arriued at the Gloubocke which are the deepe water whither William Pursegloue was come with the Oyle where we melted what we could before we departed The twelfth I obserued in the Gloubocke and had it on the Quadrant 56. degrees 30. minutes and the Declination was 12. degrees 42. minutes so it standeth in 69. degrees 12. minutes The eighteenth we departed from the Gloubocke and entred the Dry Sea and arriued at the Zauorot the one and twentieth The two and twentieth we weighed and went out to Sea the wind at East North-east but the wind comming to the North-west we put roomer againe and came to an Anchor at the Zauorot againe The foure and twentieth I obserued at the Zauorot and had it on the Quadrant 63. degrees no minutes and the Declination was 7. degrees 26. minutes so it standeth in about 70. degrees 30. minutes The six and twentieth we departed from the Zauorot about noon the wind being at East the land trending betwixt it Collocolcoua East West being two Voadaes or sixty Versts distance The seuen and twentieth we came to an Iland called Mezyou Sharry being sixtie Versts to the Eastwards of Suatinose and it is about ten Versts in length and two Versts broad At the East end thereof Oliuer Brunell was carried into Harbour by a Russe where he was Land-locked hauing the Iland on the one side and the Mayne on the other The eight and twentieth we departed from Mezyou Sharry the wind at North-east a little gale but before night it fell thicke and wee steered away North-west and about mid-night it came to the North North-east blowing a very sore storme so that we were not able to beare our sayle aloft and hauing floud vnder foot we were fogged into the Bay and put ashoare some two houres before day vpon the long point of the obscure Harbour about three miles to the West-wards the wind being at North where we got all our goods on Land alwayes looking when the Lodia would haue split But by Gods Almightie Prouidence she beate ouer that Sand and lay betwixt it and the beach so that when the tyde was fallen she sate on ground as if she had beene in a creeke the Sands all dry round about her Also on the West side of Suatinose in the Bay is a great Riuer called Indiga which is deepe Water and a good Harbour for a ship as the Russes doe report The thirtieth the storme continued all the day long The one and thirtieth about noone it blew lesse wind and at night we stopped our leakes as well as
we could The first of September in the morning wee got our goods againe aboord The second in the morning we went roomer with the obscure Harbour the wind being at the North-west but at noone it came to the South-east and East South-east so we weighed and stood to the Westwards againe vntill wee came to the Riuer where wee came on shoare the last yeere which is called Zenouea where wee anchored a little to the Eastwards and ridde the most part of that night The third in the morning we weighed and stood to the Westwards but the wind comming to the West South-west blowing hard and hauing the tyde against vs we anchored againe about ten of the clocke on Thursday being the third day yet within two houres after we were forced to weigh and put roomer to a little Riuer or Creeke that is called Creostoua where wee ridde vntill the ninth day Then we loosed thinking to haue gone forth to Sea the wind being Easterly but it blowing hard and there running a great streame of fresh water that it put vs on ground againe wee were in great danger againe of losing all So wee were forced to get all things on shoare againe and then got her off the eleuenth day and went into the Creake againe and stopping our leakes as well as we could we got our goods aboord againe The fourteenth the winde comming to the East South-east wee got forth to Sea with much adoe and soone after the winde came to the East North-east a faire gale and wee stood it alongst the Land South-east and by South and North-west and by North all that after-noone vntill mid-night at what time we were thwart of Callerose The fifteenth about three of the clocke in the morning the winde came to the North-east and blew very hard so we steered away South South-west and at night wee fell with a shoald which they said is thwart of the Mezen mouth but I take it it was Knocke Iohn The sixteenth in the morning about eight or nine of the clocke hauing carried but an hullocke of our sayle all night we fell with Danieloue Stolbe on the Coast of Lappia the wind being at South and blowing hard so that we went into Harbour at the West of the Iland there standing fiue Crosses on it it being a Rocke And there are foure Warlocks on the Mayne and another on a Rocke to the Westwards yet it is but for Lodyes and that a bad one also beeing full of Rockes round about where we rid vntill the six and twentieth Then we departed forth of Daniela Stolbe about noone and at night we came to Sosnouets where we rid all night The seuen and twentieth in the morning we fell with Churua Nose The eight and twentieth wee arriued at Arkania where wee landed our Oyle The nine and twentieth wee arriued at Colmogro Extracts taken out of two Letters of Iosias Logan from Pechora to Master Hakluyt Prebend of Westminster THere vse to come hither in the Winter about two thousand Samoieds with their Commodities which may be such as we dreamed not on yet For by chance one came to vs with a piece of an Elephants Tooth which he said he bought of a Samoied And heere are men called Tingussies whose Countrey is beyond the Riuers of Obi and Taes and bordereth vpon the great Riuer Yenisse which is a good Riuer and a deepe and falleth into the Sea Naromzie And it should seeme it is not farre from China Therefore you may conceiue what hope there is of this Enterprize if it please God it may be followed as it ought to be Thus beseeching Almightie God to blesse you and vs I commit you to the protection of him who is the giuer of all goodnesse Iul. 24. 1611. THere come two or three thousand Samoieds hither to trade with their Sables Beauers Blacke Foxes Squirrels Wolfes Rosomacks Ermines And here is caught in September good store of Salmon Traine of a certayne great fish called a Bealouga and Morsses and Seales Oyle in the Sommer time and White Foxes and Feathers I had some conference with a Russe who told mee that the Samoieds told him that there lye Minchins which in their Language is strangers buried in the Sand in Coffins with their armes acrosse their brests which they estimate to be about sixtie yeeres ago And that they found Writing Tables in one of their pockets and other small Trifles which they tooke away The Vaygats is sometimes open and sometimes shut and vpon them groweth Christall of the Mount The Russes and Permacks trade yeerely with them of the Riuer Obi and beyond They goe by Sea into the great Bay beyond Pechora called Yowgorsky Shar into which there fall foure Riuers The Eastermost whereof they call Cara Reca on the Blacke Riuer beyond which they passe vnto another called Moetnaia Reca then they come to a Voloc or necke of Land which continueth but three Versts ouer which they draw their Boats and goods and so come to another Riuer called Zelena Reca or The Greene Riuer which bringeth them into Obi Into which on the Easter side the Riuer Taes falleth making but one mouth with the Riuer Obi being shoald and they report it to bee as broad toward the mouth as a man can discerne ouer hauing many Ilands therein Moreouer there is another great Riuer called Yenissey beyond Taes which they say is rather bigger and deeper then Obi and it runneth vp into the Land no man knoweth how farre Although they haue discouered some fourteene dayes rowing vp therein neither can they learne of the Inhabitants thereof how farre it stretcheth whom they call Tingussey who are a proper people of themselues And the Samoieds report that they haue trauelled so farre that they came within sight of a White Citie or Towne which should seeme to be builded of stone for they durst not goe to make triall and they heard great ringing of Bels. Also they say that they saw beasts but they were not like their Deere for they had a great Mane a long Taile no Hornes and their footing was round not clouen as their Deeres are and they vse to ride vpon their backs and not to draw in Sleds as their Deere vse to doe These I assure my selfe are Horses And further they report that there came people vnto them all made of Iron their heads armes hands and legges so that neither Arrowes Swords nor Speares could enter which as I coniecture were people in Armour For they said that two hundred of them they thought were able to conquer all their Realme By this you may gather that they are not farre from Cataia and China Thus haue I shewed â—nto you the greatest secret and the neerest to the truth that I know Requesting you if you thinke it meet that the Right Honourable the Earle of Salisburie might haue a Copie thereof Thus wishing you health and prosperitie in this World and felicitie in the World
each Tent. This worke of pitching the Tents belongeth vnto the Women In the meane time the men vnyoake the Deere and turne them loose to digge through the Snow bee it neuer so deepe for their food and sustenance Then the Samoieds of euery Tent one out of the next Wood prouide as much Fuell as shall 〈…〉 turnes for their abode there First they set on Kettles full of Snow water which being melted they drinke thereof euery one a good draught then they seeth their Supper vsing as before Snow water melted for their Drinke Our lodgings were vpon the Snow within our Tents round about the Fire hauing vnder vs for our Beds the skinnes of Deere couered with our day apparell For all the time of our journey the Merchants whether Stranger Russe or Permac according to the number of them make prouision of Victuals to feed the whole familie in euery Tent euery man his day about together with the Samoieds their Wiues and Children who carrie all their Houshold euery where with them and out of their Sonnes and Daughters they appoint a watch ouer their Deere for feare of the Wolfe and other Beasts which notwithstanding their watch sometimes kill in a night one or two of their Deere as it fell out two nights in our journey to Slobotca This Slobotca is a pretie Towne hauing in December and Ianuarie great resort of people repayring thither as well Rich Russes out of many places with money to buy Furres as others with prouision of Meale and Malt and other Commodities to furnish the Pustozerits as also to buy Fish to wit Salmons Oyle of Bealugos Deere skinnes and Furres of them The tenth of Ianuary the Inhabitants of Pustozera returned from Trading with the Samoieds of Ougoria on which Iourney they set forward the fiue and twentieth of Nouember and within three dayes after came betwixt eight or nine hundred Samoieds with a small quantitie of their Commodities in respect of former yeeres by reason of Warre betweene the Samoieds of Ougoria and Molgomsey who were wont to Trade one with another and not to warre one against another So Sables and other Commodities being scant the inhabitants sold them very deare yet notwithstanding the Russes bought vp all striuing one to haue them before another So that after that little money which we had was bestowed wee could not doe any thing in barter Moreouer the Russes did not onely informe against vs to the Inhabitants to stirre them vp against vs but also vsed the like meanes to the Samoieds to disswade them from trading with vs either in their owne Countries or else-where alleadging that wee would betray them and not onely carrie them away to make them Slaues and robbe them but also would murther and destroy all the rest wheresoeuer wee should come The Inhabitants also of Pustozera being incensed by the Russes doubting wee would enter farther into their Trade Eastward began also to hinder and forbid the Samoieds to come to vs. Yet by meanes of our Hoast being a Polac borne we spake with diuers of the principall of the Samoieds hee being our Interpreter and wee our selues vnderstood certayne Samoieds speaking broken Russe and by these meanes we found out more at large the despitefulnesse of the Russes and the enuie of some of the Inhabitants against vs as also their feare least wee or any other Stranger should enter into further Discouerie of their trafficking toward the East but especially about the Riuer Ob. Some sayd we were sent as spyes to betray their Land to the Pole or the Swethen with whom they then had warre Some gaue counsell to put vs vnder the Water others aduised to set vs vpon the Sand where wee should haue beene without all doubt drowned in short space others thought best to send vs vp to the Nobilitie and to seaze on all our goods to the vse of the State But diuers of the best in the Towne with whom wee kept all friendship that possible we could withstood those bloudie practises The Lord therefore bee blessed The fifth of March the Inhabitants of Pustozer went againe to Slobotca carrying the Russes with their Commodities thither They returned home the eleuenth of Aprill 1612. The one and twentieth of Aprill water was first seene vpon the maine Riuer Pechora aboue the Ice descending from aboue Oust-zilma The twentieth of May the Ice brake vp The fiue and twentieth of May certayne of the Inhabitants of Pustozer went by water vnto Oust-zilma The sixe and twentieth Iosias Logan with our Hoast the Polonian hired a Boate and went toward Oust-zilma carrying with him certayne Cloath and Copper Kettles in hope to sell them well there being intreated in the Summer before by one of their Townesmen to come thither or to send one to Winter there alledging that they got great store of Losh-hydes Squirrels Sables and Beuers Which some yeeres indeed as we were credibly informed falleth out according to his report But at his arriuall there diuers of the Townesmen came against him and would not suffer him nor any of his Boate to Land for the space of ten houres but in the end they let him goe on shoare after as wee suppose the Inhabitants of Pustozer had bought most of their Commodities So that hee staying there two dayes could get but nine Losh-hydes and halfe a timber of course Sables in barter for some Cloath and Copper The principall cause of his going thither was to meete with some of the Permacks out of Permia who some yeeres come downe with Rie and Rie-meale and thought to haue giuen notice to those Permacks of our being at Pustozer and to haue willed them to haue perswaded their Countrey-men to bring thither the next Spring following all their Commodities being Waxe Honey Losh-hydes and Furres which they might doe for halfe the charge that they are at in bringing them to Archangell on the Riuer Duina Oust-zilma is a pretie Towne of some sixtie Houses and is three or foure dayes sayling with a faire wind against the streame from Pustozer but backe againe they may sayle it in two dayes The third of Iune came the first Russes in their Cayooks by Riuer out of Russia to Pustozer These Cayooks be small Boates of two tunnes hauing two men in each Boate. The twentieth of Iune nine Russe Coaches or Soymas passed by Pustozer from Oust-zilma for Molgomsey The one and twentieth sixe Russe Soymas more departed from Pustozer all the rest hauing giuen ouer their Voyage which came thither the Summer before 1611. The two and twentieth one Soyma belonging to the Towne of Pustozer departed for Molgomsey The three and twentieth and foure and twentieth the Inhabitants of Pustozer went to Fish for Bealugos vnder the Boluan being the highest Land neere vnto the Drie Sea and two dayes sayling from the Towne The fiue and twentieth I departed after them and arriued there the seuen and twentieth hoping
friends will kill three Deere to draw him in the new World and they will strangle a Slaue to tend on him The Deere they kill in this manner to serue the dead man they make a Stake sharpe which they thrust into the Beasts fundament with many howlings and cryings till they be dead The Master with the Slaue they burie the Deere they eate as well raw as boyled or roast although they vse all three If a young Child dye vnder foureteene of their yeeres which is seuen of ours they doe hang it by the necke on some Tree saying it must flie to Heauen If any Controuersie bee which cannot bee decided or the truth knowne then one of the two betwixt whom the Controuersie is must bee sworne which is in this manner they will make an Image of a Man of Snow bringing a Wolues nose deliuering a Sword to him that must sweare he rehearsing by name all his Friends desiring that they might all bee cut in peeces in that manner as hee doth cut that Image of Snow Then he himselfe doth cut the Image of Snow all to peeces with the Sword then after the Wolues nose being layd before him he desires that the Wolfe may destroy all his tame Deere and that hee may neuer more take or kill any wilde Deere after that if hee speake not the Truth so cutting the Wolues nose in peeces there is no more to bee sayd of that Controuersie The Samoit is stout and bold of Spirit not very tall but broad Brested broad Faces with hollow Eyes Their ordinary instruments for Warre are Bowes and Arrowes very dangerous they haue long Speares the heads bee made in Monganzey by another sort of Samoits and short Swords not much vnlike some that I haue seene brought from East India When they would know any thing to come they send for their Priest or Witch to conuerse with the Deuill sitting in one side of the Tent hauing before his face a peece of an old shirt of Mayle hung with Bels and peeces of Brasse in his right hand a great Tabor made with a Wolues skinne beating vpon the same with a Hares foot making a very dolefull sound with singing and calling for the Deuill to answer his demand which being ended they strangle a Deere for a Sacrifice making merrie with the Flesh. The Women be very hard of Nature for at their Child-bearing the Husband must play the Midwife and being deliuered the Child is washed with cold water or Snow and the next day the Woman able to conduct her Argish The Russes haue a yeerely Trade with the Merchants of Beghar at a place called Tumen in Tartarie whither they of Boghar come with Camels euery yeere From Tumen in Tobal in Siberia they come in foureteene dayes From Tobal they come to Beresoua in nine dayes all downe the Riuer Ob. From Beresoua partly by the Riuer Ob then ouer a necke of Land of halfe a mile ouer into the Riuer Ouse and downe the Riuer Ouse into the Riuer Pechora and so to Pustozera in three weekes At Pustozera the English haue Wintered three yeeres CHAP. XIII Diuers Voyages to Cherie Iland in the yeeres 1604. 1605. 1606. 1608. 1609. Written by IONAS POOLE WEe set sayle from London the fifteenth of Aprill 1604. in a Ship called the God Speed of sixtie Tunnes with thirteene Men and a Boy our Merchant was one Master Thomas Welden our Master was one Steuen Bonnit of Saint Catherins We arriued at Cola in Lapland the first of May where wee tarried till the last of the same Moneth at which time wee set sayle from Cola and went to an Harbour called Pechingo which lyeth betweene Cola and Ward-house In which Harbour of Pechingo we continued vntill the thirtieth of Iune At which time wee set sayle from thence and through contrarie windes and foule weather were put into Ward-house where we tooke in fresh water and stayed vntill the sixth of Iuly The same day the wind came Southerly and we steered away Northwest and by North about 56. leagues wee obserued the Sunne at twelue of the clocke at Noone and found our selues to be in 73. degrees 5. minutes of Northerly Latitude The seuenth of Iuly it was all day calme and wee sounded but had no ground in two hundred and fiftie fathoms The eight day we had little winde which was at South-east and foggie weather and at eight of the clocke at Night wee saw great flockes of Sea-fowles which we call Willockes some of these Fowles had each of them a small Fish in their bills and flew toward the North-west and by North. The other without Fish some of them flew contrarie to the former and some sate in the Sea very neere our Ship About twelue of the clocke at night we sounded and had ground at one hundred and twentie fathomes We steered away North-west and by North till foure of the clocke the eight day in the morning then it fell calme and as the ship lay still our Master spied a Morsse which came to our ship and swamme round about it While we were all gazing at this Monster I spied the Iland ten leagues off bearing North North-west halfe a point Westerly which shewed very high Land and much Snow vpon it The wind came to the North-east The ninth day wee came to an Anchor on the South South-east side in fiue and twentie fathomes streamie ground We â—oysed out our Boate and Master Welden went toward the Land but thinking to haue landed he could not because there went a great Sea and great store of Ice all along the shoares side Within one houre the Boate came aboard and they â—aid there were so many Fowles that they couered the Rockes and flew in such great flockes that they shewed like a Cloud While thus they were talking close by the Boate rose vpâ—n huge Morsse putting his head aboue the water looking earnestly at the Boate and made such an horrible noyse and roaring that they in the Boate thought he would haue sunke it The same day at eight of the clocke at night we weighed and stood away South-west and by South about foure miles where wee doubled the Southermost point of the Iland and found the Land to trend North North-west and all along the shoare some scattering Ice We sayled along the shoare finding seuenteene eighteene and sometimes twentie fathomes streamie ground with white shels We held this course till wee saw all the Northermost part of the Iland and being within three miles of it and about thirteene miles from the Point wee came round about it And some two miles from the Land we anchored in sixteene fathomes streamie ground We had not ridden one houre to an end but a great piece of Ice came directly with the tyde vpon vs and before wee could weigh it strooke the ship with such force that it hilded on the one side Assoone as it was past we went on shoare where wee found
we founded and had ground at seuentie fiue fathoms white small shelly ground with small blacke stones The third of Iuly wee anchored on the West side of the Iland in twentie fathoms hauing verie much Ice I obserued the Sunne at the lowest and found the latitude of that place to bee in 74. degrees 55. minutes It followeth there South-west and by South and the floud commeth from the South-west The fifth and sixth dayes we were troubled with much Ice but it being broken we brought the ends of our Cables to our maine Masts and hauing a good tyde we did sheere as wee tearme it cleere off the Ice We ridde thus in Ice sixe dayes to wit vntill the thirteenth day at what time the Ice began to goe way and the Morses came on shoare For their nature is such that they will not come on land as long as any Ice is about the land The fourteenth we went on land Master Welden and Master Bennet with the Ships company and I with the company of the Pinnasse And being altogether on shoare and seeing of the beasts sufficient to make our voyage wee prepared to goe to killing Master Welden and Master Bennet appointed mee to take eleuen men with mee and to goe beyond the beasts where they lay that they and wee might meet at the middest of them and so inclose them that none of them should get into the Sea As I fetched a compasse about before we were aware rose a great white Beare within a Pikes length of vs whereupon we made a stand and my selfe hauing both a Musket and a Lance thought to haue shot him but remembring my selfe that the report of my Peece might make all the Morses goe into the Sea and so hazard our Voyage I went to him with my Lance. All this while he sate foming at the mouth and would not stirre but gaped and roared as though he would haue eaten vs all but presently wee pricked him in the sâ—out and then with an easie pace we proceeded on with our businesse and before six houres were ended we had slayne about seuen or eight hundred Beasts And after that Master Welden slue the Beare For ten dayes space we plyed our businesse very hard and brought it almost to an end The foure and twentieth of Iuly wee had the winde at North-east and it freezed so hard that the Ice did hang on our Clothes The sixe and twentieth we had taken in two and twentie tuns of the Oyle of the Morses and three hogsheads of their Teeth The seuen and twentieth Master Welden slue another Beare The eight and twentieth we tooke in Water and Wood. The nine and twentieth we set sayle for England The fifteenth of August 1606. we arriued in the Thames The sixth Voyage made to Cherie Iland the South part whereof standeth in 74. degrees and 40. minutes of Northerly latitude in the yeere 1608. THe sixteenth of Aprill in the yeere 1608. we set sayle from Blacke wall and came to Grauesend in a ship called the Paul The one and twentieth of May we were within 4. leagues of the North Cape standing in 71. degrees and 2 â— of North latitude The foure and twentieth wee came to Ward-house The fiue and twentieth we weighed and came to Tipany in Lapland the sixe and twentieth where we stayed about our businesse till the thirteenth of Iune The thirteenth of Iune aforesaid wee weighed anchor and directed our course for Cherie Iland The eighteenth at foure of the clocke in the morning wee saw Cherie Iland it bearing North North-west 10. leagues off and at foure of the clocke at night wee anchored on the North-west side of it and Master Welden went on Land on the North side and slue a Beare The nineteenth we rid still and Master Welden went to the North side againe and slue another Beare The same day we sent two men to the South side of the land to see if there were any Morses on shoare They came againe the next day and said that there were great store The twentieth and one and twentieth dayes it was calme and the weather cleere and wee had it as hot as I haue commonly felt in England at that time of the yeere For the Pitch did runne downe the ships sides and that side of the Masts that was to the Sunne ward was so hot that the Tarre did frye out of it as though it had boyled The two and twentieth at a North-east Sun we weighed and went to the South side of the Iland and came into a Coue where the Morses were and slue about 900. or 1000. of them in lesse then seuen houres and there wee plyed our businesse vntill the second of Iuly at what time we had taken into our ship 22. tunnes and three hogsheads of Oyle The third of Iuly being Sunday one Richard Steuens of Harewich came to the said Cherie Iland in a ship called the Dragon being set out by Master Duppa a Brewer dwelling in Saint Catharines neere the Tower of London which set out a ship with Master Thomas Welden the yeere before 1607. The ninth day we made our Voyage and came out of the Coue hauing taken in 31. tunnes of Oyle and one hogshead one barrell and one terce of Morses teeth besides 400. other teeth The twelfth we tooke into our ship two young Morses male and female aliue the female died before we came into England the male liued aboue ten weekes When wee had watered we set sayle for England about foure of the clocke in the morning The fourteenth day we saw the Iland bearing North North-west 15. leagues off vs and sounded and had 85. fathoms greene Oze like Doues dung The twentieth of August wee arriued at London and hauing dispatched some priuate businesse we brought our liuing young Morse to the Court where the King and many honourable personages beheld it with admiration for the strangenesse of the same the like whereof had neuer before beene seene aliue in England Not long after it fell sicke and died As the beast in shape is very strange so is it of strange docilitie and apt to be taught as by good experience we often proued The seuenth Voyage to Cherie Iland made in the yeere 1609. WEe were furnished with two ships determining to goe to Tipany in Lapland to buy fish of the Lappes and Russes and afterward to goe to Cherie Iland the one was called the Lionesse in which I went for Master the other the Paul which was there the last yeere 1608. The one and twentieth day of March we weighed anchor at Grauesend and the sixe and twentieth we came to Harwich where it was concluded that the Lionesse should goe directly to Cherie Iland The fifteenth of Aprill we weighed at Harewich and the last of the same moneth we fell betweene Lofoot and Zenam vpon the Coast of Finmark The second of May we came to the North Cape and the
Caske and other prouision and told mee that they had slaine fiue or sixe hundred Morses on the North side Hee tarried with mee till the seuen and twentieth of Iuly now seeing no beastes did come on Land because the Ice did hang about the Coue he went to the North side againe but the same day after he was gone they began to come on Land The next day following being the eight and twentieth wee slue about eightie and tooke their Blubber and Teeth Then they began to come on shoare againe the thirtieth day at what time Master Bonner was come into the Coue to seeke his Anchors Then his men came on shoare and we slue about one hundred and fiftie beast more But there rose a storme at South-east that brought in such a surge that it washed aboue sixtie beasts into the Sea so that most of them were lost The next day being the last of Iuly Master Welden and Master Iones came to the Coue with about twelue men being all very wearie For they had left the Shallop in a Coue on the North-west side of the Iland and came ouer Land Then to worke wee went on all hands and placed our Coppers And by the fift day of August we had ended our businesse and the ship came from the North side into the Coue. The sixt of August I tooke the Skiffe and seuen men to fetch the Shallop to the Coue that Master Welden had left in a Coue on the North-west side of the Iland the last of Iuly When I came to the place considering I was neere the North side where we commonly make our Voyage and also desired by Master Welden if I could goe to doe so I went thither and found about fiue and fortie as good headed beasts for Teeth as euer I saw Wee had no more Launces to kill thâ—m with all but two I tooke one and a lustie fellow that was our Cooper had the other we had not killed past ten but his Lance brake Then I slue all the rest in lesse then two houres and wee tooke their Teeth and the next day by a West Sunne wee came aboord the Paul with them The eight day wee got the Southermost Point of the Iland where wee rid all that day Their Skiffe from their long Boats sterne and we manned our Boat to fetch her againe but then rose such a fogge that we had like to haue lost both our Boats and men but they got to the ship againe with much adoe The ninth day it was calme but wee had such a fogge that wee could not see two Cables length from the ship And about eight of the Clocke at night wee lost our Skiffe altogether The tenth day we had a little Wind at North-west and by West Then seeing no amendment of the weather wee left the ship of Hull behind vs in the Iland and about sixe of the Clocke set sayle for England and arriued safely at London the last of August 1609. Blessed bee God A Voyage performed to the Northwards Anno 1603. in a ship of the burthen of fiftie tunnes called the Grace and set forth at the cost and charges of the Worshipfull FRANCIS CHERIE Written by WILLIAM GORDEN being the first Voyage to Cherie Iland which came to my hands since the former or rather later Voyages were in the Presse THe ship being readie the tenth of Aprill whereof was Master Stephen Bennet and for Factor and Ouer-seer William Gorden our Directions from the said Merchant were first to proceed to Cola and there to make sale of such goods as we had and to take in such other as the Countrey of Lappia did affoord and then to proceed vpon some Discouerie Wherefore omitting our Iourney to Cola as a matter of small importance being so well knowne before after our Affaires ended we were readie to proceed forward But our men not being hired thereunto would haue refused if there had not beene made an agreement by meanes of Iosias Logan who was to lye there as Factor for Master Cherie the Master and my selfe partly with promises partly with gifts And thus setting forward the sixt of August from the Riuer of Cola being determined to haue sayled into 80. degrees of latitude if nothing did hinder vs or if we did not light vpon some land our determination was hindered by meanes of meeting with an Iland and likewise the yeere being farre spent keeping our course from the West end of Kilden to the Ilands of Ward-house which wee passed the tenth of August with little wind then directing our course North North-west the wind at South-west easie wind so that the eleuenth day we did reckon our selues to haue sayled twentie leagues North-west The twelfth day it was most part calme and foggie The thirteenth day it was cleere and the wind at South and we had sayled twentie two leagues North North-west The fourteenth day the wind at East we kept our course and sayled ten leagues and the same day being thicke and foggie we had thought wee had seene Land about foure of the clocke in the after-noone bearing from vs West North-west and North-west by West but sayling towards it three houres keeping still his forme and not altering till the wind increasing caused it to fade away for it was no other then a banke of fogges after we had sayled three leagues changing our course we sayled then fifteene dayes twentie leagues North-west and by North still hauing close weather that we could not make any obseruation The sixteenth day in the morning at two of the clock we did see two great high Hils which did seeme to vs aboue the Clouds and did seeme very neere but we found it otherwise for sayling towards it we found it further then we did expect for it was sixe of the clocke at night before wee could come neere vnto the Land where wee anchored in thirtie fathomes In which time we could not sayle lesse then eighteene leagues North and by West That night our Master knowing better what did belong vnto those Affaires would not suffer the Boat to goe aland till the morning which was the seuenteenth day of August and before our going aland the Master caused a shanke of Lines to bee shot for to toy for fish and then he and my selfe with foure of our Company went aland First vpon a little Iland meere adjoyning where we had much adoe to get to our Boat againe by reason of the steepnes of the Rockes then we went on shoare vpon the Mayne where at our comming on Land wee did see two Foxes one White the other Blacke Thus spending most part of the day wee returned aboord our ship without any profit only one of our men tooke vp a piece of Lead and I found a piece of a Morses Tooth by which we perceiued that the Sea Morses did vse thither but the time for that yeere was past for we did see none After our comming aboord hauing haled the Line we found nothing but one
but fish thereon wherefore presently weighing Anchor we sayled West to see if we could haue any true obseruation the next day which wee had and found our selues to bee in 74. degrees 30. minutes The same day directing our course for London where we arriued the tenth of September by Gods helpe in health and safetie CHAP. XIIII Diuers Voyages and Northerne Discoueries of that worthy irrecouerable Discouerer Master HENRY HVDSON His Discouerie toward the North Pole set forth at the charge of certaine Worshipfull Merchants of London in May 1607. Written partly by IOHN PLAYSE one of the Company and partly by H. HVDSON ANno 1607. Aprill the nineteenth at Saint Ethelburge in Bishops Gate street did communicate with the rest of the Parishioners these persons Seamen purposing to goe to sea foure dayes after for to discouer a Passage by the North Pole to Iapan and China First Henry Hudson Master Secondly William Colines his Mate Thirdly Iames Young Fourthly Iohn Colman Fiftly Iohn Cooke Sixtly Iames Benbery Seuenthly Iames Skrutton Eightly Iohn Pleyce Ninthly Thomas Baxter Tenthly Richard Day Eleuenthly Iames Knight Twelfthly Iohn Hudson a Boy The first of May 1607. we weyed Anchor at Grauesâ—nd and on Tuesday the sixe and twentieth day in the morning we made the Iles of Shotland and at noone we were in 60. degrees 12. minutes and sixe leagues to the Eastward of them the Compasse had no variation We had sixtie foure fathomes at our sounding blacke ozie sandie with some yellow shels Our ship made more way then we did suppose On Saturday the thirtieth of May by our obseruation we were in 61. degrees 11. minutes This day I found the Needle to incline 79. degrees vnder the Horizon For foure dayes space we made very little way by contrary winds On Thursday the fourth of Iune we were by our obseruation still in 61. degrees and 14. minutes eight and twentie or thirtie leagues from the Norther part of Shotland the Land bearing by our Accompt East and by North off vs I found variation in fiue degrees Westerly The seuenth of Iune wee were in 63. degrees 25. minutes The eighth all the fore-noone we had a fresh gale Southerly we steered away North and by West and by obseruation we were in 65. degrees 27. minutes The eleuenth wee saw sixe or seuen Whales neere our shippe wee were in sixtie seuen degrees thirtie minutes About fiue of the clocke the winde came vp at North-east and by East wee steered away North North-west with a fresh gale all the night at East The twelfth the winde was at East North-east a stiffe gale wee steered away as afore and accounted wee had runne by this day noone thirtie leagues In the after-noone wee steered away North and by West fifteene leagues all the night prooued a great fogge with much wind The thirteenth betweene one and two in the morning we saw some Land on head of vs and some Ice and it being a thicke fogge we steered away Northerly and hauing much wind wee stood away South and by East sixe or eight leagues Our sayle and shroudes did freeze At eight in the morning it cleered vp the wind being at North-east and by East with much wind wee were hardly able to maintayne a sayle This was a very high Land most part couered with Snow The neather part was vncouered At the top it looked reddish and vnderneath a blackish Clay with much Ice lying about it The part which we saw when wee cast about trended East and West And the Norther part which we saw trended North-east and by North and North-east and the length which wee saw was nine leagues wee saw much Fowle Also wee saw a Whale close by the shoare We called the Head-land which we saw Youngs Cape and neere it standeth a very high Mount like a round Castle which wee called the Mount of Gods Mercie All the after-noone and all the Eeuening it rained At eight in the Eeuening we cast about and steered all night North and by West and sometimes North North-west The fourteenth being neere the Land we had Snow At foure in the morning the wind vering Northerly we cast about and stood South-east and by South This day wee had much wind and raine we shorted sayle being neere the Land The fifteenth in the morning it blowed so much wind at North-east that wee were not able to maintayne any sayle wee then strooke a hull and let our ship driue wayting for a fitâ—er wind this night was very much raine The sixteenth was much wind at North-east The seuenteenth we set sayle at noone we steered away East and by South and East South-east The eighteenth in the afternoone a fine gale South-east which toward the Eeuening increased and we steered North-east three Watches twelue leagues The nineteenth we steered away North North-east sixteene leagues At noone wee had raine with fogge From twelue to foure we steered North North-east eight leagues and did account our selues in seuentie degrees neerest hand purposing to see whether the Land which we made the thirteenth day were an Iland or part of Groneland But then the fogge increased very thicke with much wind at South which made vs alter our course and to shorten our sayle and we steered away North-east Being then as we supposed in the Meridian of the same land hauing no obseruation since the eleuenth day and lying a hull from the fifteenth to the seuenteenth day wee perceiued a current setting to the South-west This day wee saw three Whales neere our ship and hauing steered away North-east almost one watch fiue leagues the Sea was growne euery way we supposed wee were thwart of the North-east part of that Land which we made the thirteenth day and the current setting to wind-ward The reason that mooued vs to thinke so was that after we had sayled fiue or sixe leagues in this Sea the wind neither increasing nor dulling we had a pleasant and smooth Sea All this night was foggie with a good gale of wind we steered away North-east vntill the next day at noone and sayled in that course twentie leagues The twentieth all the morning was a thicke fogge with the winde at South wee steered North-east till noone Then we changed our course and steered away North North-east hoping for an open Sea in our course to fall with the bodie of Newland This day at two in the afternoone it cleered vp and wee saw the Sunne which wee had not seene since the second of this moneth Hauing steered North North-east two watches and an halfe fifteene or sixteene leagues wee saw Land on our Larboord about foure leagues off vs trending as wee could ghesse North-east and South-west We steered away East North-east the wind at South a good gale but reasonable cleere wee saw many Birds with blacke backes and white bellies in forme much like a Ducke we saw also many pieces of Ice driuing at the Sea We loofed for one and went roomer for another And
this morning about foure a thicke fogge we saw a head of vs. The one and twentieth in the morning we steered North-east and East North-east two watches fiue or sixe leagues Then it grew thicke fogge And we cast about and steered North-east and East North-east two watches sixe leagues finding wee were embayed The wind came at East South-east a little gale we tacked about and lay South All this night was a thicke fog with little wind East we lay with the stemme The two and twentieth in the morning it cleered vp being calme about two or three of the clocke after we had a prettie gale and we steered away East and by North three leagues Our obseruation was in 72. degrees 38. minutes and changing our course we steered North-east the wind at South-east a prettie gale This morning when it cleered vp we saw the Land trending neere hand East North-east and West South-west esteeming our selues from it twelue leagues It was a mayne high Land nothing at all couered with snow and the North part of that mayne high Land was very high Mountaynes but we could see no snow on them We accounted by our obseruation the part of the mayne Land lay neerest hand in 73. degrees The many fogs and calmes with contrary winds and much Ice neere the shoare held vs from farther Discouery of it It may bee objected against vs as a fault for haling so Westerly a course The chiefe cause that moued vs thereunto was our desire to see that part of Groneland which for ought that we know was to any Christian vnknowne and wee thought it might as well haue beene open Sea as Land and by that meanes our passage should haue beene the larger to the Pole and the hope of hauing a Westerly wind which would be to vs a landerly wind if wee found Land And considering wee found Land contrarie to that which our Cards make mention of we accounted our labour so much the more worth And for ought that wee could see it is like to bee a good Land and worth the seeing On the one and twentieth day in the morning while we steered our course North North-east we thought we had embayed our selues finding Land on our Larboord and Ice vpon it and many great pieces of Drift Ice we steered away North-east with diligent looking out euery cleere for Land hauing a desire to know whether it would leaue vs to the East both to know the bredth of the Sea and also to shape a more Northerly course And considering wee knew no name giuen to this Land wee thought good to name it Hold with hope lying in 73. degrees of latitude The Sunne was on the Meridian on the South part of the Compasse neerest hand Heere is to bee noted that when we made The Mount of Gods Mercie and Youngs Cape the Land was couered with snow for the most part and extreame cold when wee approached neere it But this Land was very temperate to our feeling And this likewise is to be noted that being two dayes without obseruation notwithstanding our lying a hull by reason of much contrary wind yet our obseruation and dead reckoning were within eight leagues together our shippe beeing before vs eight leagues This night vntill next morning prooued little Winde The three and twentieth in the morning we had an hard gale on head of vs with much rayne that fell in very great drops much like our Thunder showers in England wee tacked about and stood East-Northerly with a short sayle to our feeling it was not so cold as before we had it It was calme from noone to three of the clocke with fogge After the winde came vp at East and East South-east we steered away North-east with the fogge and rayne About seuen or eight of the clocke the winde increased with extreame fogge wee steered away with short sayle East North-east and sometimes East and by North. About twelue at mid-night the wind came vp at South-west we steered away North being reasonable cleere weather The foure and twentieth in the morning about two of the clocke the Masters mate thought he saw Land on the Larboord trending North North-west Westerly and the longer we ranne North the more it fell away to the West and did thinke it to bee a mayne high Land This day the wind being Westerly we steered away North and by obseruation wee were in 73. degrees nearest hand At noone we changed our course and steered away North and by East and at our last obseruation and also at this we found the Meridian all Leeward on the South and by West Westerly part of the Compasse when we had sayled two Watches eight leagues The fiue and twentieth the wind scanted and came vp at North North-west we lay North-east two Watches 8. leagues After the wind became variable betweene the North-east and the North we steered away East and by North and sometimes East we had thicke fogge About noone three Granpasses played about our shippe This After-noone the wind vered to the East and South-east we haled away North and by East This night was close weather but small fogge we vse the word Night for distinction of time but long before this the Sunne was alway aboue the Horizon but as yet we could neuer see him vpon the Meridian North. This Night being by our accompt in the Latitude of 75. degrees we saw small flockes of Birds with blacke Backes and white Bellies and long speare Tayles We supposed that Land was not farre off but we could not discrie any with all the diligence which we could vse being so close weather that many times we could not see sixe or seuen leagues off The sixe and twentieth in the morning was close weather we had our wind and held our course as afore This day our obseruation was 76. degrees 38. minutes and we had Birds of the same sort as afore and diuers other of that colour hauing red Heads that we saw when we first made the Mount of Gods Mercy in Greenland but not so many After we steered away North and by East two VVatches 10. leagues with purpose to fall with the Souther part of Newland accounting our selues 10. or 12. leagues from the Land Then wee stood away North-east one VVatch fiue leagues The seuen and twentieth about one or two of the clocke in the morning we made Newland being cleere weather on the Sea but the Land was couered with fogge the Ice lying very thick all along the shoare for 15. or 16. leagues which we saw Hauing faire wind wee coasted it in a very pleasing smooth sea and had no ground at an hundred fathoms foure leagues from the shoare This day at noone wee accounted we were in 78. degrees and we stood along the shoare This day was so foggie that we were hardly able to see the Land many times but by our account we were neare Vogel Hooke About eight of the clocke this Eeuening we purposed to
shape our course from thence North-west Heere is to bee noted that although we ranne along neere the shoare we found no great cold which made vs thinke that if we had beene on shoare the place is temperate Holding this North-west course about ten of the clocke at night we saw great store of Ice on head off vs bearing Wester off vs which we could not goe cleere off with the foresayd course Then we tact about and stood away betweene the South and the South-east as much desirous to leaue this Land as we were to see it The eight and twentieth was a hard gale of wind all the fore-noone betweene the South and the South-west We shaped our course we did it to bee farther from the Ice and Land It pleased God that about twelue of the clocke this night it cleered vp and we found that we were betweene the Land and the Ice Vogel Hooke then bearing nearest hand East off vs. Then we tacked about and stood in for the shoare hauing Sea-roome between the Ice and the Land The nine and twentieth at foure in the morning the wind at North-east a pretie gale we thought best to shorten our way so we tacked about and stood North North-west the wind a little increasing About twelue at noone we saw Ice a head off vs we cast about again and stood away East South-east with very much wind so that we shortned our sayles for the space of two Watches Then about eight this Eeuening we strucke a Hull and it proued the hardest storme that we had in this Voyage The thirtieth in the morning was stormie about noone it ceased at seuen in the Eeuening it proued almost calme The first of Iuly all the fore-noone the wind was at South-east we stood North-east for the shoare hoping to finde an open Sea betweene the shoare and the Ice About noone wee were embayed with Ice lying betweene the Land and vs. By our obseruation we were in 78. degrees 42. minutes whereby we accounted we were thwart of The great Indraught And to free our selues of the Ice we steered betweene the South-east and South and to the Westward as we could haue sea And about six this Eeuening it pleased God to giue vs cleere weather and we found we were shot farre into the Inlet being almost a Bay and enuironed with very high Mountaynes with low Land lying betweene them wee had no ground in this Bay at an hundred fathoms Then being sure where we were we steered away West the wind at South-east and calme and found all our Ice on the Norther shoare and a cleare Sea to the Southward The second it pleased God to giue vs the wind at North-east a faire gale with cleere weather the Ice being to the Northward off vs and the weather shoare and an open Sea to the South-wards vnder our Lee. We held on our course North-west till twelue of the clocke hauing sayled in that course 10. leagues and finding the Ice to fall from vs to the we gaue thankes to God who maruellously preserued vs from so many dangers amongst so huge a quantitie of Ice and Fogge. We steered away North-west hoping to be free from Ice we had obseruation 78. degrees 56. minutes we fell with Ice againe and trended it as it lay betweene the West and South South-east The third we had obseruation 78. degrees 33. minutes This day wee had our shrouds frozen it was searching cold we also trended the Ice not knowing whether we were cleare or not the wind being at North. The fourth was very cold and our shroudes and sayles frozen we found we were farre in the Inlet The wind being at North we beare vp and stood South South-east and South and South-west by West till ten this night The fift was very much wind at North Easterly at twelue we strooke a Hull hauing brought our selues neare the mouth of the Inlet The sixth in the morning the wind was as before and the Sea growne This morning we came into a very Greene Sea we had our obseruation 77. degrees 30. minutes This after-noone the wind and Sea asswaged About foure of the clocke we set sayle and steered North-west and by West the wind being at North North-east This day proued the clearest day we had long before The seuenth at foure in the morning was very cleare weather and the fairest Morning that we saw in three weekes before we steered as afore being by our account in 78. degrees nearest hand and out of the Sacke We found we were compassed in with Land and Ice and were againe entred into a Blacke Sea which by proofe we found to be an open passage Now hauing the wind at North North-east we steered away South by East with purpose to fall with the Southermost part of this Land which we saw hoping by this meane either to defray the charge of the Voyage or else if it pleased God in time to giue vs a faire wind to the North-east to satisfie expectation All this day and night afterward proued calme The eight all the fore-noone proued calme and very thicke fogge This morning we saw many peeces of Drift-wood driue by vs we heaued out our Boate to stop a leake and mended our riggings This day wee saw many Seales and two Fishes which we iudged to bee Sea-horses or Morses At twelue this night we had the winde at East and by South wee stood away North-east The ninth all the fore-noone was little wind at South-east with thicke fogge This day we were in amongst Ilands of Ice where we saw many Seales The tenth in the morning was foggie afterward it proued cleere we found we were compassed with Ice euery way about vs wee tacked about and stood South and by West and South South-west one Watch fiue leagues hoping to get more Sea-roome and to stand for the North-east we had the wind at North-west The eleuenth very cleere weather with the winde at South South-east we were come out of the Blue Sea into our Greene Sea againe where we saw Whales Now hauing a fresh gale of wind at South South-east it behooued mee to change my course and to sayle to the North-east by the Souther end of Newland But being come into a Greene Sea praying God to direct mee I steered away North ten leagues After that we saw Ice on our Larboord we steered away East and by North three leagues and left the Ice behind vs. Then we steered away North till noone This day wee had the Sunne on the Meridian South and by West Westerly his greatest height was 37. degrees 20. minutes By this obseruation we were in 79. degrees 17. minutes we had a fresh gale of wind and a smooth sea by meanes whereof our ship had out-runne vs. At ten this Eeuening cleere weather and then we had the company of our troublesome neighbours Ice with fogge The wind was at South South-west Heere we saw plentie of Seales
