we came to the point thereof That Land turning to the Westward we ranne along sixteene leagues North-west then comming into a faire Bay we went on Land with our Boat which place was vninhabited but yet it appeared vnto vs that the people had beene there by crosses and other signes from thence we went all along the coast Westward The fourth day of September we lost sight of Land by reason of contrarie windes and the eighth day we descried Land againe Within two dayes after we lost the sight of it then running West and by South about thirtie leagues we gat the sight of Land againe and bare in with it vntill night then perceiuing it to bee a lee shoare we gat vs into the Sea to the end to haue Sea roome The twelfth of September wee haled to shoare-ward againe hauing then indifferent winde and weather then being neere vnto the shoare and the tide almost spent wee came to an anchor in thirtie fathoms water The thirteenth day we came along the coast which lay North-west and by West and South-east and by East The fourteenth day we came to an anchor within two leagues off the shoare hauing sixtie fathoms There wee went ashoare with our Boat and found two or three good Harbours the Land being rocky and high but as for people could we see none The fifteenth day we ran still along the coast vntill the seuenteenth day then the winde being contrarie vnto vs we thought it best to returne vnto the Harbour which we had found before and so we bare roomer with the same howbeit wee could not accomplish our desire that day The next day being the eighteenth we entred into the Hauen and there came to an anchor at six fathoms This Hauen runneth into the Mayne about two leagues and is in bredth halfe a league wherein were very many Seale-fishes and other great fishes and vpon the Mayne wee saw Beares great Deere Foxes and diuers strange beasts as Guloines and such other which were to vs vnknowne and also wonderfull Thus remayning in this Hauen the space of a weeke seeing the yeere farre spent and also very euill weather as Frost Snow and Hayle as though it had beene the deepe of Winter wee thought best to winter there Wherefore we sent out three men South South-west to search if they could finde people who went three dayes iourney but could finde none after that we sent other three West-ward foure dayes iourney which also returned without finding any people Then sent we three men South-east three dayes iourney who in like sort returned without finding of people or any similitude of habitation The Riuer or Hauen wherein Sir Hugh Willoughby with the companie of his two ships perished for cold is called Arzina in Lapland neere vnto Kegor But it appeareth by a Will found in a ship that Sir Hugh Willoughby and most of the companie were aliue in Ianuary 1554. A Letter of RICHARD CHANCELLOR written to his Vncle Master CHRISTOPHER FROTHINGAM touching his discouerie of Moscouia FOrasmuch as it is meet and necessarie for all those that minde to take in hand the trauell into strange Countries to endeauour themselues not onely to vnderstand the orders commodities and fruitfulnesse thereof but also to apply them to the setting forth of the same whereby it may incourage others to the like trauell therefore haue I now thought good to make a briefe rehearsall of the orders of this my trauell in Russia and Muscouia and other Countries thereunto adioyning because it was my chance to fall with the North parts of Russia before I came towards Moscouia I will partly declare my knowledge therein Russia is very plentifull both of Land and People and also wealthie for such commodities as they haue They be very great fishers for Salmons and small Cods they haue much Oyle which wee call Trane Oyle the most whereof is made by a Riuer called Dâ—ina They make it in other places but not so much as there They haue also a great trade in seething of salt water To the North part of that Countrey are the places where they haue their Furres as Sables Marterns greesse Beuers Foxes white blacke and red Minkes Ermines Miniuer and Harts There are also a fishes teeth which fish is called a Morsse The takers thereof dwell in a place called Postesora which bring them vpon Harts to Lampas to sell and from Lampas carrie them to a place called Colmogro where the high Market is holden on Saint Nicolas day To the West of Colmogro there is a place called Gratanoue in our language Nouogorode where much fine Flaxe and Hempe groweth and also much Waxe and Honie The Dutch Merchants haue a Staple-house there There is also great store of Hides and at a place called Plesco and thereabout is great store of Flaxe Hempe Waxe Honie and that Towne is from Colmogro one hundred and twentie miles There is a place called Vologda the commodities whereof are Tallow Waxe and Flaxe but not so great plentie as is in Gratanoue From Vologda to Colmogro there runneth a Riuer called Duina and from thence it falleth into the Sea Colmogro serueth Gratanoue Vologda and the Mosco with all the Countrey thereabout with Salt and salt Fish From Vologda to Iereslaue is