our Voyage and to proceed on our Discouerie as soone as God should blesse vs with Winde And this I can assure at this present that betweene 78. degrees and ½ and 82. degrees by this way there is no passage but I thinke this Land may bee profitable to those that will aduenture it In this Bay before spoken of and about this coast we saw more abundance of Seales then we had seene any time before swimming in the water At noone this day hauing a stiffe gale of wind at North we were thwart of Collins Cape standing in 81. degrees and a halfe and at one of the clocke the Cape beare North-east off vs. From thence I set our course West South-west with purpose to keepe in the open Sea free from Ice and sayled in that course 16. leagues At ten this night we steered away South-west with the wind at North a hard gale vntill eight the next morning 18. leagues The seuenteenth in the morning a good gale at North at eight we altered our course and steered away South till eight in the Eeuening and ranne 12. leagues This day proued reasonable cleere and warme The eighteenth in the morning the wind encreased at South and by East with thicke fogge All this after-noone and night proued close weather little fogge and reasonable warme The nineteenth at eight in the morning the wind at South with thicke fogge we steered South-east 4. leagues till noone then the wind vered more large wee steered South-east and by East 4. leagues till foure then wee vered shete and steered East and by South Easterly 15. leagues till eight the next morning This day after the morning proued reasonable cleere and warme The twentieth in the morning little wind at eight this morning wee saw Land ahead of vs vnder our Lee and to weatherward of vs distant from vs 12. leagues being part of Newland It is very high mountainous Land the highest that we had seene vntill now As we sayled neere it we saw a Sound ahead of vs lying East and west The Land on the Norther side of this Sounds mouth trendeth neerest hand West North-west and East South-east 12. leagues in our sight being 10. leagues from vs. And the Land on the Souther side being 8. or 10. leagues in our sight at this time trendeth South South-east and North North-west from eight to noone was calme This day by obseruation we were in 77. degrees 26. minutes On the Norther side of the mouth of this Inlet lie three Ilands not farre the one from the other being very high mountainous Land The farthest of the three to the North-west hath foure very high Mounts like heapes of Corne. That Iland next the Inlets mouth hath one very high Mount on the Souther end Here one of our companie killed a red billed Bird. All this day after the morning and all night proued calme enclining rather to heare then cold This night wee had some warme rayne The one and twentieth all the fore-noone calme at foure in the after-noone we had a small gale of wind at South South-east with fog we steered away East to stand in with the Land and sayled 3. leagues vntill mid-night then the wind came at North-east we cast about and steered South 10. leagues till eight the next morning The two and twentieth at eight in the morning much wind at East and variable with short sayle wee steered 3. leagues South and by East then came downe very much wind wee strooke a hull All this after-noone and night proued very much wind with raine The three and twentieth all the fore-noone was very much wind at South with raine and fogge At foure this after-noone wee saw Land bearing North-east of vs 6. leagues from vs. Then we had the wind at South South-west wee steered away South-east and South-east and by East 4. leagues the Sea being very much growne We accounted we had hulled North-west and by North 22. leagues and North 3. leagues Then fearing with much wind to be set on a lee shoare we tackt about and made our way good West and by North halfe a point Northerly all this night with much wind The foure and twentieth in the morning much wind as afore and the Sea growne This morning wee strooke our mayne Top-mast to ease our ship and sayled from the last Eeuening eight to this noone 15. leagues West and by North halfe a point Northerly From twelue to eight 6. leagues as afore with the wind at South and by West at eight we tackt about with the winde at South South-west and lay South-east and by East with much winde and the Sea growne The fiue and twentieth was a cleere morning we set our mayne Top-mast we saw Land bearing North of vs and vnder our Lee we sayling South-east and by East Then the wind scanted we cast about and lay South-west and by West 2. leagues ½ till noone Then it began to ouer-cast and the wind to scant againe we cast about and lay South-east and by South the wind at South-west and by West and sayled in that course 3. leagues till foure in the after-noone Then the wind scanted againe and we sayled 3. leagues South Now seeing how contrarie the winde proued to doe the good which wee desired this way I thought to proue our fortunes by the West once againe and this Eeuening at eight wee being the latitude of 78. with the better and from Land 15. leagues which leagues part whereof beare from the North-east to the East off vs we steered away West with the wind at South-east and cleere weather The sixe and twentieth all this day proued rayne with thicke fog and an hard gale of wind at East and by North and East North-east From the last Eeuening at eight to this noone wee ranne 25. leagues from noone till mid-night 19. leagues the wind at East and by South from mid-night till two the next morning 2. leagues West The seuen and twentieth extreme thicke fog and little wind at East and by South Then it proued calme and the Sea very loftie Wee heard a great rutte or noise with the Ice and Sea which was the first Ice we heard or saw since we were at Collins Cape the Sea heauing vs West-ward toward the Ice Wee heaued out our Boat and rowed to towe out our ship farther from the danger which would haue beene to small purpose by meanes the Sea went so high but in this extremitie it pleased God to giue vs a small gale at North-west and by West we steered away South-east 4. leagues till noone Here we had finished our Discouerie if the wind had continued that brought vs hither or if it had continued calme but it pleased God to make this North-west and by West wind the meane of our deliuerance which wind wee had not found common in this Voyage God giue vs thankfull hearts for so great deliuerance Here we found the want of a good ship-boat as once we had done before at Whales
Bay we wanted also halfe a dozen long Oares to rowe in our ship At noone the day cleered vp and we saw by the skie Ice bearing off vs from West South-west to the North and North North-east Then we had a good gale at West we steered away South till foure 7. leagues From foure to six South 4. leagues and found by the Icy skie and our neerenesse to Groneland that there is no passage that way which if there had beene I meant to haue made my returne by the North of Groneland to Dauis his Streights and so for England Here finding we had the benefit of a Westerly wind which all this Voyage we had found scant we altered our course and steered to the Eastward and ran South-east foure leagues From eight this Eeuening till noone the next day East South-east 30. leagues All this day and night proued very cold by meanes as I suppose of the winds comming off so much Ice The eight and twentieth very cold the wind at West not very foggie At noone this day we steered away South-east and by East and by obseruation we were 76. degrees 36. minutes From noone to eight 10. leagues Then the wind scanted to South-east and by South we steered away East and by North 18. leagues till the next day noone The nine and twentieth all the fore-noone a thicke fog and wet the wind at South-east and by East neerest hand and raw cold From noone to foure wee sayled three leagues East and by North halfe a point Northerly Then the wind vered more large we steered East and by South 8. leagues till twelue at night At this timet to windward we heard the rutte of Land which I knew to be so by the colour of the Sea It was extreme thicke fog so that we could hardly see a Cables length from our ship We had ground 25. fathoms small blacke peble stones Wee sounded againe and had ground at 30. fathomes small stones like Beanes at the next cast no ground at 60. fathomes I cast about againe and steered South-west 6. leagues West and by North two leagues till the next day noone All this day and night extreme thicke fog The thirtieth all the fore-noone very thicke fog At noone almost calme after we had little wind and steered North North-west till two then it cleered vp so that we could see from vs 2. leagues with the wind at North-west Then we steered East South-east after it cleered At South in the Eeuening we saw an Iland bearing off vs North-west from vs 5. leagues and we saw land bearing off vs from vs 7. leagues We had land likewise bearing off vs from East South-east to South-east and by East as wee iudged 10. leagues Then hauing the winde at West North-west we steered South and by East It presently proued calme till ten this Eeuening then wee had a little gale at South-west and by West wee steered away South South-east till twelue this night and accounted ourselues in 76. from Land 10. leagues which was the likeliest Land that wee had seene on all the parts of Newland being playne riggie Land of a meane height and not ragged as all the rest was that we had seene this Voyage nor couered with snow At twelue this night we saw two Morses in the Sea neere vs swimming to Land From twelue at night to foure calme The one and thirtieth at foure this morning we had the wind at South-east we steered South South-west Then it proued calme and so continued all the fore-noone The after-noone wee had the wind at East South-east we steered South 8. leagues Then being like to proue much wind contrarie to our purpose and finding our fog more thicke and troublesome then before diuers things necessarie wanting and our time well nigh spent to doe further good this yeere I commanded to beare vp for our returne for England and steered away South South-west And this night proued a hard gale of wind at South-east and by East Wee were thwart of Cheries Iland the next morning at foure of the clocke being to windward off vs 5. leagues knowing we were neere it we looked out carefully for the same and it prouing cleere we saw it being a very ragged Land on the Wester side rising like Hey-cockes The first of August a very hard gale of wind at East South-east we shorted sayle and steered away South South-west This night was very foggie with a hard gale of wind at East and by South we steered by our account 27. leagues and from eight this Eeuening till the next morning foure 10. leagues as afore All this night was very foggie wet and raw cold The second in the morning calme with a thicke fog cold and slabbie weather About noone we had a little gale West and by North wee steered away as afore The third in the morning calme and cleere weather with a little gale East and by South we sayled South South-west then wee had the wind at South-east wee sayled as afore All this day and night proued close weather a little fogge at noone which continued not long At twelue this night the wind vered to the East and by North wee held our course South South-west as afore The fifteenth of August we put into the Iles of Farre standing in 52. degrees and the fifteenth of September I arriued in Tilberie Hope in the Thames CHAP. XV. A second Voyage or Employment of Master HENRY HVDSON for finding a passage to the East Indies by the North-east written by himselfe THeir names employed in this action are as followeth Henry Hudson Master and Pilot Robert Iuet the Master his Mate Ludlowe Arnall Iohn Cooke Boat-sonne Philip Stacie Carpenter Iohn Barns Iohn Braunch Cooke Iohn Adrey Iames Strutton Michael Feirce Thomas Hilles Richard Tomson Robert Raynar Iohn Hudson and Humfrey Gilby The courses obserued in this Iournall were by a Compasse that the Needle and the North of the Flye were directly one on the other Anno 1608. the two and twentieth of Aprill being Friday we set sayle at Saint Katherines and fell downe to Blacke wall The twentieth of May at noone by obseruation we were in 64. degrees 52. minutes and at this time and place the Needle declined vnder the Horizon by the Inclinatory 81. degrees and wee had a smooth Sea by meanes whereof my obseruation was good The one and twentieth at night thicke fog wee sayled North North-east with the wind at East The two and twentieth in the fore-noone the winde at South-east wee steered North North-east as afore in the after-noone little wind and thicke fog we accounted vs in 67. degrees the Sea smooth the Needle declined 82. degrees this night was calme and cleere The three and twentieth in the morning the wind was Easterly we stood North North-East and North and by East All the fore-noone was foggie in the after-noone it cleered and the wind shortned vpon vs we made our way good North all night The foure and twentieth the
wind at East North-east and East and by North we lay as neere as wee could with a full sayle wee accounted Lowfoot from vs East Northerly 16. leagues distant from vs at foure a clocke this after-noone wee stood all night as afore The fiue and twentieth the wind at East North-east we stood away North as we could lie all this day was cleere weather and searching cold which cold begunne the one and twentieth day and then my Carpenter was taken sicke and so doth yet continue and three or foure more of our companie were enclining to sicknesse I suppose by meanes of the cold All the night it was calme The sixe and twentieth cold but cleere weather the wind betweene East and East North-east we stood North-easterly till twelue a clocke at night then wee had the wind at North-east North North-east we stood South-east and East till noone the next day The seuen and twentieth cold and drie weather at noone we had the wind North and North North-west Wee stood away North-east and East North-east as we could and accounted our selues in 69. degrees 40. minutes and the Needle enclined hauing a smooth Sea neerest 84. degrees All night we had wind and weather as afore The eight and twentieth drie cold cleere weather the wind betweene North North-west and North we made our way good East North-east wee saw the Sunne on the North Meridian aboue the Horizon 5. degrees 35. minutes All this night we had much wind as afore The nine and twentieth a hard gale at North North-west by account we ranne from mid-night to noone 21. leagues East North-east Wee had the Sunne on the Meridian 5. degrees the latitude 73. degrees 13. minutes whereby wee found our ship to haue out-runne vs. At mid-night the wind came to South-east we cast about and stood East North-east This day partly cleere weather with some snow The thirtieth cold cleere weather the wind betweene North-east and East and by North we went East South-east and obseruing were in 73. degrees 50. minutes The one and thirtieth cold and cleere weather from the last day till this day noone we stood South-east and by South in the latitude of 72. degrees 45. minutes The first of Iune a hard gale at East North-East with snow we made our way good South South-east The second a hard gale of wind at North-east towards night calme with fogge our course was South-east all day The third in the morning we had a sight of the North Cape and at a West and by North Sunne the Cape bore off vs South-west halfe a point Southerly being from vs 8. leagues and obseruing the variation I found it to the Westward 11. degrees and hauing a smooth Sea the Needle enclined vnder the Horizon 84. degrees and a halfe the neerest I could finde We had the wind at South-west and wee stood away North-east and by East It was cleere weather and we saw Norway Fisher-men at Sea The fourth warme cleere sun-shine we stood away North-east and by East Now by Gods helpe our Carpenter recouered and made a Mast for our ship-boat and the companie made a Sayle we had the Sunne in the sight on the North Meridian his height was 5. degrees 40. minutes Inclination 23. degrees 21. minutes Poles height 72. degrees 21. minutes The fift in the morning calme weather wee sounded and had 140. fathoms sand Oze here wee saw a swelling Sea setting North-east and by East and South-west and by West with streame-leches and we saw drift wood After we had wind and we sayled and made our way North North-east towards night we sounded and found ground at 150. fathoms sand Oze This day cleere weather and not cold The sixt wee had cleere weather the wind being at East North-East from the last day till this day noone we shaped our way on diuers courses North and by West in the latitude of 73. degrees 24. minutes We found that our ship had out-runne vs sounding in 160. fathoms in the after-noone little wind The seuenth in the morning the wind at South after at South South-east from the last day till this day noone wee accounted our way from diuers courses North-east 15. leagues This day was close but cleere weather and we had a good gale of wind at this time And three dayes before this our Cooke and one more of our companie were very sicke In the morning we had ground at 150. fathoms and at night we had no ground at 180. fathoms which encreased hope This night we had some snow which continued foure houres then the wind came at North-east and by East with storme and with short sayle we stood North and by West here the Needle enclined 86. degrees I accounted that we were in 74. degrees and a halfe at neerest hand This night we saw the Sunne on the North Meridian his height was 7. degrees 40. minutes which maketh the Poles height 74. degrees 23. minuâ—es The eight from twelue a clocke last night till noone we accounted our way on diuers courses North and by East then our latitude was 74. degrees 38. minutes and we had no ground at 200. fathoms In the after-noone the wind came at South South-east and South-east and by East This day and night wee had cleere weather and we were here come into a blacke blue Sea The ninth cleere weather the wind came at South-east and by East from the last day till this day noone wee had a good way North-east in latitude of 75. degrees 29. minutes then wee entred into Ice being the first we saw in this Voyage our hope was to goe through it we stood into it and held our course betweene North-east and East North-east loosing for one and bearing roome for another till foure in the after-noone at which time we were so farre in and the Ice so thicke and firme ahead being in it foure or fiue leagues that wee had endangered vs somewhat too farre wee returned as wee went in and with a few rubbes of our ship against the Ice by eight a clocke this Eeuening wee got free of it Wee made our way till next day at noone South-west and by South 18 leagues in the middest of this way wee had no ground at 180. fathoms The tenth in the morning hasey weather but at noone it cleered vp and then we cast about and stood away North and by East the wind being at East South-east two watches fiue leagues then we had the wind at East we cast about and stood South South-east and made a South way sixe leagues The eleuenth in the morning a hard storme at East and East and by South we strooke a hull The twelfth in the morning fog and all day after cleere weather the wind at South South-west we steered East and by North at noone being in the latitude 75. degrees 30. minutes From noone till foure a clocke fiue leagues East and by North then we saw Ice ahead of vs and vnder
our Lee trending from the North-west to the North and East of vs We had sounding 100. fathom greenish Oze Here we saw diuers pieces of drift wood by vs driuing and streame Leeches lying South South-west and North North-east We many times saw the like since we saw the North Cape The thirteenth cleere weather the wind at East we made a South way 6. leagues two watches then we cast about and made a North way one watch 3. leagues 1 â— At twelue at night much wind with fog we strooke a hull and layed our ships head to the Southward The fourteenth in the fore-noone fog and our shroudes were frozen the after-noone was cleere Sun-shine and so was all the night The fifteenth all day and night cleere sun-shine the wind at East the latitude at noone 75. degrees 7. minutes We held Westward by our account 13. leagues In the after-noone the Sea was asswaged and the wind being at East we set sayle and stood South and by East and South South-east as we could This morning one of our companie looking ouer boord saw a Mermaid and calling vp some of the companie to see her one more came vp and by that time shee was come close to the ships side looking earnestly on the men a little after a Sea came and ouerturned her from the Nauill vpward her backe and breasts were like a womans as they say that saw her her body as big as one of vs her skin very white and long haire hanging downe behind of colour blacke in her going downe they saw her tayle which was like the tayle of a Porposâ—e and speckled like a Macrell Their names that saw her were Thomas Hilles and Robert Rayner The sixteenth cleere weather the wind being at East From the last day till this day noone we made our way South and by East 9. leagues and from noon to eight a clocke in the Eeuening 6. leagues then we cast about and stood to the Northwards The seuenteenth cleere weather the wind at South-east and by East from the last day till this day noone our way was North-east and by East at noone being in the latitude of 74. degrees 40. minutes At after-noone we sounded and had ground at 86. fathom greene Oze and our water whitish greene Here we saw Whales Porpoises and the Sea full of Fowles from noone to mid-night North-east and by East we had the Sunne at lowest on the North and by East Easterly part of the Compasse latitude 74. degrees 54. minutes Sounding we had 92. fathoms water Oze as before The eighteenth faire weather the wind at South-east and by East from mid-night till this day noone wee sayled North-east and by East in the Latitude of 75. degrees 24. minutes and had ground at ninetie fiue fathome Oze as afore Heere we had Ice in our sight to the Northward off vs. In the after-noone hauing little wind at North-east we cast about and lay East South-east and at sixe a clocke had ground at ninetie fiue fathoms and a halfe Oze as afore From noone to twelue a clocke at night our way was South-east and South-east and by East and had the Sunne on the Meridian North and by East halfe a point Eastward The Sunnes height was eight degrees 40. minutes Sounding ninetie fathom All this day we had Ice on our Larboord trending and at this time from the North-west off vs to the East South-east I haue some reason to thinke there is a Tide or Current setting to the Northwards the course wee held and the way we made betweene this noone and mid-night Obseruations doe make mee suspect it the more The nineteenth faire and warme weather the sea smooth Here the Needle inclined vnder the Horizon 89. degrees and a halfe being in the Latitude at noone of 75. degrees 22. minutes Sounding wee had ground in an hundred fathom From twelue a clocke last night till this day at noone we accounted our way from East and by North to South-east ten leagues hauing Ice alwayes in our sight trending on our Larboord wee had the winde betweene North and North North-west We saw the Sunne at the lowest on the North and by East halfe a point Easterly his height was 8. degrees 10. minutes which maketh the Poles height 74. degrees 56. minutes Sounding we had ground in one hundred and twentie sixe fathom From noone to this time wee accounted our way East and by South and East South-east twelue leagues The twentieth faire warme weather this morning at foure of the clocke wee had depth one hundred and twentie fiue fathom Heere we heard Beares roare on the Ice and we saw vpon the Ice and neare vnto it an incredible number of Seales We had sounding one hundred and fifteen fathom and after ground at ninetie fiue fathom sandie Oze We had the Sun on the Meridian North and by East halfe a point Easterly his height was 7. degrees 20. minutes From twelue a clocke last night to twelue a clocke this night our way was made good by our account South-east and by South twelue leagues and South-east three leagues and a halfe the Ice alwayes being on our Larboord The wind this day betweene North and North-west The one and twentieth at foure a clocke in the morning wee sounded and had one hundred and twentie fathome greene Oze and the Ice bore off vs East the winde variable in diuers courses wee made our way good South South-east our Latitude at noone being 74. degrees 9. minutes we were haled to the Northward beyond expectation All this day faire cleere and warme weather and Ice on our Larboord at a North and by East Sunne being then at lowest his height was 7. degrees 40. minutes which made the Poles height 74. degrees 33. minutes From the last day at noone till twelue a clocke this night by account of our ships way wee made our way good East North-east sixe leagues and a halfe whereby it doth appeare how we were haled to the Northward Heere wee had ground at one hundred and thirteene fathome greene sandie Oze The two and twentieth faire cleare weather the winde at West North-west At eight a clocke in the Morning we had ground at one hundred and fifteene fathom greene Oze From mid-night to noone our course was North-east and by East being in the Letitude of 74. degrees 35. minutes and we found that our ships way and our obseruation were not but there was carefull heed taken of both Heere we had Ice a head off vs trending to the South-east and all day before Ice on our Larboord Here we stood South-east fiue leagues then the Ice trended South and by West sixe leagues we sayled by it and doubled it by eight a clocke in the Eeuening and then it bore East off vs. Heere hauing a smooth sea the Needle inclined 85. degrees from eight a clocke to twelue North and by East Easterly Then we had the Sunne on the Meridian North and by East ½ a
anchor in the mouth of a Riuer where lieth an Iland in the mouth thereof foure leagues wee anchored from the Iland in two and thirtie fathomes blacke sandy ground There droue much Ice out of it with a streame that set out of the Riuer or Sound and there were many Morses sleeping on the Ice and by it we were put from our Road twice this night and being calme all this day it pleased God at our need to giue vs a fine gale which freed vs out of danger This day was calme cleere and hot weather all the night we rode still The thirtieth calme hot and faire weather we weighed in the morning and towed and rowed and at noone we came to anchor neere the I le aforesaid in the mouth of the Riuer and saw very much Ice driuing in the Sea two leagues without vs lying South-east and North-west and driuing to the North-west so fast that wee could not by twelue a clocke at night see it out of the top At the Iland where wee rode lieth a little Rocke whereon were fortie or fiftie Morses lying asleepe being all that it could hold it being so full and little I sent my companie ashoare to them leauing none aboord but my Boy with mee and by meanes of their neerenesse to the water they all got away saue one which they killed and brought his head aboord and ere they came aboord they went on the Iland which is reasonable high and steepe but flat on the top They killed and brought with them a great Fowle whereof there were many and likewise some Egges and in an houre they came aboord This I le is two flight-shot ouer in length and one in breadth At mid-night our Anchor came home and wee tayld aground by meanes of the strength of the streame but by the helpe of God wee houed her off without hurt In short time wee moued our ship and rode still all night and in the night wee had little wind at East and East South-east VVee had at noone this day an obseruation and were in the latitude of 71. degrees 15. minutes The first of Iuly we saw more Ice to Seaward of vs from the South-east to the North-west driuing to the North-west At noone it was calme and we had the Sunne on the Meridian on the South and by VVest point halfe a point to the VVesterly part of the Compasse in the latitude of 71. degrees 24. minutes This morning I sent my Mate Eueret and foure of our companie to rowe about the Bay to see what Riuers were in the same and to find where the Morses did come on land and to see a Sound or great Riuer in the bottome of the Bay which did alwaies send out a great streame to the Northwards against the tide that came from thence and I found the same in comming in from the North to this place before this VVhen by the meanes of the great plenty of Ice the hope of passage betweene Newland and Noua Zembla was taken away my purpose was by the Vaygats to passe by the mouth of the Riuer Ob and to double that way the North Cape of Tartaria or to giue reason wherefore it will not be but being here and hoping by the plentie of Morses wee saw here to defray the charge of our Voyage and also that this Sound might for some reasons bee a better passage to the East of Noua Zembla then the Vaygats if it held according to my hope conceiued by the likenesse it gaue for whereas we had a floud came from the Northwards yet this Sound or Riuer did runne so strong that Ice with the streame of this Riuer was carried away or any thing else against the floud so that both in floud and ebbe the streame doth hold a strong course and it floweth from the North three houres and ebbeth nine The second the wind being at East South-east it was reasonable cold and so was Friday and the Morses did not play in our sight as in warme weather This morning at three of the clocke my Mate and companie came aboord and brought a great Deeres horne a white locke of Deeres haire foure dozen of Fowle their Boat halfe laden with drift Wood and some Flowers and greene things that they found growing on the shoare They saw a herd of white Deere of ten in a companie on the land much drift wood lying on the shoare many good Bayes and one Riuer faire to see to on the North shoare for the Morses to land on but they saw no Morses there but signes that they had beene in the Bayes And the great Riuer or Sound they certified me was of breadth two or three leagues and had no ground at twentie fathoms and that the water was of the colour of the Sea and very salt and that the streame setteth strongly out of it At sixe a clocke this morning came much Ice from the Southward driuing vpon vs very fearefull to looke on but by the mercy of God and his mightie helpe wee being moored with two Anchors ahead with vering out of one Cable and heauing home the other and fending off with Beames and Sparres escaped the danger which labour continued till sixe a clocke in the Eeuening and then it was past vs and we rode still and tooke our rest this night The third the wind at North a hard gale At three a clocke this morning wee weighed our anchor and set sayle purposing to runne into the Riuer or Sound before spoken of The fourth in the morning it cleered vp with the wind at North-west we weighed and set sayle and stood to the Eastwards and past ouer a Reefe and found on it fiue and a halfe sixe sixe and a halfe and seuen fathoms water then we saw that the Sound was full a very large Riuer from the North-eastward free from Ice and a strong streame comming out of it and wee had sounding then foure and thirtie fathoms water Wee all conceiued hope of this Northerly Riuer or Sound and sayling in it wee found three and twentie fathomes for three leagues and after twentie fathomes for fiue or sixe leagues all tough Ozie ground Then the winde vered more Northerly and the streame came downe so strong that wee could doe no good on it wee came to anchor and went to supper and then presently I sent my Mate Iuet with fiue more of our companie in our Boat with Sayle and Oares to get vp the Riuer being prouided with Victuall and Weapons for defence willing them to sound as they went and if it did continue still deepe to goe vntill it did trende to the Eastward or to the Southwards and wee rode still The fift in the morning we had the wind at West we began to weigh anchor purposing to set sayle and to runne vp the Sound after our companie then the wind vered Northerly vpon vs and we saued our labour At noone our companie came aboord vs hauing had a hard
rought for they had beene vp the Riuer sixe or seuen leagues and sounded it from twentie to three and twentie and after brought it to eight sixe and one fathome and then to foure foot in the best they then went ashoare and found good store of wilde Goose quills a piece of an old Oare and some Flowers and greene things which they found growing they saw many Deere and so did we in our after-dayes sayling They being come aboord we presently set sayle with the wind at North North-west and we stood out againe to the South-westwards with sorrow that our labour was in vaine for had this Sound held as it did make shew of for breadth depth safenesse of harbour and good anchor ground it might haue yeelded an excellent passage to a more Easterly Sea Generally all the Land of Noua Zembla that yet wee haue seene is to a mans eye a pleasant Land much mayne high Land with no Snow on it looking in some places greene and Deere feeding thereon and the Hills are partly couered with Snow and partly bare It is no maruell that there is so much Ice in the Sea toward the Pole so many Sounds and Riuers being in the Lands of Noua Zembla and Newland to ingender it besides the coasts of Pechora Russia and Groenland with Lappia as by proofes I finde by my trauell in these parts by meanes of which Ice I suppose there will be no nauigable passage this way This Eeuening wee had the wind at West and by South wee therefore came to anchor vnder Deere Point and it was a storme at Sea wee rode in twentie fathomes Ozie ground I sent my Mate Ladlow with foure more ashoare to see whether any Morses were on the shoare and to kill some Fowle for we had seene no Morses since Saturday the second day of this moneth that wee saw them driuing out of the Ice They found good landing for them but no signe that they had beene there but they found that fire had beene made there yet not lately At ten of the clocke in the Eeuening they came aboord and brought with them neere an hundred Fowles called Wellocks this night it was wet fogge and very thicke and cold the winde at West South-west The sixt in the morning wee had the wind stormie and shifting betweene the West and South-west against vs for doing any good we rode still and had much Ice driuing by vs to the Eastward of vs. At nine of the clocke this Eeuening wee had the wind at North North-west we presently weighed and set sayle and stood to the Westward being out of hope to find passage by the North-east And my purpose was now to see whether Willoughbies Land were as it is layd in our Cardes which if it were wee might finde Morses on it for with the Ice they were all driuen from hence This place vpon Noua Zembla is another then that which the Hollanders call Costing Sarch discouered by Oliuer Brownell and William Barentsons obseruation doth witnesse the same It it layd in plot by the Hollanders out of his true place too farre North to what end I know not vnlesse to make it hold course with the Compasse not respecting the variation It is as broad and like to yeeld passage as the Vaygats and my hope was that by the strong streame it would haue cleered it selfe but it did not It is so full of Ice that you will hardly thinke it All this day for the most part it was fogge and cold The seuenth cleere but cold weather in the morning the wind was at the North from the last Eeuening to this morning we set saile and kept our course West and by South fifteene leagues from morning to eight a clocke in the Eeuening it was calme then we had the wind againe at North and we sayled till nine a clocke next morning West South-west eight leagues then the wind being West and by South wee went North and by West three leagues and wee had the Sunne at the highest South South-west in the latitude of 71. degrees 2. minutes The eight faire weather at noone we had the wind at East North-east we stood North three leagues till foure a clocke then the wind being at west and by North wee stemmed North and by West one league and a halfe till six a clocke in the Eeuening then the wind was at North-east a hard gale and wee stood till next day at noone West and by North by account three and twentie leagues we had the Sunne on the Meridian South and by West halfe a point neerest West in the latitude of 70. degrees 41. minutes The ninth cleere weather from this to the next day at noone we sayled South-west and by West twelue leagues and Northward three leagues and in these courses had these soundings 41.42.46.48 and 45. fathoms we had the Sunne South and by VVest halfe a point to the VVest part of the Compasse The Sea was loftie our latitude was 70. degrees 20. minutes The tenth cleere but close weather from this till next day noone wee had little wind at West North-west by account we made our way fiue leagues North-easterly Wee had the Sun at the highest on the South and by West point and a terce Westward in the latitude of 70. degrees 55. minutes and I thinke we had a rustling tide vnder vs and in this time had sounding betweene fortie fiue and fortie fathomes white sand The eleuenth cleere weather from this to the next day at noone little wind at North North-east and sometimes calme wee sayled West and by North by account fiue leagues and had the Sunne on the Meridian on the South and by West point â…“ West in the latitude of 70. degrees 26. minutes and found a rustling vnder vs. This fore-noone we were come into a greene Sea of the colour of the mayne Ocean which we first lost the eight of Iune since which time wee haue had a Sea of a black blue colour which both by the last and this yeeres experience is a Sea-pestered with Ice The twelfth faire weather from noone to mid-night wee had the wind shifting betweene the North and West our course was betweene VVest North-west and South South-west Then we had the wind at South we sayled till the next day at noone West and by North thirteene leagues wee accounted our way from the last day till this day noone Westward eighteene leagues This after-noone wee saw more Porpoises then in all our Voyage afore The thirteenth close weather in the after-noone hauing much wind at South with short sayle we stood away West and by North till eight a clocke in the Eeuening then we had the wind at South but most times calme till noone the next day wee stood away as afore foure leagues which made in all twelue leagues we had the Sunne ere it began to fall South and by West in the latitude of 70. degrees 22. minutes The fourteenth wee stood West North-west till
mid-night seuenteene leagues then the wind scanted and came at West we stood North North-west one league and a halfe then the wind being more Southerly wee sayled West North-west fiue leagues From the last till this day at noone our way was out of diuers courses North-west and by West foure and twentie leagues We had the Sunne beginning to fall at South and by West in the latitude of 70. degrees 54. minutes The fifteenth faire but towards night like to be stormie with thunder the wind betweene South and South South-east from this till the sixteenth day at noone our course was West and by North seuen and twentie leagues and the Sunne then began to fall at South three quarters of a point Westward in the latitude of 70. degrees 42. minutes The sixteenth faire our way was from this till next day at noone North-west twelue leagues out of diuers courses and we had the wind shifting sometimes at East at West South-west and West and by North the latitude by a bad obseruation 71. degrees 44. minutes The seuenteenth in the fore-noone faire the wind being at West and by North. At foure a clocke this morning we saw Land beare off vs West and South South-west which was about Ward-house this after-noone wee had a storme at West and by North we layed it to trie till eight a clocke in the Eeuening and then set sayle with the wind betweene West North-west and North-west our course till the next day at noone was South-west and by South twelue leagues the Cape Hopewell bore off vs South South-west and we were foure or fiue leagues from land The eighteenth gusty with raine all the fore-noone then we had the wind shifting till next day at noone from South South-east to East and South-east our course in generall was North-west foure and twentie leagues then did North Kene beare off vs West halfe a point Southward being from vs foure leagues and the North Cape in sight bearing West and by North c. The seuen and twentieth cold with raine and storme this night we began to burne Candle in the Betacle which we had not done since the nineteenth of May by reason wee had alwaies day from thence till now The thirtieth we had the Sunne vpon the Meridian due South in the latitude of 68. degrees 46. minutes whereby we found vs to bee afore our ship ten or twelue leagues and Lowfoot bore East of vs but not in sight The seuenth of August I vsed all diligence to arriue at London and therefore now I gaue my companie a certificate vnder my hand of my free and willing returne without perswasion or force of any one or more of them for at my being at Noua Zembla the sixt of Iuly voide of hope of a North-east passage except by the Vaygats for which I was not fitted to trie or proue I therefore resolued to vse all meanes I could to sayle to the North-west considering the time and meanes wee had if the wind should friend vs as in the first part of our Voyage it had done and to make triall of that place called Lumleys Iulet and the furious ouer-fall by Captayne Dauis hoping to runne into it an hundred leagues and to returne as God should enable mee But now hauing spent more then halfe the time I had and gone but the shortest part of the way by meanes of contrary winds I thought it my dutie to saue Victuall Wages and Tackle by my speedy returne and not by foolish rashnesse the time being wasted to lay more charge vpon the action then necessitie should compell I arriued at Grauesend the six and twentieth of August CHAP. XVI The third Voyage of Master HENRIE HVDSON toward Noua Zembla and at his returne his passing from Farre Ilands to New-found Land and along to fortie foure degrees and ten minutes and thence to Cape Cod and so to thirtie three degrees and along the Coast to the Northward to fortie two degrees and an halfe and vp the Riuer neere to fortie three degrees Written by ROBERT IVET of Lime-house ON Saturday the fiue and twentieth of March 1609. after the old Account we set sayle from Amsterdam and by the seuen and twentieth day we were downe at the Texel and by twelue of the clocke we were off the Land it being East of vs two leagues off And because it is a journey vsually knowne I omit to put downe what passed till we came to the height of The North Cape of Finmarke which we did performe by the fift of May stilo nouo being Tuesday On which day we obserued the height of the Pole and found it to bee 71. degrees and 46. minutes and found our Compasse to vary six degrees to the West and at twelue of the clocke the North Cape did beare South-west and by South tenne leagues off and wee steered away East and by South and East After much trouble with fogges sometimes and more dangerous of Ice The nineteenth being Tuesday was close stormie weather with much wind and snow and very cold the wind variable betweene the North North-west and North-east We made our way West and by North till noone Then we obserued the Sunne hauing a slake and found our heigth to bee 70. degrees 30. minutes And the ship had out-runne vs twentie leagues by reason of the set of the streame of The White Sea and we had sight of Wardhouse Then at two of the clocke wee tacke to the Eastward for we could not get about the North Cape the wind was so scant and at eight of the clocke at night on the one and twentieth the North Cape did beare South-east and by South seuen leagues off And at mid-night Assumption Point did beare South and by East fiue leagues off vs. The two and twentieth gusting weather with haile and snow the Sunne breaking out sometimes we continued our course along the Land West South-west And at tenne of the clocke at night we were thwart off Zenam The bodie of it did beare East off vs fiue leagues and the course from the North Cape to Zenam is for the most part West and by South and West South-west fiftie foure leagues The three and twentieth faire Sun-shining weather the wind at East and by South and East South-east wee steered along the Land South-west and South-west and by West eight leagues a Watch for so we found the Land to lye from Zenam to Lofoote And the distance is fiftie leagues from the bodie of Zenam to the Westermost Land of Lofoote And from the one to the other the course is South-west and by West For the Needle of our Compasse was set right to the North. At twelue of the clocke at night the bodie of Lofoote did beare South-east sixe leagues off The foure and twentieth faire cleere Sun-shining weather the wind variable vpon all points of the Compasse but most vpon the South-east and sometimes calme We continued our course West South-west as before And
at eight of the clocke at night the Souther part of Lofoote did beare South-east ten leagues off vs. The fiue and twentieth much wind at North-east with some snow and haile The first watch the wind came to the East a fine gale and so came to the North-east the second watch at foure of the clocke and freshed in And at eight of the clocke it grew to a storme and so continued At noone we obserued and made the ship to be in 67. degrees 58. minutes Wee continued our course South-west twelue leagues a watch At nine of the clocke Lofoote did beare East of vs 15. leagues off And we found the Compasse to haue no variation The wind increased to a storme The six and twentieth was a great storme at the North North-east and North-east Wee steered away South-west afore the wind with our fore-course abroad for wee were able to maintayne no more sayles it blew so vehemently and the Sea went so high and brake withall that it would haue dangered a small ship to lye vnder the Sea So we skudded seuenty leagues in foure and twentie houres The storme began to cease at foure of the clocke The seuen and twentieth indifferent faire weather but a good stiffe gale of wind at North and North North-east wee held on our course as before At noone wee obserued and found our heigth to be 64. degrees 10. minutes And wee perceiued that the Current had hindred vs in fortie eight houres to the number of 16. leagues to our best judgement We set our mayne-sayle sprit-sayle and our mayne-top-sayle and held on our course all night hauing faire weather The eight and twentieth faire weather and little wind at North-east we held on our course South-west At noone wee obserued the heigth and were in 62. degrees and 30. minutes The after-noone was little wind at North North-west The second watch it fell calme At foure of the clocke wee had sight of the Iles called Farre and found them to lye out of their place in the Sea Chart fourteene leagues to farre Westerly For in running South-west from Lofoote wee had a good care to our steerage and obseruations and counted our selues thirtie leagues off by our course and obseruation and had sight of them sixteene or eighteene leagues off The nine and twentieth faire weather sometimes calme and sometimes a gale with the wind varying at South-west and so to the North-east Wee got to the Ilands but could not get in So we stood along the Ilands The ebbe being come we durst not put in The thirtieth faire weather the wind at South-east and East South-east In the morning we turned into a Road in Stromo one of the Ilands of Farre betweene Stromo and Mugge-nes and got in by nine of the clocke for it flowed so there that day And assoone as we came in we went to Romage and sent our Boat for water and filled all our emptie Caskes with fresh water Wee made in end of our Romaging this night by ten of the clocke The one and thirtieth faire Sun-shining weather the wind at East South-east In the forenoone our Master with most of his Company went on shoare to walke and at one of the clocke they returned aboord Then we set sayle The first of Iune stilo nouo faire Sun-shining weather the wind at East South-east We continued on our course South-west and by West At noone wee obserued the Sunne and found our heigth to be 60. degrees 58. minutes and so continued on our course all night with faire weather This night we lighted Candles in the Bittacle againe The second mystie weather the wind at North-east At noone we steered away West South-west to find Busse Iland discouered in the yeere 1578. by one of the ships of Sir Martin Frobisher to see if it lay in her true latitude in the Chart or no wee continued our course as before all night with a faire gale of wind this night we had sight of the first stars and our water was changed colour to a white greene The Compasse had no variation The third faire Sun-shining weather the wind at North-east We steered on our course South-west and by West with a stiffe gale of wind At noone we obserued and found our heigth to bee 58. degrees 48. minutes And I was before the ship 16. leagues by reason of the Current that held vs so strong out of the South-west For it is eight leagues in foure and twentie houres We accounted our selues neere Busse Iland by mid-night we looked out for it but could not see it The fourth in the morning was much wind with fogge and raine Wee steered away South-west by west all the fore-noone the wind so increasing that wee were enforced to take in our top-sayle the winde continuing so all the after-noone Wee steered away South-west all the fore-part of the night and at ten of the clocke at night it was little wind and that was at South and so came vp to the South South-east The fift stormie weather and much wind at South and South by East so that at foure of the clocke in the morning we tooke in our fore-sayle and lay a try with our mayne corse and tryed away West North-west foure leagues But at noone it was lesse wind and the Sunne shewed forth and we obserued and found our heigth to be 56. degrees 21. minutes In the after-noone the wind vered to and fro betweene the South-west and the South-east with raine and fogge and so continued all night Wee found that our ship had gone to the VVestward of our course The sixth thicke hasie weather with gusts of wind and showers of raine The wind varied betweene East South-East and South-west wee steered on many courses a West South-west way The afternoone watch the wind was at East South-east a stiffe gale with myst and raine Wee steered away South-west by West eight leagues At noone the Sunne shone forth and we found the heigth to bee 56. degrees 8. minutes The seuenth faire sun-shining weather all the fore-noone and calme vntill twelue of the clocke In the after-noone the wind came to the North-west a stiffe gale We steered South-west by West and made a South-west way At noone we found the height to bee 56. degrees one minute and it continued all night a hard gale The eight stormy weather the wind variable betweene West and North-west much wind at eight of the clocke wee tooke off our Bonnets At noone the Sunne shewed forth and wee obserued and our height was 54. degrees 30. minutes The ninth faire sun-shining weather and little wind all the fore-part of the day vntill eleuen of the clocke Then the wind came to the South South-east and we steered away West South-west At noone we found our height to bee 53. degrees and 45. minutes and we had made our way South by West ten leagues In the after-noone the wind increased and continued all night at East North-east and East The
twelfth faire weather the wind variable betweene East North-east and South-east wee steered on our course as before At foure of the clock in the afternoon the wind came vp at South-east And we held our course as before At noone wee obserued and found our height to be 52. degrees 35. minutes The eleuenth in the morning was thicke and foggie the winde varying betweene South South-west and North-west At foure of the clocke in the morning wee tackt about to the Southward At eleuen of the clocke the winde came to the North-west and so to the West North-west This day we had change of water of a whitish greene like to the Ice water to the North-west At noone it cleered vp and became very faire weather wee put out our mayne top-sayle then we obserued the Sunne and found our height to be 51. degrees 24. minutes We had sayled many courses and found our ship gone to the Southward of our account ten leagues by reason of a current from the North-ward The Compasse varied on point to the East The twelfth faire Sun-shining weather but much wind at the West we stood to the Southward all day the wind shifting betweene the South-west and the West and by North. Wee made our way South halfe a point West eight and twentie leagues Our height at noone was 50. degrees 9. minutes At eight of the clock at night we took off our Bonets the wind increasing The thirteenth faire Sun-shining weather the wind variable betweene the West and North North-west We made our way South South-west seuen and twentie leagues At noone we obserued and found our heigth to be 48. degrees 45. minutes But not to be trusted the Sea went so high In the after-noone the winde was calmer and wee brought to our Bonets and stood to the Southward all night with a stiffe gale The fourteenth faire and cleere Sun-shining weather the winde variable betweene the North-west and South-west by West At mid-night I obserued the North starre at a North-west by West Guarde a good obseruation 49. degrees 30. minutes And at noone wee obserued the Sunne and our heigth was 48. degrees 6. minutes And I made account we ranne betweene the two obseruations twelue leagues At one of the clocke in the after-noone wee cast about to the Westward and stood so all night the winde increased to a storme and was very much winde with Raine The fifteenth we had a great storme and spent ouer-boord our fore-mast bearing our fore corse low set The sixteenth we were forced to trie with our mayne sayle by reason of the vnconstant weather So wee tried foure watches South-east and by South eight leagues and an halfe and two watches sixe leagues The seuenteenth reasonable faire weather the wind variable betweene West South-west and West North-west And a stiffe gale of wind and so great a swelling Sea out of the West South-west that wee could doe nothing So one watch and an halfe wee droue North foure-leagues and an halfe and foure watches and an halfe South and by East halfe a point East twelue leagues The eighteenth reasonable weather but close and cloudie and an hard gale of wind and a great Sea The winde being at the North-west wee lay to the Southward and made our drift South and by West fiue leagues The after-noone prooued little wind and the night part calme The nineteenth in the fore-noone faire weather and calme In the morning we set the piece of our fore mast and set our fore corse The one and twentieth faire Sun-shining weather but much wind and a great Sea We split our fore saile at ten of the clocke then we laid it a trie with our mayne sayle and continued so all day In the night it fell to be little wind This day our heigth was 45. degrees 48. minutes The two and twentieth very faire Sun-shining weather and calme all the after-noone At noone we made a very good obseruation and found our heigth 44. degrees 58. minutes At eight of the clocke at night wee had a small gale of winde at South-east And wee steered away West for Newfound Land The true Compasse varied one point East The three and twentieth thicke weather with much wind and some raine At eight of the clocke in the morning the wind came to the West South-west and West so stiffe a gale that we were forced to take our top-sayle and steered away North North-west vntill foure of the clock in the after-noone Then we tact to the Southward the winde at West North-west At eight of the clocke at night wee tooke in our top-sayles and laid it a trie with our mayne sayle the winde at West The foure and twentieth a stiffe gale of wind varying betweene the West and North North-west we tried till sixe of the clocke at which time we set our foresaile and steered way West and by South by our Compasse eight leagues in foure watches and wee tried away South in one watch and an halfe The fiue and twentieth faire Sun-shining weather the wind at North North-west and North we steered away West by South by our Compasse till twelue of the clocke at which time we had sight of a sayle and gaue her chafe but could not speake with her She stood to the Eastward and we stood after her till sixe of the clocke in the after-noone Then wee tact to the Westward againe and stood on our course It was faire all night and little wind sometimes The six and twentieth all the fore-part of the day very farre weather and hot but at foure of the clocke in the after-noone it grew to bee much winde and raine the winde was at South South-east At noone wee obserued and found our heigth to bee 44. degrees 33. minutes At eight of the clocke at night the wind came to South-west and West South-west Wee steered North-west one Watch and at twelue in the night to the West and West and by South very much wind So we could lye but North North-west The seuen and twentieth very much winde and a soare storme the wind Westerly In the morning at foure of the clocke wee tooke in our fore-corse and layd it a trie with our mayne-corse low set and so continued all the day and night two watches to the Northward At eight of the clocke at night we tackt to the Southward The eight and twentieth faire sun-shining weather the wind at West and by South we lay a trie to the Southward till eight of the clocke in the morning Then wee set our fore-corse and stood to the Southward a stiffe gale of wind but faire weather and a great Sea out of the Westerboord and so continued all night The nine and twentieth faire sun-shining weather the wind at West and by South we stood to the Southward vntill sixe of the clocke at night and made our way South and by East foure leagues Then the winde came to the South-west and wee cast about to the VVestward and made our way VVest North-west
sand The twelfth was very foggie we stood our course all the morning till eleuen of the clocke at which time we had sight of the Land which is low white sandie ground right on head off vs and had ten fathoms Then we tackt to the Southward and stood off foure Glasses then we tackt to the Land againe thinking to haue rode vnder it and as we came neere it the fog was so thicke that we could not see so wee stood off againe From mid-night to two of the clocke we came sounding in twelue thirteene and foureteene fathoms off the shoare At foure of the clocke we had 20 fathoms At eight of the clocke at night 30. fathoms At twelue of the clocke 65. fathoms and but little winde for it deeped apace but the neerer the shoare the fairer shoalding The thirteenth faire sun-shining weather from eight of the clocke in the fore-noone all day after but in the morning it was foggie Then at eight of the clocke we cast about for the shoare but could not see it the wind being at South by our true Compasse wee steered VVest and by North. At noone we obserued and found our height to bee 43. degrees 25. minutes so we steered away VVest and by North all the after-noone At foure of the clocke in the after-noone we sounded and had fiue and thirtie fathoms And at sixe of the clocke wee had sight of the Land and saw two sayles on head off vs. The land by the waters side is low Land and white sandie Bankes rising full of little Hils Our soundings were 35.33.30.28.32.37.33 32. fathoms The foureteenth full of mysts flying and vading the wind betweene South and South-west we steered away West North-west and North-west and by West Our soundings were 29.25.24.25.22.25.27.30.28.30.35.43.50.70.90.70.64.86.100 fathoms and no ground The fifteenth very mystie the winde varying betweene South and South-west wee steered West and by North and VVest North-west In the morning we sounded and had one hundred fathoms till foure of the clocke in the after-noone Then we sounded againe and had seuentie fiue fathoms Then in two Glasses running which was not aboue two English miles we sounded and had sixtie fathoms and it shoalded a great pace vntill we came to twentie fathoms Then we made account we were neere the Ilands that lie off the shoare So we came to an Anchor the Sea being very smooth and little wind at nine of the clocke at night After supper we tryed for Fish and I caught fifteene Cods some the greatest that I haue seene and so we rode all night The sixteenth in the morning it cleered vp and wee had sight of fiue Ilands lying North and North and by VVest from vs two leagues Then wee made ready to set sayle but the myst came so thicke that we durst not enter in among them The seuenteenth was all mystie so that wee could not get into the Harbour At ten of the clocke two Boates came off to vs with sixe of the Sauages of the Countrey seeming glâ—d of our comming VVe gaue them trifles and they eate and dranke with vs and told vs that there were Gold Siluer and Copper mynes hard by vs and that the French-men doe Trade with them which is very likely for one of them spake some words of French So wee rode still all day and all night the weather continuing mystie The eighteenth faire weather wee went into a very good Harbour and rode hard by the shoare in foure fathoms water The Riuer runneth vp a great way but there is but two fathoms hard by vs. VVe went on shoare and cut vs a fore Mast then at noone we came aboord againe and found the height of the place to bee in 44. degrees 1. minute and the Sunne to fall at a South South-west Sunne VVe mended our sayles and fell to make our fore-Mast The Harbour lyeth South and North a mile in where we rode The nineteenth we had faire sun-shining weather we rode still In the after-noone wee went with our Boate to looke for fresh water and found some and found a shoald with many Lobsters on it and caught one and thirtie The people comming aboord shewed vs great friendship but we could not trust them The twentieth faire sunne-shining weather the winde at South-west In the morning our Scute went out to catch fresh Fish halfe an houre before day and returned in two houres bringing seuen and twentie great Coddes with two hookes and lines In the after-noone wee went for more Lobsters and caught fortie and returned aboord Then wee espied two French Shallops full of the Countrey people come into the Harbour but they offered vs no wrong seeing we stood vpon our guard They brought many Beauer skinnes and other fine Furres which they would haue changed for redde Gownes For the French trade with them for red Cassockes Kniues Hatchets Copper Kettles Treuits Beades and other trifles The one and twentieth all mystie the wind Easterly wee rode still and did nothing but about our Mast. The two and twentieth faire Sun-shining weather the winde all Northerly we rode still all the day In the after-noone our Scute went to catch more Lobsters and brought with them nine and fiftie The night was cleere weather The three and twentieth faire sun-shining weather and very hot At eleuen of the clocke our fore Mast was finished and we brought it aboord and set it into the step and in the after-noone we rigged it This night we had some little myst and rayne The foure and twentieth very hot weather the winde at South out of the sea The fore-part of the day wee brought to our sayles In the morning our Scute went to take Fish and in two houres they brought with them twentie great Coddes and a great Holibut the night was faire also We kept good watch for feare of being betrayed by the people and perceiued where they layd their Shallops The fiue and twentieth very faire weather and hot In the morning wee manned our Scute with foure Muskets and sixe men and tooke one of their Shallops and brought it aboord Then we manned our Boat Scute with twelue men and Muskets and two stone Pieces or Murderers and draue the Saluages from their Houses and tooke the spoyle of them as they would haue done of vs. Then wee set sayle and came downe to the Harbours mouth and rode there all night because the winde blew right in and the night grew mystie with much rayne till mid-night Then it fell calme and the wind came off the Land at West North-west and it began to cleere The Compasse varyed 10. degrees North-west The sixe and twentieth faire and cleere sunne-shining weather At fiue of the clocke in the morning the winde being off the shoare at North North-west we set sayle and came to sea and by noone we counted our ship had gone foureteene leagues South-west In the after-noone the winde shifted variably betweene West South-west and North-west At
noone I found the height to bee 43. degrees 56. minutes This Eeuening being very faire weather wee obserued the variation of our Compasse at the Sunnes going downe and found it to bee 10. degrees from the North to the VVestward The seuen and twentieth faire sun-shining weather the winde shifting betweene the South-west and West and by North a stiffe gale we stood to the Southward all day and made our way South and by West seuen and twentie leagues At noone our height was 42. degrees 50. minuts At foure of the clocke in the after-noone wee cast about to the Northward At eight of the clocke we tooke in our top-sayles and our fore-bonnet and went with a short sayle all night The eight and twentieth very thicke and mystie and a stiffe gale of wind varying betweene South South-west and South-west and by VVest we made our way North-west and by VVest seuen and twentie leagues wee sounded many times and could get no ground At fiue of the clocke we cast about to the Southward the wind at South-west and by VVest At which time we sounded and had ground at seuentie fiue fathoms At eight wee had sixtie fiue fathoms At ten sixtie At twelue of the clocke at mid-night fiftie sixe fathoms gray sand The Compasse varyed 6. degrees the North point to the VVest The nine and twentieth faire weather we stood to the Southward and made our way South and by VVest a point South eighteene leagues At noone we found our height to bee 42. degrees 56. minutes wee sounded oft and had these 60.64.65.67.65.65.70 and 75. fathoms At night wee tryed the variation of our Compasse by the setting of the Sunne and found that it went downe 37. degrees to the North-ward of the VVest and should haue gone downe but 31. degrees The Compasse varyed 5. 1 â— degrees The thirtieth very hot all the fore-part of the day calme the wind at South South-east wee steered away VVest South-west and sounded many times and could find no ground at one hundred and seuentie fathomes VVe found a great current and many ouer-falls Our current had deceiued vs. For at noone we found our height to be 41. degrees 34. minutes And the current had heaued vs to the Southward fourteene leagues At eight of the clocke at night I sounded and had ground in fiftie two fathomes In the end of the mid-night watch wee had fiftie three fathomes This last obseruation is not to be trusted The one and thirtieth very thicke and mystie all day vntill tenne of the clocke At night the wind came to the South and South-west and South We made our way West North-west nineteene leagues Wee sounded many times and had difference of soundings sometimes little stones and sometimes grosse gray sand fiftie six fiftie foure fortie eight fortie seuen fortie foure fortie six fiftie fathomes and at eight of the clocke at night it fell calme and we had fiftie fathomes And at ten of the clocke we heard a great Rut like the Rut of the shoare Then I sounded and found the former Depths and mistrusting a current seeing it so still that the ship made no way I let the lead lie on the ground and found a tide set to the South-west and South-west by West so fast that I could hardly vere the Line so fast and presently came an hurling current or tyde with ouer-fals which cast our ship round and the Lead was so fast in the ground that I feared the Lines breaking and we had no more but that At mid-night I sounded againe and we had seuentie fiue fathomes and the strong streame had left vs. The first of August all the fore-part of the day was mystie and at noone it cleered vp We found that our height was 41. degrees 45. minutes and we had gone nineteene leagues The after-noon was reasonable cleere We found a rustling tide or current with many ouer-fals to continue still and our water to change colour and our sea to bee very deepe for wee found no ground in one hundred fathomes The night was cleere and the winde came to the North and North North-east we steered West The second very faire weather and hot from the morning till noone we had a gale of wind but in the after-noone little wind At noone I sounded and had one hundred and ten fathomes and our height was 41. degrees 56. minutes And wee had runne foure and twentie leagues and an halfe At the Sun-setting we obserued the variation of the Compasse and found that it was come to his true place At eight of the clocke the gale increased so wee ranne sixe leagues that watch and had a very faire and cleere night The third very hot weather In the morning we had sight of the Land and steered in with it thinking to goe to the North-ward of it So we sent our shallop with fiue men to found in by the shore and they found it deepe fiue fathomes within a Bow-shot of the shoare and they went on Land and found goodly Grapes and Rose trees and brought them aboord with them at fiue of the clocke in the Eeuening We had seuen and twentie fathomes within two miles of the shoare and we found a floud come from the South-east and an ebbe from the North-west with a very strong streame and a great hurling and noyses At eight of the clocke at night the wind began to blow a fresh gale and continued all night but variable Our sounding that wee had to the Land was one hundred eightie seuentie foure fiftie two fortie sixe twentie nine twentie seuen twentie foure nineteene seuenteene sometimes Oze and sometimes gray sand The fourth was very hot we stood to the North-west two watches and one South in for the Land and came to an Anchor at the Norther end of the Headland and heard the voyce of men call Then we sent our Boat on shoare thinking they had beene some Christians left on the Land but wee found them to bee Sauages which seemed very glad of our comming So wee brought one aboord with vs and gaue him meate and he did eate and drinke with vs. Our Master gaue him three or foure glasse Buttons and sent him on Land with our shallop againe And at our Boats comming from the shoare he leapt and danced and held vp his hands and pointed vs to a riuer on the other side for we had made signes that we came to fish there The bodie of this Headland lyeth in 41. degrees 45. minutes We set sayle againe after dinner thinking to haue got to the Westward of this Headland but could not so we beare vp to the Southward of it made a South-east way and the Souther point did beare West at eight of the clocke at night Our soundings about the Easter and Norther part of this Headland a league from the shoare are these at the Easterside thirtie twentie seuen twentie seuen twentie foure twentie fiue twentie The North-east point 17. degrees
18. minutes and so deeper The North-end of this Headland hard by the shoare thirtie fathomes and three leagues off North North-west one hundred fathomes At the South-east part a league off fifteene sixteene and seuenteene fathomes The people haue greene Tabacco and pipes the boles whereof are made of Earth and the pipes of red Copper The Land is very sweet The fift all mystie At eight of the clocke in the morning wee tact about to the Westward and stood in till foure of the clocke in the after-noone at which time it cleered and wee had sight of the Head-land againe fiue leagues from vs. The Souther point of it did beare West off vs and we sounded many times and had no ground And at foure of the clocke we cast about and at our staying wee had seuentie fathomes Wee steered away South and South by East all night and could get no ground at seuentie and eightie fathomes For wee feared a great Riffe that lyeth off the Land and steered away South and by East The sixth faire weather but many times mysting Wee steered away South South-east till eight of the clocke in the morning Then it cleered a little and wee cast about to the Westward Then we sounded and had thirtie fathomes grosse sand and were come to the Riffe Then wee kept our Lead and had quicke shoalding from thirtie twentie nine twentie seuen twentie foure twentie two twentie and an halfe twentie twentie nineteene nineteene nineteene eighteene eighteene seuenteene and so deeping againe as proportionally as it shoalded For we steered South and South-east till we came to twentie sixe fathomes Then we steered South-west for so the tyde doth set By and by it being calme we tryed by our Lead for you shall haue sixteene or seuenteene fathomes and the next cast but seuen or six fathomes And farther to the Westward you shall haue foure and fiue foot water and see Rockes vnder you and you shall see the Land in the top Vpon this Riffe we had an obseruation and found that it lyeth in 40. degrees 10. minutes And this is that Headland which Captaine Bartholomew Gosnold discouered in the yeere 1602. and called Cape Cod because of the store of Cod-fish that hee found thereabout So we steered South-west three leagues and had twentie and twentie foure fathomes Then we steered West two Glasses halfe a league and came to fifteene fathomes Then we steered off South-east foure Glasses but could not get deepe water for there the tyde of ebbe laid vs on and the streame did hurle so that it laid vs so neere the breach of a shoald that wee were forced to Anchor So at seuen of the clocke at night wee were at an Anchor in tenne fathomes And I giue God most heartie thankes the least water wee had was seuen fathomes and an halfe We rode still all night and at a still water I sounded so farre round about our ship as we could see a light and had no lesse then eight nine ten and eleuen fathomes The myst continued being very thicke The seuenth faire weather and hot but mystie Wee rode still hoping it would cleere but on the floud it fell calme and thicke So we rode still all day and all night The floud commeth from the South-west and riseth not aboue one fathome and an halfe in nepe streames Toward night it cleered and I went with our shallop and sounded and found no lesse water then eight fathomes to the South-east off vs but we saw to the North-west off vs great Breaches The eight faire and cleere weather In the morning by sixe of the clocke at flake water wee weighed the wind at North-east and set our fore-sayle and mayne top-sayle and got a mile ouer the Flats Then the tyde of ebbe came so we anchored againe till the floud came Then wee set sayle againe and by the great mercie of God wee got cleere off them by one of the clocke this after-noone And wee had sight of the Land from the West North-west to the North North-west So we steered away South South-east all night and had ground vntill the middle of the third watch Then we had fortie fiue fathomes white sand and little stones So all our soundings are twentie twentie twentie two twentie seuen thirtie two fortie three fortie three fortie fiue Then no ground in seuentie fathomes The ninth very faire and hot weather the wind a very stiffe gale In the morning at foure of the clocke our shallop came running vp against our sterne and split in all her stemme So we were faine to cut her away Then wee tooke in our mayne sayle and lay atrie vnder our fore-sayle vntill twelue of the clocke at mid-day Then the wind ceased to a faire gale so wee stood away South-west Then we lay close by on many courses a South by West way fifteene leagues and three watches South-east by East ten leagues At eight of the clocke at night wee tooke in our top-sayles and went with a low sayle because we were in an vnknowne sea At noone we obserued and found our heigth to be 38. degrees 39. minutes The tenth in the morning some raine and cloudie weather the winde at South-west wee made our way South-east by East ten leagues At noone wee obserued and found our heigth to bee 38. degrees 39. minutes Then wee tackt about to the Westward the wind being at South and by East little wind At foure of the clocke it fell calme and we had two Dolphines about our ship and many small fishes At eight of the clocke at night wee had a small lingring gale All night we had a great Sea out of the South-west and another great Sea out of the North-east The eleuenth all the fore-part of the day faire weather and very hot VVee stood to the VVest South-west till noone Then the wind shorted and we could lye but South-west and by South At noone wee found our heigth to bee 39. degrees 11. minutes And that the current had laid vs to the Northward thirtie two minutes contrary to our expectation At foure of the clocke in the after-noone there came a myst which endured two houres But wee had it faire and cleere all night after The Compasse varied the North point to the VVest one whole point The twelfth faire weather the wind variable betweene the South-west and by South and the North little wind In the morning we killed an extraordinary fish and stood to the Westward all day and all night At noone we found our heigth to be 38. degrees 13. minutes And the obseruation the day before was not good This noone we found the Compasse to vary from the North to the West ten degrees The thirteenth faire weather and hot the wind at North-east Wee steered away West and by our Compasse two and twentie leagues At noone wee found our height to bee 37. degrees 45. minutes and that our way from noone to noone was West South-west halfe a point Southerly The Compasse was
twentieth faire and hot weather the winde variable vpon all the points of the Compasse From two of the clocke in the morning vntill noone wee made our way North by East seuen leagues In the after-noone the wind came to the North-east and vering to the East South-east wee steered away North-west fifteene leagues from noone till ten of the clocke at night At eight of the clocke at night wee sounded and had eighteene fathomes and were come to the Banke of Virginia and could not see the Land Wee kept sounding and steered away North and came to eight fathomes and Anchored there for the wind was at East South-east so that wee could not get off For the Coast lyeth along South South-west and North North-east At noone our height was 37. degrees 15. minutes And wee found that we were returned to the same place from whence we were put off at our first seeing Land The seuen and twentieth faire weather and very hot the winde at East South-east In the morning as soone as the Sunne was vp wee looked out and had sight of the Land Then wee weighed and stood in North-west two Glasses and found the Land to bee the place from whence wee put off first So wee kept our loofe and steered along the Land and had the Banke lye all along the shoare and wee had in two leagues off the shoare fiue sixe seuen eight nine and ten fathomes The Coast lyeth South South-west and is a white Sandie shoare and sheweth full of Bayes and Points The streame setteth West South-west and East North-east At sixe of the clocke at night wee were thwart of an Harbour or Riuer but we saw a Barre lye before it and all within the Land to the Northward the water ranne with many Ilands in it At sixe of the clocke we Anchored and sent our Boate to sound to the shoare-ward and found no lesse then foure and a halfe fiue sixe and seuen fathomes The eight and twentieth faire and hot weather the winde at South South-west In the morning at sixe of the clocke wee weighed and steered away North twelue leagues till noone and came to the Point of the Land and being hard by the Land in fiue fathomes on a sudden wee came into three fathomes then we beare vp and had but ten foote water and ioyned to the Point Then as soone as wee were ouer wee had fiue sixe seuen eight nine ten twelue and thirteene fathomes Then wee found the Land to trend away North-west with a great Bay and Riuers But the Bay wee found shoald and in the offing wee had ten fathomes and had sight of Breaches and drie Sand. Then wee were forced to stand backe againe so we stood backe South-east by South three leagues And at seuen of the clocke wee Anchored in eight fathomes water and found a Tide set to the North-west and North North-west and it riseth one fathome and floweth South South-east And hee that will throughly Discouer this great Bay must haue a small Pinnasse that must draw but foure or fiue foote water to sound before him At fiue in the morning wee weighed and steered away to the Eastward on many courses for the Norther Land is full of shoalds Wee were among them and once wee strooke and wee went away and steered away to the South-east So wee had two three foure fiue sixe and seuen fathomes and so deeper and deeper The nine and twentieth faire weather with some Thunder and showers the winde shifting betweene the South South-west and the North North-west In the morning wee weighed at the breake of day and stood toward the Norther Land which we found to bee all Ilands to our sight and great stormes from them and are shoald three leagues off For we comming by them had but seuen sixe fiue foure three and two fathoms and a halfe and strooke ground with our Rudder we steered off South-west one Glasse and had fiue fathoms Then wee steered South-east three Glasses then wee found seuen fathomes and steered North-east by East foure leagues and came to twelue and thirteene fathoms At one of the clocke I went to the top-mast head and set the Land and the bodie of the Ilands did beare North-west by North. And at foure of the clocke wee had gone foure leagues East South-east and North-east by East and found but seuen fathoms and it was calme so we Anchored Then I went againe to the top-mast head to see how farre I could see Land about vs and could see no more but the Ilands And the Souther point of them did beare North-west by West eight leagues off So wee rode till mid-night Then the winde came to the North North-west so wee waighed and set sayle The thirtieth in the morning betweene twelue and one we weighed and stood to the East-ward the winde at North North-west wee steered away and made our way East South-east From our weighing till noone eleuen leagues Our soundings were eight nine ten eleuen twelue and thirteene fathomes till day Then we came to eighteene nineteene twentie and to sixe and twentie fathoms by noone Then I obserued the Sunne and found the height to bee 39. degrees 5. minutes and saw no Land In the after-noone the winde came to North by West So wee lay close by with our fore-sayle and our mayne-sayle and it was little winde vntill twelue of the clocke at mid-night then wee had a gale a little while Then I sounded and all the night our soundings were thirtie and sixe and thirtie fathomes and wee went little The one and thirtieth faire weather and little wind At sixe of the clocke in the morning we cast about to the Northward the wind being at the North-east little wind At noone it fell calme and I found the height to bee 38. degrees 39. minutes And the streames had deceiued vs and our sounding was eight and thirtie fathoms In the afternoone I sounded againe and had but thirtie fathoms So we found that we were heaued too and fro with the streames of the Tide both by our obseruations and our depths From noone till foure of the clocke in the after-noone it was calme At sixe of the clocke wee had a little gale Southerly and it continued all night sometimes calme and sometimes a gale wee went eight leagues from noone to noone North by East The first of September faire weather the wind variable betweene East and South we steered away North North-west At noone we found our height to bee 39. degrees 3. minutes Wee had soundings thirtie twentie seuen twentie foure and twentie two fathomes as wee went to the Northward At sixe of the clocke wee had one and twentie fathomes And all the third watch till twelue of the clocke at mid-night we had soundings one and twentie two and twentie eighteene two and twentie one and twentie eighteene and two and twentie fathoms and went sixe leagues neere hand North North-west The second in the morning close
had beene there and that was strange to them for they could not tell how to take it The Canoes and folke went all on shoare but some of them came againe and brought stropes of Beades some had sixe seuen eight nine ten and gaue him So he slept all night quietly The two and twentieth was faire weather in the morning our Masters Mate and foure more of the companie went vp with our Boat to sound the Riuer higher vp The people of the Countrey came not aboord till noone but when they came and saw the Sauages well they were glad So at three of the clocke in the after-noone they came aboord and brought Tabacco and more Beades and gaue them to our Master and made an Oration and shewed him all the Countrey â—ound about Then they sent one of their coâ—panie on land who presently returned and brought a great Platter full of Venison dressed by themselues and they caused him to eate with them then they made him reuerence and departed all saue the old man that lay aboord This night at ten of the clocke our Boat returned in a showre of raine from sounding of the Riuer and found it to bee at an end for shipping to goe in For they had beene vp eight or nine leagues and found but seuen foot water and vnconstant soundings The three and twentieth faire weather At twelue of the clocke wee weighed and went downe two leagues to a shoald that had two channels one on the one side and another on the other and had little wind whereby the tide layed vs vpon it So there wee sate on ground the space of an houre till the floud came Then we had a little gale of wind at the West So wee got our ship into deepe water and rode all night very well The foure and twentieth was faire weather the winde at the North-west wee weighed and went downe the Riuer seuen or eight leagues and at halfe ebbe wee came on ground on a banke of Oze in the middle of the Riuer and sate there till the floud Then wee went on Land and gathered good store of Chest-nuts At ten of the clocke wee came off into deepe water and anchored The fiue and twentieth was faire weather and the wind at South a stiffe gale We rode still and went on Land to walke on the West side of the Riuer and found good ground for Corne and other Garden herbs with great store of goodly Oakes and Wal-nut trees and Chest-nut trees Ewe trees and trees of sweet wood in great abundance and great store of Slate for houses and other good stones The sixe and twentieth was faire weather and the wind at South a stiffe gale wee rode still In the morning our Carpenter went on Land with our Masters Mate and foure more of our companie to cut wood This morning two Canoes came vp the Riuer from the place where we first found louing people and in one of them was the old man that had lyen aboord of vs at the other place He brought another old man with him which brought more stropes of Beades and gaue them to our Master and shewed him all the Countrey there about as though it were at his command So he made the two old men dine with him and the old mans wife for they brought two old women and two young maidens of the age of sixteene or seuenteene yeeres with them who behaued themselues very modestly Our Master gaue one of the old men a Knife and they gaue him and vs Tabacco And at one of the clocke they departed downe the Riuer making signes that wee should come downe to them for wee were within two leagues of the place where they dwelt The seuen and twentieth in the morning was faire weather but much wind at the North we weighed and set our fore top-sayle and our ship would not flat but ran on the Ozie banke at halfe ebbe Wee layed out anchor to heaue her off but could not So wee sate from halfe ebbe to halfe floud then wee set our fore-sayle and mayne top-sayle and got downe sixe leagues The old man came aboord and would haue had vs anchor and goe on Land to eate with him but the wind being faire we would not yeeld to his request So hee left vs being very sorrowfull for our departure At fiue of the clocke in the after-noone the wind came to the South South-west So wee made a boord or two and anchored in fourteene fathomes water Then our Boat went on shoare to fish right against the ship Our Masters Mate and Boat-swaine and three more of the companie went on land to fish but could not finde a good place They tooke foure or fiue and twentie Mullets Breames Bases and Barbils and returned in an houre We rode still all night The eight and twentieth being faire weather as soone as the day was light wee weighed at halfe ebbe and turned downe two leagues belowe water for the streame doth runne the last quarter ebbe then we anchored till high water At three of the clocke in the after-noone we weighed and turned downe three leagues vntill it was darke then wee anchored The nine and twentieth was drie close weather the wind at South and South and by West we weighed early in the morning and turned downe three leagues by a lowe water and anchored at the lower end of the long Reach for it is sixe leagues long Then there came certaine Indians in a Canoe to vs but would not come aboord After dinner there came the Canoe with other men whereof three came aboord vs. They brought Indian Wheat which wee bought for trifles At three of the clocke in the after-noone wee weighed as soone as the ebbe came and turned downe to the edge of the Mountaines or the Northermost of the Mountaines and anchored because the high Land hath many Points and a narrow channell and hath many eddie winds So we rode quietly all night in seuen fathoms water The thirtieth was faire weather and the wind at South-east a stiffe gale betwene the Mountaynes We rode still the after-noone The people of the Countrey came aboord vs and brought some small skinnes with them which we bought for Kniues and Trifles This a very pleasant place to build a Towne on The Road is very neere and very good for all winds saue an East North-east wind The Mountaynes looke as if some Metall or Minerall were in them For the Trees that grow on them were all blasted and some of them barren with few or no Trees on them The people brought a stone aboord like to Emery a stone vsed by Glasâ—ers to cut Glasse it would cut Iron or Steele Yet being bruised small and water put to it it made a colour like blacke Lead glistering It is also good for Painters Colours At three of the clocke they departed and we rode still all night The first of October faire weather the wind variable betweene the West and the
North. In the morning we weighed at seuen of the clocke with the ebbe and got downe below the Mountaynes which was seuen leagues Then it fell calme and the floud was come and wee anchored at twelue of the clocke The people of the Mountaynes came aboord vs wondring at our ship and weapons We bought some small skinnes of them for Trifles This after-noone one Canoe kept hanging vnder our sterne with one man in it which we could not keepe from thence who got vp by our Rudder to the Cabin window and stole out my Pillow and two Shirts and two Bandeleeres Our Masters Mate shot at him and strooke him on the brest and killed him Whereupon all the rest fled away some in their Canoes and so leapt out of them into the water We manned our Boat and got our things againe Then one of them that swamme got hold of our Boat thinking to ouerthrow it But our Cooke tooke a Sword and cut off one of his hands and he was drowned By this time the ebbe was come and we weighed and got downe two leagues by that time it was darke So we anchored in foure fathomes water and rode well The second faire weather At breake of day wee weighed the wind being at North-west and got downe seuen leagues then the floud was come strong so we anchored Then came one of the Sauages that swamme away from vs at our going vp the Riuer with many other thinking to betray vs. But wee perceiued their intent and suffered none of them to enter our ship Whereupon two Canoes full of men with their Bowes and Arrowes shot at vs after our sterne in recompence whereof we discharged sixe Muskets and killed two or three of them Then aboue an hundred of them came to a point of Land to shoot at vs. There I shot a Falcon at them and killed two of them whereupon the rest fled into the Woods Yet they manned off another Canoe with nine or ten men which came to meet vs. So I shot at it also a Falcon and shot it through and killed one of them Then our men with their Muskets killed three or foure more of them So they went their way within a while after wee got downe two leagues beyond that place and anchored in a Bay cleere from all danger of them on the other side of the Riuer where we saw a very good piece of ground and hard by it there was a Cliffe that looked of the colour of a white greene as though it were either Copper or Siluer Myne and I thinke it to be one of them by the Trees that grow vpon it For they be all burned and the other places are greene as grasse it is on that side of the Riuer that is called Manna-hata There we saw no people to trouble vs and rode quietly all night but had much wind and raine The third was very stormie the wind at East North-east In the morning in a gust of wind and raine our Anchor came home and we droue on ground but it was Ozie Then as we were about to haue out an Anchor the wind came to the North North-west and droue vs off againe Then we shot an Anchor and let it fall in foure fathomes water and weighed the other Wee had much wind and raine with thicke weather so we roade still all night The fourth was faire weather and the wind at North North-west wee weighed and came out of the Riuer into which we had runne so farre Within a while after wee came out also of The great mouth of the great Riuer that runneth vp to the North-west borrowing vpon the Norther side of the same thinking to haue deepe water for wee had sounded a great way with our Boat at our first going in and found seuen six and fiue fathomes So we came out that way but we were deceiued for we had but eight foot an halfe water and so to three fiue three and two fathomes and an halfe And then three foure fiue sixe seuen eight nine and ten fathomes And by twelue of the clocke we were cleere of all the Inlet Then we tooke in our Boat and set our mayne-sayle and sprit-sayle and our top-sayles and steered away East South-east and South-east by East off into the mayne sea and the Land on the Souther-side of the Bay or Inlet did beare at noone West and by South foure leagues from vs. The fift was faire weather and the wind variable betweene the North and the East Wee held on our course South-east by East At noone I obserued and found our height to bee 39. degrees 30. minutes Our Compasse varied sixe degrees to the West We continued our course toward England without seeing any Land by the way all the rest of this moneth of October And on the seuenth day of Nouember stilo nono being Saturday by the Grace of God we safely arriued in the Range of Dartmouth in Deuonshire in the yeere 1609. CHAP. XVII An Abstract of the Iournall of Master HENRY HVDSON for the Discouerie of the North-west Passage begunne the seuenteenth of Aprill 1610. ended with his end being treacherously exposed by some of the Companie THe seuenteenth of Aprill 1610. we brake ground and went downe from Saint Katharines Poole and fell downe to Blacke-wall and so plyed downe with the ships to Lee which was the two and twentieth day The two and twentieth I caused Master Coleburne to bee put into a Pinke bound for London with my Letter to the Aduenturers importing the reason wherefore I so put him out of the ship and so plyed forth The second of May the wind Southerly at Eeuen we were thwart of Flamborough Head The fift we were at the Iles of Orkney and here I set the North end of the Needle and the North of the Flie all one The sixt wee were in the latitude of 59. degrees 22. minutes and there perceiued that the North end of Scotland Orney and Shotland are not so Northerly as is commonly set downe The eight day wee saw Farre Ilands in the latitude of 62. degrees 24. minutes The eleuenth day we fell with the Easter part of Island and then plying along the Souther part of the Land we came to Westmony being the fifteenth day and still plyed about the mayne Iland vntill the last of May with contrary winds and we got some Fowles of diuers sorts The first day of Iune we put to Sea out of an Harbour in the Westermost part of Island and so plyed to the Westward in the latitude of 66. degrees 34. minutes and the second day plyed and found our selues in 65. degrees 57. minutes with little wind Easterly The third day wee found our selues in 65. degrees 30. minutes with winde at North-east a little before this we sayled neere some Ice The fourth day we saw Groneland ouer the Ice perfectly and this night the Sunne went downe due North and rose North North-east So plying the
fift day we were in 65. degrees still encombred with much Ice which hung vpon the Coast of Groneland The ninth day wee were off Frobishers Streights with the winde Northerly and plyed vnto the South-westwards vntill the fifteenth day The fifteenth day we were in sight of the land in latitude 59. degrees 27. minutes which was called by Captayne Iohn Dauis Desolation and found the errour of the former laying downe of that Land and then running to the North-westward vntill the twentieth day wee found the ship in 60. degrees 42. minutes and saw much Ice and many Riplings or Ouer-fals and a strong streame setting from East South-east to West North-west The one and twentie two and twentie and three and twentie dayes with the winde variable we plyed to the North-westward in sight of much Ice into the height of 62. degrees 29. minutes The foure and twentie and fiue and twentie dayes sayling to the West-ward about mid-night wee saw Land North which was suddenly lost againe So wee ranne still to the West-ward in 62. degrees 17. minutes The fift of Iuly wee plyed vp vpon the Souther side troubled with much Ice in seeking the shoare vntill the fift day of Iuly and we obserued that day in 59. degrees 16. minutes Then we plyed off the shoare againe vntill the eight day and then found the height of the Pole in 60. degrees no minutes Here we saw the Land from the North-west by West halfe Northerly vnto the South-west by West couered with snow a Champaigne Land and called it Desire prouoketh We still plyed vp to the Westward as the Land and Ice would suffer vntill the eleuenth day when fearing a storme we anchored by three Rockie Ilands in vncertayne depth betweene two and nine fathomes and found it an Harbour vnsufficient by reason of sunken Rockes one of which was next morning two fathomes aboue water Wee called them the Iles of Gods Mercies The water floweth here better then foure fathomes The Floud commeth from the North flowing eight the change day The latitude in this place is 62. degrees 9. minutes Then plying to the South-westward the sixteenth day wee were in the latitude of 58. degrees 50. minutes but found our selues imbayed with Land and had much Ice and we plyed to the North-westward vntill the nineteenth day and then wee found by obseruation the height of the Pole in 61. degrees 24. minutes and saw the Land which I named Hold with Hope Hence I plyed to the North-westward still vntill the one and twentieth day with the wind variable Heere I found the Sea more growne then any wee had since wee left England The three and twentieth day by obseruation the height of the Pole was 61. degrees 33. minutes The fiue and twentieth day we saw the Land and named it Magna Britannia The sixe and twentieth day wee obserued and found the latitude in 62. degrees 44. minutes The eight and twentieth day we were in the height of 63. degrees 10. minutes and plyed Southerly of the West The one and thirtieth day plying to the Westward at noone wee found our selues in 62. degrees 24. minutes The first of August we had fight of the Northerne shoare from the North by East to the West by South off vs the North part twelue leagues and the Wester part twentie leagues from vs and we had no ground there at one hundred and eightie fathomes And I thinke I saw Land on the Sunne side but could not make it perfectly bearing East North-east Here I found the latitude 62. degrees 50. minutes The second day we had sight of a faire Head-land on the Norther shoare six leagues off which I called Salisburies Fore-land we ranne from them West South-west fourteene leagues In the mid-way of which wee were suddenly come into a great and whurling Sea whether caused by meeting of two streames or an Ouer-fall I know not Thence sayling West and by South seuen leagues farther we were in the mouth of a Streight and sounded and had no ground at one hundred fathomes the Streight being there not aboue two leagues broad in the passage in this Wester part which from the Easter part of Fretum Danis is distant two hundred and fiftie leagues there abouts The third day we put through the narrow passage after our men had beene on Land which had well obserued there That the Floud did come from the North flowing by the shoare fiue fathomes The head of this entrance on the South side I named Cape Worsenholme and the head on the North-wester shoare I called Cape Digs After wee had sailed with an Easterly winde West and by South ten leagues the Land fell away to the Southward and the other Iles and Land left vs to the Westward Then I obserued and found the ship at noone in 61. degrees 20. minutes and a Sea to the Westward A larger Discourse of the same Voyage and the successe thereof written by ABACVK PRICKET WE began our Voyage for the North-west passage the seuenteenth of Aprill 1610. Thwart of Shepey our Master sent Master Colbert backe to the Owners with his Letter The next day we weighed from hence and stood for Harwich and came thither the eight and twentieth of Aprill From Harwich we set sayle the first of May along the Coast to the North till we came to the Iles of Orkney from thence to the Iles of Faro and from thence to Island on which we fell in a fogge hearing the Rut of the Sea ashoare but saw not the Land whereupon our Master came to an Anchor Heere we were embayed in the South-east part of the Land Wee weighed and stood along the Coast on the West side towards the North but one day being calme we fell a fishing and caught good store of fish as Cod and Ling and Butte with some other sorts that we knew not The next day we had a good gale of wind at South-west and raysed the Iles of Westmonie where the King of Denmarke hath a Fortresse by which we passed to rayse the Snow Hill foot a Mountayne so called on the North-west part of the Land But in our course we saw that famous Hill Mount Hecla which cast out much fire a signe of foule weather to come in short time Wee leaue Island a sterne of vs and met a Mayne of Ice which did hang on the North part of Island and stretched downe to the West which when our Master saw he stood backe for Island to find an Harbour which we did on the North-west part called Derefer where wee killed good store of Fowle From hence wee put to Sea againe but neither wind nor weather seruing our Master stood backe for this Harbour againe but could not reach it but fell with another to the South of that called by our Englishmen Lousie Bay where on the shoare we found an hot Bath and heere all our Englishmen bathed themselues the water was so
passed by them till we came to the South side of the Hill we went vnto them and there found more and being nigh them I turned off the vppermost stone and found them hollow within and full of Fowles hanged by their neckes Then Greene and I went to fetch the Boat to the South side while Robert Billet and hee got downe a Valley to the Sea side where wee tooke them in Our Master in this time came in betweene the two Lands and shot off some Peeces to call vs aboord for it was a fogge Wee came aboord and told him what we had seene and perswaded him to stay a day or two in this place telling him what refreshing might there bee had but by no meanes would he stay who was not pleased with the motion So we left the Fowle and lost our way downe to the South-west before they went in sight of the Land which now beares to the East from vs being the same mayne Land that wee had all this while followed Now we had lost the sight of it because it falleth away to the East after some fiue and twenty or thirty leagues Now we came to the shallow water wherewith wee were not acquainted since we came from Island now we came into broken ground and Rockes through which we passed downe to the South In this our course we had a storme and the water did shoald apace Our Master came to an anchor in fifteene fathoms water Wee weighed and stood to the South-east because the Land in this place did lie so When we came to the point of the West Land for we now had Land on both sides of vs we came to an anchor Our Master sent the Boat ashoare to see what that Land was and whether there were any way through They soone returned and shewed that beyond the point of Land to the South there was a large Sea This Land on the West side was a very narrow Point Wee weighed from hence and stood in for this Sea betweene the two Lands which in this place is not two leagues broad downe to the South for a great way in sight of the East shoare In the end we lost sight thereof and saw it not till we came to the bottome of the Bay into sixe or seuen fathomes water Hence we stood vp to the North by the West shoare till wee came to an Iland in 53. where we tooke in water and ballast From hence wee passed towards the North but some two or three dayes after reasoning concerning our comming into this Bay and going out our Master tooke occasion to reuiue old matters and to displace Robert Iuet from being his Mate and the Boat-swaine from his place for words spoken in the first great Bay of Ice Then hee made Robert Billet his Mate and William Wilson our Boat-swaine Vp to the North wee stood till we raised Land then downe to the South and vp to the North then downe againe to the South and on Michaelmasse day came in and went out of certaine Lands which our Master sets downe by the name of Michaelmasse Bay because we came in and went out on that day From hence wee stood to the North and came into shoald water and the weather being thicke and foule wee came to an anchor in seuen or eight fathome water and there lay eight dayes in all which time wee could not get one houre to weigh our anchor But the eight day the wind beginning to cease our Master would haue the anchor vp against the mind of all who knew what belonged thereunto Well to it we went and when we had brought it to a peake a Sea tooke her and cast vs all off from the Capstone and hurt diuers of vs. Here wee lost our Anchor and if the Carpenter had not beene we had lost our Cable too but he fearing such a matter was ready with his Axe and so cut it From hence we stood to the South and to the South-west through a cleere Sea of diuers sounding and came to a Sea of two colours one blacke and the other white sixteene or seuenteene fathome water betweene which we went foure or fiue leagues But the â—â—ght comming we tooke in our Top-sayles and stood afore the wind with our Maine-sayle and Fore-sayle and came into fiue or sixe fathomes and saw no Land for it was darke Then we stood to the East and had deepe water againe then to the South and Southwest and so came to our Westermost Bay of all and came to an anchor neerest to the North shorae Out went our Boat to the Land that was next vs when they came neere it our Boat could not flote to the shoare it was so shallow yet ashoare they got Here our men saw the footing of a man and a Ducke in the snowy Rockes and Wood good store whereof they tooke some and returned aboord Being at anchor in this place we saw a ledge of Rockes to the South of vs some league of length It lay North and South couered at a full Sea for a strong tide setteth in here At mid-night wee weighed and stood to goe out as we came in and had not gone long but the Carpenâ—er came and told the Master that if he kept that course he would be vpon the Rockes the Master conceiued that he was past them when presently wee ranne on them and there stucke fast twelue houres but by the mercy of God we got off vnhurt though not vnscarred Wee stood vp to the East and raysed three Hills lying North and South wee went to the furthermost and left it to the North of vs and so into a Bay where wee came to an anchor Here our Master sent out our Boat with my selfe and the Carpenter to seeke a place to winter in and it was time for the nights were long and cold and the earth couered with Snow Hauing spent three moneths in a Labyrinth without end being now the last of October we went downe to the East to the bottome of the Bay but returned without speeding of that we went for The next day we went to the South and the South-west and found a place whereunto we brought our ship and haled her aground and this was the first of Nouember By the tenth thereof we were frozen in but now we were in it behooued vs to haue care of what we had for that we were sure of but what we had not was vncertaine Wee were victualled for sixe moneths in good proportion and of that which was good if our Master would haue had more he might haue had it at home and in other places Here we were now and therefore it behoued vs so to spend that wee might haue when time came to bring vs to the Capes where the Fowle bred for that was all the hope wee had to bring vs home Wherefore our Master tooke order first for the spending of that wee had and then to increase it by propounding
toward the Euening wee sounded and found our selues in ninetie fathomes and more but the storme and furie of the windes was so great that it brake fiue of the hinges off our rudder On the twelfth in the morning the storme not ceasing but increasing euery houre more and more beat vpon our weake rudder with so great violence and furie that it broke away all that held it in such sort that it hung on the one side where for the last remedie wee fastened a great Cable vnto it with the which for three dayes wee drew it after vs not being able to doe it otherwise in which time in our iudgement wee thought wee had runne two hundred miles and more against our wills Afterward we tooke away the two Rudders and with many pieces of Timber we made another which might rather be called a shadow then a true Rudder and wee put it in his place to guide and direct the ship But it could not endure longer then till the six and twentieth of Nouember when the violence of the Sea carried it all away so that then wee remayned depriued of all hope of gouernment and direction On the fourth of December the furie of the winde grew so outragious againe that it carried away all this third sayle and so being spoyled and bereft of Sayle and Rudder we went at aduenture vntill the eight day alwayes wandering not knowing by any meanes how to prouide for our safetie Afterward the winde alwayes increasing from the East and with so great violence and furie that the Sea beganne to swell so high that the waues seemed Mountaynes and farre greater then we had euer seene before with the darknesse of the extreame long night so that we seemed to goe in the bottomlesse depth of Hell whereby you may imagine how great the anguish and trembling of our hearts was because although we were liuing yet at that instant wee seemed to bee dead expecting death euery houre which we saw present In this darknesse the Heauen was sometimes seene to open with the lightnings and sudden flashes of fire so bright that they tooke away the fight of our eyes And sometimes we seemed to touch the starres the ship mounted so aloft and then againe we saw our selues buried in Hell insomuch as being all astonished we had lost our strength and force And being in this miserable case we did nothing else but with pittie behold one another running with so great violence for many houres in the end a surge of the Sea came ouer the ship vnder the wind with such furie that the water entred into it filled it almost halfe full whereby being now much weakened it was readie to sinke and turned vp the Keele And surely that was the last houre and our end and truly we had beene swallowed vp of the Sea if our Lord Iesus Christ had not beene who forsaketh not them that religiously call vpon him who put such power and strength into our afflicted minds that seeing the ship in so dangerous a case full of water as it could not be cast out by any humane force we determined to cut downe the mayne Mast and cast it together with the mayne Yard and Tackling into thâ— Sea and so wee did whereby the ship being disburdened paused awhile and we then taking courage beganne to cast out the water which with our great trouble and labour we ouercame in the end In this manner wee went scouring away all that long night Now when the day was almost come they agreed to make readie the Boat and the Schiffe with that little prouision of victuall which was remayning equally parted And the Patron said With your consent I command you Nicolo di Michiel the Notary that you set downe in a note the names of those that are willing to enter into the Schiffe and Boat so presently he gaue him fortie fiue persons in a note who were willing to enter into the Schiffe which was capeable but of one and twentie men only and therefore it was necessary to cast Lots who should goe therein and so it was done and they prepared it and set it in order and did the like to the Boate into the which the Master with fortie seuen men entred The one and twentie persons to whom the lot fell entred the Schiffe and a rate was giuen them according to the proportion of the victuall which was remayning of Bisket and also of Frisoppi three hundred pound weight of Cheese of Candia eightie pounds of dried Bacon eight pounds of Tallow to trim their Schiffe fortie pounds of Oyle about two pound waight and no more but besides wee bestowed there seuen Carrattells of Tyrian Wine which is a kind of Maluasie for the Pinnasse or Schiffe would hold no more In like manner fortie seuen men reckoning the Master entred into the Boate or Pinnasse vnto whom rateably fell their proportion of victuals adding thereto a little Greene Ginger in Sirrope and Sirrope of Limons with some small quantitie of Spices which wee had taken We were in our iudgement distant from the neerest Iland or Land about fiue hundred miles or more from the point of Land to Lee-ward of the North part and we sayled with these Conserues in a quiet and calme Sea that little time of the day together with our one and twentie companions comforting our selues in that which we had seene the beginning of so faire a fortune But when the night came a darke mist rose which was a token of the euill sucâ—esse and end which our companions of the Schiffe were to haue of whom we had now lost the sight so that we neuer saw them any more The ninteenth day the morning appearing and not seeing any token of the Schiffe it made vs suspitious of their death whereupon our mindes were much troubled doubting what might befall them because the windes raged in such manner that a waue of the Sea mounted with so great violence into the Pinnasse behinde the Poope where wee Christopher and Nicholas were set downe that through the force of the furie thereof two stayes were battered and bent which left a token of vnsupportable trouble and griefe by meanes that the Pinnasse was more charged with the weight of the water then with her owne burthen Wherefore to remedie it wee ranne all to lade it out with our hands and being constrained through feare and necessitie for the freeing of her wee were faine to cast out all that whether with water or without which came most fit and ready to our hands The Pinnasse becomming drie againe presently in this storme wee agreed to cast ouer-boord the greatest part of the Wine and wee found our selues in so great extremitie that if wee would taste thereof to comfort our troubled senses no more then one goblet of Wine apeece fell to euery mans share for the whole day and who so would drinke more was constrayned to take the Sea-water and this measure and quantitie of Wine held out