two hundred miles which Towne is very great The commodities thereof are Hides and Tallow and Corne in great plentie and some Waxe but not so plentifull as in other places The Mosco is from Ieraslaue two hundred miles The Countrey betwixt them is very well replenished with small Villages which are so well filled with people that it is wonder to see them the ground is well stored with Corne which they carrie to the Citie of Mosco in such abundance that it is wonder to see it You shall meet in a morning seuen or eight hundred Sleds comming or going thither that carrie Corne and some carrie fish You shall haue some that carrie Corne to the Mosco and some that fetch Corne from thence that at the least dwell a thousand miles off and all their carriage is on Sleds Those which come so farre dwell in the North parts of the Dukes Dominions where the cold will suffer no Corne to grow it is so extreme They bring thither Fishes Furres and Beasts skinnes In those parts they haue but small store of Cattell The Mosco it selfe is great I take the whole Towne to be greater then London with the Suburbes but it is very rude and standeth without all order Their houses are all of timber very dangerous for fire There is a faire Castle the walls whereof are of bricke and very high they say they are eighteene foot thicke but I doe not beleeue it it doth not so seeme notwithstanding I doe not certainly know it for no stranger may come to view it The one side is ditched and on the other side runneth a Riuer called Mosâ—ua which runneth into Tartarie and so into the Sea called
hot that it would scald a Fowle From hence the first of Iune we put to Sea for Groneland but to the West wee saw Land as we thought for which we beare the best part of a day but it proued but a foggie banke So wee gaue it ouer and made for Gronland which we raysed the fourth of Iune Vpon the Coast thereof hung good store of Ice so that our Master could not attayne to the shoare by any meanes The Land in this part is very Mountaynous and full of round Hils like to Sugar-loaues couered with snow We turned the Land on the South side as neere as the Ice would suffer vs. Our course for the most part was betweene the West and North-west till we raysed the Desolations which is a great Iland in the West part of Groneland On this Coast we saw store of Whales and at one time three of them came close by vs so as wee could hardly shunne them then two passing very neere and the third going vnder our ship wee receiued no harme by them praysed bee God From the Desolations our Master made his way North-west the wind being against him who else would haue gone more to the North but in this course we saw the first great Iland or Mountayne of Ice whereof after we saw store About the latter end of Iune we raysed Land to the North of vs which our Master tooke to bee that Iland which Master Dauis setteth downe in his Chart. On the West side of his Streight our Master would haue gone to the North of it but the wind would not suffer him so we fell to the South of it into a great Rippling or ouer-fall of current the which seâ—teth to the West Into the current we went and made our way to the North of the West till we met with Ice which hung on this Iland Wherefore our Master casting about cleered himselfe of this Ice and stood to the South and then to the West through store of floting Ice and vpon the Ice store of Seales We gained a cleere Sea and continued our course till wee meete Ice first with great Ilands and then with store of the smaller sort Betweene them we made our course North-west till we met with Ice againe But in this our going betweene the Ice we saw one of the great Ilands of Ice ouerturne which was a good warning to vs not to come nigh them nor within their reach Into the Ice wee put ahead as betweene two Lands The next day we had a storme and the wind brought the Ice so fast vpon vs that in the end we were driuen to put her into the chiefest of the Ice and there to let her lie Some of our men this day fell sicke I will not say it was for feare although I saw small signe of other griefe The storme ceasing we stood out of the Ice where wee saw any cleere Sea to goe to which was sometime more and sometime lesse Our course was as the Ice did lye sometime to the North then to the North-west and then to the West and to the South-west but still inclosed with Ice Which when our Master saw he made his course to the South thinking to cleere himselfe of the Ice that way but the more he stroue the worse he was and the more inclosed till we could goe no further Here our Master was in despaire and as he told me after he thought he should neuer haue got out of this Ice but there haue perished Therefore hee brought forth his Card and shewed all the company that hee was entred aboue an hundred leagues further then euer any English was and left it to their choice whether they would proceed any further yea or nay Whereupon some were of one minde and some of another some wishing themselues at home and some not caring where so they were out of the