was heard after this followed flames of a greene colour which had almost killed me with their Sulphurie and filthy stinke so that I scarse escaped to my forsaken horses and companions Vpon that sudden astonishment I fell into a sicknesse and vehement cogitation seeing these horrible flames were alwayes present before mine eyes insomuch that my Island companions were compelled to carry me away vnto their house with whom I lay sicke two whole monethes while in the meane time the Dane returned to the Gouernour and to the Hamburgers and acquainted them with my state I liued miserably amongst the Barbarians sicke and vnknowne they had Bisket which I steeped in Milke and and so for that time I indured hunger while being stronger I might returne to the Gouernour The Hamburgers by reason of the time of the yeere least they should loose the opportunitie of sayling despairing now of my returne set sayle for they depart before the foure and twentieth of August lest being hindered after by the Ice they cannot get out yet with speciall care commended me to the Gouernour if at any time I did returne leauing Bisket Wine and Beere The Gouernour hath a dwelling fit enough for the manner and fashion of this Countrey on the South of this Iland not farre from the Hauen of Hafnefordt the place is called Bestede I was brought hither of the Islanders to the Gouernour who for our common studies entertayned me willingly and honorably But although wee were plentifully furnished with all necessaries yet being very wearie of that life in such darknesse I expected the ships out of Germany the next yeere with great desire There grew then warre betweene Ericus of Suetia and Fredericke the Second King of Denmarke which was continued with great courage for ten yeeres after The Lubekers were Consorts and Confederates of Warre vnto the Dane So most part of the Cities on the Sea-coast vpon the Balthicke Sea hindred or intangled with this Warre intermitted their sayling into Island this yeere therefore wayting in vaine I must stay The yeere following when I had wayted till the end of Iune all hope of returning into Germany that yeere was taken away and which was worse the yeerely ship came not from Denmarke and bread and Wine failed vs almost foure monethes There lay Portugals at anchor at that time in Island in a small ship who came thither to fowle they caried away excellent Falcons and white ones among them in great number I thought good rather to crosse ouer into Portugall with them then to wayte another yeere either for Danes or Germanes And when they gaue the Gouernour his Custome he dealt with them in my behalfe concerning the charge that I might passe with them and he liberally paid the charges and honorably sent me away with a worthy Present Not far from the Kings house there was a certayn Minister Ionas by name he familiarly saluted me before I departed for the time I was in Island I had some familiaritie with him to whom also I left my Bookes when I departed he for friendships sake knit three knots in a handkerchiefe and promised me a prosperous wind saying if by chance the winds at any time grow contrary at Sea open these knots and then remember me When therfore about the twentieth of September we had sayled and now Spaine was in our view there was so great a calme that we felt not a breath of wind and that for three whole dayes In this calme my friends promise came into my minde and I desired to proue it I loosed the first knot by and by after one houre there arose a very prosperous winde but blowing very gently I vntye the second and the third forthwith a Tempest beganne more and more to grow so truly that after two dayes we ridde in the Riuer Tagus which beateth vpon Lisbone CHAP. XXIII Extracts of ARNâ—RIM IONAS an Islander his Chrymogaea or Historie of Island published Anno Dom. 1609. §. I. Of Island the Situation Discouerie Plantation and Language ISland is an Iland of the North compassed about with the huge Ocean whose Gosmographicall latitude towards the North to wit at Hola the Episcopall Seat of North Island is 65. degrees and 44. minutes and the longitude 13. degrees and 30. minutes or thereabouts for I will not precisely affirme the same by reason of that scruple arising from the Paralaxis of the Moone in the obseruation of the Eclipses to be doubted which only way of finding out the longitude that most famous man Gudbrandus Thorlacius now Bishop of North Island hath hitherto shewed who hath imparted vnto vs this longitude and latitude of his Sea and was the first that I know among our Countreymen who hath deliuered any certaintie in Writing concerning this matter And surely that which at this day and so from the first entrance of Inhabitants beareth the name of Island while as yet it remayned barren and desolate had diuers names allotted or giuen vnto it from diuers Discouerers whereof three are mentioned For first of all it was called Snaelandia For a certaine Pyrate called Naddocus going towards the Fareusian Ilands commonly called Faerenar for the multitude of Egges was brought vnto the shoares of East Island through a Tempest not farre from the Mountayne Reidarfiall so called afterward to the Bay Reidarfiard who ascending the Mountayne and beholding the bordering Countrey farre and neere found it all Desert And departing from the Coast about Autumne he perceiued the higher tops of the Mountaynes to bee couered with exceeding much Snow and therefore as the present case required he called the Iland Snaelandia that is to say The Snowie Countrey Another following him one Gardarus the sonne of Suanarus a Suecian borne perswaded through the report which Naddocus had brought concerning Snaelande went to seeke it he found it who arriued also neere the Easterne shoare and from thence being carried about the Iland he abode in the Bay of North Island called Skialfanda and wintered there in the yeere of Christ 864. and called the name of the Hauen Husawich from the wintering places or houses built there But the Spring beginning Gardarus being about to depart into Norway the ship Boat was driuen away by a tempest into an Hauen neere vnto the former and in the same Boat there was a certayne Mariner called Natrare from whom also this hauen had the name of Narfarawicke Moreouer Gardarus returning to his friends called that new Countrey Gardarsholme as it were the Iland of Gardarus neglecting the name of Snaelandae Moreouer the desire also of visiting a Countrey newly discouered possessed many For the third also one Floco and he a most famous Pirate purposing to visit Gardarsholme set sayle out of an Hauen of Norway which lyeth neere the watch-towre or rather Pharus Flokawarda situate in the limits of the Prouinces of Hordaslandia and Rogaelandia and passing by Hietlandia misnamed by some Schetlandia called a certayne Hauen by the
part of this Land is foule ground a great way off therefore come no neerer this place then ten fathome and that will carry you cleere of all dangers that I could see Towards noone it cleered vp and I did looke the Meridian altitude of the Sunne which was 34. degrees and 20. minutes the declination being 21. degrees and 10. minutes North the Equator must bee 13. degrees and 10. minutes aboue and beneath my Horizon The Complement being 76. degrees and 50. minutes the Poles height Likewise I found by true obseruation the Compassâ— to vary 16. degrees and before I had sayled foure leagues I saw a Sound that lay East and by South in the winde comming to the East South-east then I sent the Skiffe on land in the mouth of the Sound because I supposed I had seene Morses on the land but they proued Rocks I followed into the said Bay with the ship but standing in I had a stiffe gale of winde off the shoaâ—e which draue abundance of Ice out of the Sound through the which I enforced the ship in hope there to haue found an Harbour in turning in I found these depths thirtie fiue thirtie twentie and eighteene fathoms The Boat came aboard about a North-west Sunne and the men told me they found deepe water within and foule ground they saw great store of Mohorses lying on the Ice but none on land and they brought a piece of a Deeres horne aboord therefore I called this Sound Horne Sound and a Mount that lyeth foure leagues to the South of it the Muscouy Companies Mount because it was my first landfale Then finding no benefit here to bee had nor Hauen for the ship I stood to Sea and sayled North-west and by North foure leagues at midnight it blew very hard and I stood to the Westwards with a short sayle and sayled foure leagues West by eight of the clock the seuenteenth day Then I stood to the Landwards the winde being at South South-west thick weather and three leagues from me I saw a Point which I named the Ice Point because there lay abundance of Ice vpon it Then I saw another Point beare North North-west fiue leagues off which I named Bell Point because of a Hill formed like a Bell on the top and to the Northwards of Bell Point goes in a great Bay with two Sounds in it the one lieth in East South-east the other North-east and by East the last Sound you can hardly discerne by reason there is a long Iland lying in the mouth of it But the going into the said Sound is on the North side yet there is an Inlet vnder Point-partition but very narrow and full of Rocks and an exceeding strong Tyde setteth in there This day I found the weather very warme and farre temperater then I haue found it at the North Cape at this time of the yeere this place lying in 77. degrees and 25. minutes and the Cape in 71. degrees and 20. minutes this place being to the Northwards of the Cape 6. degrees and 5. minutes and note two leagues to the Southwards of Bell Point is a ledge of Rocks three miles off the shoare and come no neerer the shoare then fifteene fathom vpon the North side of the Bay is low land which I named Lownesse Iland I called the North Sound Lowe Sound Into the Bay I turned the winde at East North-east faire weather turning in I had no lesse then fortie fathoms close by the shoare and in the middest no ground at sixtie fathoms and being neere the Point that parteth both the Sounds the winde increased with raine Then I saw the Sound frozen ouer from side to side and vpon the Ice a Beare and great store of Mohorses but the winde blew so extreme hard that the Boat could not row to windwards to trie if we could kill some of them The fogs and raine continued till ten of the clock the nineteenth day at which time the raine ceased and it did freeze with snow and winde and fogs as before From twelue at mid-night the nineteenth day till foure in the morning the twentieth day I sayled three leagues South-west and by South then I found the Ice thicker then before It was very thick fogs with winde frost and snow and cold that I thinke they did striue here which of them should haue the superioritie I put into the Ice aforesaid in hope to get through and after many a sore stroke with the ship in it I got through at a South-west Sunne at what time it began to be faire weather Then I stood through the Ice towards the land againe in hope that that land would proue worth the labour and trauell and going to set the mayne top sayle it was frozen as hard as euer I saw any cloath in all my life time so that all my company could very hardly set it and whereas I supposed and haue often said that this climate is not so subiect to foggs in May and Iune as it is in Iuly and August it is contrarie for I haue not seene the Sunne on the Meridian these fiue dayes nor seene it at all in sixtie houres I had not sailed three leagues North-east when it was as thicke as it was before with Frost and Snow yet I stood still towards the Land The twentie one I saw the Land at an East Sunne and stood towards it and at a South and by West Westerly I obserued the Sunne and found the Meridian altitude of it 33. degrees 30. minutes the declination being 21. degrees 56. minutes c. the altitude of the Pole was 78. degrees 26. minutes The winde at North North-east cold frostie weather This place I called the Black-point Ile I called a point that lyeth foure leagues to the North-west of Black-point Cape-cold and to the South-east of Black-point is a great sound which because it was couered with Ice I called Ice-sound and standing neerer to the shore I could not see any Sound or Harbour open therefore I determined to stand to the Northwards to seeke what good might be done that way to profit the Merchants and also to get some Wood for we had but little left I sounded at the Black-point and had twentie three fathomes streamy ground At two of the clocke I stood off and at midnight stood to the shore againe cold weather with frost the winde at North and by East The two and twentieth day at an East Sunne I was faire by the Land betweene Cape-cold and Black-point a league off where it fell calme and I sounded there and had twentie eight fathoms where I tried for Fish but could take none The three and twentieth day at an East North-east Sunne I was within three leagues of Capecold this day it was faire weather and I tooke the Sunnes height at twelue of the clocke and found it to be 33. degrees 30. minutes the declination being 22. degrees 13
company one But when I came to the rocke the Ice that the beasts lay on was hollow and the rocks that was betwixt the Ice and the sea stood sloping toward the Sea the which when I saw I determined to go aboord and let them alone yet afterward I went on the rocke betwixt the Ice and the Sea and as I with the rest of my company were killing them the Ice brake and Ice and beasts slid into the Sea together and carryed one of the men with them so that he escaped out of that danger very hardly for besides the weight of dead Mohorses and Ice that bruised him the beasts that were aliue strook at him in the water and bruised him very soare I had beene in the same case if I had not beene the nimbler and slipt on one side I killed three Morses whose teeth I tooke off Then I espied the Beare which my Mate had hurt before with a shot hee went into the Sea when hee saw the Boate where I slue him with a Lance and brought him aboord The second day at a North and by East Sunne At a South Sunne I went to the South shoare of Deere-sound where I found a good quantitie of Fins and came aboord at a North North-west Sunne The third day being Sunday I rid still hauing the wind at West South-West much wind Then vpon the side of a Hill a mile to the Westwards of the Road I set vp a Crosse with a writing vpon it signifying the day of my arriuall first in this Land by whom I was set out and the time of my being heere This Road I called Crosse-road At a South-east sunne the fourth day I wayed the wind at West South-west and when I was almost out the wind increased with fogs which made me put back into the Road where I anchored the same day at six of the clocke at afternone The fifth day at a North-east and by East sunne I wayed and it fell calme then I went to the East side and killed some Fowle which I found in great abundance and when I was readie to go aboord I saw fourteene Deere at which time I spent all my powder and shot but one shot with the which I slue a fat Buck. The same day at a South sun I went on Land and slue two Deere more And at a South-west sun I went on Land and slue a Dog and took the Faune aliue and brought it aboord but it dyed the next day The calme continued till the sixth day at an East North-east sunne and we droue in the Bay with a little soaking tyde that runneth there Then I sent the skiffe to the rocke aforesaid to see what store of Mohorses were there at three of the clocke they came aboord and told mee there was neere two hundred beasts I tooke both the boat and skiffe with all my company and went to the rock and in going thither I slue a Beare but when I came to the rocke the beasts began to goe into the sea then I presently went on land with all my company and slue eightie beasts whose teeth I tooke and in going aboord slue another Beare and came aboord the seuenth day at a North-east sun Then I saw two white fishes which at the first fight I supposed to be Beares they had long snouts like Scurgeons two flat Fins close by their gils flat bodied small towards their tailes and a broad taile The tenth day I went on shoare and slue fiue Deere with the which and them that I slue before I haue lengthened out my victuals blessed be the Creator of the World which hath not made any part thereof in vaine but so that in these parts which hath seemed vnpossible to our Ancestors to bee trauelled vnto by reason of the extreame cold which they supposed to bee here I find the ayre temperate in the Lands and nothing so cold as I haue found at Chery Iland in fiue seuerall Voyages Moreouer in this Land I haue seene great store of Deere which haue neither bush nor tree to shelter them from the nipping cold of Winter nor yet any extraordinarie pasture to refresh them If these I say hauing nothing but the Rockes for a house and the Starry Canopie for a couering doe liue here why may not man which hath all the gifts of God bestowed vpon him for his health and succour The eleuenth day in the morning I sent the skiffe to a Beach that lyeth Northwards from the Rocke where we slue our beasts but when they came to the Rocke it beganne to blow hard at North North-west that they could not proceed any further vpon the Rocke they found a Beare and slue him and came aboord In which time I tooke the boate and went to the East side and slue two Beares and two Deere The twelfth day at a North-east sunne I wayed and hauing very little wind I sent the skiffe to goe to the place abouesayd at a North sunne they came aboord and brought some Whales Finnes and a Beare and told mee that it did blow very much wind at Sea yet I had it all this time calme in the Bay Yet before I could get out of the Sound the wind came to the North-west and blew very hard which made mee to put roome for Crosse-road where I rid till the fourteenth day in which time I caused both the boates to bee trimmed and the thirteenth day at noone I obserued on Land in this place and found the Poles height 79. degrees fifteene minutes and the variation of the Compasse 18. degrees 16. minutes North-west the same day I slue a Bucke The fourteenth day at a South-east Sunne I wayed the wind at South-west foggie weather at a South-west Sunne I went on Land and slew a Buck. The fifteenth day at East Sunne I got out of the Bay at which time I saw abundance of Ice to the Sea-wards but the wind came to the South-east and I sayled betwixt the Ice and the shoare At a North-west Sunne I sent the skiffe with seuen men in it to the Land vnder Knottie-point at which time the wind came to the North-east and I stood to the North-wardes where I had these depths fifteene thirteene and eleuen fathomes foule-ground These depths were about a league and to the Northwards of Knottie-point I saw great store of Whales the like I saw in Deere-sound The sixteenth day the Skiffe came aboord and brought a few Finnes and fiue Deere and they told mee that within the Bay that lyeth betwixt Knottie-point and Gurnerds-nose is a Hauen in the entrance whereof is an Iland and seuen fathomes going in but within eight nine fifteene and twentie fathomes good ground This maketh Gurnerds-nose an Iland for this Hauen goeth out on the North-west side of Gurnerds-nose I named this Hauen the Fayre-hauen I found a great tyde heere which runneth South South-west the floud commeth from the Southwards Then
Southwards and to see what Commodities I could find that way At nine of the clocke I was neere the Ice-sound where I met with much Ice which put mee from the Land and I was enforced to 〈◊〉 South-west and by South to shunne it the winde at North-west which blew hard with fogges The wind increased I stood towards Cherrie Iland if possible I could attayne it for fogges and Ice The thirtieth day at foure of the clocke in the morning I saw no Ice hauing kept to certayne course by reason of the Ice which I had past the winde at North and by West cold foggie weather with raine From the time aboue-said till twelue of the clocke at noone I sayled South South-east and ranne fifteene leagues the same wind and weather at which time I sounded had eightie fathoms greene oze like Kowes dung I sounded at two of the clocke and at foure of the clock the first eightie eight the second eightie two fathomes and sayled sixe leagues the formes course wind and weather At which time I heard a breach which proued Ice then I steered West to eschew it the fogges being so thicke that I could not see one Cables length The last of Iuly at noone I had sayled South and by East halfe a point Southerly eight leagues hauing little wind and sounded and found one hundred and fortie fathomes thicke foggie weather and in haling vp the Lead a fish followed it to the top of the water then I tryed to take fish but could not At foure of the clocke in the afternoone the winde came Southerly and I stood to the Westward by reason the Ice lay both to the South and East of vs at a North 〈◊〉 it was cleere weather and I saw the Ice round about vs cold weather with frost The first of August we beat in the Ice till noone but could finde no end thereof because it was so foggie and the Ice packed very close yet after many intricate courses I got to the Westward◠of it at mid-night the same day the winde at South-east cold weather with raine and fogges And after I had seene so much Ice that I could not come neere Cherry Iland to prosecute the rest of my Voyage I determined to stand for England as God would giue me leaue From mid-night the first day till eight of the clocke the second day before noone I sayled South-west and by South fiue leagues the wind at East South-east thicke fogges with raine From the second day at eight of the clocke till the third day at twelue of the clock at noone I sayled West South-west fifteene leagues the wind at South and by East wet foggie weather From noone abouesaid till twelue at noone the fourth day I sayled foure leagues South the winde variable and the most part of that time calme and so continued till eight of the clocke at night at which time the wind came to the South and by East and blew very hard from the fourth day at noon till the fift day at noone I sayled South-west Westerly seuen leagues The sixt day the winde was at South-east cleere weather at noone I found the shippe in 73. degrees the North Cape bearing by my computation East South-east Easterly The seuenth day at noone I found the ship in 72. degrees 22. minutes indifferent faire weather And from the seuenth day at noone till the eight day at noone I sayled foure and twentie leagues the course South South-west the wind at South-east and by East at which time it beganne to be very foggie and the winde came to the South but immediatly it was calme and continued so till mid-night Then the wind came to the North little wind and at a South Sunne the ninth day I had sayled South seuen leagues From the ninth day at noone till the tenth day at that time I sayled South and ranne seuen leagues South it being calme most part of the day with much rayne and fogges From twelue the tenth day till noone the eleuenth day I sayled South and by West and ranne seuenteene leagues the wind Northerly And from the eleuenth day at noone till the twelfth at that time I sayled South and by West eighteene leagues the winde at North North-west faire weather From noone the twelfth day vntill twelue at noone the thirteenth day I sayled South and by West fortie eight leagues the wind betweene the North and the West North-west gustie weather From the thirteenth at noone till the fourteenth at noone I sayled South and by West fortie fiue leagues the wind betwixt the West North-west and the West South-west gustie weather latitude 64. degrees 21. minutes From the fourteenth day at noone till the fifteenth day at that time I sayled South and by West nine and twentie leagues at which time I obserued and found the ship in 62. degrees 53. minutes faire weather the wind at North. At foure of the clocke the same day I saw Skutsnesse in Norway seuenteene leagues off and bearing South-east from whence I hold it superfluous to write it being a place well knowne The last of August I arriued at London Blessed be God for euer and euer Amen A briefe note what Beasts Fowles and Fishes were seene in this Land BEasts Buckes and Does white Beares and Foxes of colour dunne and grey Fowles white Partridges a small land Bird like a Sparrow partly white and partly browne a Fowle with a combe and a tayle like a Cock a redde Fowle of the bignesse of a Pidgeon a white Fowle with a greene bill the top of the bill of it and the eyes were redde with blacke feet Wild Geese Coluidines Gulls Sea-mewes Willockes Noddies Ice-birds Reeks and Sea-pidgeons Fishes great store of Whales Gramposes Mohorses the white fish I spake of the seuenth of Iune a small fish like Cuplen likewise I saw the bones of Cods or Haddocks but could take no fish I often looked for Shel-fish but could take none diuers of my company did see two Beauers CHAP. II. A Commission for IONAS POOLE our Seruant appointed Master of a small Barke called the Elizabeth of fiftie tunnes burthen for Discouerie to the Northward of Greenland giuen the last day of March 1610. IN as much as it hath pleased Almightie God through the industry of your selfe and others to discouer vnto our Nation a Land lying in eightie degrees toward the North-pole We are desirous not only to discouer farther to the Northward along the said Land to find whether the same be an Iland or a Mayne and which way the same doth trend either to the Eastward or to the Westward of the Pole as also whether the same be inhabited by any people or whether there be an open Sea farther Northward then hath beene alreadie discouered For accomplishing of all which our desires we haue made choice of you and to that end haue entertayned you into our seruice for certayne yeares vpon a stipend certayne not doubting but you will so
and blew a very stiffe gale Then we stood in for the shoare and spent most of this day in turning vp Horne-Sound And about a North North-west Sunne at ten a clock wee espied six ships lying at anchor on the South side of the Sound in a small Bay The one of them was Captaine Fopp the Dunkerker who came in before vs and was appointed by our Generall to come into this harbour and there to stay for vs and to goe to the Foreland to haue his other ship which we kept there Foure of them were Biscaines of Saint Sebastian and one of them was in the harbour where we road and found the French ship The sixt was a ship of Amsterdam wherein Thomas Bonner was Master and Pilot and aboue twentie English men more All the Biscaines came aboord of vs as soone as we were at an anchor but Thomas Bonner refused to come being sent for by our Generall Our Generall commanded our Gunner to shoot at him he himselfe discharging the second Ordnance Then presently he began to set saile and cut his cable thinking to get from vs but wee hauing shot him through three or foure times they began to weaue vs so we sent our shallop and he came aboord There were fiue or sixe more of the English men fetched aboord and some of our men sent to bring her to an anchor where shee might ride safe for shee was almost run ashoare This was about a North sunne or eleuen a clocke The Biscaines were charged presently to depart so soone as they had filled fresh water which they said they wanted and to bring what Whale finnes they had found or had taken or other things The fourteenth day faire weather the winde at East North-east This morning one of the Biscaines brought a few Whale finnes aboord of vs and the skin of a Beare which they had killed Then was our Boate-swaine sent aboord of them to search their ships and to bid them depart Our Generall kept the Holland ship wherein was Thomas Bonner to the vse of the Companie This day I obserued the latitude of this place by a Quadrant of foure foote Semidiameter and found it to stand in 75. degrees 55. minutes the Declination of the Needle vnder the Horizon is 67. degrees 30. minutes pointing to the Northwards but pointing to the Southwards it is 80. degrees The variation of the Compasse is 12. degrees 14. minutes west from the true Meridian but from our common sayling Compasse it is 17. degrees because the Compasse is touched fiue degrees and a halfe to the Eastward and the variation is to the Westward This day in the afternoone the foure ships of Biscay departed from this Harbour which is called Horne-Sound and about a North sunne I with the Master Thomas Sherin went ashoare with other to set vp another Crosse with the Kings Maiesties Armes cast in Lead nayled vpon it Then I obserued the Sunne vpon his North Meridian by my foresaid Quadrant and found it eleuated aboue the Horizon 10. degrees and thirtie minutes but because his heigth at the South Meridian and his heigth at the North did not agree in finding of the Latitude I did abate fiue minutes from each as the meane betwixt both for his altitude at the South Meridian was 36. degrees 40. minutes the declination 23. degrees and 29. minutes The fifteenth day faire weather the winde in the morning South but almost calme This day about noone we weighed anchor with the ship of Amsterdam and diuers of her men were fetched aboord vs with their Shipper and some of our men were sent aboord her with one of our Masters Mates called Master Spencer All this day it was so calme that wee were faine to towe our ship Our Carpenter did trim vp two of the Biscaine Shallops which they did leaue behinde them and they did leaue diuers Hoopes and Caske staued ashoare The eighteenth day faire weather the winde variable we stearing away Northward This afternoone wee met with another ship of Biscay being a ship of two or three hundred Tunnes Our Generall as he did to the rest caused her Master and Pilot to come aboord vs to whom he shewed his Commission charging them to depart this Countrey They seeing no remedie were content so soone as they had filled fresh water Wee met with them off the Southward part of the Iland Our Generall being so neere Greene Harbour where the Gamaliel and the Desire road wee went into the Sound to see them with this great ship of Biscay and the ship of Amsterdam We found that the entrance of Greene Harbour was quite stopped with Ice and ran our ship into it thinking to get through but wee could not Then wee got her out againe and came to the Bay where wee roade on the other side of the Sound in Pooppy Bay or Niches Coue. The nineteenth day faire weather the winde Northward This day about twelue of the clock we came to an anchor in the foresaid Bay This afternoone there came another ship of Saint Sebastian into the Bay where wee roade and about seuen of the clocke the Captaine came aboord of vs who told vs that he had lost six of his men and a shallop vpon the coast of Groineland vpon an Iland in the latitude of 72. degrees or thereabouts This was the Master which had beene here the last yeere and made a great voyage Master Woodcocke being their Pilot. His making so great a voyage was the cause that so many ships were here this yeere The twentieth in the morning we had newes that the Iohn and Francis was come about two dayes agoe and that they had killed one and twentie Whales at the Foreland and had also killed two at Greene harbour This day it was very close weather with some snowe the winde North-west This afternoone the Captaines of the two Biscay ships were commanded to depart this Coast. The one and twentieth wee perceiued another ship standing toward vs. Wee lessâ—ned our sailes and stayed for her to see what shee was At length we perceiued her to bee another Biscaine About a North sâ—nne we came to an anchor in Greene harbour by the Gamaliel and the Desire and the ship of Burdeaux and the Biscaine followed vs. So soone as they were come to an anchor their Captaine came aboord of vs to whom our Generall shewed his Commission as he had done to the rest charging him to depart those Coasts and told him that hee would take away some of their shallops They earnestly intreated him not to take them away and they would depart the Captaine offering his bond to our Generall that if he stayed either in Greenland Groineland or Cherie Iland he would willingly forfait all he was worth There was another Whale killed in Greene-harbour in the killing whereof there was a man slaine and a Boate ouerwhelmed by too much haste of following him after the harping Iron was in him The three and twentieth day
faire weather the winde Northward This day and the last night I obserued the latitude of the place where we roade and found it by both to bee in the latitude of 78. degrees 7. minutes the skie at both obseruations being very cleere where I finde that there is no sensible error betweene a South obseruation and a North the skie being cleare But if the skie be hasie there will be some difference as of eight or ten minutes being obserued on shoare by some large Quadrant or other Instrument for the purpose also a South South-west Moone by the common Compasse maketh a full Sea in this place The ninth of Iuly faire weather the winde at North. This day wee stood to the Southward along the Iland but toward night it fell calme and then the winde came to the West The tenth day faire weather but thicke and close the winde South South-west All this day we stood for Bell-Sound Our Generall went on shoare this afternoone and killed foure Deere and brought a young Morse aliue with him aboord The eleauenth day faire weather but calme This afternoone wee perceiued fiue shippes in a Bay in Bel-sound The winde was so calme that we were faine to towe in our shippes and about a North North-wâ—st sunne we came to an anchor by them with our three ships viz. the Tigre Admirall the Mathew Vice-Admirall and the Richard and Barnard hauing made all things readie for to fight These fiue shippes which rid here the one was a great shippe of Biscay of seuen hundred Tunnes and the two Hollanders which we found the sixt of Iune in Pooppy-bay and one small Pinke of Amsterdam and another small shippe of Rochell This great shippe of Biscay which we expected would haue fought with vs sent their Captaine aboord of vs before we came to an anchor and submitted themselues vnto the Generall The two ships of Amsterdam whose Masters names were these viz. Cornelius Calias William Vermogon Admirall and Iohn Iacob Vice-Admirall these two would gladly haue stood out with vs if the Biscaine would haue assisted them The twelfth day faire weather This day the ship of Iohn Iacobo was vnladen of such goods as shee had in her as Oyle Blubber and Mories skinnes The thirteenth day I was sent in a shallop to Greene Harborough The foureteenth day thicke close weather the winde Northward but toward noone it began to cleare vp and then it blew more winde About a West sunne we came to a small Iland or rather a Rock where Morses vse to come where we found seauen which we killed and knocked out their teeth and let them lye In this place are many of these rockes where are great multitudes of foule and they are called Lizets Ilands The Land all along is so full of Rockes that it is vnpossible for any shippe to come neere the Maine but in the Sands which are very deepe and good to come in All this euening and night wee rowed betweene this Iland and Ice-sound The fifteenth day about nine or tenne a clocke we came to the shippes in Greene-barborough where we found that they had killed eighteene Whales in all Foure of these ships were Frenchmen which had killed eight Whales for the Companie according to the agreement which the Generall had made with them which was that they should kill eight for vs and after what they could kill should be for themselues Our English men had killed three in this place and the Baskes in the Desire also three The Desire had taken in an hundred tunnes of Oyle when wee came there and she was to be laden so soone as she could The seauenteenth day also faire weather the winde Northward This day toward a West Sunne the Master of the French shippe came from Sea-horse Bay who went thither to speake with our Generall because Master Mason and Master Cooper had stayed his Shallops from going to Sea in regard they would not obserue the orders which the Generall had appointed them which were that those Whales which our Englishmen did chase they should not follow nor our men should not follow the Whales they chased For the order of the Biscaines is that who so doth strike the first Harping Iron into him it is his Whale if his Iron hold This euening I say he returned from Sea-horse Bay hauing lost his labour for the Generall and Master Edge were in Bell-sound We vnderstood by him that they had killed some eight and thirtie Whales in all and that there was one hundred and sixtie tunnes of Oyle ready made The fiue and twentieth day in the morning the Desire weighed Anchor to go to the Generall and the Master of the French ship also this morning went from thence to speake with the Generall because of a Whale which was in strife betweene his Biscaines and ours when for pilfering and for some peremptorie speeches two of the Rochellers were ducked at our Yard arme the one on the one side and the other on the other This day I also obserued the latitude of this place and found it to be 77. degrees 40. minutes Also the variation of the Compasse is 13. degrees 11. minutes West This variation was obserued the third of August in the morning the height of the sunne aboue the Horizon was 17. degrees 24. minutes and the declination was 14. degrees 41. minutes North in the latitude of 77. degrees 40. minutes and his Magnetical azimuth was 63. from South to East The ninth day wee had sight of Master Bonners Ship wherein was Master Marmaduke who had beene to the Northward as farre as Faire-hauen and now as he said he was bound to the southward to discouer beyond Point Looke-out hauing his direction from Master Edge as he said Our Generall told him that hee had hindered the Voyage more by his absence then his discouerie would profit and that it were best that he went backe with him to the Fore-land and that he would giue no licence to goe now for Discouerie because the yeare was farre spent but bad him according to his Commission so to proceede The twelfth day I obserued and found the latitude of this place by an exact obseruation to be in 79. degrees 14. minutes They in the Pooppy-Bay had seene a ship of England off Black-point and had spoken with her who told them that they were come from Kildeene The foureteenth day faire weather the Winde at North North-east This day about tenne a clocke in the forenoone we waied anchor to goe homeward being sixe ships in company viz. the Tigre Admirall the Gamaliel Vice-Admirall the Iohn and Frances the Annula the ship of Burdeaux which the Generall agreed with to fish in Greene-harborough and the Biscay ship which fished in Sir Thomas Smiths Bay The fifteenth day very faire weather all the forenoone almost calme in the afternoone an easie gale at North-east This day about twelue a clocke at noone wee were against Faire Foreland
which is in the latitude of 79. degrees 8. minutes This night was very cleere and faire weather and also calme by which meanes I had very good opportunitie to finde the suâ—â—ies refraction For beholding it about a North North-east sunne by the common Compasse at which time the sunne was at the lowest it was but one fift part of his body aboue the Horizon hauing about foure fifth parts below so neere as I could gesse His declination for that instant was 10. degrees 35. minutes North being at noone in the 2. degree 7. minutes of Virgo his daily motion was 58. minutes whose halfe beeing nineteene to bee added to the former because it was at twelue houres afore noone I say his place at that instant was 2. degrees 26. minutes of Virgo whose declination was as before 10. degrees 35. minutes the Latitude of the place was 78. degrees 47. minutes whose complement was 11. degrees 13. minutes the declination being substractâ—d from the complement of the Poles eleuation leaueth 38. minutes foure fiue part of which 12. minutes which being substracted from 38. leaueth 26. minutes for the Refraction But I suppose the Refraction is more or lesse according as the ayre is thicke or cleare which I leaue for better schollers to discusse but this I thought good to note for the better helpe of such as doe profesie this studie The sixteenth day also very faire weather and for the most part calme the winde that was was aâ— North-west This morning we espied a ship out in the often ouer against Cold-cape which we stood with and she also stood with vs. And when we came to her wee found her to be the Desire a shippe of Alborough Our Generall sent for the Master and Merchant aboard of vs who certified him that they came from Killedeene and that they had made but a bad Voyage of fiâ—h and they were come to see if we could fraight them home The Merchant was of London whose name was Master Cudner the Masters name was Fletcher who also brought sixe men which Thomas Bonner had left at Cherie Iland These sixe men had killed but one Morse all this yeere at the Iland who also told vs that William Gourdon was gone to the Northwards At noone the three and twentieth day I obserued the variation of the Compasse and found it to be one degree 5. minutes East The three and twentieth day faire weather with a fine gale at North and by East We stearing away South and by West halfe South being aâ— noone by supposition in the latitude of 69. degrees no minutes Hauing sailed since yesterday noone some thirtie leagues South true The foure and twentieth day very faire weather and cleere the winde all the fore-noone Northwards but about noone it came to the South-east This morning I obserued the middle starre in the Great Beares tayle and found it to bee in the latitude of 68. degrees 24. minutes about two a clocke at which time that starre was on the Meridian vnder the Pole Also I obserued the starre in the Beares Rumpe about one a clock and found the like latitude Also all this day we had sight of Rost Ilands being about ten or eleuen leagues off vs. Also at noone I obserued the latitude by the Sun and found vs to be in the latitude of 68. degrees no minutes which did agree with the former Obseruations by the starres Also the variation of this placâ— is 4. degrees 8. minutes East from the true Meridian wee hauing runne since yesterday noone some two and twentie leagues South and by West Almost all the afternoon it was almost calme The fiue and twentieth day also very faire weather the winde this morning came to the East South-east a fine easie gale We steered away South and by West halfe West ten leagues being at noone in the latitude of 67. degrees 5. minutes The variation of this place is 5. degrees 3. minutes East neere to the set of our Compasse This Euening the winde came to the South South-west which continued about two Watches The nine and twentieth day faire weather with a good gale of winde at North North-east From two this last night to sixe we stood away South-west and by South and at sixe we steered away South South-west being at noone by obseruation in 62. degrees no minutes The land about Scoutesnesse lyeth in this sort from sixtie three toward sixtie two it is nineteene leagues South South-west halfe Westward from thence tenne leagues South and by West which is two or three Ilands which are the West wardest land in Norway lying in the latitude of 62. degrees 44. minutes But whether these Ilands or a Point of land which lyeth about three or foure leagues more to the North be called Scoutesnesse I know not The sixt of September we entred the Thames CHAP. VI. A Voyage of Discouerie to Greenland c. Anno 1614. Written by RO. FOTHERBYE THe ship Thomasine went downe from Black-wall to Woolwich the sixteenth of Aprill and from thence to Grauesend the three and twentieth where shee remayned vntill the eight and twentieth of the same and weighing from thence she anchored againe in Tilberie Hope with ten ships more of good burthen and two Pinnasses all of the Greenland Fleet set forth also at the charge of the said Company vnder the command of Master Beniamin Ioseph Chiefe Captayne and Generall of the said Fleet. We set sayle out of Tilberie Hope the fourth of May and came to an anchor the same day in Lee Road where we stayed till the next morning then wee set sayle againe and went forth to Sea before night We proceeded in company of the Fleet and met with stragling Ice the fiue and twentieth of May in the latitude of 75. degrees 10. minutes through which wee passed without danger holding on our course all thaâ— day till time of mid-night then we found the Ice so close packt together that we were forced to tacke about and stand to the Westward till wee found more open passage wee plyed through it without any great danger till the eight and twentieth day but then being in fight of Land we passed amongst very much Ice all the fore-noone which lay in great abundance on both sides of vs but a desire as it seemes to get through it drew vs on to be the more intangled with it for about noone we could neither find a passage to goe forward nor way to retyre backe againe but being nine ships and two Pinnasses for the Prosperous and the Desire lost Company through foule weather the one and twentieth of May otherwise we had beene thirteene sayle we began very suddenly to bee inclosed and shut vp with Ice Now euery one wrought the best meanes he could for the safetie of his ship Our Master in the Thomasine caused a Hauser and a Grapnell to be carried forth and laid vpon a great Iland of Ice and so we rid as at an
Anchor and by that meanes wee stayd from forceable rushing against other peeces afterward we laid forth an anchor for surer hold and made â—enders of an old Caâ—le which was hung ouer the ships sides to keepe the Ice from piercing of her plankes Wee rid thus from the eight and twentieth of May till the second of Iune still floating as the wind droue vs with our anchor holding Iland which now we accounted as the shoare and made vse thereof accordingly for vpon it our Carpenter sealed and trimmed our lesser shallop On the second of Iune we had a great homeming Sea the wind being at North-west whereby we iudged we were not farre from an open Sea to windward of vs there wee resolued to make tryall what we might doe to free ourselues out of the Ice In the afternoone about three a clock we got aboard our Anchor letting fall our fore top-sayle and putting forth our Mâ—zen and so droue a sterne for a while till the floating Iland gaue way then wee filled out top-sayle and attempted diuers places where to passe but had repâ—lse and fell asterne againe notwithstanding at the length we preuayled and with much adoe we attayned an open Sea at a North and by West Sunne parting very gladly from these ill neighbouring Ilands which at our parting from them gaue vs or rather receiued from vs some knockes but whilest we remayned amongst them they seemed much more perillous then they proued hurtfull so wee praysed God for our safe deliuerance wishing that the rest of the ships which we left in the Ice were as cleere out of it as was the Thomasine Hauing attayned the open Sea to the Westwards we proceeded to the Northwards keeping the Ice still on our starboord side and met with â—he Mary An-Sarah that got also free of the Ice the same day that we came forth of it we kept company together till the next day when being as high as Prince Charles Ilands we both stood in for the shoare the Mary An-Sarah going for Bel-sound her assigned Harbour but we proceeded to the Fore-land where when wee came the sixt of Iune wee met with two shallops that belonged to the Desire wherein was Cuthbert Appleyard and William 〈◊〉 Harponiers by whom we vnderstood that the Prosperous and the Desire had more desiredly prospered then all the rest of the Fleet they escaped the danger that all the rest fell into and came to the Fore-land the third of Iune finding the Harbour open Here was yet no worke begunne for they had not seene one Whale since their comming into the Harbour so that for vs there was no cause of stay to bee helpfull vnto them and therefore we proceeded to the Northward hoping to find the shoare still as free from Ice as it was at this place but it fel out contrary to our expectations for being come as farre as Maudlen Sound in the latitude of 79. degrees 34. minutes we met with some stragling Ice and from the mayne top we saw much Ice lye betwixt vs and Hackluytâ— Head-land which seemed to bee close to the shoare therefore we sent some men in a shallop to Maudlen Sound to see if it were open that wee might harbour our ship there and search for a leake which wee found her subject vnto in foule weather The Sound was open and we anchored in a good Harbour but the Ice was not gone cleere from the shoare therefore we could not hale our ship aground but we carined her and set vp our Biscaine shallop which we carried with vs out of England in pieces The next day after our comming hither I went forth in a little shallop the other being then vnset together to see how the Ice lay at Hackluyts Head-land and whether we might passe with our ship that way or no. Being come forth of the Harbour we perceiued that it was very foule weather at Sea notwithstanding I proceeded into Faire Hauen where the South Harbour was then open but much Ice lay then in the Sound vnbroken from shoare to shoare otherwise wee might haue passed that way to Hackluyts Head-land betwixt the Iland and the mayne Land we stayed here till the next morning then the weather beganne to cleere vp and wee put forth to Sea againe intending to goe without the Ilands but being out of the Harbour wee found the foule weather to be such as our little weake shallop was not able to endure therefore we returned againe to our ship into Maudlen Sound where we killed two Female Morses and took their Teeth Hides and Blubber On the tenth of Iune we set sayle out of Maulden Sound and coasted along to the Northward till we were past Hackluyts Head-Land but then we saw the Ice lye before vs extending close to the shoare so that for vs to passe further that way it was not possible therefore wee turned to the Westward to see if wee could finde passage further from the shoare Wee sayled as the Ice trended West and West South-west till the thirteenth day and keeping still alongst it we found it to trend neerest South and South South-west we proceeded well thus far till we came vnder the latitude of Prince Charles his Iland in 78. degrees 40. minutes being eight and twentie leagues from shoare but then we altered our course and stood in for the Fore-land to goe and be helpfull to the other ships there for the furthering of their Voyage according to our Instructions as some did vnderstand them but contrary I am sure to some of our desires When we came neere the Fore-land we saw eleuen ships of Hollanders vnder sayle plying to the Southwards one of them came roome towards vs and strucke her top-sayles twice whereby we supposed they tooke vs for some of their Fleete which they wanted but wee held on our course still into Sir Thomas Smiths Bay where we came to an anchor the fifteenth of Iune by the Iohn-Anne-Francis and the Desire the Mary Margaret being then vnder sayle to go to the Fore-land Here was yet no need of any helpâ— that we could make them for they had hitherto neyther killed nor seene one Whale since their first comming in hither therefore we thought it best not to stay here but rather goe to Faire Hauen where wee should bee more readie to proceed on our Discouerie when the Ice would giue vs leaue and in the meane-time wee might bee helpfull to the two ships thither assigned for the making of their Voyage and so much the rather wee hasted because we vnderstood that the Hollanders also set forth a ship on Discouerie We set sayle the seuenth of Iune and met with the Prosperous that came from Crosse-road and was going into Sir Thomas Smiths Bay there to get some Bricke and Lime to mend their Fornace as Nicholas Woodcocke the Master told vs then we went forth to Sea and being about foure leagues from the shoare the winde began to blow so hard