Ice but there were some who then spake words which were remembred a great while after There was one who told the Master that if he had an hundred pounds hee would giue fourescore and ten to be at home but the Carpenter made answere that if hee had an hundred hee would not giue ten vpon any such condition but would thinke it to be as good money as euer he had any and to bring it as well home by the leaue of God After many words to no purpose to worke we must on all hands to get our selues out and to cleere our ship After much labour and time spent we gained roome to turne our ship in and so by little and little to get cleere in the Sea a league or two off our course being North and North-west In the end we raysed Land to the south-South-west high Land and couered with Snow Our Master named this Land Desire prouokes Lying here wee heard the noyse of a great ouer-fall of a tyde that came out of the Land for now we might see well that wee had beene embayed before and time had made vs know being so well acquainted with the Ice that when night or foggie or foule weather tooke vs we would seeke out the broadest Iland of Ice and there come to anchor and runne and sport and fill water that stood on the Ice in Ponds both sweete and good But after we had brought this Land to beare South of vs we had the tyde and the current to open the Ice as being carried first one way and then another but in Bayes they lye as in a pond without mouing In this Bay where wee were thus troubled with Ice wee saw many of those Mountaynes of Ice aground in sixe or seuenscore fathome water In this our course we saw a Beare vpon a piece of Ice by it selfe to the which our men gaue chase with their Boat but before they came nigh her the tyde had carried the Ice and the Beare on it and ioyned it with the other Ice so they lost their labour and came aboord againe We continued our course to the North-west and raysed Land to the North of our course toward which we made and comming nigh it there hung on the Eastermost point many Ilands of floting Ice and a Beare on one of them which from one to another came towards vs till she was readie to come aboord But when she saw vs looke at her she cast her head betweene her hinder legges and then diued vnder the Ice and so from one piece to another till she was out of our reach We stood along by the Land on the Southside ahead of vs wee met with Ice that hung on a point of Land that lay to the South more then this that we came vp by which when our Master saw he stood in for the shoare At the West end of this Iland for so it is we found an Harbour and came in at a full Sea ouer a Rocke which had two fathome and an halfe on it and was so much bare at a low water But by
wood But before the men had laid into her the little quantitie that she was able to carrie they came aboard againe for the wind began to blow hard and the Sea to goe loftie so that here was no place for vs to abide any longer otherwise I was purposed to haue searched further alongst the shoare but this gale of winde comming Northerly I stood from hence to the Westwards being desirous to see more Land or finde a more open Sea And hauing sayled about fifteene or sixteene leagues I met with Ice again in latitude 71. degrees and coasted it eight or nine leagues further Westward and South-westward as it lay but then the wind came to the South-west and we stood close by it a while to the Southwards but finding the gale to increase and considering that it was the most contrary winde which could blow against my further proceeding for the Ice as we found did â—â—end neerest South-west and besides if there had beene any high Land within twentie leagues of vs wee might perfectly haue made it the weather was so faire and cleere In these respects and for the Reasons following I tooke the benefit of this wind to returne to the North-eastwards againe being now about two hundred leagues from King Iames his New Land in latitude 71. degrees First I purposed to sayle alongst the South-east side of the Land that I had discouered to bee better satisfied what Harbours there were and what likelihood of profit to ensue and from thence to proceed to the place where I first fell with Ice in latitude 73. degrees when I was driuen to the South-eastwards with a Westerly storme for I am yet verily perswaded that being there we were not farre from Land although wee could not see it by reason of thicke foggie weather Then my further intent was if I found no good occasion to spend my time there for to coast the Ice or try the open Sea to the Northwards betwixt 73. and 76. degrees where formerly I had not receiued desired satisfaction by reason of a storme that draue me off and then I purposed if time might seeme conuenient to proceed to the North Coast of King Iames his New Land to haue seene what hope was there to be had for passage Northward or for compassing of the Land which is most like to be an Iland I stood away East and by South and being neere the foresaid Iland the winde came to the West and blew a very hard gale wherewith