shoare we searched two little Beaches which had some wood on them but nothing that we found of better value About two leagues within the Sound on the East side there is an Harbour where shippes may ride in good ground Land-lockt but if other yeeres be like this I cannot say that it is an Harbour fitting for ships because it is late ere the Sound breake vp for euen now there lay much Ice at the bottome of it insomuch that I was forcst to leaue the shallop because I could not passe with her for Ice and walke two miles ouer stonie Mountaynes with another man in my company to bee satisfied concerning a point of Land that shot into the Sound whether it were an Iland or no as by all likelihood it seemed to bee but when I came to the farthest part of it I saw it joyne to the mayne Land wherefore I called it Point Deceit because it deceiued mee so much From hence wee proceeded toward our shippe and came aboord of her in the North Harbour of Faire Hauen on Friday night being the nineteenth of August where she rid alone for Master Marmaduke was gone forth to Sea that day The two and twentieth of August Iohn Mason Master of the Gamaliell came ouer from the South Harbour for helpe to hayle vp a Whale which had beene sunke fourteene dayes in one hundred and twentie fathome depth or else to pull the Wâ—rpe and Harping Iron out of her for now it was time to take her or forsake her Master Sherwin our Master caused our long Boate to bee manned and went with him when they came where the Whale was sunke they haled and shee presently rose bolting suddenly vp with a thundring cracke made with the bursting of her bodie and notwithstanding shee had layen so long yet had shee all her Finnes fast Whilst this was in doing the Hartsease was comming into the Harbour from the Northward and anchored by our ship an houre after Here wee stayed till the seuen and twentieth of August and since my last returne hither in the shallop from the Eastwards the weather hath beene commonly warme and the Mountaynes were now more cleere of Snow then they had beene any time this yeere notwithstanding there had much snowe fallen since the beginning of this moneth but it was quite consumed and a greater signe of warmth and thaw was now to bee obserued then any time of the yeere heretofore namely by the often falling of the Ice into the Sea from the huge snowie bankes making a noyse like Thunder so that the time was very hopefull but thus wee made vse of occasion offered The seuen and twentieth of August it was faire and warme weather calme till noone then had wee a gale of winde from the South South-west wherewithall wee set sayle out of Faire-hauen in the company of the Hartsease with whom wee had beene in termes of consortship but nothing was concluded About sixe a clocke at night wee were sixe leagues from Cape Barren which bore from vs South-west and by South Wee proceeded still to the North-eastward and on the eight and twentieth day in the morning wee had runne about twentie leagues from Cape Barren in an East North-east way by the ordinary Compasse being open of Sir Thomas Smiths Inlet nine or tenne leagues from the shoare at which time wee were come to the Ice that trended East South-east and West North-west but the Sea being very rough wee stood off againe from the Ice in the afternoone it fell calme and at night we had a gale of winde at East and the ship was steered West and then South-west homewards The nine and twentieth day the winde Easterly an easie gale at foure a clockâ— in the afternoone Hackluyts Head-land bore from vs South-east by East foure leagues distant 〈…〉 was very warme The thirtieth day the winde at North-east an easie gale at foure a clocke in the afternoone Maudlon Point bore East North-east halfe a Point Easterly about three leagues distant 〈◊〉 the Euening it fell calme the weather not cold The thirtieth day faire Sunne-shine weather and calme till noone and then we had a good gale of winde from the North-east being fiue leagues distant from the Fore-land which bore South-east now wee altered our course and stood to the West-ward therefore to keepe vs still in the parallel that now wee were in which was 79. degrees 8. minutes West North-west course was directed in respect of the Variation to make good a true West way This course wee held till we had runne about twentie leagues and then wee ranne twentie leagues more in a West and by North course till one a clocke on Friday morning at which time it fell calme and wee heard the Sea make a great noyse as if wee had beene neere Land but wee rather iudged it to bee Ice as indeed it proued to bee for in the morning when it was light and cleere wee saw the Ice about a league from vs which trended Southerly hauing now a gale at East North-east wee steered away South and South South-east but in the afternoone we were embayed with a long banke of Ice which wee could not weather therefore wee were faine to tacke about and the winde hauing come more Southerly then it was in the morning wee stood off from the Ice North-east and North-east and by North and then to the Southwards againe making sundrie boardes to get forth to wind-wards of the Ice The third day before noone wee had sight againe of Ice to Westwards of vs and at noone were vnder the parallel of 78. degrees 27. minutes according to my Obseruation then wee stood a way South to keepe cleere of the Ice for wee had a great homing Sea although but little winde and therefore durst not be to bold to edge too neere it especially the wind being Easterly as then it was On the fourth day our men saw the Ice againe from the mayne top-mast head and therefore wee still maintayned a Southerly course the next day it began to be foggie and continued close weather and hazie for three dayes so that wee had no more sight of the Ice neyther could wee at this time receiue any further satisfaction concerning the same therefroe wee kept a Southerly course so neere as wee could although wee had but little winde and the same very variable till the ninth day but then wee had a good gale of winde at West North-west On the tenth day beeing Saturday wee were by my reckoning fiftie leagues distant from Low-foot which bore from vs East South-east halfe a Point Southerly this day the wind shifted to the South-west and at night came to the South with much raine then came backe againe to the West North-west and began a great storme This night the Master and others saw a light vpon the Fore-bonnet which the Saylers call a Corpo Santo it appeared like the flame of a Candle and as
Sea-men obserue it alwayes presageth an ensuing storme which to verifie this foule weather continued the next day and grew to be so vehement on Sunday night that the Sea oftentimes ouer-raked our ship and wee were faine to lye aâ—ry with our fore course onely and our Mayne top-mast also strucke which last thing as Sea-men say is seldome done at Sea then about one a clocke we were forced to take in our fore course and to lye a-hull for fiue houres The fourth day of October the shippe came to Wapping with the whole number of men that shee carryed forth my selfe excepted that was come before being sixe and twentie all in perfect health CHAP. VII A true report of a Voyage Anno 1615. for Discouerie of Seas Lands and Ilands to the Northwards as it was performed by ROBERT FOTHERRIE in a Pinnasse of twentie tunnes called the Richard of London set forth at the charge of the Right Worshipfull Sir THOMAS SMITH Knight my very good Master and Master RICHARD WICHE Gouernours and the rest of the Worshipfull Company of Merchants called the Merchants of New Trades and Discoueries trading into Moscouia and King IAMES his New Land BY the prouidence of Almightie God I went forth of Harwich Harbour in the foresaid Pinnasse the twelfth of May in the company of eight shippes of the Fleet for King Iames his New Land who in foule weather out-fayled me in the latitude 71. degrees or thereabouts So I proceeded alone towards King Iames his New Land and met with Ice in latitude 73. degrees 30. minutes I stood North-eastwards for the wast of King Iames his New Land and had sundry conflicts with the Ice in rainie and wet foggie weather and had sight of Land the eleuenth of Iune and on the nineteenth of the same I anchored in Faire Hauen Here I stayed till the third of Iuly for the Pinnasse had receiued some hurt amongst the Ice which to amend I was faine to hale her aground besides diuers other things necessary to be done which detayned mee longer then willingly I would haue stayed there From hence I sayled Northward but met with Ice in latitude 79. degrees 50. minutes being six leagues from Hackluyts Head-land then I coasted the Ice as it lay in Points and Bayes to the Westwards and South-westward and being thirtie leagues from the Land in latitude 79. degrees 10. minutes I found it to trend Northward and North-westwards and coasted it to the latitude of 79. degrees 50. minutes but then I was embayed with Ice and was faine to stand out againe and sailed aboue ten leagues before I got cleere when I was out of this Bay I proceeded South Westerly with the Ice on the starboord to the latitude 78. degrees 30. minutes where being fortie leagues from the shoare I was againe embayed with the Ice and hauing had faire Sun-shine weather all the day which made mee the bolder to stand so neere it the weather on a sudden fell foggie and the wind beganne to blow hard at South which put vs to great trouble and no small perill but the Almightie power who hath mercifully deliuered vs heretofore out of as great dangers preserued vs also from this when wee were gotten cleere off the Ice we had the Sea much growne and the storme increasing but beeing desirous still to keepe the Sea I stood close by the wind vnder a payre of coarses till the Pinnasse waxt leake with bearing too much sayle and there was forced to lye atry vnder a mayne coarse only and although shee stemmed South-east and South-east by South yet was she hurried violently to the North-eastwards and by the mercifull prouidence of God we fell right with the Fore-land in latitude 79. degrees then I stood ouer Sir Thomas Smiths Bay for harbour in Crosse-road where I anchored the thirteenth of Iuly being Thursday I stayed here foure dayes in which time my men mended the Sayles and ships tackling that had receiued hurt by the late storme and made a new mayne Sayle to serue in time of need and on the seuenteenth of Iuly I weighed out of Crosse-road and sayling Westwards from thence came to Ice againe in latitude 78. degrees 40. minutes which I coasted as it lay neerest South-west or more Westerly but with many Points Bayes wherewith I was sometimes intangled yet God be thanked got cleere againe either by helpe of Oares or Sayles without any hurt In this sort I proceeded with good satisfaction although not with so good content till I came to the latitude of 76. degrees beeing aboue one hundred leagues from Point Looke-out but then was crossed with a contrarie storme from the South-west and South South-west which droue me to the South-eastward till I came in the latitude of 74. degrees and then I made my way Westward againe so neere as I could lye close by the winde and ouer-ranne the formerly supposed Land of Groynland which some haue layd downe in plats and extended to 75. degrees When I came into the latitude of 73. degrees I stood West and North-west and fell with Ice againe in latitude 73. degrees 50. minutes and thought indeed at that time that I was neere Land by abundance of Fowle which we saw in great flockes but such thicke fogges haue continued for three or foure dayes together that we might sooner heare the Land if anywere then see it and so did we first find this Ice by hearing the rut thinking till we saw it that it had beene Land so that we were embayed with it before we thought that we had beene neere it then I stood out againe and coasted the Ice still to the Westwards Southerly but could see no Land as I expected to haue done vntill wee came vnder the latitude of 71. degrees thirtie minutes and then we espyed a snowie Hill very high in the cloudes for this day was very cleere at Sea but the fogge was not yet cleered from the Land so that we could see no part of it but only the top of a snowie Mountayne which appeared very high although wee were fourteene or fifteene leagues distant from it bearing off vs South-east and by South Then I stood in for the shoare supposing it had beene part of the Mayne of Groynland for the fogge lay on each side of this Mount as if there had beene a great Continent vnder it but it proued otherwise for as we came neerer to it the fogge dispersed more and more and when wee were fiue leagues distant the Land appeared in forme like an Iland When I came neerer the shore I could find no Harbor to anchor in Notwithstanding the weather being faire calme I hoist out my Boat went ashore with three men more and set vp the Kings Armes then we searched a Sandie Beach which was abundantly stored with drift wood but yeelded no other fruits that we could find worth the taking vp so I returned aboord againe and sent ashoare my Boat to fetch some
of Catay In the wall to Catay are fiue gates both low and straight or narrow a man cannot ride into them vpright on horse-backe and except these fiue gates there is no more in all the wall there all manner of people passe into the Citie of Shrokalga Within the borders or wall is a Citie or Castle of Catay called Shirokalga built of stone the Gouernour thereof is called Duke Shubin who is sent thither for a time from Tambur King of Catay the Castle is very high walled and artificially built the Towres are high after the manner of Mosco Castle in the Loope-holes or Windowes are Ordnance planted as also vpon the Gates or Towres their Ordnance is but short they haue also great store of small shot and the Watchmen euery-where vpon the Gates Towres and Wals well appointed and assoone as they perceiue the Sunne going downe the Watch dischargeth their Peeces of Ordnance thrice as also at the breake of day in the morning they shoot out of their Pieces thrice and doe not open the Castle Gates till the sixt houre of the day Within the Castle are shops built of stone and painted cunningly with diuers colours wherein they haue all manner of Merchandizes as Veluets Damaskes Dorogoes Taffataes Cloth of Gold and Tissue of diuers colours sundry sorts of Sugars Cloues c. in the Gouernours house is a strong Watch of Partisans and Halberds and their Drummes made like great Barrels When the Gouernour goeth abroad they carry a Canopie ouer him and make way before him with Rods as before our Emperour in Mosco And from Shirokalga to the Citie Yara is three dayes trauell this Citie is large built of stone and the circuit of it is two dayes trauell with many Towres and foure Gates to come in at the Markets in the Citie are well and richly accommodated with Iewels Merchandizes Grocerie or Spices the Citie well inhabited hauing no place void or waste in it The houses and shops are built with stone with streets betweene the Gouernours here are called Duke Byâ— and Duke â—â—chake heere they haue Post Stages as wee their Markets haue a very odoriferous smell with Spices And from this Citie to a Citie called Tayth is three dayes iourney it is built of stone large and high walled is in compasse two daies trauel about at the first comming to it are fiue gates barred and bolted with Iron very thicke and close fastned with Nailes the houses and shops or Ware-houses are all built of stone wherein are all manner of Merchandizes Spices or Grocerie and precious things more abundant then in the aforesaid Cities they haue Tauernes or Drinking houses stored with all manner of Drinkes as Aquanitâ— Meade and Wines from beyond Seas in abundance there they haue also their Watch Ordnance and Munition in great store the Gouernours of this place are one Duke Tuga and the other Duke Zumia there wee saw Sinamon Anniseeds Apples Arbuzes Melons Cucumbers Onions Garlicke Radish Carrets Parsenips Turnops Cabbage Limons Poppiseeds Nutmegs Rice Almonds Pepper Rubarbe many other Fruits which we know not so that they want nothing whatsoeuer groweth in the World the shops are within the Citie stored of all manner of Commoditie as is said as also victualling and drinking Houses stored with all manner of Drinkes where they haue also Dicers and Whores as with vs. Their Prisons in the Citie are of stone for theft they hang the theeues and for Robberie or Murther they stake the Murtherers or else head them And from Shirokalga to a Citie of Catay called Shirooan is a dayes iourney this Citie is built of stone high walled and large in compasse it is a dayes trauell it hath twelue Towres whereupon as also on the Citie Gates is planted Ordnance and small shot great store with a continuall Watch or Guard night and day at the first comming are fiue Gates well furnished with Ordnance and Warlike Munition and from one Gate to the other through the Citie is halfe a dayes going The Gouernour of this place is called Duke Sanchik For Victuals and Merchandizes here is more then in the Cities mentioned all their shops very full and the Citie so populous that one can hardly passe the streets for the throng of people The Ambassadors Houses are also faire built of stone their Wels couered with Brasse so that this Citie is adorned more with precious things then the former mentioned and much more populous Now from the Citie of Tayth to a Citie called White Castle is two dayes trauell this Citie is built of white stone and thereof hath his name it is high walled and large being in compasse or circuit three dayes trauell aâ— the first entry it hath three Gates vnder one Towre the Gates are high and wide with strong Iron barres and the Gates fastened with Iron Nayles whited with Tinne it hath great Ordnance in the Gates and Towres some Peeces carrying shot of two Poode waight the shops within the Citie reach from Gate to Gate and betweene them are streets paued with stone all their shops and houses are built of stone before their shops They haue grates painted cunningly with all manner of colours flowres and such like and vpon the shops are the houses painted cunningly with Pictures and flowres in diuers colours and the painting within is vpon Pastboord adorned with Damaske and Veluets heere is more abundance of Riches and Commodities then in any of the Cities afore mentioned The Gouernours names here were Duke Toyâ—an and Duke Sulan From this white Citie or Castle to the greatest Citie of all Cataya called Catay is two dayes iourney where the King himselfe dwelleth it is a very great Citie built of white stone foure square and in compasse it is foure dayes iourney vpon euery corner thereof are very great Towres high built and white and alongst the wall are very faire and high Towres likewise white and intermingled with Blue or Azure vpon the Gates Wall and Towres the Loop-holes or Windowes are well furnished with Ordnance and a strong Watch. In the midst of this white Citie standeth a Castle built of Magnet or Load-stone wherin the King himselfe dwelleth called Tambun this Castle standeth so in the midst of this Citie that euery way you haue halfe a dayes going to it from the Gates through the streets which hath stone shoppes on both sides with all manner of Merchandizes vpon their shops they haue their houses built of stone cunningly painted more then the former Cities The Castle of Magnet is curiously set forth with all manner of artificiall and precious deuices in the middest whereof standeth the Kings Palace the top whereof is all gilt ouer with Gold And they would not admit vs to come before their King without Presents saying it was not the manner of Catay to come before their King without some Present and though said they your white Emperour had but sent with his first Ambassadours to our
the moneth of May. This day we saw great store of Gulles which followed our Ship sundry dayes The eight and twentieth the winde being at North and by West wee directed our course to the Westward and about twelue of the clocke the same night we descried the land of America in the latitude of 62. degrees and 30. minutes which we made to be Warwicks foreland This Headland rose like an Iland And when we came neere the Foreland we saw foure small Ilands to the Northwards and three small Ilands to the Southward of the same Foreland The Foreland was high land all the topâ— of the hils were couered with Snow The three small Ilands to the Southward were also white that we could not discerne them from Ilands of Ice also there was great store of drift Ice vpon the Eastside of this Foreland but the Sea was altogether voide of Ice the Land did lye North and by East and South and by West being six leagues of length The nine and twentieth at sixe of the clocke in the morning wee were within three leagues of this Foreland then the winde came vp at North-east and by East a good stiffe gale with fogge and wee were forced to stand to the Southward because wee could not wether the Land to the Northward and as wee stood to the Southward along by Warwicks Foreland we could discerne none otherwise but that it was an Iland Which if it fall out to be so then Lâ—â—leys Inlet and the next Southerly Inlet where the great Current setteth to the West must of necessitie be one Sea which will be the greatest hope of the passage that way The thirtieth the winde was at North-east with fogge and Snow This day wee came into a great whirling of a Current being in the latitude of 61. degrees and about twelue leagues from the coast of America The first day of Iuly the winde was at West with fogge and Snow the ayre being very cold This day wee came into many Ouerfals which seemed to runne a great current but which way it did set wee could not well discerne The greatest likelihood was that it should set to the West But hauing contrary windes some sixteene or seuenteene dayes we alwayes lay in trauerse among these ouerfals but could neuer finde any great current by our courses wee sounded sometimes but could get no ground in one hundred and twentie fathomes The second day wee descried a maine Banke of Ice in the latitude of 60. degrees the winde was at North North-west and very faire weather Wee wanting fresh water did sayle close to this Land of Ice and hoysed out our Boate and loaded her twice with Ice which made vs very good fresh water Within twenty leagues of the coast of America wee should oftentimes come into many great ouerfals Which doth manifestly shew that all the coast of America is broken Land The third the winde was at South-west very foggie and as wee stood toward the coast of America wee met with another maine Banke of Ice The fogge was so thicke that we were hard by the Ice before wee could see it But it pleased God that the winde was faire to put vs cleare from this Ice againe and presently it began to cleare vp so that wee could see two or three leagues off but we could see no end of the Ice Wee iudged this Ice to be some tenne leagues from the coast of America We found the water to be very blackish and thicke like puddle water The eight the winde was at North North-west very faire weather wee standing to the Westwards met with a mighty maine Banke of Ice which was a great length and breadth and it did rest close to the shoare And at eleuen of the clocke in the forenoone wee descried againe the Land of America in the latitude of 63. degrees and 53. minutes being very high Land and it did rise as Ilands the toppes being couered with Snow This Land was South-west and by West some fiue leagues off vs we could come no neerer it for the great quantitie of Ice which rested by the shoare side The ninth the winde being at North-east and by Last blew so extreamely that we were forced to stand to the Southward both to cleare our selues of the Land and of the Ice for the day before we passed a great banke of Ice which was some foureteene leagues to the Eastward of vs when the storme began but thankes be to God we cleared our selues both of the Land and of the Ice This day in the afternoone the storme grew so extreame that we were forced to stand along with our forecourse to the Southward The seuenteenth was very foggie the winde being at East and about two of the clocke in the afternoone wee saw foure great Ilands of Ice of a huge bignesse and about foure of the clocke we came among some small scattered Ice and supposed our selues to be neere some great Banke The fogge was very thicke but the winde large to stand backe the same way wee came in or else it would haue indangered our liues very much And at nine of the clocke at night we heard a great noyse as though it had bin the breach of some shoare Being desirous to see what it was we stood with it and found it to be the noyse of a great quantity of Ice which was very loathsome to be heard Then wee stood North North-west and the fogge continued so thicke that wee could not see two Shippes length from vs whereupon we thought good to take in some of our sayles and when our men came to hand them they found our sayles ropes and tacklings so hard frozen that it did seeme very strange vnto vs being in the chiefest time of Summer The eighteenth day the winde was at North-east and by North the ayre being very cleere and extreame cold with an exceeding great frost and our course was North-west This day in the forenoone when we did set our sayles we found our ropes and tacklings harder frozen then they were the day before which frost did annoy vs so much in the vsing of our ropes and sayles that wee were enforced to breake off the Ice from our ropes that they might runne through the blockes And at two of the clocke in the afternoone the winde began to blow very hard with thicke fogge which freezed so fast as it did fall vpon our sayles ropes and tackling that we could not almost hoyse or strike our sayles to haue any vse of them This extreame frost and long continuance thereof was a maine barre to our proceeding to the Northward and the discouraging of all our men The nineteenth day the winde was at North and by East and our course to the Eastwards The same night following all our men conspired secretly together to beare vp the helme for England while I was asleepe in my Cabin and there to haue kept mee by force vntill I had sworn
vnto them that I would not offer any violence vnto them for so doing And indeede they had drawn in writing the causes of their bearing vp of the helme and thereunto set their hands and would haue left them in my Cabin but by good chance I vnderstood their pretence and preuented them for that time The twentieth day I called the chiefest of my Company into my Cabin before Master Iohn Cartwright our Preacher and our Master William Cobreth to heare what reasons they could alleadge for the bearing vp of the Helme which might he an ouerthrow to the Voyage seeing the Merchants had bin at so great a charge with it After much conference they deliuered mee their reasons in writing Concluding that although it were granted that we might winter betweene 60. and 70. degrees of latitude with safetie of our liues and Vessels yet it will be May next before wee can dismore them to lanch out into the Sea And therefore if the Merchants should haue purpose to proceede on the discouerie of these North-west parts of America the next yeare you may be in the aforesaid latitudes for England by the first of May and so be furnished better with men and victuals to passe and proceede in the aforesaid action Seeing then that you cannot assure vs of a safe harbour to the Northward wee purpose to beare vp the Helme for England yet with this limitation that if in your wisedome you shall thinke good to make any discouery either in 60. or 57. degrees with this faire Northerly winde we yeelde our liues with your selfe to encounter any danger Thus much we thought needefull to signifie as a matter builded vpon reason and not proceeding vpon feare or cowardise Then wee being in the latitude of 68. degrees and 53. minutes the next following about eleuen of the clocke they bare vp the Helme being all so bent that there was no meanes to perswade them to the contrary At last vnderstanding of it I came forth of my Cabin and demanded of them who bare vp the Helme They answered me One and All. So they hoysed vp all the sayle they could and directed their course South and by West The two and twentieth I sent for the chiefest of those which were the cause of the bearing vp of the Helme and punished them seuerely that this punishment might be a warning to them afterward for falling into the like mutinie In the end vpon the intreatie of Master Cartwright our Preacher and the Master William Cobreaths vpon their submission I remitted some part of their punishment At twelue of the clocke at noone wee came hard by a great Iland of Ice the Sea being very smooth and almost calme wee hoysed out the Boates of both our Shippes being in want of fresh water and went to this Iland to get some Ice to make vs fresh water And as wee were breaking off some of this Ice which was verie painefull for vs to doe for it was almost as hard as a Rocke the great Iland of Ice gaue a mightie cracke two or three times as though it had bin a thunder-clappe and presently the Iland began to ouerthrow which was like to haue sunke both our Boates if wee had not made good haste from it But thankes be to God we escaped this danger very happily and came aboord with both our Boates the one halfe laden with Ice There was great store of Sea Foule vpon this Iland of Ice The fiue and twentieth and six and twentieth the winde being at East did blow a hard gale and our course was West and by South with fogge This day in the afternoone I did reckon my selfe to be in the entering of an Inlet which standeth in the latitude of 61. degrees and 40. minutes The seuen and twentieth the winde was at South South-east and blew very hard our course was West The eight and twentieth and nine and twentieth our course was West and by South the winde blowing very hard at East South-east with fogge and raine The thirtieth the winde came vp in a showre by the West North-west blowing so hard that wee were forced to put a fore the Sea Now because the time of the yeare was farre spent and many of our men in both Shippes sicke wee thought it good to returne with great hope of this Inlet to bee a passage of more possibilitie then through the Straight of Dauis because I found it not much pestered with Ice and to be a straight of fortie leagues broad Also I sayled an hundred leagues West and by South within this Inlet and there I found the variation to be 35. degrees to the Westward and the needle to decline or rather incline 83. degrees and an halfe The fifth of August the winde all that while Westerly wee were cleare of this Inlet againe The sixth the winde was at East South-east with fogge The seauenth eight and ninth we passed by many great Ilands of Ice The ninth day at night we descried the land of America in the latitude of 55. degrees and 30. minutes This Land was an Iland being but low land and very smooth then the night approaching and the weather being something foggie and darke we were forced to stand to the Northward againe This night we passed by some great Ilands of Ice and some bigge peeces which did breake from the great Ilands and we were like to strike some of them two or three times which if we had done it might haue endangered our Shippes and liues Our consort the Godspeede strooke a little piece of Ice which they thought had foundred their Shippe but thankes be to God they receiued no great hurt for our Shippes were very strong The tenth day the winde was at North-east and by North with fogge and raine and our course was to the South-eastward for we could by no meanes put with the shoare by reason of the thicknesse of the fogge and that the winde blew right vpon the shoare so that we were forced to beare saile to keepe our selues from the land vntill it pleased God to send vs a cleare which God knoweth we long wanted At sixe of the clocke in the afternoone it was calme and then I iudged my selfe by mine account to be neere the Land so I founded and had ground in 160. fathomes and fine grey Osie Sand and there was a great Iland of Ice a ground within a league of vs where we sounded and within one houre it pleased God to send vs a cleere Then we saw the land some foure leagues South-west and by South from vs. This land lyeth East and by South and West and by North being good high land but all Ilands as farre as wee could discerne This calme continued vntill foure of the clocke in the afternoone of the eleuenth day the weather being very cleere we could not discerne any Current to goe at all by this Land This day the Sea did set vs in about a league
hands The sixt we came to Flâ—câ—rie into which harbour by Gods helpe we came at two a clocke in the afternoone The seauenth day we supplied our wants of wood and water The eight day about two a clocke in the afternoone we set sayle forth of the harbour of Flecoriâ— about six a clock it fell calme till about eight about which time the Nasâ— of Norway by the Danish men called Lyndis-â—ose bare next hand North-west of vs sixe leagues off at which time I directed my course West North-west finding the compasse varied 7. degrees 10. minutes to the Eastwards of the true North. The thirteenth we had sight of the Hand of Faire I le and also of the South-head of Shâ—tland called Swimborne hâ—ad which are high Lands at noone the Iland of Faire Ile bearing West halfe a point Northerly foure leagues off I made obseruation and found vs in the latitude of 59. degrees 20. minutes This night about seuen a clocke wee came about an English league to the Northwards of the North-west and of Faire I le wee met with a great race of a tyde as though it had beene the race of Portland it setting North North-west Being out of the said race I directed my course West and by North hauing the winde North-east and by North this euening Faire Ile bearing East South-east foure leagues Swimborne head North-east and by North eight leagues the Iland of Foolâ— North-east and by East seuen leagues I found by exact obseruation the compasse to be varied to the East-ward of the true North 60. degrees 10. minutes The fourteâ—â—th in the morning the winde came to the East South-east wee steering West and by North away this morning the Iland of Faire Ile did shew in my sight to bee about ten leagues off at which time we did descrie two of the Westermost Ilands of Orkney which did beare South-west and by South The eighteenth the winde at North-west and by West wee laid it away South-west and by West and sometimes South-west This day 〈◊〉 noone wee were in the Latitude of 58. degrees 40. minutes The nineteenth day the winde at South-west and South-west and by West wee lying as the night before being at noone in the Latitude of 59. degrees and a halfe The foure and twentieth day the winde at North-east and by East we steering still with a fresh gale West South-west this euening we looked to haue seene Busse Iland but I doe verily suppose the same to be placed in a wrong Latitude in the Marine Charts The sixe and twentieth at noone wee were in the latitude of 57. degrees 45. minutes The thirtieth day in the morning betweene seuen and eight the weather began to cleere and the Sea and winde to waxe lesse wee looking for the Lion and the Pinnasse could haue no sight of them we supposing them to bee a sterne off vs we standing still vnder our courses This day the winde came to the North-east and by East being very cold weather we lying North North-west away Making my obseruation at noone I found vs in the latitude of 59. degrees 15. minutes our way North North-west fortie leagues This afternoon between one and two a clock we descried Land it bearing North North-east off vs about ten leagues off North-east by North off vs about ten leagues it being a very high ragged land lying in the latitude of 59. degrees 50. minutes lying alongst South-east and by South and North-west and by North. This Head-land wee named after the Kings Maiesties of Denmarke because it was the first part of Groenland which we did see This afternoone about one a clock bearing in for the shoare we saw an Iland of Ice which bore West South-west of vs three leagues off so hauing the wind at East South-east we bore in for the shoare where wee found so much Ice that it was impossible either for vs or any other ship to come into the shoare without great danger yet wee put our selues into the Ice as wee thought conuenient being incumbred and compassed about with the same in such sort as the Captaine my selfe the Boatswaine with another of our companie were forced to goe ouerboord vpon an Iland of Ice to defend it from the ship at which time I thought it conuenient to stand off into the Sea againe and so being cleere of the Ice to double Cape Desolation to the North-westwards of which I doubted not but to find a cleer coast so standing away all this night West South-west to cleere vs of the Ice which lay farre from the shoare being very thicke towards the Land with great Ilands of Ice that it is wonderfull This euening the Cape Christian bearing North-east and by East fiue leagues I found the Compasse varied 12. degrees 15. minutes to the North-westwards Moreouer standing to Seaward from the foresaid Cape we came in blacke water as thicke as though it had beene puddle water we sayling in the same for the space of three houres The one and thirtieth in the morning faire weather with the winde somewhat variable wee steering away North-west and by West betweene foure and fiue in the morning we had sight of the Lion againe but not of the Pinnasse They being a Sea-boord off and hauing espied vs they stood with vs at which time the Captaine Lieutenant and Steereman came aboord vs earnestly intreating mee to bestow a Sea Chart of the Steerman and to giue him directions if by tempestuous weather they should lose vs they protesting and swearing that they would neuer leaue vs as long as winde and weather would permit them to keepe companie with vs. By whose speechees I being perswaded did giue them a Sea Chart for those Coasts telling them that if they would follow me that by Gods assistance I would bring them to a part of the Land void without pester of Ice and also harbour the ships in good Harbour by Gods helpe they swearing and protesting that they would follow mee so long as possibly they could with which oathes and faire speeches I rested satisfied thinking they had thought as they had sworne but it fell out otherwise So hauing made an end with vs about noone they went aboord againe wee being this day in the latitude of 59. degrees 45. minutes hauing stood all the night before and this forenoone also so nigh the shoare as wee could for Ice the Cape Christian South South-east and North North-west and from the Cape to Cape Desolation the Land lyeth East and by South and West and by North about fiftie leagues This day betweene one and two a clocke the Vice-admirals Boat being newly gone aboord it fell very hasie and thicke so that wee could not see one another by reason of the fog therefore our Captaine caused to shoote off certaine Muskets with a great peece of Ordnance to the intent the Lion might heare vs which heard of them they presently stood with vs at which time
said means they catch them So comming aboord our ships hauing left certaine trifles behind vs in their Tents and taking nothing away with vs within halfe an houre after our comming aboord the Sauage to whom wee had giuen the Knife with three others which we did suppose to be them which we saw first came rowing to our ships in their Boats holding vp their hands to the Sunne and striking of their brests crying Yota We doing the like they came to our shippe or Captaine giuing them bread and Wine which as it did seeme they made little account of yet they gaue vs some of their dryed fishes at which time there came foure more who with the other bartered their Coats and some Seale skinnes with our folke for old Iron Nailes and other trifles as Pinnes and Needles with which they seemed to be wonderfully pleased and hauing so done holding their hands towards the Sunne they departed The thirteenth there came fourteene of them to our ship bringing with them Seale skinnes Whale Finnes with certayne of their Darts and Weapons which they bartered with our people as before This day I made obseruation of the latitude and found this Roadsted in the latitude of 66. degrees 25. minutes and the mouth of this Bay or Sound lyeth in the latitude of 66. degrees 30. minutes Also here I made obseruation of the tydes and found an East and West Moone to make a full Sea vpon the Full and Change more it floweth three fathome and an halfe water right vp and downe The fourteenth and fifteenth dayes we rode still the people comming to vs and bartering with vs for pieces of old Iron or Nailes Whale Finnes Seales Skinnes Morse Teeth and a kind of Horne which we doe suppose to be Vnicornes Horne at which time the Captaine went with our Boat to the place where we had seene their Tents but found them remoued and the other fish and the Seale fish lying still a drying the Captaine taking a quantitie of the Sea fish into the Boat caused some of the Mariners to boyle it ashoare the Sauages helping our men to doe the same the Captaine vsing them very friendly they hauing made about a barrell and an halfe of Oyle leauing it aland all night thinking to bring the same aboord in the morning But the Sauages the same night let the same forth Yet notwithstanding the Captaine shewed no manner of discontent towards them The sixteenth day I went into the Pinnasse to discouer certaine Harbours to the Northwards the wind being at East South-east I loosed and set saile but instantly it fell calme and so continued about an houre When the wind came opposite at the West North-west a stiffe gale we spending the tide till the floud being come I put roome againe and came to an Anchor a little from the Frost in twelue fathomes sandie ground About one in the afternoone the Frost departed from vs further vp the Bay which we did suppose to be a Riuer promising to abide our returne two and twentie dayes The seuenteenth day the wind continuing at the West North-west blowing very hard wee rode still the people comming and bartering with vs. The eighteenth day the winde and weather as before wee riding still This forenoone there came to the number of thirtie of them and bartered with vs as they had done before which done they went ashoare at a certaine point about a slight-shot off vs and there vpon a sudden began to throw stones with certaine Slings which they had without any iniury offered at all yea they did sling so fiercely that we could scarce stand on the hatches I seeing their brutish dealing caused the Gunner to shoot a Falcon at them which lighted a little ouer them at which time they went to their Boates and rowed away About one a clocke in the afternoone they came againe to vs crying in their accustomed manner Yliâ—nt they being sixtie three in number the shripper inquired of me whether they should come to vs or not I willed him to haue all things in a readinesse they comming in the meane time nigh to the Pinnasse I did perceiue certaine of them to haue great bagges full of stones they whispering one with another began to sling stones vnto vs. I presently shot off a little Pistol which I had for the Gunner and the rest of the folke to discharge which indeed they did but whether they did hurt or kill any of them or not I cannot certainly tell but they rowed all away making a howling and hideous noise going to the same point whereas in the forenoone they had beene being no sooner come on Land but from the Hils they did so assaile vs with stones with their slings that it is incredible to report in such sort that no man could stand vpon the Hatches till such time as I commanded for to lose sailes and bonnets two mens height to shield vs from the force of the stones and also did hide vs from their sight so that we did ply our Muskets and other Peeces such as wee had at them but their subtiltie was such that as soone as they did see fire giuen to the Peeces they would suddenly ducke downe behind the Cliffes and when they were discharged then sling their stones fiercely at vs againe Thus hauing continued there till foure a clocke they departed away The nineteenth day in the morning about foure a clocke it beeing calme I departed from this Roadsted so causing our men to row alongst the shoare till the tide of the ebbe was bent at which time it began to blow a fresh gale at North-west and by West we turning downe till about two a clocke when the tide of â—loud being come when I came to an Anchor in an excellent Hauen on the South side of Cunninghams Mount which for the goodnesse thereof I named Denmarkes Hauen The twentieth day in the morning the weather beeing very rainie with a little aire of wind I loosed and caused to row forth of the foresaid Harbour and comming forth betweene the Ilands and the maine the people being as it seemed looking for vs espied vs making a hideous noise at which time at an instant were gathered together about seuentie three Boats with men rowing to vs. I seeing them thought it best to preuent the worst because we were to come hither againe therefore to dissemble the matter I thought it best to enter into barter with them for some of their Darts Bowes and Arrowes wee finding euery one of them to bee extraordinarily furnished therwith so rowing forth to Sea amongst the Ilands there stil came more Boats to the number of one hundred and thirtie persons they still rowing by vs made signes to vs to goe to anchor amongst some of the Ilands but I preuenting their deuices made certaine Skonces with our sailes to defend vs from their Stones Arrowes and Darts They seeing this went certaine of them from vs rowing to certaine Ilands to
did very much villanie to them in the ship so that the Captaine tooke three of them other of them also he slew but the three which he tooke he vsed with all kindnesse giuing them Mandillions and Breeches of very good cloth also Hose Shoes and Shirts off his own backe This afternoone I with my Boy came againe aboord the ship taking in this Euening all our prouision of water The eleuenth day the wind being at North North-east we set saile forth of the Sound which we named Frost Sound but before our comming forth of the same our Captaine commanded a young man whose name was Simon by the expresse commandement of the State-holder of Denmarke to bee set aland wee also in the Pinnasse set another aland they both being Malefactors the which was done before our comming away we giuing to them things necessarie as victuall and other things also Thus hauing committed both the one and the other to God wee set saile homewards we standing forth to Sea South-west and South-west and by West till noone when making obseruation Queene Annes Cape bearing South and by East halfe Easterly some ten leagues I found my selfe in the latitude of 66. degrees 10. minutes when I directed my course South South-west till sixe a clocke when wee were amongst much Drift Ice being to lee-ward two points vpon our lee-bow so that I was forst to lie off West North-west till we were cleere of the same at which time I directed my course South-west and by South wee sayling so all the night following The twelfth day the wind at North North-east wee went away South-west and by South till ten a clocke when we were amongst more Drift Ice wee being againe to lie West North-west to get cleere of the same which we did about noone we hauing this day and the Euening before a mightie hollow Sea which I thought to be a current the which setteth thorow Fretum Dauis to the Southwards as by experience I proued for making obseruation this day at noone we found our selues in the latitude of 62. degrees 40. minutes whereas the day before we were but in the latitude of 66. degrees 10. minutes hauing made by account a South and by West way about ten leagues This afternoone I directed my course South South-west The thirteenth day the wind as before we steered still South and by West being at noone in the latitude of 60. degrees 17. minutes going at the same time away South and by East This foresaid current I did find to set alongst the Coast of Gronland South and by East The fourteenth day close weather being an easie gale we steering South-east and by East The fifteenth day stil close weather til noone we steering as before being in the latitude of 59. degrees This day at noone I went away East South-east this afternoone it was hasie and still weather when we had sight of some Drift Ice The 16. day close weather with the wind at North-west and by West our course East South-east til about ten a clock when we met with a mightie bank of Ice to wind-ward of vs being by supposition seuen or eight leagues long wee steering South South-east to get cleere of the same We met all alongst this Ice a mightie scull of Whales Moreouer wee light with a great current which as nigh as we could suppose set West North-west ouer for America This day at noone the weather being very thicke I could haue no obseruation this Euening by reason of the Ice wee were forced to lye South and by West and South South-west to get cleere of the same amongst which we came by diuers huge Ilands of Ice The seuenteenth day being cleere of the Ice about foure in the morning I directed my course South-east by South till noone at which time I went away East and by South the weather being very haysie and thicke about midnight it fell calme the wind comming vp Easterly The eighteenth day the wind still Easterly we lying East South-east away vnder a couple of courses larboord tackt This day in the forenoone we saw certayne Ilands of Ice The nineteenth day the wind still Easterly with the weather very hasie The first day of August also it was very thicke weather with a faire gale at South-west and by West This forenoone wee met with a scull of Herrings so that I knew wee were not farre from the Iles of Orkney so hauing a shrinke at noone I found vs in the latitude of 58. degrees 40. minutes at which time I founded with the deepest Lead finding 42. fathomes redde sandie ground with some blacke dents This Euening betweene fiue and sixe a clocke wee founded againe when we had no more but twentie fathomes dent ground whereby I knew that we were faire by the shoare when some of our men looking forth presently espied one of the Ilands of Orkeney it being very thicke wee cast about and stood with a small sayle to Seaboord againe we lying West North-west off all this night The tenth day about fiue in the morning we came thwart of the Castle of Elsonuere where we discharged certaine of our Ordnance and comming to an Anchor in the Road the Captaine with my selfe went ashoare and hearing of his Majesties being at Copeman-Hauen wee presently went aboord againe and set sayle comming thither about two a clocke The Pinnasse also which he had lost at Sea in which my Countreyman Iohn Knight was Commander came also the same night about foure a clocke both they and we being all in good health praised bee Almightie God Amen CHAP. XV. The second Voyage of Master IAMES HALL forth of Denmarke into Groenland in the yeere 1606. contracted WE departed from Copeman-Hauen the seuen and twentieth of May in the yeere of our Redemption 1606. with foure ships and a Pinnasse The Frost beeing Admirall wherein went for principall Captaine of the Fleet Captaine Godske Lindeno a Danish Gentleman with my selfe being vnder God Pilot Maior of the Fleet. In the Lyon which was Vice-Admirall went for Captaine and Commanmander Captaine Iohn Cunningham a Scottish Gentleman who was with me the yeere before In the Yewren went Hans Browne a Gentleman of Norway In the smal ship called The Gilleflowre went one Castine Rickerson a Dane In the Pinnasse called the Cat went one shipper Andres Noll of Bergen in Norway So by the prouidence of God wee weighed and set saile about sixe a clocke in the Euening with a faire gale at South South-west comming to an Anchor in Elsonoure Road to take in our water The nine and twentieth in the morning we shot off a Peece of Ordnance for all the Captaines and Commanders to come aboord of vs who being come our Captaine commanded the Kings Orders to bee read which done they returned aboord at which time wee weighed with a faire gale at East North-east standing away North and by West till I had brought the Cole North-east and by East off when I
steered away North North-west and North-west and by North. This Euening about fiue a clocke I set the Annold it bearing West halfe Northerly three leagues and an halfe All this Euening wee stood away North-west and by North. The thirtieth day the wind at East South-east wee steering as before this morning about sixe a clocke the Lesold bore West and by North of vs sixe leagues off At fiue this Euening the Scaw bearing West South-west fiue leagues I directed my course West North-west with the wind at North-east and by East The one and thirtieth in the morning very hasie weather with a stiffe gale at East North-East we steering West North-west away till about nine a clocke when we had a shrinke of the Land which was the wâ—ster gate of Mardo we steering alongst the Land Wee came to an anchor in Flecorie where we were to make and take in wood and water The second of Iune we weighed and came forth of the Harbour of Flecorie about sixe in the morning hauing a fresh gale at East North-east About eleuen at noone I set the Nase of Norway it bearing North North-west foure leagues off The fourth day in the morning about two a clock we were faire by the high Land of the Yeddoe I causing to cast about stood to the South-wards West and by South and sometimes West This day at noone I found my selfe in the latitude of 57. degrees 45. minutes the Nase of Norway bearing East North-east two and twentie leagues off This day at noone also I cast about and stood to the Northwards lying North with the stemme hauing the winde at North North-west This afternoone dyed one of our Groinlanders called Oxo All this euening and the night following the winde as before we lying also North with little winde The seuenth day the winde at South-west and by South and South South-west we steering West and West and by North. This day at noone we were in the latitude of 58. degrees 40. minutes The tenth day about foure in the morning it began to blow a fresh gale at East and by South at which time we stood alongst the Land to the Southward till I had brought the South Head of Shotland called Swinborne Head North-west and by North about three leagues off and Faire Ile next hand South-west and by South eight leagues off at which time I directed my course away West with a fresh gale at East South-east about halfe an houre to three I set the South head of Shotland it bearing North-east eight leagues off Faire Ile next hand South-east seuen leagues off foule next hand North foure leagues wee still steering away West with a fresh gale at East South-east All this afternoone and the night following it was very thicke and raynie weather the winde continuing as before This night at midnight dyed the Groenlander which we had aboord vs named Omeg The fourteenth day the winde as the night before a faire gale we steering as we did before with haysie weather hauing a shrinke at noone I found vs in the latitude of 58. degrees 40. minutes hauing made a West and by South way Southerly two and thirtie leagues differing to the Westward from the Meridian of the Nase 19. degrees 45. minutes This afternoone we had a faire gale at South-east with thicke weather we steering away West The fifteenth day the winde as before we steering away West being by my imagination in the latitude of 58. degrees 40. minutes The three and twentieth day the winde at the North-east a faire gale we steering betweene the West North-west and the West and by North being at noone in the latitude of 56. degrees 10. minutes hauing by reason of a Northerly current contrarie to my expectation made a West way Southerly two and twentie leagues The Compasse also as I doe suppose being varied more then a Point to the westwards The first of Iuly wee saw Land being eight leagues off with a great banke of Ice lying off South-west wee setting our tacks aboord laid off East and by South and East South-east to double the same about two a clocke hauing doubled the same wee went away West and by South all this euening and night following This Land I did suppose to be Busse Iland it lying more to the Westwards then it is placed in the Marine Charts The second day thicke weather with the winde at North North-west we steering West and by North. This afternoone we were in a great Current setting South South-west The which I did suppose to set betweene Busse Iland and Freseland ouer with America wee steering West North-west with a faire gale at North. This night about nine a clocke the Pinnasse came foule of the Vice-admirall where with her anchor shee tore out about a foot of a planke a little aboue water and broke downe the beakes head The sixth making obseruation I found vs in the latitude of 58. degrees 50. minutes contrarie to my expectation whereby I did see the Southerly Current to bee the principall cause The seuenth day the winde at North and by East we lying West North-west being at noone in the latitude of 59. degrees 40. minutes our way North-west two and twentie leagues This euening I found the North Point of the Compasse to be varied 12. degrees 5. minutes to the Westward of the true North. The eight day the winde came vp more Southerly betweene the South-west and the South-west and by West with an easie gale we steering away North-west and by West being at noone in the latitude of 59. degrees 30. minutes hauing by reason of the Current and Variation made a West way Southerly about ten leagues The ninth day close weather it being calme all the forenoone wee perceiuing by our ships which lay becalmed a violent Current setting South-west This day at noone we were in the latitude of 59. degrees 40. minutes The tenth about foure in the morning the winde came vp to the North North-west I casting about stood to the Westwards lying West with the stemme being in the latitude of 60. degrees 16. minutes We saw the coast of America about nine leagues off at which time I made obseruation of the variation and found the Needle varie 24. degrees to the Westwards of the true North. The Hill tops were couered with snow and the shoare to the Northwards full with Ice but to the Southwards it seemed cleere Here I found a great Current to set West into the shoare which about midnight did bring vs to bee incumbred with very many Ilands of Ice hauing much to doe to get cleere off the same without danger but by Gods helpe it being faire weather with a fresh gale at South-west wee got cleere off the same standing East South-east and South-east and by East The fourteenth in the morning being cleere of the Ice I went away East North-east and North-east and by East till eight a clocke when I directed