I passed alongst the South-east side of the Iland vnder a paire of coarses but without that satisfaction which I expected for the winde blowing so stormie and the Sea growne very great I was forced to stand further from the shoare then willingly I would haue done and besides there was a thicke fogge vpon the Land whereby I could not be satisfied what Harbours or Roads were about it yet might we see three or foure Capes or Head-lands as if there went in Bayes betwixt them I sayled about it and then stood to the Northward againe and being now assured that it was an Iland I named it Sir Thomas Smiths Iland This Iland is about ten leagues in length and stretcheth North-east and south-South-west it is high Land and at the North end of it there is a Mountayne of a wonderfull height and bignesse all couered with Snow which I called Mount Hackluyt the base or foot of it on the East side is almost foure leagues long it hath three such sides at the base lying out to the Sea and from the fourth side doth the rest of the Iland extend it selfe towards the south-South-west which is also as it were a place fortified with Castles and Bulwarkes for on each side there bee three or foure high Rockes which stand out from the Land appearing like Towres and Forts It lyes in the parallel of 71. degrees where the Needle varieth from the true Meridian Westwards eight degrees The Land is generally so farre as I haue seene Rockie and very barren and worse then the Land that I haue seene in King Iames his New Land vnder eightie degrees for there is no grasse but mosse and where I first landed vpon low ground all the stones were like vnto a Smiths finders both in colour and forme the sand is generally mixed with a corne like Amber the Beaches are abundantly stored with drift wood and many stones light like Pumis which will swimme on the water I saw many traces of Foxes and the footing of Beares but not any signe of Deere or other liuing creatures and very small store of Fowle From hence I stood to the Northward according to my former purpose but was crossed with a contrarie storme from the North-west which put me off to the Eastward but as the wind shifted I made my way to the North-westwards all I could and came againe to the Ice in latitude 75. degrees from whence I proceeded towards King Iames his New Land and had sight of the Land the eighteenth of August being in latitude 77. degrees 30. minutes and hauing a hard gale of wind then at North-west I stood close by it vnder a paire of coarses but could not weather Prince Charles Iland and therefore I bore vp intending to goe into Nicks Coue which is on the North side of Ice-sound there to attend a faire winde and in the meane time to get ballast aboard the Pinnasse and all other things necessary But comming to enter into the Harbour I thought it not a place conuenient because I could hardly haue gotten out againe with a Southerly wind which would carrie me to the Northwards and therefore I stood ouer for Green-harbor where I anchored at one a clocke in the morning the nineteenth of August Here I caused my men to launch a shallop and to get ballast and water aboard the Pinnasse and before nine a clocke at night I was readie to proceed Northward with the first faire winde I stayed here fiue dayes during which time it blew hard for the most part at North and North-west and on the foure and twentieth of August the winde came to the East North-east as wee supposed till we were out of the Harbour so I set sayle to proceed Northward and had the wind Easterly out of Ice-sound wherewith I stood North-west towards Cape Cold but being cleere of the high Land we found the wind to bee at North North-east therefore I resolued of another course which was this Hauing perused Hudsons Iournall written by his owne hand in that Voyage wherein hee had sight of certayne Land which he named Hold-with-hope I found that by his owne reckoning it should not be more then one hundred leagues distant from King Iames his New Land and in the latitude of 72. degrees 30. minutes or thereabouts therefore seeing I could not proceed Northward I purposed to goe to the South-westwards to haue sight of this Land and discouer it if wind and weather would permit So I stood away
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
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
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-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