my course North-east and by North being at noone in the latitude of 59. degrees the Cape or Head land which wee saw that night bearing West South-west sixteene leagues off All this afternoone and night following it was for the most parâ— still weather this euening I found the variation 23. degrees 55. minutes The sixteenth faire weather with a fresh gale at East South-east our course as before being in the latitude of 60. degrees 20. minutes the ships way North and by East northerly twentie leagues This afternoone and the night following the wind as before we steering still North-east and by North. The eighteenth also thicke weather being forced to stand away North North-west to double a great banke with great Mountaines of Ice almost incredible to be reported yet by the helpe of God wee passed the same sayling all this day by great and huge mountainous Ilands of Ice with the winde at South-west and by South being at noone in the latitude of 63. degrees 45. minutes Wee did see our selues beset round about with mightie bankes of Ice being forced to make more saile and to lye to and againe all this night to keepe vs cleere of great and small Ilands of Ice where many times we were in such danger that we did looke for no other thing then present death if God had not beene mercifull vnto vs and sent vs cleere weather where by his assistance we kept our selues very hardly and with great difficultie cleere of the Ice The nineteenth day in the morning cleere weather with a fresh gale at South-west wee plying amongst the Ice to see if wee could get a gut to get cleere of the same at which time wee saw the Land of America about the latitude of 64. degrees it lying next hand South and North being high ragged Land couered with snow the shoare being all beset with Ice So lying off and on amongst the Ice in great perill till about noone when God of his goodnesse sent vs to espie a little gut where wee went through and stood South South-east away comming still by many Ilands of Ice Heere I did finde both by my course and reckoning the variation also of the Compasse respected that wee were carried with a mightie Current to the Westwards as both now and afterwards wee did probably prooue and see the same For I setting my course from the coast of America in the latitude of 58. degrees and a halfe for the coast of Groenland North North-east with a compasse whose wyers were placed more then two third parts of a Point to the Eastwards of the North the variation being 23. degrees 30. minutes Northwesting and 24. degrees as by obseruation I found betweene the latitude of 58. and a halfe and 54. degrees yet I did finde my selfe contrarie either to mine owne or to any of their expectations which was in the Fleet with mee carried almost foure Points with the Current to the westwards ouer our iudgements The twentieth wee still sayled to the Eastwards by many great Bankes and Ilands of Ice being still compassed in wee being forced to stand to the Southwards to get cleere where being sometimes becalmed wee did plainly see and perceiue our selues carried into the Ice to the westward very violently This Current setteth West North-west The twentieth in the euening I found the Compasse varied 23. degrees The one and twentieth day in the morning faire weather wee espyed a gut through the Ice it seeming cleere to the southwards of the same where bearing into the same about noone wee were cleere of all the Ice by the mercifull prouidence of God Here I obserued the latitude it being 63. degrees 33. minutes Now hauing the one and twentieth day at afternoone caused the Admirall to call the other Captaines and Steermen aboord with whom wee might conferre and hauing shewed briefly my reckoning with the other euents which contrarie to my expectation had happened the cause whereof at that instant they did plainly see and perceiue They confessing the Current as they did now plainly see to bee the cause of the same So hauing done I gaue to the other Steermen directions that being cleere of the Ice they should goe betweene the East and the East and by North ouer for the coast of Groenland and not to the Northwards of the East and by North because of the former euents And now at this instant by Gods helpe being cleere I called to them giuing the same directions This afternoone and the night following it was calme This euening I found the Compasse varied 23. degrees 25. minutes The two and twentieth day at noone I found vs in the latitude of 63. degrees 20. minutes The three and twentieth faire weather the ayre very cold as with vs in the moneth of Ianuarie the winde variable betweene the East North-east and the South-east and by East being at noone in the latitude of 63. degrees hauing made a South-east and by South way eleuen leagues This day at noone I cast about to the Westwards the other ships doing the like lying North-east and by North with the stemme finding this euening the Needle varied to the Westwards 23. degrees 30. minutes The foure and twentieth the winde variable betweene the South South-east and the South-east and by South with raine and fogge This day about eleuen a clocke wee did see much Ice to leeward wherefore I cast about to the Southwards the winde comming to the East North-east wee lying South-east with the stemme supposing the ship to haue made a North and by West way halfe Northerly two and twentie leagues This afternoone by reason of the fogge we lost sight of the Lion and the Gilliflowre wee looking earnestly forth for them and shooting both we and the Vrin diuers pieces of Ordnance but wee could neither see nor heare them at which time the winde came vp Southerly we standing away our course betweene the East and East and by North. The fiue and twentieth wee had sight of Groenland being about ten leagues to the Southward of Queene Annes Cape Wee standing away East South-east in wiâ—h the Land with the winde at South All this night it did blow very much wee steering North by West and North North-west The seuen and twentieth day in the morning was reasonable cleere weather with a fresh gale at South South-west This morning betweene foure and fiue of the clocke I espyed Queene Annes Cape to beare East by South next hand of mee and King Christians Foord South South-east of me being thwart of Rumels Foord Queene Sophias Cape bearing North halfe westerly about fiue leagues off Therefore I thought it conuenient to put into Cunninghams Foord where the siluer was both in regard that I had sworne to his Maiestie as concerning the same and also because wee were expressely commanded to bring home of the same So hauing a faire gale at West South-west wee came into the aforesaid Riuer anchoring in a
compâ—st with Ice we hearing to the same the winde comming vp to the East South-east we 〈◊〉 South to the Ice were forced to loose for one Iland and to beare roome for another till about foure a clocke when by Gods helps 〈…〉 cleere off the same the winde comming vp to the South-east and by South wee lay South-west and by South off all this night The two and twentieth thicke weather the winde 〈◊〉 before This morning about seuen a clocke we saw a saile West and by South of vs we standing to him for it was our Vice admirall the Lion who had beene greatly troubled with the Ice wee being glad to meete one another againe The eight and twentieth about foure in the morning the storme ceased the winde comming vp to the West South-west About three a clocke wee set our sailes standing South-east away But being vnder saile we spyed great bankes and Ilands of Ice to leeward of vs lying off East and by South which Ice I did iudge to lye off Cape Desolation about eight leagues off the which by reason of the fogge we could not 〈◊〉 The nine and twentieth about sixe in the morning the winde came vp to the North-east and by North we making saile went South South-east away till noone with a stiffe gale wee seeing in the morning pieces of drift Ice to windward of vs hauing at noone a shrinke of the same I found vs in the latitude of 39. degrees 46. minutes hauing from noone to noone made a South-east and by South way eight leagues The one and thirtieth the winde continuing wee holding still our course with the winde still at North North-west with faire and cleere weather it blowing very much so that wee stood away vnder a couple of courses low set the Sea very 〈◊〉 growne being in the â—â—titude of 59. degrees 10. minutes hauing made an East South-east way somewhat Easterly foure and thirtie leagues This afternoone after my obseruation wee saw some Ilands of Ice 〈◊〉 some drift Ice I something maruelling of the same knowing both by my account and my 〈◊〉 â—â—seruation that we were shot too farre from 〈◊〉 part of Groinland that was described 〈…〉 Marine Chart. For the southermost part described therein is not in the latitude of 60. degrees and we being now in the latitude of 59. degrees ten minutes Cape Desolation bearing West North-west halfe Northerly about sixtie foure leagues and Cape Christian which was the next known part of Groenland North-west and by West westerly eight and thirtie leagues so holding our course East South-east away about foure a clocke we had sight of Land being very high Land it lying alongst East South-east about sixteene leagues the westermost part seemed either to fall away East North-east and the southermost point bearing East northerly fell away East and by North. This Land is very high hauing the Hills couered with snow the shoare being very thicke with Ice this place because I knew not whether it was of the Mayne or an Iland I named Frost Iland after the name of the ship The first of September at noone I made obseruation and found vs in the latitude of 58. degrees hauing made a South-east and by South way southerly sixe and twentie leagues This day at noone I directed my course East and by South This afternoone about sixe a clock it fell calme and so continued all the night following This euening I found the variation 10. degrees 50. minutes Northwesting The fourth day the winde at East and by South we lying South and by East hauing a shrinke of the sunne about noone I did suppose vs in the latitude of 57. degrees 20. minutes hauing made a South-east and by South way southerly about ten leagues all this day and the night following we lay as before The eight day faire weather the winde as before it being almost calme wee going away as before being at noone in the latitude of 58. degrees 36. minutes hauing made an East North-east way northerly twentie leagues by reason of the great southerly Sea All this afternoone and the night following it was for the most part calme This euening I found the Compasse varied about two degrees 45. minutes northwesting The ninth day also faire weather the winde southerly a fresh gale our course still East being at noone in the latitude of 58. degrees 40. minutes our way East and by North easterly twelue leagues This afternoone the winde came vp to the South or South and by East with raine This night about midnight thicke weather with raine the winde comming to the South-east we lying East North-east and North-east and by East with the stemme The tenth day about two in the morning the winde came vp to the South South-west wee steering our course East being at noone in the latitude of 59. degrees 10. minutes hauing made an East and by North way easterly foure and fortie leagues wee hauing a fresh gale westerly This day wee saw one of the Fowle the which are on the Iland of Bas in Scotland called Bas Geese This euening I found the Variation 1. degree 4. minutes northeasting The eighteenth this forenoone about nine a clocke wee espyed land rising somewhat ragged the Eastermost point of the same bearing South-east and by South and the Westermost part South and by West about eight leagues These Ilands by my account and obseruation I found to be the Ilands of Ferris being at noone in the obseruation of 62. degrees 5. minutes The nineteenth I set a little Rocke called the Monke which lyeth off to the South-east end it being about fiue a clocke East South-east of vs three leagues off This night about ten a clocke it fell calme The twentieth wee did see the streame had set vs to the Northwards This streame setteth vnder the Ilands of Farre next hand East and West So casting about wee stood to the westwards lying West South-west and sometimes West and by South and sometimes South-west it being very raynie weather about midnight it fell calme and so continued all night vnto the morning The first of October in the afternoone about foure of the clocke we had sight of The Holmes The second day wee steered away South-east and by South and South South-east for The Col. And about eight of the clocke this night wee came into Turco where wee rode all the day following The third day at night the winde came to the North-east so wee weighed and came into Elsenor Road. The fourth day by the prouidence of God we arriued in our desired Port of Copen Hauen 1606. The seuerall burthens and numbers of men employed in the ships of the Fleet aforesaid were as followeth THe Trust being Admirall was of sixtie tunnes had eight and fortie men The Lion Vice-admirall was of seuentie tunnes had eight and fortie men The Vrin or Eagle Reare-admirall of one hundred tunnes had fiftie men The Gilliflowre was of fortie tunnes had sixteene men
iudge setteth to the North-eastward The latitude at noone was 57. degrees 53. minutes The variation of the Compasse was about a point to the Westward This forenoone and all night the wind was at North a very hard gale wee spooned with our fore-sayle Also this forenoone we saw much Sea Tange and Rock-weed From Saturday at noone till Sunday at noone our course was Southward about twentie leagues the wind being Northerly This day we saw much Rock-weed and Drift-wood The latitude was fiftie seuen degrees The variation was to the Westward thirteene degrees or thereabout The sunne being fiue degrees high in the morning was twentie foure degrees to the Northward of the East From Sunday at noone till two of the clocke the next day in the morning beeing Munday our course was West North-west we made our way West and by North twentie leagues hauing a fresh gale at South-east and by East it fell calme till foure of the clocke then it blew an easie gale at West South-west wee stemming North-west c. betweene that and North North-east the wind being variable The wind freshed toward noone This morning we saw an Owle The latitude at noone the eight and twentieth was 57. degrees 57. minutes The variation of the Compasse was fourteene degrees and an halfe to the West This day wee had blacke water and many ouer-falls streame leeches and sets of currents as it seemed to the Northward and some to the Westward The thirtieth we found our latitude to be fiftie eight degrees Heere it seemed that we were in a tyde gate which I iudged to set North and South or that it was the Eddie of the currents which we saw the other day Also wee saw white Fowles which cheeped like Spar-hawkes Also we saw driuing many dead Cowes The one and thirtieth the sunne being fiftie degrees aboue the Horizon I found it to bee twentie seuen degrees to the Eastward of the South againe in the afternoone the sunne beeing fiftie degrees high it was distant from the South to the Westward fiftie one degrees at noone it was 55. degrees 6. minutes the height of the Pole was 58. degrees 3. minutes The variation of the Compasse was twentie foure degrees toward the North-west Our way made these twentie foure houres was not aboue sixe leagues West being little wind for the most part From Saturday at noone till two of the clocke it was calme then it began to blow an easie gale at North. At night I obserued the sunne setting and found it to set twentie one degrees to the Westward of the North the winde continuing variable betweene the North and the West North-west till noone being the first of Iune Then I found my selfe by obseruation to be in the latitude of 57. degrees 35. minutes I iudged our way from noone to noone West and by South or thereabout thirteene leagues From Sunday at noone till ten of the clocke the same Euening it was calme Then it began to blow a stiffe gale of wind at South South-east Our course was West till noone the next day being Munday twentie three leagues This day wee saw many blacke Fowles like Willockes flying in flockes together The fourth my latitude at noone was 56. degrees 40. minutes The latitude next day at noone was fiftie sixe degrees The variation of the Compasse by the Scale was twentie degrees and by my other Instrument twentie foure degrees to the West The sunne was twentie two degrees and an halfe high and to the North of the West thirtie degrees by the Instrument and twentie sixe degrees by the Scale Our latitude at noone the eleuenth was fiftie eight degrees And at night the sunne did set fourteene degrees to the Westward of the North and did rise fiftie degrees to the Eastward of the North. The thirteenth the Ice seemed to be dispersed thinner with the wind or some other accident then I set sayle with our two courses but was forced to take them in againe and mooâ—â—d to another great Iland of Ice about a mile to the Westward of the other Here setteth some smal 〈◊〉 to the South-westward For the great flaâ—eâ— of Ice that weâ—e somewhat deep draue to the Southward and the other small Ice which was stoâ—ie draue with the wind which waâ— variable betwixt the North-west and the North. Here we were in sight of Land which bore West South-west from vs shewing in some parts like Ilands Our latitude at noone was 57. degrees 25. minutes From Friday at noone till eight of the clocke at night wee contâ—â—ued moored to the aforesaid Ice then it fell calme and I loosed and â—owed to the West-ward with our Oares hoping to get thorough till twelue of the clocke then the Ice grew very thicke I moored againe till foure of the clocke the next morning Then we rowed and sayled with an easie gale of wind till eight of the clocke the next morning bâ—ing Saturday Then it began to blow a fresh gale Easterly and we cunned the ship among the Ice with ouâ— Oares till noone Our latitude was fiftie eight degrees From Saturday at noone till midnight wee guided our shippe to the Westward among the Ice with our Oares hoping to get thorough but wee were suddenly compassed about with many great Ilands of Ice and continued so distressed with a sore storme of wind at South-east being foggie and thicke weather we were so bruised betweene mightie great Ilands of Ice that we were in danger euery minute to be crushed in pieces with force of the heauing and setting of the said Ice with the great Sea that the wind made had not God of his mercie prouided for vs for our owne endeuours did little auaile to our helpe though wee employed all our industries to the vttermost of our powres The nineteenth we descryed the Land of America which riseth like eight Ilands the Northermost part of it did beare North and by West about fifteene leagues from vs. I obserued the latitude and found my selfe to be in 56. degrees and 48. minutes The variation of the Compasse was twentie fiue degrees to the Westward All this Coast sheweth like broken Land or Ilands and the tyde of floud commeth from the Northward Tuesday the foure and twentieth all the morning there blew a storme Northerly and such a suffe of the Sea and so much Ice came in that our fasts brake that were fast on shoare and our Rudder was driuen from our sterne with the force of mightie Ilands of Iâ—e so that we were forced to hale close into the bottome of the Coue to saue our clothes furniture and victuals wee did our best but before we had done our ship was halfe full of water the night comming vpon vs being wearie we tooke a little rest On Wednesday we went hard to worke when the ship was on ground to get the water out of her and to stop so many of her leakes as we could come by and to saue so much of our bread
could with our Shallop and did tench her in some places but neither calkeâ— her nor pitched her Then did wee take her and bring her downe close to the Shippe and there shee did stand all night On Munday the thirtieth day in the morning we went to worke to cut the Ice with Axes and Pick-axes to get our Shippe for all about the Iland was nothing but Ice and no place to ride free neither with Shippe nor Boate. That night it pleased God that wee got her out and came away rowing with our Oares but she was exceeding leake and our Shallop too and which was worse we had neuer a Rudder to stirre our Ship withall Wee rowed all that night among the Ice The first and second dayes of Iuly we continued also rowing vp and downe among the floting and driuing Ice with little hope of recouering our Countrey The third of Iuly we had a gale of winde at North and a great current setting to the Southward Then made we fast our Ship to an Iland of Ice and went to worke and to stow her things within boord to make her stiffe for wee had neuer a whit of balast in her Then did our Carpenter make what shift he could to hang our Rudder hauing nothing conuenient in our Ship to make Gudgins nor Pintels Then were we forced to breake open our Masters Chest and to take all the Iron bands off it to make fast two Pick-axes for two Pintels and to binde our Rudderâ— withall So as it pleased God that night we hanged our Rudder hauing but two Pintels and a Cable through the middle of it to keepe it to with two tacks Then were we in good hope to get cleare of the Ice because wee had some steerage though it was but bad for before we durst beare but little sayle our Ship being so leake and her stemme so sore beaten with the rocks and Ice and hauing no steerage but were forced to rowe with our Oares till wee were all sore and weary The next day about tenne of the clocke in the morning the winde came to the West North-west and was faire weather so we steered away East and by North to get vs out of the Bay And at noone the watch being out which was the third watch that we had after we came out of the Countrey for before continually we did watch all to keepe our Shippe cleare of the Ice as neere as we could we began to Pumpe our Shippe but could not make her sucke in a thousand stroakes if she had stood but one halfe houre vnpumped Then were wee forced to vnromage our Ship to see if we could finde our leakes We soone found a great many of leakes but not that which caused vs to Pumpe so sore At the last we found it close abaft our forefoot where her keele was splintred in two or three places where the Sea came running in so fast that it was not possible to keepe her free with both our Pumps and wee could not come to it to stop it for it was vnder the timbers Then did wee take our maine Bonnet and basted it with Occom and put it ouerboord right against our leake which eased vs some foure or fiue hundred stroakes in an houre Then vpon consultation had among our selues wee resolued to shape our course towards Newfound Land to see if we could get any place to mend our Ship hoping there to meete with some English or French men At this time we had one of our men very sicke and another had his hand very sore splitted and most of vs all were so sore with rowing and pumping that we were scarce able to stirre but that we must perforce The fift of Iulie wee shaped our course for New found Land with the winde at West South-west The one and twentieth the winde was at South South-west and we fell with the Land being nothing but broken Ilands Then we stood to the Westward being in the latitude of 49. degrees and an halfe The two and twentieth was faire weather and the winde very variable and about sixe of the clocke at night the winde came to the West North-west Then we steered in among the Ilands to see if we could finde any harbour to mend our Shippe for she was very leake When we were come in among them we found nothing but broken Ilands and a great current which did set from Iland to Iland and had no ground at an hundred fathoms That night we were very sore intangled with sunken Rocks and in great danger of casting away our Ship hauing very thicke weather wherefore we kept to and fro all that night The foure and twentieth of Iuly in the morning we spied some dozen Shallops which were fishing some two leagues from vs. Then wee made what way wee could toward them c. We remained in this Bay of Fogo in repairing our Shippe and refreshing of our selues vntill the two and twentieth of August Then taking our leaues of our kinde and louing friends with giuing them most heartie thankes for their goodnesse towards vs we put forth to the Sea and with an indifferent and reasonable good passage we arriued safely in Dartmouth in Deuonshire and sent word to London vnto our owners of the losse of our Master and his three companions and of the dolefull successe of our Voyage the foure and twentieth day of September 1606. The rest of this Iournall from the death of Master Iohn Knight was written by Oliuer Browne one of the Company CHAP. XVII The fourth Voyage of IAMES HALL to Groeneland wherein he was set forth by English Aduenturers Anno 1612. and slaine by a Greenelander Written by WILLIAM BAFFIN WEdnesday the eight of Iuly 1612. in the morning I perceiued the Sunne and the Moone both very faire aboue the horizon as I had done diuers times before At which time I purposed to finde out the longitude of that place by the Moones comming to the Meridian Most part of this day I spent about finding of the Meridian line which I did vpon an Iland neere the Sea hanging at the extreames of my Meridian line two threeds with Plummets at them instead of an index and sights Thursday the ninth day very early in the morning I went on shoare the Iland being a faire morning and obserued till the Moone came iust vpon the Meridian At which very instant I obserued the Sunnes height and found it 8. degrees 53. minutes North in the eleuation of the Pole 65. degrees 20. minutes By the which working by the doctrine of sphericall triangles hauing the three sides giuen to wit the complement of the Poles eleuation the complement of the Almecanter and the complement of the Sunnes declination to finde out the quantitie of the angle at the Pole I say by this working I found it to be foure of the clocke 17. minutes and 24. seconds Which when I had done I found by mine Ephemerides that the Moone came to
the Meridian at London that morning at foure of the clocke 25. minutes 34. seconds which 17. minutes 24. seconds substracted from 25.34 leaueth 8.10 of time for the difference of longitude betwixt the Meridian of London for which the Ephemerides was made and the Meridian passing by this place in Groenland Now the Moones motion that day was 12. degrees 7. minutes which conuerted into minutes of time were 48. minutes 29. seconds which working by the rule of proportion the worke is thus if 48. minutes 29. seconds the time that the Moone commeth to the Meridian sooner that day then she did the day before giue 360. the whole circumference of the earth what shall 8. minutes 10. seconds giue to wit 60. degrees 30. minutes or neere there abuut which is the difference of longitude betweene the Meridian of London and this place in Groenland called Cockins Sound lying to the Westward of London This finding of the longitude I confesse is somewhat difficult and troublesome and there may be some small errour But if it be carefully looked vnto and exactly wrought there will be no great errour if your Ephemerides be true But some will say that this kinde of working is not for Marriners because they are not acquainted to worke propositions by the table of signes and an instrument is not precise enough to finde out the houre minute and second For the losse of one minute of time is the losse of 7. degrees of longitude I answere that although the most part are not vsed to this worke yet I know some of the better sort which are able to worke this and the like propositions exactly And those which yeâ— cannot and are desirous to learne may in short space attaine to such knowledge as shall be sufficient for such things And how necessary it is that the longitude of places should be knowne I leaue to the iudgement of all skilfull Marriners and others that are learned in the Mathematicks This afternoone it was agreed by the chiefe of our Company that our Master Iames Hall should goe in the smaller Ship farther to the Northward The foresaid Thursday in the euening he departed out of the Patience into the Harts-ease to get forth of the Harbor which our Master called Cockins-ford in remembrance of Alderman Cockin one of the Aduenturers which place is in the latitude of 65. degrees 20 minutes And the variation of the compasse is 23. degrees 58. minutes to the Westward That euening was very calme and we towed our Shippe forth with the Shallops and Ships Boat But within an houre or two after we were got into the Offin the winde being at North it blew a great storme which continued all that night The foureteenth our Master turned the Ship vp to the Riuer againe toward the Riuer where the supposed mine should be But the tyde was so farre spent that we could not get to Sea but were constrained to Anker in a roade at the South side of the Riuer some three leagues from the Patience in which place are many good Rode-steeds to be found Thursday the sixteenth day the winde was at North-west and blew so stiffe a â—ale that we could not get to Sea that day That night eighteene of vs went into the Ilands to looke for some Deere but found none But we perceiued the foote-steps of some great Beast which wee supposed to be of some great Elke the foote was as bigge as any Oxe foote Tuesday the twentie one the weather still continued in such sort that wee could not by any meanes get to the Riuer where the supposed Myne should bee Wherefore our Master bare roome for Ramelsford being a Riuer Southward of another called Cunninghams ford some twelue leagues And we came to an Anchor at the entrance on the Southside of the Ford about seuen of the clocke Wednesday the two and twentieth day about nine or ten of the clocke the Sauages came to barter with vs being about fortie of them and continued about an houre and an halfe At which time our Master Iames Hall being in the Boate a Sauage with his Dart strooke him a deadly wound vpon the right side which our Surgean did thinke did pierce his liuer We all mused that he should strike him and offer no harme to any of the rest vnlesse it were that they knew him since he was there with the Danes for out of that Riuer they carried away fiue of the people whereof neuer any returned againe and in the next Riuer they killed a great numbâ—r And it should seeme that he which killed him was either brother or some neere kinsman to some of them that were carried away for he did it very resolutely and came within foure yards of him And for ought we could see the people are very kinde one to another and ready to reuenge any wrong offred to them All that day he lay very sore pained looking for death euery houre and resigned all his charge to Master Andrew Barker Master of the Harts-ease willing him to place another in his roome Master of the small Ship Thursday the three and twentieth about eight of the clocke in the morning he dyed being very penitent for all his former offences And after we had shrowded him wee carried him in the Shallop to burie him in some out Iland according to his owne request while he was liuing After we had buried him we went in the Shallop to seeke for the mine which we had expected so long All that day we rowed along toward the North passing by a Cape called Queene Sophias Cape That night we staied at an Iland some three leagues short of the Riuer Friday the foure and twentieth in the morning wee rowed along and came to the place which is on the South-side of the entrance of Cunninghams Riuer And we found diuers places where the Danes had digged it was a kinde of shining stone which when our Goldsmith Iames Carlile had tried it was found of no value and had no mettall at all in it but was like vnto Moscouia slâ—ddâ— and of a glittering colour That day after we had dyned wee rowed vp that Riuer some foure leagues where diuers of our company went vp into the Mountaines and found a Valley more pleasant then they had seene in the Countrey That euening we returned and came to the place where the Danes had digged their supposed Mine and tooke some of it in our Boate to carry with vs and returned toward our Ship That night we rowed and sailed and the next morning about nine of the clocke we came to our Ship Saturday the fiue and twentieth being Saint Iames his day in the forenoone we came to our Shippe lying on the South side of the Riuer called Ramels Riuer And as soone as our Master found that the people came no more to trade with vs he determined to depart with the Shippe into the Kings Ford to the Patience
and rowing about the harbour where we lay to finde some neerer way out to the Sea we found among the Ilands where many of their winter houses had bin and some of their Tents were but lately carried away In which place wee also found one of their long Boates made of wood and bound together for the most part with shiuers of Whales fins and couered with Seales skinnes being some two and thirtie foote in length and some fiue foote broad hauing tenne thoughts or seates in it That day about twelue of the clocke we weighed anchor and departed out of Ramels Ford which lieth in the latitude of 67. degrees and the variation of the compasse is 24. degrees 16. minutes being a very faire Riuer and one of the most principall which wee saw in that Countrey stretching in East and East and by South This night about one of the clocke we came to the Patience lying in the Kings Ford. Sunday the sixe and twentieth Master Andrew Barker and our Merchant Master Wilkinson with other of the Company were in conference about returning home because that since our Master was slaine none of the Sauages would trade with vs as they were wont Wednesday the nine and twentieth we were likewise occupied about taking in of ballast for our Shippe was very light and that euening it was agreed that Andrew Barker Master of the Harts-ease should goe Master of the Patience which was sore against the minde of William Gourdâ—n and William Huntrice was appointed Master of the Harts-ease and Iohn Garteâ—â—y one of the quarter Masters of the Patience was Masters mate of the Harts-ease Tuesday the fourth of August in the morning the winde being Northerly a very small gale we got to Sea where the winde came to the Southward and we tacked sometime on the one boord and sometime on the other making small way on our course Munday the tenth was raine and foule weather as it had continued euery day since wee came from harbour sauing the seuenth day which was somewhat faire For commonly while the winde is South it is very thick and foule weather We tacked sometimes on one boord and sometimes on the other making a South by West way at noone sixe leagues Wednesday the twelfth it waxed calme we being somewhat Southward of a Cape called Burnils Cape and about three or foure of the clocke in the afternoone the winde came to the North and by West an easie gale with faire weather The eighteenth at noone we were in 58. deg 50. min. The seuenteenth day I tooke the variation of the compasse finding it to be 13. degrees 22. minutes contrary to the obseruations of others in this place And if any doe doubt of the truth thereof they may with a little paines proue it The eighteenth of August the declination of the Sunne was 9. degrees 58. minutes for the Meridian of London But we being almost foure houres of time to the Westward thereof there are three minutes to be abated from the rest and so the declination was 9. degrees 55. minutes and his height aboue the horizon was 24. degrees 40. minutes in the latitude of 59. degrees 0. min. and his distance from the South to the Westward by the compasse was 81. degrees And for truth of the first obseruation I tooke another shortly after finding them not to differ aboue 4. minutes Wednesday the nineteenth the winde still continued with thicke and hasie weather we being at noone in the latitude of 58. degrees 30. minutes or thereabout making a South South-east way about ten leagues Thursday the twentieth was faire weather the winde at East North-east wee steered away South-east and South-east and by East making at noone a South-east and by South way about thirtie leagues being at noone in the latitude of 57. degrees 20. minutes This day in the afternoone I tooke the variation of the compasse and found it about 11. degrees 10. minutes Friday the one and twentieth faire weather with the winde at North and North by East and we made an East South-east way halfe Southerly twentie foure leagues being at noone by obseruation in the latitude of 56. degrees 50. minutes Saturday the two and twentieth faire weather the wind at North and Nrth by East wee made an East way halfe Southerly some twentie two leagues being at noone in the latitude of 56. degrees 47. minutes Sunday the three and twentieth faire weather the wind at West North-west we making an East and East by North way about twentie foure leagues This day I tooke the variation of the Compasse and found it to be 7. degrees 23. minutes being at noone in the latitude of 57. degrees 26. minutes Munday the foure and twentieth being S. Bartholomewes day faire weather with an North North-west wee making an East North-east way halfe Northerly about twentie seuen leagues and were at noone by obseruation in the latitude of 58. degrees 4. minutes This day I obserued and found the Compasse to be varied 7. degrees 20. minutes Tuesday the fiue and twentieth faire weather and calme the winde at North wee made a North-east and by East way seuenteene leagues being at noone in the latitude of 58. degrees 30. minutes This day I found the common Compasse to be varied one point and the true variation to bee 6. degrees 4. minutes Wednesday the sixe and twentieth faire weather also with the wind North North-west we made a North-east and by East way halfe about twentie two leagues being in the height of 59. degrees 10. minutes Thursday the seuen and twentieth indifferent faire weather with a stiffe gale of wind at the North North-west we making a North-east way about thirtie one leagues being at noone in the latitude of 60. degrees 10. minutes Friday the eight and twentieth the wind at South-east with a stiffe gale wee made good about noone a North-east and by East way about twentie nine leagues This day in the afternoone it blew so great a storme that wee were in great distresse the winde at East South-east But about eleuen of the clocke it came to the North-west and North-west by North. And we ranne some twentie leagues Saturday the nine and twentieth it blew so stiffe that wee could beare none but our fore-saile making an Easâ— and by South way halfe Southerly about thirtie leagues Sunday the thirtieth all the forenoone it blew a very stiffe gale and about noone the winde came Southerly and it blew a very great storme which continued all that day and that night in such sort that we could not saile at all but all that night lay at hull Munday the one and thirtieth in the morning about foure of the clocke the winde came to the South-west a very stiffe gale At which time we set our fore-saile The wind continued all this day and night we steered away East and by South making at noone an East North-east way about thirtie foure leagues Tuesday the first of
September the wind still continued at South-west blowing a very stiffe gale we steered away East and by South making an East way about fiftie leagues This day at noone we were in the latitude of 60. degrees 45. minutes Wednesday the second faire weather with the wind at South-west wee made an East and by South way halfe a point Southerly about fortie two leagues being at noone in the latitude of 60. degrees 10. minutes This day I obserued and found the Compasse to be varied three degrees to the Westward Thursday the third day faire weather the wind at South-west wee made an East by North way at noone about twentie leagues This day in the after-noone the winde being at North North-west it blew a very stiffe gale for two Watches and toward seuen or eight of the clocke the storme so increased that our shippe was not able to beare any saile And all that night wee lay at hull Friday the fourth the storme still continued and we could beare no saile all that day till about foure of the clocke in the afternoone at which time we set our fore course and our maine course The night before in the storme we lost The Harts-ease This day wee made some twelue leagues East and by North. And we fell to lee-ward lying at hull some fiue leagues South by West Saturday the fift calme weather but very thicke and close all the forenoone the wind continued still at North North-west we making from the time wee set our courses the day before about twentie leagues East halfe Southerly beeing at noone in the latitude of 59. degrees 53. minutes Sunday the sixt faire weather the wind at North North-west we steering away East North-east and East and by North made an East by North way halfe Northerly some 29. leagues being at noone in 60. degrees 10. minutes This day the Compasse was varied to the East sixe degrees This afternoone it was almost calme and wee sounded and found ground at sixtie eight fathomes This Euening about ten of the clocke the wind came to the South-east Munday the seuenth very faire weather the wind South-east and South-east by East wee tacked in the morning to the North-ward and ranne East North-east and East by North vntill seuen or eight in the afternoone at which time we tacked vp to the Southward and went away South-west till toward twelue a clocke that night twentiâ— leagues Tuesday the eight in our morning Watch I found our selues to be in 59. degrees 20. minutes And about fiue of the clocke I espied Land which we supposed to bee the Iles of Orkney as afterward we found them to be the same And toward three of the clocke we came to an Anchor in a Channell running betweene the Ilands where the people came to vs and brought vs Hennes Geese and Sheepe and sold them to vs for old clothes and shooes desiring rather them then money There are about eighteene of these Ilands which are called by the name of the Orkeneis Wednesday the ninth it was thicke weather and the winde so Easterly that wee could not weigh Anchor Thursday the tenth faire weather and the wind came to the North-west and about noone we weighed Anchor and toward fiue of the clocke we were cleere off the Iles. The Channell for the most part lyeth North-west and South-east All that night we stood away South-east Friday the eleuenth faire weather with the wind at North North-west And about nine of the clocke in the morning we steered away South South-east At which time wee had sight of Buquham-nesse And about two of the clocke we were thwart of it The seuenteenth we came to an Anchor in Hull Road for which the Lord bee praysed Here I thinke it not amisse briefly to relate the state and manners of the people of Groenland forasmuch as I could learne As also what likelihood there is of a passe into the Sea which lyeth vpon Tartarie and China The North-west part of Gronland is an exceeding high Land to the Sea-ward and almost nothing but Mountaynes which are wonderfull high all within the Land as farre as wee could perceiue and they are all of stone some of one colour and some of another and all glistering as though they were of rich value but indeed they are not worth any thing For our Gold-smith Iames Carlile tryed very much of the Vre and found it to bee nothing worth If there bee any Mettall it lyeth so low in the Mountaynes that it cannot bee well come by There are some Rocks in these Mountaynes which are exceeding pure Stone finer and whiter then Alabaster The sides of these Mountaynes continually are couered with Snow for the most part and especially the North sides and the Noth sides of the Valleyes hauing a kind of Mosse and in some places Grasse with a little branch running all along the ground bearing a little blacke Berrie it runneth along the ground like Three-leafed Grasse heere in England There are few or no Trees growing as farre as wee could perceiue but in one place some fortie miles within the Land in a Riuer which wee called Balls Riuer There I saw on the South-side of an high Mountayne which we went vp and found as it were a yong Groue of small Wood some of it sixe or seuen foot high like a Coppice in England that had beene some two or three yeeres cut And this was the most Wood that wee saw growing in this Countrey being some of it a kind of Willow Iuniper and such like We found in many places much Angelica We suppose the people eate the Roots thereof for some causes For we haue seene them haue many of them in their Boats There are great store of Foxes in the Ilands and in the Mayne of sundry colours And there are a kind of Hares as white as Snow with their furre or haire very long Also there be Deere but they are most commonly vp within the Mayne very farre because the people doe so much hunt them that come neere the Sea I saw at one time seuen of them together which were all that wee did see in the Countrey But our men haue bought diuers Coates of the people made of Deeres skinnes and haue bought of their Hornes also Besides we haue diuers times seene the footsteps of some beast whose foote was bigger then the foot of a great Oxe Furthermore the Inhabitants haue a kinde of Dogges which they keepe at their Houses and Tents which Dogges are almost like vnto Wolues liuing by fish as the Foxes doe But one thing is very strange as I thought for the Pizzels of both Dogges and Foxes are bone The people all the Summer time vse nothing but fishing drying their fish and Seales flesh vpon the Rockes for their Winter Prouision Euery one both man and woman haue each of them a Boate made with long small pieces of Firre-wood couered with Seales skinnes very well drest and sewed so
seconds at Wittenberge the same day Now hauing this knowne it is no hard matter to finde the longitude of this place sought For according to the Moones meane motion which is 12. degrees a day that is in time 48. minutes and to this account if she be on the Meridian at twelue a clock this day to morrow it will be 48. min. past 12. So I hauing the time found by obseruation at this place viz. 5. houres 4. minutes 52. seconds 1. third 4. fourths but in this I neede not come so precise and at London at 4. houres 54. minutes 30. seconds which substracted from the former leaueth 10. minutes 22. seconds 1. third 4. fourths now the Moones motion that foure and twentie houres was 22. degrees 38. minutes which conuerted into time is 50. minutes 25. seconds 20. thirds then the proportion standeth thus If 50. minutes 25. seconds 20. thirds giue 360. degrees what shall 10. minutes 22. seconds 1. third 4. fourths giue the fourth proportionall will be 74. degrees 5. minutes which is West of London because the Moone came later by 10. minutes 22. seconds and by the same working by Origanus Ephemerides the distance is 91. degrees 35. minutes West of West But whether be the truer I leaue to others to iudge in these workings may some errour be committed if it be not carefully looked vnto as in the obseruation and also in finding what time the Moone commeth to the Meridian at the place where the Ephemerides is supputated for and perchance in the Ephemerides themselues in all which the best iudicious may erre yet if obseruations of this kinde or some other at places farre remote as at the Cape Bonasperanze Bantam Iapan Noua Albion and Magellan Straits I suppose wee should haue a truer Geography then we haue And seeing I am entred to speake of celestiall obseruations I will note another which I made the twenty sixt of April being outward bound at Sea by the Moones comming in a right line with two fixed Starres the one was the Lyons heart a Starre of the first magnitude the other a Starre in the Lyons rumpe of the second magnitude as followeth The circumference or outward edge of the Moone being in a right or straight line with those two Starres before named at the instant I tooke the altitude of the South ballance which was 2. degrees 38. minutes because I would haue the time but in this it is good to waite a fit time as to haue her in a right line with two Stars not farre distant and those not to be much different in longitude because the Moon will soone alter the angle or position and such a time would be taken when the Moone is in the nintieth degree of the eclipticke aboue the horizon for then there no paralell of longitude but onely in latitude but who so is painefull in these businesses shall soone see what is needefull and what is not my obseruations were as followeth Lyons heart Right assention 46. deg 28. min. 30. sec. Lyons rumpe Right assention 163. deg 23. min. 00. se. Lyons heart Declination 13. deg 57. mi. 30. sec. Lyons rumpe Declination 22. deg 38. min 00. se. Lyons heart Longitude 24. deg 29. mi. 45. sec. Lyons rumpe Longitude 5. deg 53. min. 45. sec. Lyons heart Latitude 00. deg 26. min. 30. sec. Lyons rumpe Latitude 14. deg 20. min. 00. sec. Lyons heart Almicanter 33. deg 40. min. 00. se. Lyons rumpe Moones Paralax 00. deg 47. min. 46. sec. North. Moones Latitude 03. deg 20. min. 00. sec. North. Moones Almicanter 37 deg 00. min. 00. sec. North. Latitude of the place 56. deg 43. min. These notes I haue set downe that if any other be desirous to trie they may spend a little time therein my selfe haue spent some therein and more I would haue spent if leisure would haue permitted but finding it not to my minde I haue not here set downe my particular worke the working of this obseruation I receiued from Master Rudston But if it had pleased God we had performed the action we were bound for I would not feare but to haue brought so good contentment to the Aduenturers concerning the true scituation of notable places that small doubt should haue beene thereof but seeing so small hopes are in this place I haue not set downe so many obseruations as otherwise I would We lying here inclosed with the Ice with faire calme weather as before is said till the seuen and twentieth day at euening at which time we set sayle the winde at South-east an easie gale all the eight and twentieth and nine and twentieth dayes we made the best way through the Ice we could but the nine and twentieth day the Ice was more open then it had beene these ten dayes before and at noone we saw Salisbury Iland it bearing due West from vs. The first of Iuly close foggie weather with much raine the winde at South South-east by noone this day we were some three leagues from the Land but hauing much Ice by the shoare we stood along the Iland to the Northward and the next morning wee were faire by another small Ile or rather a company of small Ilands which after we called Mill Iland by reason of grinding the Ice as this night we made proofe thereof at noone being close to this I le wee took the latitude thereof which is neere 64. degrees Here driuing to and fro with the Ice all this day till seuen or eight a clocke at what time the Ice began to open and seperate The Ice as is said beginning to open we had not stood along by the I le on the East side thereof an houre but the Ice came driuing with the tide of floud from the South-east with such swiftnesse that it ouer went our Shippe hauing all our sayles abroad with a reasonable gale of winde and put her out of the streame into the eddy of these Iles. This Iland or Iles lying in the middle of the channell hauing many sounds running through them with many points or headlands encountering the force of the tide caused such a rebound of water Ice which ran one way and the streame another our ship hauing met the Ice with the first of the floud which put her so neere the shoare that she was in the partition betweene the Ice which the eddy caused to runne one way and the streame the other where shee endured great distresse but God which is still stronger then either Ice or streame preserued vs and our Shippe from any harme at all This continued till towards a high water which was about one a clocke then with no small trouble we got into the channell and stood away to the North-west ward After we had past some distance from this Iland wee had the Sea more open then it was since we put first into the Straits and sailed all the next day through an indifferent cleare Sea with the winde at South-west but towards eight a clocke
on the North-west side of Nottinghams Ile where are two or three smal Iles lyeth off from the greater which make very good Sounds Harbors about this I le we had store of Ice but nothing as we had heretofore in other places We staied about this Iland til the seuen and twentieth day hauing much foule weather many stormes often fogs and vncertaine windes many times we weighed anchor to goe to that side of the I le where this Ship road when Captaine Button was in her finding in other places of this I le the tyde of floud to come from the South-east ward and the time of high water on the change day to be at halfe an houre past ten and not at halfe an houre past seuen as they supposed In these ten dayes we staied about this I le we fitted our Ship with ballast and other necessaries as we had neede of Then proceeded as followeth the sixe and twentieth day being indifferent faire weather we passed betweene Salisburies Ile and Nottinghams Ile at the South Point thereof I meane of Nottinghams Ile where are many small low Iles without the which had beene a fit place for vs to haue anchored to haue found out the true set of the Tyde But our Master being desirous to come to the same place where they had rode before stood along by this I le to the Westward and came to an anchor in the eddy of these broken grounds where the ship rode at no certaintie of Tyde The seuen and twentieth the next morning the weather proued very foule with much raine and winde so that our Reger anchor would not hold the ship at eightie fathoms scope but was driuen into deepe water that wee were forced to set saile the winde being at East and then come to the East North-east and about noone at North-east still foule weather being vnder saile we stood away towards Sea horse Point our Master as I suppose was perswaded that there might bee some passage betweene that Point of Land and that Land which they called Swan Iland so this afternoone we saw both Sea horse Point and Nottinghams Iland the distance betweene them is not past fifteene or sixteen leagues bearing the one from the other North-west and South-east The eight and twentieth day in the morning wee were neere to Sea horse Point the Land trending away West South-west so farre as wee saw and very much pestred with Ice At seuen a clocke our Master caused vs to tacke about and stood away South-east and by South The nine and twentieth the next day at eleuen a clocke we came to anchor at Digges I le hauing very foule weather At this place where we rode it lyeth open to the West hauing two of the greatest Iles breake off the force of the Flood till the Tyde be well bent for after the water were risen an houre and a halfe by the shoare then would the ship ride truly on the Tyde of Flood all the Tyde after Now the time of high water on the change day is halfe an houre past ten or neere thereabout The thirtieth day being faire weather wee weighed and stood along close by Digges I le where we presently perceiued the Saluages to bee close on the top of the Rocks but when they saw we had espyed them diuers of them came running downe to the water side calling to vs to come to anchor which we would haue done if conueniently we could But in this place the water is so deepe that it is hard to finde a place to ride in which we seeing lay to and fro with our ship while some of our men in the Boat killed about some seuentie fowles for in this place is the greatest number of fowles whom we call Willocks that in few places else the like are not seene for if neede were we might haue killed many thousands almost incredible to those which haue not seene it Here also as we lay to and fro with our ship wee had sufficient proofe of the set of the Tyde but when our men were come aboord againe we set all our sailes for homewards making the best expedition we could but on the third of August wee were forced to come to anchor about thirtie leagues within the Resolution I le on the North shoare The next day wee weighed anchor And the fifth day in the forenoone we past by the Resolution Iland but saw it not Thus continuing our courses as in the briefe Iournall may be seene with much contrarie windes and foule weather Wee had sight of Cape Cleere in Ireland the sixt of September the next morning by day light we were faire by Seely and that night at two a clocke the next morne we came to anchor in Plymouth Sound with all our men liuing hauing onely three or foure sicke which soone recouered The next yeere being againe employed in discouerie amongst other instructions they receiued this For your course you must make all possible haste to the Cape Desolation and from thence you William Baffin as Pilot keepe along the Coast of Groenland and vp Fretum Dauis vntill you come toward the height of eightie degrees if the Land will giue you leaue Then for feare of inbaying by keeping too Northerly a course shape your course West and Southerly so farre as you shall thinke it conuenient till you come to the latitude of sixtie degrees then direct your course to fall with the Land of Yedzo about that height leauing your farther sayling Southward to your owne discretion according as the time of the yeere and windes will giue you leaue although our desires be if your voyage proue so prosperous that you may haue the yeere before you that you goe so farre Southerly as that you may touch the North part of Iapan from whence or from Yedzo if you can so compasse it without danger we would haue you to bring home one of the men of the Countrey and so God blessing you with all expedition to make your returne home againe CHAP. XIX To the Right Worshipfull Master IOHN WOSTENHOLME Esquire one of the chiefe Aduenturers for the discouerie of a passage to the North-west WOrthy Sir there neede no filling a Iournall or short Discourse with preamble complement or circumstance and therefore I will onely tell you I am proud of any Remembrance when I expose your Worth to my Conceit and glad of any good fortune when I can auoid the imputation of ingratitude by acknowledging your many fauours and seeing it is not vnknowne to your Worship in what estate the businesse concerning the North-west hath beene heretofore and how the onely hope was in searching of Fretum Dauis which if your selfe had not beene the more forward the action had well nigh beene left off Now it remayneth for your Worship to know what hath beene performed this yeere wherefore I entreat you to admit of my custome and pardon me if I take the plaine highway in relating the particulars without vsing
want of time to stay in the Countrey may bee some let yet they may well tarry till the last of August in which space much businesse may be done and good store of Oile made neuerthelesse if store of Whales come in as no feare to the contrarie what cannot bee made in Oile may bee brought home in Blubber and the Finnes will arise to good profit Another hinderance may bee because the bottome of the Sounds will not be so soone cleere as would be wished by meanes thereof now and then a Whale may be lost the same case sometime chanceth in Greenland yet I am perswaded those Sounds before named will all be cleere before the twentieth of Iuly for we this yeere were in Whale Sound the fourth day among many Whales and might haue strooke them without let of Ice Furthermore there is little wood to bee expected either for fire or other necessaries therefore Coles and other such things must bee prouided at home they will bee so much the readier there Thus much I thought good to certifie your Worship wherein I trust you will conceiue that much time hath not beene spent in vaine or the businesse ouer carelesly neglected and although wee haue not performed what we desired that is to haue found the passage yet what wee promised as to bring certaintie and a true description truth will make manifest that I haue not much erred And I dare boldly say without boasting that more good discouerie hath not in shorter time to my remembrance beene done since the action was attempted considering how much Ice we haue passed and the difficultie of sayling so neere the Pole vpon a trauerse and aboue all the variation of the Compasse whose wonderfull operation is such in this Bay increasing and decreasing so suddenly and swift being in some part as in Wostenholme Sound and in Sir Tho. Smiths Sound varied aboue fiue Points or 56. degrees a thing almost incredible and matchlesse in all the world beside so that without great care and good obseruations a true description could not haue beene had In fine whatsoeuer my labours are or shall be I esteeme them too little to expresse my thankefull minde for your many fauours wherein I shall be euer studious to supply my other wants by my best endeuours and euer rest at Your Worships command WILLIAM BAFFIN A briefe and true Relation or Iournall contayning such accidents as happened in the fift voyage for the discouerie of a passage to the North-west set forth at the charges of the right Worshipfull Sir Tho. Smith Knight Sir Dudly Digges Knight Master Iohn Wostenholme Esquire Master Alderman Iones with others in the good ship called the Discouerie of London Robert Bileth Master and my selfe Pilot performed in the yeere of our Lord 1616. IN the Name of God Amen The forenamed ship being in full readinesse vpon the twentie sixe of March we set saile at Grauesend being in number seuenteene persons hauing very faire weather which continued till the second of April by that time we were off Portland then the winde comming Westward with foule weather we kept Sea till the fourth day then being not able to fetch Plimouth bore roome for Dartmouth where wee stayed eleuen dayes in which time was much foule weather and westerly windes The fifteenth day of Aprill being cleere of Dartmouth we were forced the next day to put into Plimouth The nineteenth day we set saile from thence and the twentieth in the morning we past betweene the Lands end and Silly with a faire winde Continuing our course as in the briefe Table or Iournall is set downe with euery particular from noone to noone that here I need not make a tedious repetition nothing worthy of note hapning but that we had a good passage and the first Land we saw was in Fretum Dauis on the coast of Groinland in the latitude of 65. degrees 20. minutes On the fourteenth of May in the forenoone then sixe of the people being a fishing came to vs to whom we gaue small pieces of Iron they keeping vs companie being very ioyfull supposing wee had intended to come to anchor but when they saw vs stand off from shoare they followed vs a while and then went away discontented to our seeming We prosecuting our Voyage were loth to come to anchor as yet although the winde was contrarie but still plyed to the Northward vntill we came into 70. degrees 20. minutes then wee came to anchor in a faire Sound neere the place Master Dauis called London Coast. The twentieth of May at euening the people espying vs fled away in their Boates getting on Rocks wondring and gasing at vs but after this night we saw them no more leauing many Dogs running to and fro on the Iland At this place we stayed two dayes in which time wee tooke in fresh water and other necessaries here we had some dislike of the passage because the Tydes are so small as not arising aboue eight or nine foot and keepe no certaine course but the neerest time of high water on the change day is at a quarter of an houre past nine and the Flood commeth from the South The two and twentieth day at a North Sunne wee set saile and plyed still Northward the winde being right against vs as we stood off and on Vpon the sixe and twentieth day in the afternoone we found a dead Whale about sixe and twentie leagues from shoare hauing all her finnes Then making our ship fast wee vsed the best meanes wee could to get them and with much toile got a hundred and sixtie that euening The next morning the Sea went very high and the winde arising the Whale broke from vs and we were forced to leaue her and set saile and hauing not stood past three or foure leagues North-westward came to the Ice then wee tacked and stood to the shoare-ward a sore storme ensued By the thirtieth day in the afternoone wee came faire by Hope Sanderson the farthest Land Master Dauis was at lying betweene 72. and 73. degrees and that euening by a North Sunne we came to much Ice which we put into plying all the next day to get through it The first of Iune we were cleere of the Ice before named and not farre from shoare the winde blowing very hard at North North-east then we put in among diuers Ilands the people seeing vs fled away in all haste leauing their Tents behinde and vpon a small Rocke they hid two young Maides or Women Our ship riding not farre off we espyed them to whom our Master with some other of our companie went in the Boate they making signes to be carried to the Iland where their Tents were close adioyning When they came thither they found two old women more the one very old to our esteemation little lesse then fourescore the other not so old The next time we went on shoare there was another Woman with a child at her back who had hid
anchors at the ground then were we forced to set sayle and stand forth this Sound wee called Wostenholme Sound it hath many Inlets or smaller Sounds in it and is a fit place fot the killing of Whales The fourth day at one a clocke in the morning the storme began againe at West and by South so vehement that it blew away our forecourse and being not able to beare any sayle wee lay a drift till about eight a clocke then it cleared vp a little and we saw our selues imbayed in a great Sound then we set sayle and stood ouer to the South-east side where in a little Coue or Bay we let fall an anchor which we lost with cable and all the winde blowing so extreamely from the tops of the hils that we could get no place to anchor in but were forced to stand to and fro in the Sound the bottome being all frozen ouer toward two a clocke it began to be lesse winde then we stood forth In this Sound we saw great numbers of Whales therefore we called it Whale Sound and doubtlesse if we had beene prouided for killing of them we might haue strooke very many It lyeth in the latitude of 77. degrees 30. minutes All the fift day it was very faire weather and wee kept along by the Land till eight a clock in the euening by which time we were come to a great banke of Ice it being backed with Land which we seeing determined to stand backe some eight leagues to an Iland we called Hackluits Ile it lyeth betweene two great Sounds the one Whale Sound and the other Sir Thomas Smiths Sound this last runneth to the North of seuenty eight degrees and is admirable in one respect because in it is the greatest variation of the Compasse of any part of the World known for by diuers good Obseruations I found it to be aboue fiue points or fifty six degrees varied to the Westward so that a North-east and by East is true North and so of the rest Also this Sound seemeth to bee good for the killing of Whales it being the greatest and largest in all this Bay The cause wherefore we minded to stand to this Iland was to see if we could find any finnes or such like on the shore and so indeed this night wee came to anchor but with such foule weather that our Boat could not land The next day wee were forced to set sayle the Sea was growne so high and the wind came more outward Two dayes wee spent and could get no good place to anchor in then on the eight day it cleered vp and wee seeing 〈◊〉 company of Ilands lye off from the shoare twelue or thirteene Leagues wee minded to goe to them to see if there we could Anchor When wee were something neere the winde tooke vs short and being loth to spend more time we tooke opportunitie of the wind â—nd left the searching of these Ilands which wee called Careyes Ilands all which Sounds and Ilands the Map doth truly describe So we stood to the Westward in an open Sea with a stiffe gale of wind all the next day and till the tenth day at one or two a clocke in the morning at which time it fell calme and very foggie and wee neere the Land in the entrance of a faire Sound which wee called Alderman Iones Sound This afternoone being faire and cleere we sent our Boat to the shoare the ship being vnder sayle and assoone as they were on shoare the wind began to blow then they returned againe declaring that they saw many Sea Morses by the shoare among the Ice and as farre as they were they saw no signe of people nor any good place to anchor in along the shoare Then hauing an easie gale of wind at East North-east we ranne along by the shoare which now trendeth much South and beginneth to shew like a Bay On the twelfth day we were open of another great Sound lying in the Latitude of 74. degrees 20. minutes and we called it Sir Iames Lankasters Sound here our hope of passage began to be lesse euery day then other for from this Sound to the Southward wee had a ledge of Ice betweene the shoare and vs but cleare to the Sea ward we kept close by this ledge of Ice till the foureteenth day in the afternoone by which time wee were in the latitude of 71. degrees 16. minutes and plainely perceiued the Land to the Southward of 70. degrees 30. minutes then wee hauing so much Ice round about vs were forced to stand more Eastward supposing to haue beene soone cleare and to haue kept on the off side of the Ice vntill we had come into 70. degrees then to haue stood in againe But this proued quite contrary to our expectation for wee were forced to runne aboue threescore leagues through very much Ice and many times so fast that wee could goe no wayes although we kept our course due East and when wee had gotten into the open Sea wee kept so neere the Ice that many times we had much adoe to get cleare yet could not come neere the Land till we came about 68. degrees where indeede we saw the shoare but could not come to it by eight or nine leagues for the great abundance of Ice This was on the foure and twentieth day of Iuly then spent we three dayes more to see if conueniently wee could come to anchor to make triall of the tides but the Ice led vs into the latitude of 65. degrees 40. minutes Then wee left off seeking to the West shoare because wee were in the indraft of Cumberlands Iles and should know no certaintie and hope of passage could be none Now seeing that we had made an end of our discouery and the yeare being too farre spent to goe for the bottome of the Bay to search for drest Finnes therefore wee determined to goe for the Coast of Groineland to see if we could get some refreshing for our men Master Hubert and two more hauing kept their Cabins aboue eight dayes besides our Cooke Richard Waynam which died the day before being the twenty six of Iuly and diuers more of our company so weake that they could doe but little labour So the winde fauouring vs we came to anchor in the latitude of 65. degrees 45. minutes at six a clocke in the euening the eight and twentieth day in a place called Caukin Sound The next day going on shoare on a little Iland we found great abundance of the herbe called Scuruie Grasse which we boyled in Beere and so dranke thereof vsing it also in Sallets with Sorrell and Orpen which here groweth in abundance by meanes hereof and the blessing of God all our men within eight or nine dayes space were in perfect health and so continued till our arriuall in England Wee rode in this place three dayes before any of the people came to vs then on the first of August six of the Inhabitants in
Counsels of the holy and generall Inquisition and of the supreame Counsell of the Indies for it behoued to place one Counsell of the holy Office in Mexico for the Kingdomes of New Spaine and the rest of the Indies of the North and another in the Citie of the Kings for the Kingdomes of Piru and the adherents which are called the Indies of the South which the authority that the Councels of these Kingdomes haue so that as yet they should not meddle with the cases of the Indians but onely of the Castillanes other Nations that should be found in the Indies and so that the appeals should come to the supreame Counsell that is resident in this Court as it is done in Spaine and in the accomplishing thereof in the yeare 1570. the King Don Phillip the second called the Prudent gaue a generall power to the Towne of Madrid the 16. of August that the Apostolike Inquisitours that should be named for the present and for hereafter against the hereticall peruersnesse Apostacie and the Officers and Ministers necessary for this holy Office which was commanded to be seated in the Cities of Mexico and of the Kings should exercise vse their Offices and royall warrants that Don Martin Euriques and Don Franciscus of Toledo Viceroyes and Captains generall in the Kingdomes of New Spaine and Piru and the Counsels and Iustices Gouernours and other persons should giue all aide and fauour to the holy Officio and the Inquisitors and Officers were nominated as in their owne place shall be spoken more at large THese Catholike Kings most wisely constituted the Supreme Counsell of the Indies that they might helpe them to beare so great a burden as is already the gouernment of that Orbe and the Counsell consisteth in one President and eight or more Counsellors as necessitie requireth with one Atturney Secretaries Clerkes of the Chamber Relators and other Officers and an Office of Accompts where a notice is had of all the goods Royall of those parts And that proceeding might be according to rule and order they declared first that the Counsell should meet three houres euery day in the morning and two in the afternoone three dayes in the weeke that bee no holy dayes and that they should firme the Warrants that should be deliuered for these Kingdoms but that those that were for the Indies should haue the seale Royall and that in those parts it should haue supreme iurisdiction and might make Lawes and Decrees to see and examine whatsoeuer Statutes Constitutions of Prelates Senates Chapters and Conuents of the Religious and of the Vice-royes Courts and Counsels and that in the Indies and in these Kingdoms in matter dependant of them it should bee obeyed that the gouernment of the Indies should bee like this of these Kingdomes and that more in particular the Counsell doe occupie it selfe in the matters of gouernment That in Suites remitted those of the Councell Royall shall come to giue their voyces to that of the Indies and that two voyces shall make a Sentence in suites of 500. Pesos or vnder That there be a second Supplication in a case of 10000. Pesos that they deale not in the repartitions of the Indians in those parts but the Processes well perused in the Courts according to a Law called of Malinas for there it was made they shall come to the Supreme Counsell touching order to be held in matters of seruices that the Counsell doe see them all and in matters of rewards that which the greatest part doth determine shall be done and that in these there be a Supplication and that no expedient suite be seene the third time and that in the matters they doe resolue with breuitie that the charges be giuen to the best deseruing and that they be not giuen to the allied and kinsmen of them of the Counsell neither may such bee Solicitors nor Atturneys in the prouidings of the Offices no price shall be admitted nor that they of the Counsell haue any Indians of repartition and they shall assist in their houses that the Suiters may find them there when they goe not to Counsel and that due secrecy be kept in all things and aboue all that the Counsell haue a particular care of the Conuersion and good Instruction of the Indians and of the spirituall gouernment and that of 600000. Marmediz vpward the appeale shall come to the Counsell that they may appeale from the Sentences in the fiue Cases of naturall death or mayming of a member or other bodily punishment publike shame or racking and the appeales shall come to the Counsell with many other laudable orders which are omitted for breuities sake That the President being a learned man shall haue a voice in matters of Gouernment gratuities and fauours visitations and accompts and not in suits because he may be the more free for the gouernment of the Counsell and being vnlearned he shall haue no voice but in matters of grace gouernment and fauour and that he may assemble the Counsell in his owne house and haue a noate of the businesses and that the Counsellours doe not accompany with the Suitors And because it seemed a necessary thing that one Fiscad or Atturney should assist in Counsell it was commanded he should haue the same stipend that the Counsellours and that they deliuer him the dispatches of the Office that he haue a care to know how that is accomplished which is prouided for the Indies that necessary Papers be giuen him for his Office that he doe see the visitations before Counsell that he haue a book to register all the capitulations that are taken with the King another wherein he may set down the Atturneys Pleas that he delay not the suits that his demands or those that are against him be admitted if the Counsel think it good that he keep a book of that which is concluded for the cases that he haue a care to know the Officers that doe omit to send a relation euery yeere to the Counsell Hauing ordained all that which appertaineth to the Counsell which is the head of this Gouernment with many other orders which are not rehearsed for breuitie they proceeded in ordering all the Prouinces of the Indies in the matters of iustice as neede required and these Catholike Kings desiring the common good of that new world that their subiects that should possesse it hauing a zeale to the seruice of our Lord God good profit ease of the said Subiects to the Peace and quietnesse of the Towns as the King is bound vnto God and to them for to accomplish with the Office that he hath in earth hee thought good to command to place the Courts and Royall Chanceries that as hath beene said are in the Indies with the Statutes and orders that hath beene giuen them that the Ministers may doe their office and iustice be well administred and the Townes obtained the benefit pretended The first Court that was established
not to hinder the exceptions which Nature hath giuen to this Rule making some Regions of the burning Zone extremely drie The which is reported of Ethiopia and wee haue seene it in a great part of Peru where all that Land or Coast which they call Playnes wants raine yea land waters except some Vallies where Riuers fall from the Mountaines the rest is a sandie and barren soile where you shall hardly finde any Springs but some deepe Wells But with the helpe of God we will shew the reason why it rayneth not in these Playnes the which many demand for now I onely pretend to shew that there are many exceptions to naturall Rules whereby it may happen that in some part of the burning Zone it raines not when the Sunne is neerest but being farthest off although vnto this day I haue neither seene nor heard of it but if it be so we must attribute it to the particular qualitie of the Earth and also if sometimes the contrarie doth chance we must haue regard that in naturall things there happens many contrarieties and lets whereby they change and dissolue one another For example it may be the Sunne will cause raine and that the windes will hinder it or else cause more abundance then hath beene vsuall When I passed to the Indies I will tell what chanced vnto mee hauing read what Poets and Philosophers write of the burning Zone I perswaded my selfe that comming to the Equinoctiall I should not indure the violent heate but it fell out otherwise for when I passed which was when the Sunne was there for Zenith being entred into Aries in the moneth of March I felt so great cold as I was forced to goe into the Sunne to warme me what could I else doe then but laugh at Aristotles Meteors and his philosophie seeing that in that place and at that season when as all should be scortched with heat according to his rules I and all my companions were a cold In truth there is no Region in the world more pleasant and temperate then vnder the Equinoctiall although it be not in all parts of an equall temperature but haue great diuersities The burning Zone in some parts is very temperate as in Quitto and on the playnes of Peru in some parts very cold as at Potozi and in some very hot as in Ethiopia Bresil and the Molucques This diuersitie being knowne and certaine vnto vs wee must of force seeke out another cause of cold and heat then the Sunne beames seeing that in one season of the yeere and in places of one height and distance from the Pole and Equinoctiall we finde so great diuersitie that some are inuironed with heat some with cold and others tempered with a moderate heat Considering this matter generally I finde two generall causes which maketh this Region temperate the one is that before mentioned for that this Region is very moist and subiect to raine and there is no doubt but the raine doth refresh it for that the water is by nature cold and although by the force of the fire it be made hot yet doth it temper this heat proceeding onely from the Sunne beames The which wee see by experience in the inner Arabia the which is burnt with the Sunne hauing no showres to temper the violence thereof The cloudes and mists are the cause that the Sunne offends not so much and the showres that fall from them refresh both the Aire and the Earth and moisten likewise how hot soeuer it be They drinke raine water and it quencheth the thirst as our men haue well tried hauing no other to drinke So as reason and experience doth teach vs that raine of it selfe doth temper the heat and hauing by this meanes shewed that the burning Zone is much subiect vnto raine it appeares that there is matter in it to temper the violence of the heat To this I will adde an other reason which deserues to be knowne not onely for this matter but for many others for although the Sunne be very hot and burning vnder the Equinoctiall yet is it not long so as the heat of the day being there shorter and of lesse continuance it causeth not so violent a heate the which it behooues to specifie more particularly Such as are practised in the knowledge of the Spheare teach very well that the more the Zodiake is oblique and trauersing our Hemisphere the more vnequall are the dayes and nights and contrariwise where the Spheare is straight and the signes mount directly there the dayes and nights are equall And therefore in all that Region which is betweene the two Tropicks there is lesse inequalitie then without them and the more wee approch the Line the lesse inequalitie we finde the which wee haue tried in those parts Those of Quitto for that they are vnder the Line haue not throughout the whole yeere the dayes and nights more short at one season then at an other but are continually equall Those of Lima being distant almost twelue degrees finde some difference betwixt the dayes and the nights but very little for that in December and Ianuarie the dayes increase an houre or little lesse Those of Potozi finde much more difference both in Winter and in Summer being almost vnder the Tropicke But those that liue without the Tropicks finde the dayes in Winter shorter and in Summer longer the more remote they are from the Equinoctiall and come neere the Pole as wee see in Germanie and in England the dayes are longer in Summer then in Italie and in Spaine It is a thing which the Spheare doth teach and experience doth plainly shew vs. Wee must adde an other Proposition which is likewise true and very considerable for all the effects of Nature to vnderstand the perseuerance and continuation of the efficient cause to worke and mooue This presupposed if any one demand of me why vnder the Equinoctiall Line the heat is not so violent in Summer as in some other Regions as in Andelousia in the moneths of Iuly and August I will answere that in Andelousia the dayes are longer and the nights shorter and as the day being hot inflames and causeth heat so the nights being cold and moist giue a refreshing According to the which at Peru there is no such great heat for that the dayes in Summer are not long nor the nights short so as the heat of the day is much tempered by the freshnesse of the night Being a thing concluded that the two fore-named properties are common and vniuersall to all the Region of the burning Zone and yet in the same there are found some places very hot and other exceeding cold Also that the temperature is not there equall in all places but vnder one climate one part is hot another cold and the third temperate all at one season wee are forced to seeke out other reasons whence this great diuersitie should proceede in the burning Zone Discoursing therefore vpon this question I doe finde
and easie for that these eighteene leagues of Land betwixt Nombre de Dios and Panama is more painefull and chargeable then 2300. by Sea whereupon some would say it were a meanes to drowne the Land one Sea being lower then another As in times past we finde it written that for the same consideration they gaue ouer the enterprize to winne the red Sea into Nile in the time of King Sesostris and since in the Empire of the Othomans But for my part I hold such discourses and propositions for vaine although this inconuenience should not happen the which I will not hold for assured I beleeue there is no humaine powerable to beate and breake downe those strong and impenetrable Mountaines which God hath placed betwixt the two Seas and hath made them most hard Rockes to withstand the furie of two Seas And although it were possible to men yet in my opinion they should feare punishment from heauen in seeking to correct the workes which the Creator by his great prouidence hath ordained and disposed in the framing of this vniuersall world Leauing this discourse of opening the Land and ioyning both Seas together there is yet another lesse rash but very difficult and dangerous to search out Whether these two great gulfes doe ioyne in any other part of the world which was the enterprize of Fernando Magellan a Portugall Gentleman whose great courage and constancie in the research of this subiect and happy successe in the finding thereof gaue the name of eternall memory to this straight which iustly they call by the name of the discouerer Magellan of which straight we will intreate a little as of one of the greatest wonders of the world Some haue beleeued that this Straight which Magellan had discouered in the South Sea was none or that it was straightned as Don Alonso d'Arsile writes in his Auracane and at this day there are some that say there is no such Straight but that they are Ilands betwixt the Sea and Land for that the maine Land ends there at the end whereof are all Ilands beyond the which the one Sea ioynes fully with the other or to speake better it is all one Sea But in truth it is most certaine there is a straight and a long and stretched out Land on either side although it hath not yet beene knowne how farre it stretcheth of the one side of the straight towards the South After Magellan a Shippe of the Bishop of Plaisance passed the straight Don Guitieres Caruaial whose Maste they say is yet at Lima at the entrie of the Pallace they went afterwards coasting along the South to discouer the Straight by the commandement of Don Garcia of Mendoca then Gouernor of Chille according to that which Captaine Ladrillero found it and passed it I haue read the discourse and report he made where he saieth that he did not hazard himselfe to land in the Straight but hauing discouered the North Sea he returned backe for the roughnesse of the time winter being now come which caused the waues comming from the North to grow great and swelling and the Sea continually foming with rage In our time Francis Drake and Englishman passed this Straight After him Captaine Sarmiento passed it on the South side And lastly in the yeere 1587. other Englishmen passed it by the instruction of Drake which at this time run along all the coast of Peru. Euen as Magellan found out this Straight vpon the South so some haue pretended to discouer another Straight which they say is in the North and suppose it to be in Florida whose coast runnes in such sort as they know no end thereof Peter Melendez the Adelantade a man very expert at Sea affirmeth for certaine that there is a Straight and that the King had commanded him to discouer it where in he shewed a great desire he propounded his reasons to proue his opinion saying that they haue seene some remainders of Ships in the North Sea like vnto those the which the Chinois vse which had beene impossible if there were no passage from one Sea vnto another Moreouer hee reported that in a certaine great Bay in Florida the which runs 300. leagues within the Land they see Whales in some season of the yeare which come from the other Sea One of the most admirable secrets of Nature is the ebbing and flowing of the Sea not onely for this strange property of rising and falling but much more for the difference there is thereof in diuers Seas yea in diuers coasts of one and the same Sea There are some Seas that haue no daily flowing nor ebbing as we see in the inner Mediterranean which is the Thyrene Sea and yet it flowes and ebbes euery day in the vpper Mediterranean Sea which is that of Venice and iustly giueth cause of admiration that these two Seas being Mediterranean and that of Venice being no greater then the other yet hath it his ebbing and flowing as the Ocean and that other Sea of Italie none at all There are some Mediterranean Seas that apparantly rise and fall euery moneth and others that neither rise in the day nor in the moneth There are other Seas as the Spanish Ocean that haue their flux and reflux euery day and besides that they haue it monethly which commeth twice that is to say at the change and at the full of euery Moone which they call Spring-tides To say that any Sea hath this daily ebbing and flowing and not monethly I know not any It is strange the difference we finde of this subiect at the Indies for there are some places whereas the Sea doth daily rise and fall two leagues as at Panama and at a high water it riseth much more There are other places where it doth rise and fall so little that hardly can you finde the difference It is ordinary in the Ocean Sea to haue a daily flowing and ebbing and that was twice in a naturall day and euer it fals three quarters of an houre sooner one day then another according to the course of the Moone so as the tide fals not alwaies in one houre of the day Some would say that this flux and reflux proceeded from the locall motion of the water of the Sea so as the water that riseth on the one side fals on the other that is opposite vnto it so that it is full Sea on the one side when it is a low water on the opposite as we see in a Kettle full of water when we mooue it when it leanes to the one side the water increaseth and on the other it diminisheth Others affirme that the Sea riseth in all parts at one time and decreaseth at one instant as the boyling of a Pot comming out of the centre it extendeth it selfe on all parts and when it ceaseth it fals likewise on all parts This second opinion is true and in my iudgement certaine and tried not so much for the reasons which the Philosophers giue
is the Realme of Chille which is without the generall rule of these other Prouinces being seated without the burning Zone and the Tropicke of Capricorne This Land of it selfe is coole and fertile and brings forth all kindes of fruits that bee in Spaine it yeelds great abundance of bread and wine and abounds in Pastures and Cattell The aire is wholsome and cleere temperate betwixt heat and cold Winter and Summer are very distinct and there they finde great store of very fine gold Yet this Land is poore and smally peopled by reason of their continuall warre with the Auricanos and their Associates being a rough people and friends to libertie There are great coniectures that in the temperate Zone at the Antartike Pole there are great and fertile Lands but to this day they are not discouered neither doe they know any other Land in this Zone but that of Chille and some part of that Land which runnes from Ethiopia to the Cape of Good Hope as hath beene said in the first Booke neither is it knowne if there bee any habitations in the other two Zones of the Poles and whether the Land continues and stretcheth to that which is towards the Antartike or South Pole Neither doe we know the Land that lyes beyond the Straight of Magellan for that the greatest height yet discouered is in fiftie sixe degrees as hath beene formerly said and toward the Artike or Northerne Pole it is not known how farre the Land extends which runnes beyond the Cape of Mendoçin and the Caliphornes nor the bounds and end of Florida neither yet how farre it extends to the West Of late they haue discouered a new Land which they call New Mexico where they say is much people that speake the Mexican tongue The Philippines and the following Ilands as some report that know it by experience ranne aboue nine hundred leagues But to intreat of China Cochinchina Siam and other Regions which are of the East Indies were contrarie to my purpose which is onely to discourse of the West nay they are ignorant of the greatest part of America which lyes betwixt Peru and Bresil although the bounds be knowne of all sides wherein there is diuersitie of opinions some say it is a drowned Land full of Lakes and waterie places others affirme there are great and flourishing Kingdomes imagining there be the Paytiti the Dorado and the Caesars where they say are wonderfull things I haue heard one of our companie say a man worthy of credit that he had seene great dwellings there and the wayes as much beaten as those betwixt Salamanca and Villadillit the which he did see when as Peter d'Orsua and after those that succeeded him made their entrie and discouerie by the great Riuer of Amazons who beleeuing that the Dorado which they sought was farther off cared not to inhabit there and after went both without the Dorado which they could not finde and this great Prouince which they left To speake the truth the habitations of America are to this day vnknowne except the extremities which are Peru Bresil and that part where the Land begins to straighten which is the Riuer of Siluer then Tucuman which makes the round to Chille and Charcas Of late we haue vnderstood by Letters from some of ours which goe to Saint Croix in the Sierre that they goe discouering of great Prouinces and dwellings betwixt Bresil and Peru. Time will reueile them for as at this day the care and courage of men is great to compasse the World from one part to another so we may beleeue that as they haue discouered that which is now knowne they may likewise lay open that which remaynes to the end the Gospell may bee preached to the whole World seeing the two Crownes of Portugal and Castile haue met by the East and West ioyning their discoueries together which in truth is a matter to be obserued that the one is come to China and Iapan by the East and the other to the Philippines which are neighbours and almost ioyning vnto China by the West for from the Ilands of Lusson which is the chiefe of the Philippines in the which is the Citie of Manille vnto Macaeo which is in the I le of Canton are but foure score or a hundred leagues and yet we finde it strange that notwithstanding this small distance from the one to the other yet according to their account there is a dayes difference betwixt them so as it is Sunday at Macao when as it is but Saturday at Manille and so of the rest Those of Macao and of China haue one day aduanced before the Philippines It happened to father Alonse Sanches of whom mention is made before that parting from the Philippines hee arriued at Macao the second day of May according to their computation and going to say the Masse of Saint Athanasim he found they did celebrate the feast of the Inuention of the holy Crosse for that they did then reckon the third of May. The like happened vnto him in another voyage beyond it Some haue found this alteration and diuersitie strange supposing that the fault proceedes from the one or the other the which is not so but it is a true and well obserued computation for according to the difference of wayes where they haue beene we must necessarily say that when they meet there must be difference of a day the reason is for that sayling from West to East they alwayes gaine of the day finding the Sunne rising sooner and contrariwise those that saile from East to West doe alwayes lose of the day for that the Sunne riseth later vnto them and as they approach neerer the East or the West they haue the day longer or shorter In Peru which is Westward in respect of Spaine they are aboue sixe houres behinde so as when it is noone in Spaine it is morning at Peru and when it is morning here it is mid-night there I haue made certaine proofe thereof by the computation of Eclipses of the Sunne and Moone Now that the Portugals haue made their nauigations from West to East and the Castillans from East to West when they came to ioyne and meet at the Philippines and Macao the one haue gayned twelue houres and the other hath lost as much so as at one instant and in one time they finde the difference of foure and twentie houres which is a whole day Although we finde vents of fire in other places as Mount Aetna and Vesunio which now they call Mount Soma yet is that notable which is found at the Indies Ordinarily these Volcans be Rocks or Pikes of most high Mountaines which raise themselues aboue the tops of all other Mountaines vpon their tops they haue a Playne and in the midst thereof a pit or great mouth which descends euen vnto the foote thereof a thing very terrible to behold Out of these mouthes there issues smoake and sometimes fire some cast little smoake and haue in a manner no force
them I caused two graues to be opened wherein was nothing found but a vessell full of the graine of Maiz and a bundle of Iucca as I haue said And demanding the cause hereof of the King and the other Indians they answered that they that were 〈◊〉 there were the labourers of the ground and men skilfull in sowing of seedes and makiâ—â— of bread and seruants to the Kings father and to the end that their soules should not dye â—ith their bodies they slue themselues at the death of the King their Master to liue with 〈◊〉 heauen and to the intent that they might serue him there in the same office they reserue that Maiz and Iucca to sowe it in heauen Whereunto I answered them in this manner 〈◊〉 how your Tuyra deceiueth you and how all that he teacheth you is false You see how 〈◊〉 so long a time since they are dead they haue not yet taken away this Maiz and Iucca which is now purified and worth nothing and not like to be sowen in heauen To this the King replied saying In that they haue not taken it away nor sowen it in heauen the cause is that they chanced â— finde enough there by reason whereof they had no neede of this To this errour many thing were said which seemed of little force to remoue him from his false opinion and especially any â—uch as at that age are occupied of the Diuell whom they paint of the selfe same forme and 〈◊〉 as he appeared vnto them in diuers shapes and formes They make also Images of Gold Coâ—per and Wood to the same similitudes in terrible shapes and so variable as the Painters are aâ—â—â—stomed to paint them at the feete of Saint Michael the Archangell or in any other place 〈◊〉 they paint them of most torrible portrature Likewise when the diuell greatly intendeth 〈…〉 them he threatneth to send them great tempests which they call Furacanas or 〈◊〉 and are so vehement that they ouerthrow many houses and great trees And I haue seenâ— Mountaines full of many and great trees that for the space of three quarters of a league the â—â—â—ntaine hath beene subuerted and the tree ouerthrowne and plucked out of the earth with 〈…〉 The gulfe of Vraba is distant from the Equinoctiall line from an hundrâ—â— and twentie to a hundred and thirty leagues and three quarters of a league after that accompt of seuenteen leagues and a halfe for euerie degree from Pole to Pole thus for a little more or lesse goeth all the coast By reason wherof in the Citie of Sancta Maria Antiqua in Dariena and in all that course of the foresaid gulfe of Vraba at all times of the yeere the daies and nights are in manner of equall length and if there be any difference betweene them by reason of this small distance from the Equinoctiall it is so little that in foure and twentie houres making a naturall day it cannot be perceiued but by the iudgement of speculatiue men and such as vnderstand the sphere From hence the North Starre is seene verie low Of diuers particular things as Wormes Serpents Beasts Foules Trees c. I Will first speake of certaine little and troublesome Beasts which may seeme to be engendred of nature to molest and vexe men to shew them and giue them to vnderstand how small and vile a thing may offend disquiet them to the end that they may remember the principall end for the which they were created that is to know their maker In manie parts of the firme Land by the which as wel the Christians as the Indians do trauaile there are such marishes waters in the way that they are faine to go without breeches among the hearbes weeds by reason wher of certain small beasts or wormes which they call Garapates much like vnto Ticks cleaue fast to their legs These worms are as little as the pouder of beaten Salt cleaue so fast that they can by no meanes be taken away except the place be nointed with oyle after that the legs be nointed a while with oyle or the other parts where these little Tickes are fastened they scrape the place with a Knife so take them away But the Indians which haue no oyle smoake them and burne them with fire and abide great paines in taking them away by this means Of other little Beasts which trouble men and are engendred in their heads or other parts of their bodies I say that the Christian men which trauaile into these parts haue them but seldome times and that not past one or two and this also very seldome For passing by the line of the Diameter where the compasse maketh difference of sailing by the winde called Greco that is North-east and Magistral that is South-west which is in the course of the Ilands of Azori they saile but a little way following our voiage by the West but that all the Lice which the Christians carrie with them or are engendred in their heads or other places of their bodies die and vtterly consume by little and little and are not engendred in India except in the heads of little children in those parts as well among the children of the Christians which are borne there as also among the naturall Indians who haue them commonly in their heads and sometimes in other parts of their bodies and especially they of the Prouince of Cuena which is a region containing more then a hundred leagues in length and embraseth the one and the other coast of the North Sea and of the East When these Indians are infected with this filthinesse they dresse and cleanse one another And they that exercise this are for the most part women who eate all that they take and haue herein such dexterity by reason of their exercise that our men cannot lightly attaine thereunto There is also another thing greatly to be considered and this is how the Christian men being there cleane from this filthinesse of India as well in their heads as the rest of their bodies yet when they returne to come againe into Europe and begin to arriue in that place of the Ocean Sea where we said before that these Lice died and forsooke them sodainely in their repassing by the same clime as though these Lice had tarried for them in that place they can by no meanes auoide them for the space of certaine daies although they change their shirts two or three times in a day These Lice are at the first as little as Nits and grow by little and little vntill they be of the bignesse that they are in Spaine This haue I oftentimes proued hauing now foure times passed the Ocean Sea by this voiage Beside these wormes and vermin wherof we haue spoken there is another little mischieuous worm which we may number among the kindes of Fleas this Pestilence the Indians call Nigua and is much lesse then a Flea it pearceth the flesh of a man and so
and qualitie according to the nature of the place where they are engendred or grow and of the beasts called Tigres IN the firme Land are found many terrible beasts which some thinke to be Tigres Which thing neuerthelesse I dare not affirme considering what Authors doe write of the lightnesse and agilitie of the Tigre whereas this beast being otherwise in shape very like vnto a Tigre is notwithstanding very slow Yet true it is that according to the maruailes of the World and differences which naturall things haue in diuers Regions vnder Heauen and diuers constellations of the same vnder the which they are created wee see that some such Plants and Herbes as are hurtfull in one Countrie are harmelesse and wholesome in other Regions And Birds which in one Prouince are of good taste are in other so vnsauourie that they may not bee eaten Men likewise which in some Countries are blacke are in other places white and yet are both these and they men Euen so may it be that Tigres are light in some Region as they write and may neuerthelesse be slow and heauie in these Indies of your Maiestie whereof wee speake The Sheepe of Arabie draw their tailes long and bigge on the ground and the Bulls of Egypt haue their haire growing toward their heads yet are those Sheepe and these Bulls Men in some Countries are hardie and of good courage and in other naturally fearfull and bruitish All these things and many more which may be said to this purpose are easie to bee prooued and worthy to bee beleeued of such as haue read of the like in Authors or trauelled the World whereby their owne sight may teach them the experience of these things whereof I speake It is also manifest that Iucca whereof they make their bread in the Iland of Hispaniola is deadly poison if it be eaten greene with the juyce and yet hath it no such propertie in the firme Land where I haue eaten it many times and found it to be a good fruit The Bats of Spaine although they bite yet are they not venemous but in the firme Land many die that are bitten of them And in this forme may so many things be said that time shall not suffice to write whereas my intent is onely to prooue that this beast may be a Tigre or of the kinde of Tigres although it bee not of such lightnesse and swiftnesse as are they whereof Plinie and other authors speake describing it to bee one of the swiftest beasts of the Land and that the Riuer of Tygris for the swift course thereof was called by that name The first Spaniards which saw this Tyger in the firme land did so name it Of the kind of these was that which Don Diego Columbo the Admiral sent your Maiesty out of New Spaine to Toledo Their heads are like to the heads of Lions or Lionesses but greater the rest of all their bodies and their legs are full of black spots one neere vnto another diuided with a circumference or fringe of red colour shewing as it were a faire work and correspondent picture about their croopes or hinder parts they haue these spots biggest and lesse lesse toward their bellies legs heads I haue seen some of three spans in height and more then fiue in length They are beasts of great force with strong legs and well armed with nayles and fanges which we call Dog-teeth they are so fierce that in my iudgement no reall Lyon of the biggest sort is so strong or fierce Of these there are many found in the firme Land which deuoure many of the Indians and doe much hurt otherwise but since the comming of the Christians many haue beene killed with Crosse-bowes after this manner Assoone as the Archer hath knowledge of the haunt of any of these Tygers hee goeth searching their trace with his Crosse-bow and with a little Hound or Begle not with a grey-hound because this Beast would soon kill any Dogge that would venter on him When the Hound hath found the Tigre he runneth about him baying continually and approacheth so neere him snapping and grinning with so quicke flying and returning that he hereby so molesteth this fierce Beast that hee driueth him to take the next Tree at the foot whereof he remayneth still baying and the Tigre grinning and shewing his teeth while in the meane time the Archer commeth neere and twelue or fourteene paces off striketh him with the querell of his Crosse-brow in the brest and flyeth incontinent leauing the Tigre in his trauell for life and death byting the Tree and eating earth for fiercenesse then within the space of two or three houres or the day following the Archer returneth thither and with his Dogge findeth the place where hee lyeth dead The Indians and especially they of the firme Land in the Prouince which the Catholike King Don Ferdinando commanded to bee called Golden Castile call this Beast Ochi This thing is strange that chanced of late that whereas the Tigre whereof we haue made mention before would haue killed his keeper that then kept him in a Cage was in few daies after made so tame that he led her tyed only with a small coard and plaid with her so familiarly that I maruelled greatly to see it yet not without certaine beliefe that this friendship will not last long without danger of life to the Keeper forasmuch as surely these Beasts are not meet to be among men for their fiercenesse and cruell nature that cannot be tamed Of the manners and customes of the Indians of the Firme Land and of their women THe manners and customes of these Indians are diuers in diuers Prouinces Some of them take as many Wiues as them list and other liue with one Wife whom they forsake not without consent of both parties which chanceth especially when they haue no children The Nobilitie aswel men as women repute it infamous to ioyne with any of base Parentage or Strangers except Christians whom they count Noblemen by reason of their valiantnesse although they put a difference betweene the common sort and the other to whom they shew obedience counting it for a great matter and an honorable thing if they bee beloued of any of them insomuch that if they know any Christian man carnally they keepe their faith to him so that hee be not long absent farre from them for their intent is not to be Widdowes or to liue chaste like religious women Many of them haue this custome that when they perceiue that they are with childe they take an Hearbe wherewith they destroy that is conceiued for they say that only well aged women should beare children and that they will not forbeare their pleasures and deforme their bodies with bearing of children whereby their Teates become loose and hanging which thing they greatly dispraise When they are deliuered of their children they goe to the Riuer and wash them which done