7. degrees and a halfe variation from the North point to the West The fourteenth faire weather but cloudie and a stiffe gale of wind variable betweene North-east and South-west wee steered away West by South a point South all day vntill nine of the clocke at night then it began to Thunder and Lighten whereupon we tooke in all our sayles and layd it a hull and hulled away North till mid-night a league and a halfe The fifteenth very faire and hot weather the winde at North by East At foure of the clocke in the morning we set sayle and stood on our course to the Westward At noone wee found our height to bee 37. degrees 25. minutes The after-noone proued little wind At eight of the clocke at night the winde came to the North and wee steered West by North and West North-west and made our way West The Compasse varyed 7. degrees from the North to the West The sixteenth faire-shining weather and very hot the wind variable betweene the North and the West wee steered away West by North. At noone wee found our height to bee 37. degrees 6. minutes This morning we sounded and had ground in ninetie fathomes and in sixe Glasses running it shoalded to fiftie fathoms and so to eight and twentie fathoms at foure of the clocke in the after-noone Then wee came to an Anchor and rode till eight of the clocke at night the wind being at South and Moone-light we resolued to goe to the Northward to finde deeper water So we weighed and stood to the Northward and found the water to shoald and deepe from eight and twentie to twentie fathomes The seuenteenth faire and cleere Sun-shining weather the winde at South by West wee steered to the Northward till foure of the clocke in the morning then wee came to eighteene fathomes So we Anchored vntill the Sunne arose to looke abroad for Land for wee iudged there could not but be Land neere vs but we could see none Then we weighed and stood to the Westward till noone And at eleuen of the clocke wee had sight of a low Land with a white sandie shoare By twelue of the clocke we were come into fiue fathomes and Anchored and the Land was foure leagues from vs and wee had sight of it from the West to the North-west by North. Our height was 37. degrees 26. minutes Then the wind blew so stiffe a gale and such a Sea went that we could not weigh so we rode there all night an hard rode The eighteenth in the morning faire weather and little winde at North North-east and North-east At foure of the clocke in the morning we weighed and stood into the shoare to see the deeping or shoalding of it and finding it too deepe we stood in to get a rode for wee saw as it were three Ilands So wee turned to windward to get into a Bay as it shewed to vs to the Westward of an Iland For the three Ilands did beare North off vs. But toward noone the wind blew Northerly with gusts of wind and rayne So we stood off into the Sea againe all night and running off we found a Channell wherein we had no lesse then eight nine ten eleuen and twelue fathomes water For in comming ouer the Barre wee had fiue and foure fathomes and a halfe and it lyeth fiue leagues from the shoare and it is the Barre of Virginia At the North end of it it is ten leagues broad and South and North but deepe water from ninetie fathoms to fiue and foure and a halfe The Land lyeth South and North. This is the entrance into the Kings Riuer in Virginia where our English-men are The North side of it lyeth in 37. degrees 26. minutes you shall know when you come to shoald water or sounding for the water will looke Greene or thicke you shall haue ninetie and eightie fathomes and shoalding a pace till you come to ten eleuen nine eight seuen ten and nine fathomes and so to fiue and foure fathomes and a halfe The nineteenth faire weather but an hard gale of winde at the North-east wee stood off till noone and made our way South-east by East two and twentie leagues At noone wee cast about to the Westward and stood till sixe of the clocke in the after-noone and went fiue leagues and a halfe North-west by North. Then wee cast about againe to the Eastward and stood that way till foure the next morning The twentieth faire and cleere weather the winde variable betweene East North-east and North-east At foure of the clocke in the morning wee cast about to the Westward and stood till noone at which time I sounded and had two and thirtie fathomes Then we take to the Eastward againe wee found our height to bee 37. degrees 22. minutes We stood to the Eastward all night and had very much wind At eight of the clocke at night we tooke off our Bonnets and stood with small sayle The one and twentieth was a sore storme of winde and rayne all day and all night wherefore wee stood to the Eastward with a small sayle till one of the clocke in the after-noone Then a great Sea brake into our fore-corse and split it so we were forced to take it from the yard and mend it wee lay a trie with our mayne-corse all night This night our Cat ranne crying from one side of the ship to the other looking ouer-boord which made vs to wonder but we saw nothing The two and twentieth stormy weather with gusts of rayne and wind In the morning at eight of the clocke we set our fore-corse and stood to the Eastward vnder our fore-sayle mayne-sayle and misen and from noone to noone we made our way East South-east fourteene leagues The night reasonable drie but cloudie the winde variable all day and night Our Compasse was varyed 4. degrees Westward The three and twentieth very faire weather but some Thunder in the morning the winde variable betweene East by North. At noone wee tackt about to the Northward the winde at East by North. The after-noone very faire the wind variable and continued so all night Our way we made East South-east till noone the next day The foure and twentieth faire and hot weather with the wind variable betweene the North and the East The after-noone variable winde But at foure of the clocke the wind came to the East and South-east so wee steered away North by West and in three Watches wee went thirteene leagues At noone our height was 35. degrees 41. minutes being farre off at Sea from the Land The fiue and twentieth faire weather and very hot All the morning was very calme vntill eleuen of the clocke the wind came to South-east and South South-east so wee steered away North-west by North two Watches and a halfe and one Watch North-west by West and went eighteene leagues At noone I found our height to bee 36. degrees 20. minutes being without sight of Land The sixe and
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-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
second Admirall to pacifie it It hath two hundred and thirty leagues from the Cape of Saint Antonie vnto the Point of Mayzi going by Land although by the Sunne and by water there are not so many It hath in breadth from the Cape of Crosses to the Port of Manati fortie fiue leagues and then it beginneth to streighten and goeth to the last Cape or Occidentall Point where it is narrow of twelue leagues little more or lesse from Matamano to the Auana Her situation is within the Tropicke of Cancer from twentie to twentie one degrees the Countrey is almost all plaine with many Forrests and thicke Woods from the Easterne Point of Mayci for thirtie leagues it hath most high Mountaynes and likewise in the middest it hath some and there runne from them to the North and to the South very pleasant Riuers with great store of fish On the South side it hath the little Ilands which the first Admirall called the Queenes Garden and the other on the North side which Iames Velazquez called the Kings Garden the trees are of many differences and wild Vines as bigge as a man they gather no Wheate nor other Seedes of Spaine but great abundance of Cattle it hath great Copper Mynes and of Gold and is it found in the Riuers though it be base in the touch Iames Velazquez peopled first the Citie of Saint Iames in the South Coast fortie leagues from the Cape of Tiburon which is in Hispaniola and two leagues from the Sea neere to a Port one of the best in the World for securitie and greatnesse The Citie came to haue two thousand Inhabitants now it hath few with a Gouernours Deputie the Cathedrall Suffragane to Saint Domingo is resident in it and a Monastery of Franciscan Friers The Village of Baracoa is a Towne furthest East of the Iland of Cuba at the beginning of the North Coast 60. leagues from the Citie of S. Iames toward the East North-east which was also an inhabiting of the President Iames Velazquez The Village of Bayamâ— which Iames Velazquez also built is 20. leagues from S. Iames to the North-west it is the soundest Town of the Iland of a more open soyle and of a good disposition The Village and Port of the Prince in the Coast of the North is about fortie leagues from Saint Iames to the North-west The Village of Sancti Spiritus is a Port on the South side betweene the Trinidad and the Cayo de Basco Porcallo of Figueroa about fiftie leagues from Saint Iames a Colonie of Iames Velazquez The Village and Port of Saint Christopher of the Abana is in the North Coast almost opposite to Florida in twentie two degrees and an halfe in height of more then sixe hundred Housholds where the Gouernour resides and the Officers Royall The Port is maruellous in greatnesse and securitie especially since that King Philip the Second the prudent sent the Campe-master Iohn of Texeda and Baptista Antonelli to fortifie it in it all the Fleetes of the Indies doe meete for to come for Spaine in company It was first called the Port of Carennas and Iames Velazquez built this Village and all the rest of the Iland with the assistance of the Father Bartolome de las Casas which afterward became a Dominicke Frier and Bishop of Chiapa The Ports and Capes and point of the Coast of Cuba and the Ilands belonging to it besides those which are rehearsed are in the South Coast the Port of the Citie of Saint Iames in twentie degrees and twentie fiue leagues to the West the Port of Sancti Spiritus Cape of the Crosse twelue leagues forward and the Queenes Gardens which is a great shelfe of Ilands and shoales the Port of Trinitie in twentie one degrees about thirtie leagues from the Cape of the Crosse and ten more to the West the Gulfe of Xagua a great defence with some Ilands in the middest and forward the Two Sisters two Ilands at the beginning of the great shelfe and Ilands and shoales which they call Camarco betweene the Coast and the Ilands which is of ten leagues in length and seuen in breadth twelue leagues from the Cape of Correntes which is as many from the Cape of Saint Antonie the furthest West of this Iland In the North Coast standeth the Port of Abana and thirtie leagues to