which was Peter Margarite Commendator in the second voyage of most respect with the King and Queene who complayned of those paines Soone after in the yeere 1496. began the disease to arrest some Courtiers but in those beginnings it was onely amongst baser persons of small authoritie and it was thought that they got it with hauing to doe with common women But afterwards it extended to principall Persons and the Physicians could not tell what to thinke of it so that many dyed When after this Gonzalo Fernandes di Cordoua was sent with a great Armie by the Catholike Kings in behalfe of Ferdinand the second King of Naples against Charles the French King some diseased persons went with that Armie and by dealing with the women and by conuersing spread the disease to the Italians and French-men which thence got the names aforesaid but indeed came from Hispaniola where it is ordinarie and the remedie also Our Author l. 17. c. 4. and Ramufio in his Preface to his third Tome say That the Souldiers of Pamfilo de Nauaz hauing the small pocks infected the Indians which neuer before had heard of that disease in so much that of 1600000. soules in that Iland there are so few left as by and by you shall heare The Niguas also creatures lesse then Fleas which eate in the flesh very dangerously are rife in that Iland The people of that Iland when first they were diuided amongst the Spanish Planters were deemed a Million or more some say 1600000. of which and of their posteritie in the yeere 1535. were not aboue fiue hundred left little and great the rest which then were there being Slaues brought thither from other parts The couetousnesse of the Myne-workers neglect of Diet change of Gouernours growing worse and worse caused them to poyson kill and hang themselues besides those which were consumed by infectious or pestilentiall pocks and other diseases Their owne vices also Sodomitrie Idolatrie c. prouoked diuine Iustice against them No prouision could hinder their consumption The King sent Religious men of diuers Orders but this I know that the Dominicans and Franciscans contradicted each other and what one approued the other disallowed although after the other had left that opinion the Contradictors would embrace it still agreeing in disagreeing which caused much danger not onely to new Conuerts but also to old Christians whiles one Order would not absolue them except they franchised the Indians and the other absolued them neuerthelesse Much disputation hath beene about the Indians seruice amongst the Thomists Canonists and famous Lawyers and Diuines but their differences haue done little good to the Indians or the plantation and in a short time both this Iland and the three adioyning Saint Iohn Iamaica and Cuba remayned desolate being by the Friars meanes which I thinke meant well dispersed thorow the Iland to lessen their labours which the Gentlemen imposed on them I am of opinion that if a Christian Prince had this Iland of Hispaniola onely hee might make it as good as either England or Sicily such is the store of Gold the prosperous successe of things carried from Spaine the Beeues which I knew first carried thither from Spaine being alreadie so multiplyed that they kill them for the Hides leauing the flesh in the fields of fiue hundred at once and Roderigo di Bastidas Bishop of Venesuela hath therein 16000. Beeues and the Treasurer Passamonte as many others 8000. or more likewise in other Beasts Seeds Oranges Limons Fâ—gs Pomegranets c. Of their Zemes Idols Sepulchres and other things concerning their Religion the Reader may see enough in the ninth Booke and fourteenth Chapter of my Pilgrimage and of the Spanish first voyages thither in the beginning of this worke which Ouiedo handleth in his former Bookes Their Huracans so they call tempests of winde and raine together are very excessiue An. 1508. on the third of August all the thatched houses in Saint Domingo were throwne to the ground and some also of stone all the houses also in the Towne Bonauentura which might thence be named Malauentura in the Hauen were sunke twentie Ships and Caruels a North-wind first and after a South-wind playing their furious prizes one carrying out the Vessels in despight of all prouisions to Sea and the other as terribly forcing them againe to the Hauen if the losse of ships and men may permit that name yea on Land many men were carried in the streets and fields diuers bow-shots before they could stay themselues Hell seemed to haue beene opened and the Deuils to haue carried things to and fro Yet in Iuly following was a worse which now are allayed and not so violent since the Blessed Sacrament hath beene placed in Churches I haue seene the space of a Crosse-bow shot or two all the ground couered with Trees plucked vp by the Windes from the Rootes and ours haue sometime by dangers of the way beene forced to climbe from tree to tree ouer such a passage with rents and perills enough The Cocks in Spaine crow at mid-night and towards day but here in the shutting in of the euening or two houres within night and two houres before day and not at all at mid-night some crow in the first watch and not else all night Their Cats also vse their lusts all the yeere and without walling noise which in Spaine France Sicily and other places in Europe and Afrike which I haue seene goe on Catter-walling onely about Februarie In the I le of Nauaza Westward from Hispaniola in the way thence to Iamaica the Rocks are seene vnder the water and amongst them a fathome and fiue foote vnder the salt water there ariseth a spring of good fresh water vpon the Sea spowting vp bigger then a mans arme higher then the salt water that it may easily be taken in I haue not seene it but Stephen Rocca a person of credit testifieth this of his owne sight and taste But I haue seene in the Iland Dominica at the Riuer Acquata twentie paces wide and not deeper then the arme pits there is a hot spring that if one take vp the Sands they seeme like embers in his fist and so is the water a span deepe aboue the Sands which on the top is fresh and like other water Ouiedos 8.9.10 and 11. Bookes are of Plants and Trees in those parts The 12. of Creatures before mentioned the 13. of Fishes in which he telleth that An. 1529. going from the Gulfe of Orotigua to Panama two hundred leagues Eastward neere the mouth of the Gulfe wee saw a Fish or great Water-monster which at times lifted it selfe right vp aboue the Water so farre that the head and both the armes might bee seene which seemed higher then our Carauell and all her Masts Thus did shee rise and fall diuers times beating the water strongly not casting any water out of the mouth A younger or lesse of the same kinde did likewise swimme a little
Yupangi the which is hee that hath made most Lawes Customes and Ceremonies as Numa did in Rome this manner of Communion hath continued vntill that the Gospell of our Lord Iesus Christ thrust out all these superstitions giuing them the right foode of life which vnites their soules to God who so would satisfie himselfe more amply let him reade the Relation which the Licenciate Pollo did write IT is a thing more worthy admiration to heare speake of the Feast and solemnitie of the Communion which the Deuill himselfe the Prince of Pride ordained in Mexico the which although it be somewhat long yet shall it not be from the purpose to relate as it is written by men of credite The Mexicanes in the moneth of May made their principall Feast to their god Vitziliputzli and two dayes before this Feast the Virgins whereof I haue spoken the which were shut vp and secluded in the same Temple and were as it were Religious women did mingle a quantitie of the seede of Beetes with roasted Mays and then they did mould it with honey making an Idoll of that paste in bignesse like to that of wood putting in stead of eyes graines of greene glasse of blue or white and for teeth graines of Mays set forth with all the ornament and furniture that I haue said This being finished all the Noblemen came and brought it an exquisite and rich garment like vnto that of the Idoll wherewith they did attyre it Being thus clad and deckt they did set it in an azured Chaire and in a Litter to carry it on their shoulders The morning of this feast being come an houre before day all the Maidens came forth attyred in white with new ornaments the which that day were called the sisters of their god Vitzliputzli they came crowned with Garlands of Mays râ—asted and parched being like vnto Azahar or the flower of Orange and about their necks they had great chaines of the same which went bauldrickwise vnder their left arme Their cheekes were dyed with Vermillion their armes from the elbow to the wrist were couered with red Parrots feathers And thus attyred they tooke the Idoll on their shoulders carrying it into the Court where all the young men were attyred in garments of an artificiall red crowned after the same manner like vnto the women When as the Maidens came forth with the Idoll the young men drew neere with much reuerence taking the Litter wherein the Idoll was vpon their shoulders carrying it to the foote of the staires of the Temple where all the people did humble themselues laying earth vpon their heads which was an ordinarie ceremonie which they did obserue at the chiefe feast of their gods This ceremonie being ended all the people went in Procession with all the diligence and speede they could going to a Mountayne which was a league from the Citie of Mexico called Chapulteper and there they made sacrifices Presently they went from thence with like diligence to goe to a place neere vnto it which they called Atlacuyauaya where they made their second station and from thence they went to another Burgh or Village a league beyond Cuyoacan from whence they parted returning to the Citie of Mexico not making any other station They went in this sort aboue foure leagues in three or foure houres calling this Procession Ypayna Vitzliputzli Being come to the foot of the staires they set downe the Brancard or Litter with the Idoll tying great Cordes to the armes of the Brancard then with great obseruance and reuerence they did draw vp the Litter with the Idoll in it to the top of the Temple some drawing aboue and others helping below in the meane time there was a great noyse of Flutes Trumpets Cornets and Drummes They did mount it in this manner for that the stayres of the Temple were very steepe and narrow so as they could not carry vp the Litter vpon their shoulders while they mounted vp the Idoll all the people stood in the Court with much reuerence and feare Being mounted to the top and that they had placed it in a little Lodge of Roses which they held readie presently came the young men which strewed many flowers of sundrie kindes wherewith they filled the Temple both within and without This done all the Virgins came out of their Couent bringing pieces of paste compounded of Beetes and roasted Mays which was of the same paste whereof their Idoll was made and compounded and they were of the fashion of great bones They deliuered them to the young men who carried them vp and laid them vp and laid them at the Idols feete wherewith they filled the whole place that it could receiue no more They called these morsels of paste the flesh and bones of Vitzliputzli Hauing laid abroad these bones presently came all the Ancients of the Temple Priests Leuites and all the rest of the Ministers according to their Dignities and Antiquities for herein there was a strict order amongst them one after another with their vaâ—les of diuers colours and workes euery one according to his Dignitie and Office hauing Garlands vpon their heads and Chaines of flowers about their necks after them came their gods and goddesses whom they worshipt of diuers figures attyred in the same liuerie then putting themselues in order about those morsels and pieces of paste they vsed certaine ceremonies with singing and dancing By meanes whereof they were blessed and consecrated for the flesh and bones of this Idoll This ceremonie and blessing whereby they were taken for the flesh and bones of the Idoll being ended they honored those pieces in the same sort as their god Then came forth the Sacrificers who began the sacrifice of men in the manner as hath beene spoken and that day they did sacrifice a greater number then at any other time for that it was the most solemne feast they obserued The sacrifices being ended all the young Men and Maides came out of the Temple attyred as before and being placed in order and ranke one directly against another they danced by Drummes the which sounded in praise of the Feast and of the Idoll which they did celebrate To which song all the most ancient and greatest noble-men did answere dancing about them making a great circle as their vse is the young Men and Maides remayning alwayes in the middest All the Citie came to this goodly spectacle and there was a commandement very strictly obserued throughout all the Land that the day of the feast of the Idoll Vitziliputzli they should eate no other meate but this paste with hony whereof the Idoll was made And this should be eaten at the point of day and they should drinke no water not any other thing till after noone they held it for an ill signe yea for sacrilege to doe the contrarie but after the ceremonies ended it was lawfull for them to eate any thing During the time of this ceremonie they hid the water from their little children admonishing
shewed in the Pictures And hauing so setled themselues they did chuse Tenuch for their chiefe Gouernour and Lord to gouerne them as a person especially chosen thereto and fit for it hauing in him all parts and abilitie to exercise Lordship And they appointed the other chiefe Gouernours that they should be Agents and Captaynes Gouernours vnder him And after some yeeres were passâ—d of their dwelling in that place and the people multiplyed the Citie likewise was named Mexico so named and deriued of the Mexicans calling it the place of setling of the Mexican people And when the people were some what multiplyed like bold and warlike people they tooke beginning of couragious mindes in preuayling ouer their Neighbours and so shewed themselues in force of armes whereby they subdued and made tributarie to them two Townes next adioyning to Mexico named Colhuacan and Tenaincan as likewise is set forth in the pictures the which doings passed in the time of the gouernment of the chiefe Lord Tenuch which was the space of fiftie one yeares at the end whereof he died Concerning the Pictures of blew in the margents of this Historie it is to be vnderstood that euery seuerall space or partition doth signifie one yeare and they bee the numbring of yeares it is to be vnderstood that euery seuerall space or partition signifie the one seuerall yeare and so they accounted numbred euery yeare seuerally proceeding by the number of rundles or pricks therein contained beginning at one and proceeding to thirteene rundles And from thence they began againe at the beginning in their accompt from one point or rundle and so accordingly they did proceede in numbering againe till they came to thirteene And although that in the partitions or spaces seuerally there be diuers seuerall figures yet the principall accompt of numbering is that accompt of the pictures or rundles therein contained And although the names of the yeares that they giue to euery partition from the number of the first point till the thirteenth be to some purpose yet for to aduertise the Reader thereof here is made by it selfe a declaration of the names with their interpretations In the order and rule of the partitions which are numbred for yeares that partition where there is a branch with a foote like a flower it doth signifie a bitter and vnfortunate yeare which the Mexicans had and did feare saying that their predecessours time out of minde did giue them warning that such yeares which befell euery two and fiftieth yeare were dangerous and vnfortunate and bitter yeares because that in such yeares there were floods generally and likewise darkenesse of the eclips of the Sunne and vniuersall earthquakes And likewise in such yeares they made great sacrifice and ceremonies to their gods and gaue themselues to repentance and did abstaine from all vices against the very day and houre of such a yeare In the which day generally they put out all their lights and fires till that day were past and being passed they kindled new lights being had out of a Mountaine by a Priest This is a weeke of yeares after the Mexican computation all coloured blew the Mexican names written ouer in red the first of which they call Setuchtli that is one Conie the second Omeacalt or two Canes the third Yeytecpatl three Flints the fourth Macuilituchtli which signifieth foure houses the fifth Criquacenacatl that is fiue Conies the sixth sixe Canes the seuenth seuen Flints the eight eight Houses the ninth nine Conies the tenth ten Canes the eleuenth eleuen Flints the twelfth twelue Houses the thirteenth thirteene Conies A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P Q R S T This Picture presents the number of 51. yeares that is the time of Tenuchs reigne in this wheele or square which as all the like representing yeares are in the originall picture coloured blew The pictures of men signifie the ten Lords or Gouernours before mentioned their names are inscribed in the originall pictures which here we â—aue by the letters annexed directly to a following glosse A. Acacitli B Quapan C Ocelopan D Aguexoâ—l E Tâ—cineuh F Tenuch G Xominitl H Xocoyol I Xuâ—caqui K Atotl L Tenochtitlan representing the armes which they vsed in the conquest of that place which they so intituled is M the Tunal painted greene growing out of a Rock N the Eagle O their setling or habitation P the people of Colhuacan Q Tenayncan both which Nations R Tenuch conquered by force of â—rmes as appeareth S their subiection or bringing vnder T is the blue square and Saint Andrewes crosse The former relation doth more fully lay open these things A B C D G H I E F In this figure is represented the raigne of their second Lord or King Acamapich A is the time of his reigne 21. yeeres B Acamapichtli the successor C His target and arrowes instruments of warre by force whereof he subdued these foure townes or peoples figured D Quaunahuac G Mizquic H Caitlahuac I Xochimilco E is the same Acamapichtli as a conqueror F by foure faces and ensignes shewing the men of those foure Townes to each of which is added like ensigne subdued This picture therefore doth in figures signifie that which we in letters thus IN the yeere 1377. in the said Gouernment and Lordship succeeded Acamapichtli And during his Lordship he subdued and conquered by force of armes the foure Townes contayned and named in the pictures here before which are these Quauhnahnac Misquic Cuitlaâ—aac and Xochimilco the which were tributaries to him acknowledging their subiection In the yeeres that the said Acamapich liued in the said Lordship his inclination and vse was to haue many wiues the which were daughters of all the principall men of Mexico by whom he had many sons which were the beginning and increase of many Caciques and Captaines and warlike people by meanes of whom the Citie of Mexico was enlarged and augmented in great might as is signified hereafter in the discourses by the pictures with their declarations The two pictures with their titles names of Acamapich be one same thing to diuers effects for the first sheweth his beginning and succession of the said Lordship and the second sheweth the yeere after his succession in the said Lordship when hee began to conquer and subdue the said foure Townes And in the said Lordship he had his course one and twentie yeeres at the end whereof the said Acamapich dyed and departed this present life the which said departure was in the yeere 1398. A B C D H I K L M E G F A 21. yeeres B Towne and People of Toltitlan C Quauztitlan D Chalco H Tulancinco I Xaltocan K Otunpa L Acolma M Tezcuco E The Cutter hath set letters to diuers figures whereof I can giue no interpretation and such is this except perhaps it signifieth that in his seuenth yeere he began his conquests For I doe here interpret diuers in which the Spanish is silent if the coniecture seeme easier F is
where and how made 72.10 Spoone the Russian Nobility weare at their Girdle 459.40 Spots blacke seene in the via lacteâ— where 918.40 Spring of water which conuerts it selfe into a stone kils those that drinke of it 894.20 Another Spring conuerted into white Salt ibid. Spring of fresh water in the sea 997 30. On the top of a hot Spring ibid. Springs of seuerall vertues 933.20 c. Some congealing its owne water into stone Others sending forth Pitch Others becomming good Salt Some good for the French Poxe and why Another fuming out smoke some of the Colours of Inke or Bloud 933 Spring-tydes whaâ— 930.1 Spring why it comes on a sudden in very cold Countries 415.10 Squirrels that flye 418.1 Stad in Norway 518. The latitude 52â— 30 Staffe falling this way or that way Why of old accounted a direction 657.30 Stanfew harbour where 212.10 Starres begotten of the Gods 274 30. They dye when Starres fall ibid. Seuerall Stars worshipped by the Mexicans their â—dde conceits of them 1027.40 More and greater in our Northerne Heauens then in the Indies 918 20 Starres continually seene in the day time where and when 496 50 Start Iland one of the Orkneyes 810.10 The latitude States Iland 478.10 481.30 Many Hares there ibid. The Sea frozen there 482.10 Stealing one of the eight Commandements among the Tartars 443 10 Stealing how punished amongst them 79.30 Steele-glasses where made 72 Stephanoâ—etia or Iaffi the chiefe Towne of Walachia 633.1 Sticks instead of meate-forkes 180 201.30 Stock-fish instead of Money 616 40 Stone in Groneland to make pots which the fire cannot hurt 520.1 40 Stones mighty ones in a Bridge 294 40 Stones round and hollow and fowles hanged in them 600.1 Stone-workeâ— of the Indians 1056 1.10 Stones cast out of burning Mountaines in Groneland 610.40 They make Lâ—me and walls indissoluble ibid. Stone a disease vnknowne in China 391.50 Stone Disease a remedy for it 988.20 China good for it 953 60 Stones medicinable for the Spleene Mâ—lt Kidneyes and Flixe where 867.50 Storax where it growes 959.40 Stoues in Island the manner 663.1 And in Groneland 651.40 Strangers made Slaues in Tartary 443.10 Strangers not willingly suffered in Russia 433.10 Strangers prouided against in China 197.20 Why not admitted into China 268.10 The custome of China concerning them 39â— Strangers in China haue a Gouernour â—19 50 Why so suspected there 359.30 Strangers of what sorts are admitted China 399. Being once in must not goe out againe ibid. Stratageme a fine one of distressed Tartars 102.40 Another of theirs to finde the way in the darke 107.20 Stratageme of the Tartars against the Soldan 122.60 Stratagemes of the Crim Tartars vpon the Hungarians and in their owne Inuasions 440.30 50 Of Demetrius the Russiâ—n to rayse a siege 757.10 Of the Spaniaâ—ds to follow one another in the darke vnseene to their Enemies 983.20 Of the Mexicans 1016 50. A prety story vpon that 1017.1 Streame of Riuers still aboue and swift at the bottome 1056.30 Streets plâ—nked and not paued 419 10 Streight of land but eight leagues betweene the North and South Seas Streights Magellane are not Streights but broken Ilands Streights of Florida but imagination 929 Streight of Mecca or the Red Sea 252.50 in marg Stromo one of the Ilands of Farre 582.10 Students free from tribute 381 10 Sturgeons store and cheape in Russia 231.10 233.1 30 Style of the Russian Emperour his and his Subiects pride in it Quarrels for not repeating it all 421.40 50 Style ridiculous of the great Chans Letters 45.50 c. 46 Style of the King of China 254 40 256.1 258.40 260 20 Su-moal 40 Su in Tartarian is water Subo the Iland 285.50 Christiaâ—â— ibid. Sucana Riuer 224.1 Succuir the City described 164.30 Suceu in China another Venice 343.10 Described ibid. Sucheo in China the incredible trading there and tribute it payes 363.20 Sueui Hiberi the people in Tartaria not subiect to the Tartars 2.20 Sugar cheape in China 365.10 great store 411.20 Sugar-houses in China 270.20 Sugar how refined 101.30 Sugar-canes first carried to the West Indies 860.60 Suiskoy the Russe takes part against Demetrius the Impostor is taken and pardoned by him 757.40 Conspires against Demetrius kils him 763.10 His Oration to the Lords he â—s chosen Emperour of Russia 763.50 764.40 His care of the English ibid. His letters to King Iames describing his Predecessours Acts 765. Other writings of his name ibid. in margine Iâ—â—eighâ—s against the King of Poland ibid. 766.767 Cals himselfe Vaâ—lâ— Euanowâ—ch 769.10 Crowned ibid. Chosen by lot and the manner of it 769.60 Makes away the Nobility and consults with Witches Sends an Embassage into Poland to complaine and threaten Aided by the English and Sweden 770. 771. A second Impostor Demetrius sâ—t vp against him 770. Forsaken he renounces the Empire it giuen into the hands of the Pole who imprisons him in Poland where he dyes 780 Sumbreroâ—es vsed in China 394 40 Sumerkent or Astracan the Village vpon Volga in 46. degrees of latitude 48. marg Sumhepadan a Riuer 260.50 Summer and winter when they beginne and end in Brasill 903 40 Summer and Autumne not discernable in the Ilands of Barlouente and why 938.10 Sunne and Moone vsed for Engsignes by the Tartars 82.1.40 Sunne is the Chinois chiefe Deity 148.30 The King stiles himselfe Lord of the World and Child of the Sâ—nne 152.50 The Ceremonies performed to it by the Chinois before their Feasts 302.20 Sunne worshipped in Groneland 820.10 Adored by the Mexicans 1027.10 Pretily denyed by an Indian 1028.40 His Image 1032 Sunne seene both night and day in Noua Zembla where it beginnes to doe so 505.1 Sunne fiue Degrees 35. Minutes high at midnight 574. seuen degrees high in what heigth of the Pole 575.20 576.40 580 Sunne going downe North and rising North North-east where and when 596.30 Sunne but little aboue the Horizon in Winter where and when 494 20.30 Where it riseth and setteth there ibid. When it appeared no more there ibid. The Moone after that seene continually ibid. When the Sunne began to appeare againe 499 60. A Philosophicall discourse vpon it 500 Sunnes three foure Raine-boweâ— at once 483.10 Suoliâ—tan in Persia 70.50 Supererrogation beleeued in China 271.10 Superstitious Religion best agrees with tyrannicall gouernment 422 10 Surgouâ— Towne vpon the Riuer Ob what Nations trade thither 552.10 The Russian Emperours Customes of Merchants there for one yeare ibidem Surplâ—sse the Priests in Russia â—iâ—ested with it at their Ordination 447.50 And worne in Seruice time at Church 448 Swallowes found in the bottome of the Sea which reuiued at the fire 626.1 Sweden Villanage 631.10 They sell their Tenants Daughters for Salt ibid. Swiftnesse admirable in some Tartars 33.50 Swords of wood with edges of flint 1129.40 Their strength and making ibid. Sword-fish described 988.30 T TAbab a mightie Riuer 526 1 Tabasco Prouince in the West Indies the tribute of Cacao paid by the
of Pinega Sharkai Gooba which is the great Bay of Hayuburi They land the third time A great Riuer Flote-wood A sore tyde vpon the shoare Cape Swetinos William Gourdan goeth on shoare Two Russe Crosses A deepe Bay Westward of Cape Swetinos They goe on Land againe An house of Wood. They goe on Land the sixth time Aâ—undance of Muskitos Crosses found and cerâ—ayne Russes at the mouth of Pechora The depth of the Bâ—â—re of the Riuer of Pechora They passe ouer the Barre and ride in six fathoms wâ—ter They â—oe vp the Riuer of Pechora ouer The Dâ—y Sea Dâ—lgoi is seuen leagues vp from the Barre The Boluan or East head land of the Riuer Pechora The channell trendeth South-west An Iland neere the mouth of the Riuer They find one of the chiefest entrances of the Riuer They come to a Ferme house of a principall man of the Towne The Towne is called Pustozera Pechora runneth through Siberia and farther Two Coches or Lodias bound for Mougunzea He buyeth two Falcons The stocke of goods left in Pustozera 24. Lodias bound for Mugunzea which is to the Eastward of Ob. They safely passe the Barre of Pechora Colgoienâ— Iland 69. degrees 20. minutes Falcons 70 degrees 40. minutes 72. degrees 34 minutes 74. degrees 30. minutes 74. degrees 57. minutes They arriue at Cherie Iland 30. Lodias 50. Cayucks or fishing Boats haunâ—ing the Riuer Pechora They arriue in the Port of Pechoraâ—he â—he ninth of Iuly Two Crosses standing on the sand Pinega Ship endangered by Ice Our men arriue at Towne of Pechora People afraid of the English White Partridges and Foxes Commodities The Fleet of Mongosey of 26. Lodias Or Mongal From Pechora to Colmogro is a moneths trauel by Riuer Small Pewter Dishes a great commoditie August 1. Huge Ice Omeli Fishing They land on the I le of Colgoiene Geese Two Hawkes taken Cherie Iland Thomas Edge See sup c. 2. Morses fearefull August 26. Pechora Oustiug A Poud is 37. pound or the third part of a hundred weight An Alteen is fiue of their Pence a Groat of ours A great fishing of Salmons beginning the first of August Trauelling Deere Fish in stead of Bread Oust Zilma Perm Elephants teeth whence and which way Dolgoie Iland in the Soosoie Mora The Boluanou Matpheyoue Ostroue Youhorskoie Share The Meedanetskoie Zauorot where Hainburie is The two Ilands called Zelentsee or the Greene Ilands Dolgoie Ostroue or the Long Iland Karskoie Gooba Meastnoy Ostroue or Meastnoy Iland A Riuer Mootnoya Reca or the Thicke or troubled Riuer Two Lakes The Nâ—uoloke or Ouer-hall Zelenoy Osera or The Greene Lake Zelenoya Reca or The Greene Riuer falleth into Ob. The Riuer Ob. The Zauorot in the Riuer of Ob. Tawze Reca Taes Tawze Gorodoc or Castle Mongosey The Samoyede on the Mayne ouer against Vaygats trauell in the Winter to Mongosey We may learn of these Samoyeds the trade of Mongosey at Mezen more perfectly Mezen a Town of great traffick for Furres Mezen Peozareca Peaskanoy Nauoloc Oust-selma Pustozera The Boluanou Pechora The former part of the Voyage is omitted to auoide tedious repetition Toxar Pustozera Iuly Cola in Lappia Arkania Molgomsey Pole baptized Russe Frost in August Slobodca Mart. Iugoria Sunne returneth Generall Fast for three dayes very strict Russes fraud February Samoyeds quarrell Variation The report of a Russe a great Traueller of the way from Pechora to Ob. Medemskoy Zouorot Zyelensa two Ilands Breit-vinnose Socolia Lowdia A long Point From Medemskoy Zauorot to Ob is 16. dayes sayling An Iland Ob is full of Ilands broad and shoald The people of Pechora and the Russes are vnwilling that we should goe to Ob. The Riuer Yenisce Samoyeds Horses Ploughes The Riuer of the Tingusseys Tangut mentioned by Polo a large Kingdom Northward from Cathay or China The Riuer Pâ—sida Gunnes March Pâ—stozera in 68. degrees 30. or 35. minutes Aprill The report of a Permack Yenissey beyond it the land trendeth due East Pesida Riuer Catonga Riuer runneth out of Cathay Stones like Gold and Siluer in the mid-way betweene Pisida and Catonga May. The Riuer Ice breakes vp Foure dayes iourney betweene Pustozer and Oust-zilma Oust-zilma is in 66. degrees 30. minutes there grow faire Barley and Rie Iune 17. Soymas depart for Molgomsey Iuly Tom combustion Intelligence of the Countrey Course of Pechora Modeneskoy zauorot Meastnoy Ostroue Scola Lowdia Yowgarkoy shar Carskoy Gouba Mowtnoy a Riuer Sharrappa Shar Yowcozoua Naromzia Riuer Ob. Zylena Riuer Taz Zauorot Taz Riuer An Iland in the mouth of Taz The Towne Powre Riuer An Iland called Trowgan The Riuer Hâ—utike runneâ—h out of Cathay August They depart from Pustozera Gloubocke in 69 degrees 12. minutes Collocolcoua Mezyou Sharry Oliuer Brunell Indiga September Knocke Iohn Danieloue Stolbe Churua Nose Arkania Colmogro This piece of an Elephants Tooth was sent into England The Sea Naromzie In another Letter from Pechora August 16. Chrystall vpon the Vaygats Yowgorsky Shar Cara Reca Moetnaia Reca The Voloc or necke of Land Zelena Reca Obi Riuer Taes Riuer Yenissey Riuer Tinguissey a people A White Citie Great ringing of Bels. Horses People in Armour They are not farre from Cataia and China They were first receiued into a Permacks House August Nouember His Voyage ouer-land to Slobotca and Colmogro Mountaynes Cameni or Rockes He arriueth at Slobotca the 9. of December in 16. dayes Thomas Ligon He arriueth at Colmogro the 12. of Decemb. Snow bettereth their Trauell The fourth of Ianuarie Mosse food for the Deere The manner of trauelling with the Samoieds Their Tents Hard-soft lodging Poore Samoieds Dangerous Wolues Slobotca Trade with the Samoieds of Ougoria Eight or nine hundred Samoieds come to Pustozera The false suggestions of the Russes against vs. March Aprill 1612. May 20. the Ice brake vp Our men intreated to winter at Oust-zilma Oust-zilma Iune 3. Sixteene Soymas depart for Molgomsey Fishing for Bealugos vnder the Boluan Manner of killing them The Russes vpon the Ice vse to kill the Morse as they doe their Bealugo but their rope is longer and a barreâ—â— made fast at one end to buoy it Samoieds pouertie Bealugo made meate in Italie Iuly 13. A Boate sent by Riuer to Pustozera to fetch home Master Logan and his Company into Russia August The Gloubuc Promoi Coskoi September North-west windes cause high Tides on this Coast. Much Snow Candinos Danilo Stolb in Lapland Archangel Colmogro Medeniskoie Barre Vaygats Iland The Riuer Ob. The Riuer Tas Molgomsey a great Mart. Ougoria and Naromzai Store of Morsses They returne from Ougoria in Ianuarie Moetnaia Reca Zelenai Reca Ob Reca Tas Riuer An Iland in the mouth of Tas A Towne A necke of Land The Riuer Torowhan The Riuer Hawtick The Riuer of the Tingussies Two or three Riuers from Tingussie to the mouth of Yenisce The Riuer Pisida The Riuer Catowga Ships with two or three sailes Horses about the Riuer Catowga Bereseua Verchio-towria Tumen Tobolsca Surgout Tom. Many Nations come downe the
44. minutes ofâ—sland â—sland Snaeland Naddoc first Discouerer Farre Ilands Gardar second Discouerer A.D. 864. Gardarsholme Floco third Discouerer Rauen Guides The name Island of Ice Island is not Thule Thule furthest of the Brittish Iles. * The Author proceedeth in this disputation further then our Reader perhaps would permit vs. The learned and curious may there find enough and more yet in Ortelius his both Thesaurus and Theatrum who proueth out of Pompenius Ptolemaeus and Procopius that Island is not Thule but as the name sounds Tylemarke a Region in Norway or all Scandia of which that is a part still retaining the name The Circuit * Harald Harefagre finding many pâ—ttie Princes made an absolute Monarchy of Norway wherupon some sought to free themselues by new discoueries and hence arose the plantation of Island A.D. 874. Ingulfus Rash vowes and bloudie quarrells ensuing Island first inhabited A 874 Superstition First houses Island had anciently fairer houses then now hauing Timber from Norway c. likewise Tillage was then in vse Hiorleifus slain Westmafrar and Westmen Woods Bels and Crosses Chap. 3. Of the language of the Nation Islanders only retaine the ancient Gottish Two kindes of letters Island Grammarian Norus of whom Norway is named Chap. 4. Of the first Inhabitants of the North parts of the world Thorro Fermotus Goe Gorus * This Odinus is said to haue made his plantation with his Asian followers about four and twentie yeeres before Christ was borne Earth-bred or Land-sprung men which had their originall in that Land Giants first inhabiters of the Northerne parts of the World Their originall from the Cananites A long discourse of the Authour to proue that there haue bin Giants iâ— omitted Giants in the time of Haraldus Harefayre and since 1338. a Giant reported of 15. Cubits Iuâ—land Chap. 5. Of their Customes and manner of life Separate dwellings Houses Fewell Turfes of two sorts both vsed in England the one in fennie the other in heath grounds Einarus the Inuenter of Turfe-fewel in the Orcades Stoues Greater houses in Island in old times Victuals and Husbandry Tillage anciently in vse Beasts Fowle Fish Drinke Whay Mead. Ale Chap. 6. Of their Common-wealth Religion Seats of Iustice and Religion Idols Por and Thors day Freyr Niordur and As. Odinus the same that Woden in our Saxon storie Odinus Odin or Oden by his Sorcery which made him a Deuill made a God Wodnesday or Wednesday The Altar Holy water sprinkle Holy Ring Sacrifices Humane-inhumane sacrifices Deuill-circle Of this place and these cries of the children confused with sounds of instruments and the vnnaturall horror Hell was called Gehenna and Tophet Chap. 7. Of Magistrates and Courts A Magistrate who Care of the Poore Lawes against Beggars Inordinate men Our tithings and hundreds in their originall had some resemblance thereof Lawes of Almes A.D. 1609. Secund. Comput Ang. * The Main-sayle without a Bonnet * The Fore-sayle without a Bonnet Hamersound in Shotland North Cape in 71. degrees 20. minutes May the second Chery Iland Ice The sixt day of May wee were in 74. degrees 7. minutes Abundance of Ice 74. degrees 15. minutes variation 13. degrees 30. minutes The Lyonesse was sent to Chery Iland * As Cobodines wildgeese and Willocks Ice Much raine Land the 16. day of May. Note 76. degrees 50 minutes Pole height Variation 16. degrees The North point westerly Rockes Mohorses or Morses Hornsound Muscouy Mount For these places see Captain Edges Map Ice point Bell point Point partition The ayre temperate· Lownesse I le Lowsound The Sounds season Very thicke fogs Extreame cold weather Sailes frozen Black-point I le Cape-cold Ice-sound Faire weather Fayer-forland No fish In all this land by the sea side is good store of Drift-wood but none groweth here N. Wood cock Whale-fins Hope of a Polate passage Knotty-point Thirty day of May. Foule-sound Deere-sound Close-Coue Ice Gornerd-nose Note Iune A Beare slaine Foure Deere slaine His name was Tho. Whiteman A Beare slaine A crosse set vp Crosse-road A good Road for all winds There is great store of Fowle in this Land A Buck slaine Three Deere slaine A fawne taken Beares slaine Mohorses White fishes Fiue Deere * Isa. 45.18 Two Beares and two Deere slaine Crosse-road in 79. degres 15 minutes Compasse vary 18. degrees 16. minutes Ice Great store of Whales Fiue Deere slaine Faier-Hauen Abundance of Ice 79. degrees 50. minutes the Latitude of Gornerds nose The fâ—rthest place of my being this Voyage This Vnicorns horne is the Horne of a fish of which sâ—e after in Baffins discouery Ten Beares slaine Fiue Deere slaine A yong beare taken A Beare slaine Take heede of this point A Bucke slaine A Beare slaine A Bucke Iuly the first 78 degrees 24. mitutes var. 17. W. Two Deere slaine Greene-harbour one Deere slaine Ice A Beare slaine two yong ones taken Ice A dead Whale Three Beares slaine Three Deeres slaine A Beare with two young ones taken Fiue Deere slaine Two Beares slaine Sea-coales Three Bucks slaine No good chanell A Beare slaine A fat Bucke And although I haue not written of the farnesse of the rest yet the most of them were two and three inches thicke of fat My departure from the land Ice A fish seene Ice fogs two of the greatest hinderances in the Northerne Nauigations I stood 〈◊〉 England In 62. degrees 15. minutes The Coluidine is as big as a Mallard the male is neerer of the colour and the female browne Poole entertayned by a certaine stipend He was as I haue heard miserably and basely murthered betwixt Ratclâ—ffe and London after his returne from this Voyage Further discouerie to the North. Thomas Edge See sup l. 3 c. 2. Cherie Iland Agreement with a Tanner for Morses hides Aduentures and losses in first Discoueries Sixe Biscainers procured for killing of the Whale as I haue heard by Woodcocks aduise who had liued and been imployed with them in Grand Bay c. * This was a conceit as if all places had choiâ—e of all kindes which experience hath since taught otherwise See of the kinds of Whales sup· 471. I haue added this to be compared with that for further light Spermaceti or Permaciti as the vulgar call it Ambergreese The rest as not so necessary to the publike is omitted Foure Ships See Sup. l. 3. The Ships separated Cherie Iland Crosse Rode Ice a hinderance to Whale killing and discouery 80. Degrees New discouery Hold with Hope Sâ—ore of Whales Cherie Iland Three hundred Moâ—ses Mary Margaret lost Ship of Hull Double danger They returne homeward September 3. Orkney Ilands Pentlow Fryth in 58. degrees 36. minutes Many fat Deere white Beares white grey and dun Foxes Abundance of sundry Fowles Allen a deuouring Fowle Many huge Morses Chery Iland Blacke point Great store of Whales Cape Cold. Foule Sound Faire Foreland The Diana of London Dutch Merchant brake his necke Six Biscayners Iune The Marmaduke Marmadukes Discouerie to 82. degrees Woodcock Pilot
of a Biscay ship The fourth and fifth Whales killed The sixt whale killed Three hundred Morses Biscainers enuie The seuenth Whale killed The eight Whale killed The ninth and tenth Whales killed The eleuenth twelfth and thirteenth Whales killed Ascension day Greenland attayned in eighteene dayes A ship of Saint Iohn de Luz Eight Spaniards on the coast The Generall was Captaine Beniamin Ioseph after slaine in fight with a Carrike Dutch ship No night the 23. of May. Diuers strangers Lat. 78. deg 24. minut Ship of Biscay Snowe Greene harbour Low sound His Maiesties Armes and a Crosse set vp at Low-nesse Snowe Thomas Bonner English man Master and Pilot. 76. deg 55. min. declination 67. deg 30. min. Variation 12. deg 14. min. Abundance of Ice An Iland in 72 degrees on the Coast of Groinland Three and twentie whales killed A man slaine Latitude 78. deg 7. min. Note A South South west Moone maketh a full Sea here A Biscayn ship of 700. tuns Many rockes full of Fowle Lisets Ilands Eighteene Whales killed Three Whales killed by the English Eight thirtie Whales killed August 1. Latitude 77. degrees 40. minutes Variation 13. degrees 11. minutes Latitude 79. degrees 14. minutes This was Maâ— Cudners ship of London Latitude 79. degrees 8. minutes Sunnes refraction Note M. Cudner of London William Gourdon Variation 1. degree 5. min. Rost Ilands or Rosten 68. dâ—g no min. Thâ— variâ—tion 4 degrees 8. minutes East Variation 5. dâ—g 3. minutes East The lying of the land about Scoutsnesse We went forth to Sea We met with Ice in 75. deg 10. minutes Eleuen Sayles fast in the Ice M. Th. Sherwin Iune We goe cleere off the Ice Wee met with the Mary An-Sarah We came to the Fore land We proceeded to the Northwards Maudlen Sound Hackluyts Head-land We anchoreâ— in Maudlen Sound I went forth in a shallop We set sayle out of Maudlen Sound and followed the Ice Prince Charles Iland in 78. degrees 40. minutes Wee stood againe for shoare Eleuen Holland ships We anchored in Sir T. Smiths Bay We went forth of Sir T. Smiths Bay We were driuen backe againe into Crosse-road We set sayle out of Crosse-road One shallop to the Northward The other into Maudlen Sound The Kings Armes set vp in Trinitie Harbour Trinitie Harbor is vnder the parallel of 79. degrees 34. minutes We came to an anchor in Faire Hauen No Whales were yet come in The shallop returned from the Northwards Cape Barrèn Saddle Iland A Storme Iulie The Whales began now to come in Two Whales escaped We came forth of Faire hauen We met with Ice and stood to the Northwards Our Shallop came to vs. We returned towards Faire hauen We intended to discouer in Shallops I went forth in the one Shallop Master Baffin came to me in the other Shallop Red-beach Wee hailed our Shallop vpon the Ice We returned to our Shallop We were vnder saile and came to an anchor againe We killed a Whale August We went to the Northwards with our Shallops We got to the shoare of Red Beach with out Shallops We walked ouer Red-beach The Kings armes are set vp at Wiches Sound We passed ouer Wiches Sound We found Beach Finâ— We met with the Hartsease Shallop Note The end of Sir Thomas Smiths Inlet discouered We returned towards our Ship A storme began when we were amongst Ice We get forth of the Ice We came aboord our ship The Holland Discouerers go homewards Our Ship went forth to Sea We met with Ice eight leagues from the Shore We plyed off and on the Ice two dayes Wee anchored againe in the North Harbor I went to the Eastwards in a shallop Ice was newly frozen in Red-cliffe Sound I intended to go once to Point Desire A great snow began I could not passe for Ice The originall cause of Ice at Sea I went backe againe to Red-beach I returned towards our ship Point Welcome The Kings Armes are set vp againe at Point Welcome I went into Red cliffe Sound Point Deceit I came aboord our ship A Whale lay sunken fourteene dayes The Hartseasâ— anchored by vs. Warme weather in the end of August We set sayle to the Eastward The Thomasinâ— returnes for England We stood to the westwards Wee met with Ice We left the Ice and came for England A storme beganne A Corpo Santo It is often seen at the end of stormes Hackluyts Headland Perill and escape Note Errour of Grouland Fogges High Hill Drift wood Note Sir T. Smiths Iland Mount Hackluyt Hudsons Hold-with-hope questioned as before also Ships of the King of Denmarke Terrible Disaster Flemmings Peter Goodford drowned Cold and heate strangely variable Tobacco lighted by the Sun at midnight Gods mercy to England whiles warres haue infested thâ— rest of the World A. Thuan-bister l. 135. Iam. 3. Exod. 1. Al. Gwagninâ— descript Mosc George brother to the Emperor done to death Hee addes principal Nobles here omitted * 700. women at one time 378. prisoners at another 500. Matrons and Virgins of noble bloud exposed to be rauished by the Tartars in his sight at another time c. * A Secretarie cutting off his priuities he died presently which the Emperour construing to be done purposely caused him there instantly to eate whâ—t he had cut off * Or Theodor Sir Ierom Horsey The death of Iuan Vasiliwich 1584. April 18. Lord Boris adopted as the Emperors third sonne The day of Pheodor his coronation Iohn de Wale Chare Sibersky Prince of Siberia taken prisoner brought to Mosco Sophet Keri Alli King of the Crims arriuall at Mosco The new Emperor Pheodore Iuanowich his Lâ—tters and Requests to the Queene Master Horseys voyage from Mosco to England ouer land 1586. Thuan. hist. lib. 120. Diuorce vrged D. Fl. S.I.H. Boris his plot Thuan. hist. lib. 135. sec. Demetrius slain some tell that one pretended his colâ—er stood awry in mending it cut his throate * It was in the Northern parts at Duglets * Some write that he caused diuers places in Mosco to be fiâ—red and then afterwards out of his owne cost repaired them D. Flet. Death of Theodore The Empresse succeedeth Russians vse of fortie dayes mourning for an Emperours death The Queene turneth Nun. Boris his willing vnwillingnesse Boris his speech Boris Emperor His Wife Son Daughter Tartars Russian New yeere Boris crowned His policies P. Basman * Where the censorious bitternesse also seemeth too much to insult on Bâ—ris his dâ—sasters Tedious Title Strange request His audience P. Basman Emperours glorie Princes splendour Pollaxes Counsell and Nobilitie Plate Dining roomâ— Change of Rayment Two hundred Nobles guests Three hundred noble Seruitors Garlike and Onions Drinkes Meads Memory of Q. Elizabeth Gifts Newes of Demetrius Princes pomp Peter Basman Oucsinia the Princesse Second audience Citizens Souldiers Golden Seale Great dinner Ambassadors departure Sled-passage Emperor Boriâ— his death New christened Emperors person His respect to his sonne * Because he had done more for him then might lawfully be commanded
These Gouernours therefore in that they had the charge of holy Mysteries were Priests in that they had to doe with the Court of Iustice and Iudgement they were Iudges we call them Noble-men in this place and the state of the Common-wealth gouerned by their ouersight an Aristocratie The same are called by our Country-men Godar and Hoffsgodar from the Church or Temple which is Hoff as it were Ouer-seers of the Church and their Office or Dignitie was called Godord to wit their name being next deriued from their Ethnick gods which they called God that euen by the name it selfe they who almost represented the Name and Office of the Gods might bee put in minde of the Vertues Wisdome and Iustice c. requisite in such a Gouernour And that they might shew themselues such I suppose the same place was appointed to iudgements of the seate of Iustice which was ordained for Sacred Mysteries to wit at the foresaid Temples And also therefore because the place of holy Mysteries was religiously thought fitter for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or the taking of good counsell whereof there is especiall vse in the Court of Iustice. Moreouer the Prouinciall Gouernours had their two-fold assemblies as the Rappagogi had yeerely or ordinary meetings and proclaimed or extraordinary any necessitie requiring those former assemblies containing many dayes vid. Kaâ—pb cap. 8. Torn Log. and that as it is likely assembled by some signe of holding a meeting as we haue already said of Reppagogies which surely what it was in times past is not well knowne vnlesse it were that which afterwards and yet remaineth in vse the forme of a Noruegian axe of Wood carried about after the same manner among the prouinciall Citizens as we said a little before of the woodden crosse This token of the Iudiciall Court is called Bod in our language which signifieth a message Moreouer euery one paid some yearely tribute or reuenue to the Temples whereof the Guardian or Ouerseer of the Church was the Collector for speaking of holy mysteries pertaining to the Church I call euery Noble man so To him also came the penaltie of the Temple and Court of Iustice prophaned who likewise ought to maintaine the Temple or keepe it in reparations at his owne charge Lastly the necessity and specially care to amend and make good whatsoeuer damage done vnto the Prouince or to foresee and preuent it being imminent vsing the helpe of the Prouincials lay wholly vpon him so that for the destroying of Theeues and publique Robbers you may finde some who were prodigall of their owne life Contrarily it is a lamentable case how at this day we see it euery where come to passe where they make a great conscience to condemne a notorious Theefe by the Law or any other conuicted once or twice of any capitall crime much more to put him to death These are the Gouernours of Prouinces The Nomophylaces or Iustices follow The Nomophylax was the other kinde of the superiour Magistrate somewhat later then these of which sort in the whole auncient Citie of Island for we yet describe it at one and the same time there was onely one who of pronouncing or deliuering the Law was called Logmann and Logsogumann For the Commonwealth began not suddenly but by little and little to be framed therefore the Prouinciall Lawes were first of the like meaning though peraduenture not euery where the same before they had them compact and gathered into one body which when they attained for the custody and preseruation of the same they admitted trustie and wise men whom I call Nomophylaces and whose Office I shall very well describe in the words of D. Nicolaus Cragius declaring the Office of the Spartan Nomophylaces The Office of the Nomophylaces saith D. Cragius Li. 2. cap. 6. de Repub. Lacedaem was as we perceiue by the matter it selfe to haue charge of the custody and preseruation of Lawes for the benefit of the Common-wealth and that they should not suffer them to be abolished changed or taken away by any Moreouer they indeuoured that the force of the Lawes might not grow out of vse or the memory thereof be forgotten but they compelled the Magistrates to the often obseruation of them and execution of their dutie And further we may thinke these very men were the interpreters of Lawes if peraduenture any thing doubtfully set downe or hardly vnderstood should come in disputation This Cragius writeth the same which I doe of ours adding this that they had some manner of authority in their power together with the rest of the Nobility of changing renewing Lawes and also inlarging them as it were Orators and Counsellours the consent of the people being added Therefore the Nomophylaces or chiefe Iustices tooke nothing away from the forme of an Aristocratie but were as hath beene said before Interpreters and preseruers of the Law armed with publique authority for this purpose in whose power also the custody of the Booke of the Lawes remained But I dare proceede no further with our Author in his Law Suites and Courts lest I be therein detained with Demurs and tedious delaies I am a Traueller and howsoeuer I haue not so much for Island as for the knowledge of the Arctoan antiquities waded thus farre I will not tire the Reader further but remit the more curious to the Author himselfe who hath added much of their Lawes and a whole Booke of their auncient Grands and another of their Kings both here omitted The Kings of Norway began to haue dominion in Island A. 1261. diuers immunities reserued which Kingdome descending vpon Margaret by her was linked with that of Denmarke and so hath continued aboue 200. yeares ENGLISH NORTHERNE NAVIGATIONS AND DISCOVERIES RELATIONS OF GREENELAND GROENLAND THE NORTH-WEST PASSAGE AND OTHER ARCTIKE REGIONS WITH LATER RVSSIAN OCCVRRENTS THE FOVRTH BOOKE CHAP. I. A Voyage set forth by the Right Worshipfull Sir THOMAS SMITH and the rest of the Muscouie Company to Cherry Iland and for a further discouerie to be made towards the North-Pole for the likelihood of a Trade or a passage that way in the Ship called the Amitie of burthen seuentie tuns in the which I IONAS POOLE was Master hauing fourteene men and one boy A.D. 1610. THE first of March 1609. I wayed at Black-wall and went to Grauesend The third day I went downe to the Noore-head The ninth wee wayed and put out to Sea blessed bee God and by the fifteenth day I was in the Bay of Rosse on the Coast of Norway in Latitude 65. degrees at what time the wind came Northerly and blew extreame fierce with great store of Snow and Frost The sixteenth day wee had the like weather and winds so that wee could not maintaine a mayne-course and we lost some of our Beere The seuenteenth day we had Snow and all the Beak-head was so laden with Ice that it seemed a firme lumpe and the wind at North which blew so fierce that we could