the East is the Port of Slaughters where was a Towne and was called de Matanças of the Slaughters because the Indians killed certaine Spaniards which they carried in their Canâ—ose vnder securitie to the other side only one escaping and two women whom they kept sometime with them From the Matanças to the Port of Yucanaca are fiftie leagues to the Kings Garden which is a great shelfe of little Illets and shoales and at the end of the Iland Obahaua eight leagues before the Port of the Prince foure or six from the Port of Fernando Alanso and six to the East of this Cubana which is a point The Port of Varocoa is about twentie leagues before the point of Maizi the farthest West of Cuba and the hidden Port and Gulfe neere to Cape Roio in the South-coast about twentie leagues from the Port of Pidgeons which is about ten leagues from the Port of Saint Iames. THe Iland of Iamayca was so abundant of victuals and breedings that it gaue great prouision of Cotton Horses Swine and Cozabi for the new Discoueries and the first Admirall called it Saint Iames when hee discouered it and the first that passed to inhabit it was the Captayne Iohn Esquiuell the yeere 1509. by order of the second Admirall Don Diego Colon. It stands in seuenteene degrees and an halfe of altitude in the middest of it and twentie leagues from Cuba to the South and as many from Hispaniola direct to the West It hath in compasse one hundred and fiftie leagues it hath East and West fiftie and twentie in breadth There are in it three Villages Siuill in which is the Seat of the Colledge toward the North Coast somewhat Westerly Iohn Squinell a Gentleman of Siuill peopled it Melilla which stands in the North Coast fourteene leagues from Siuill to the East Oristan in the South Coast towards the West fourteene leagues from Siuill and are Plantations of the President Francisco de Garay which gouerned in it But of the Towne de la Vega whence the Admirals Lords of this Iland tooke the Title of Dukes nor of other two Plantations painted in some Maps there is no notice There is in the Coast of this Iland the Point of Moranta the vttermost West of it by the North Coast ten leagues to the West the Port of Ianta and tenne leagues forward the Port of Melilla where they say the first Admirall arriued and called it Santa Gloria when hee returned lost from Veragua and heere happened to him the mutiny of the Porras of Siuill and it was the first Ciuill Warre of the Indies
great shelfe of fifteene leagues the middest of it in twentie degrees and among these Ilands are many little ones without name The Ilands that are from the Iland of Saint Iohn of Porte-Rico to the East of it toward the coast of Terra firmâ— were called the Canibals by the many Caribes eaters of humaine flesh that were in them and in their language Canibal is to say Valiant man for they were held for such of the other Indians All these Ilands are dangerous for shelues and the nearest to Saint Iohn are Sancta Cruz to the South-west from it in 16. degrees and a halfe of sixteene leagues and Saba las Virgines two little illets compassed with shelues and other eight or ten Ilands the greatest of ten leagues Virgen gorda and the Blancos or White Ilands Westward from Virgen gorda Lâ— Ane gada of seuen leagues in length in 18. degrees and a halfe compassed with shelues as Sambrero is a little Iland neere vnto it and these Ilands which are called the Weather Ilands or Barlouento the first Admirall discouered and in particular the men of Sancta Cruz and others had a custome to goe and hunt for men to the Iland of Saint Iohn for to eate and at this day they of Dominica doe it They did eate no women but kept them for slaues Now they say that within this little while they of Dominica did eate a Fryer and that all they which did eate his flesh had such a fluxe that some dyed and that therefore they haue left eating humane flesh and it may be because instead of men with lesse danger they steale Kine and Mares for the great quantitie there is of them and with this they satisfie their raging appetite Anguilla hath ten leagues of length it standeth in 18. degrees Saint Martin in 17. degrees and a halfe it is of sixteene leagues compassed with little Illets and neere vnto it Saint Eustace Saint Bartholomew and Saint Christopher euery one of tenne leagues The Barbada in 17. degrees and a halfe compassed with shelues neere to the Redoâ—da and the Snowes or Nieues and of Monserrate of fiue leagues euery one in 15. degrees and a halfe The Antigua Guadalupe and Todos Santos from 14. to 15. degrees The Desseada to the East of Guadalupe about sixe leagues the first which the Admirall Don Christopher discouered in the second Voyage that he made to the Indies in 14. degrees and a halfe for which the fleete goe alwayes from the Canaries Marigalante the name of the Shippe the Admirall had fiue leagues to the South-west from the Desired and from the Dominica in 13. degrees twelue leagues in length where the Fleetes take in water and wood for it hath good roades although with danger of the Canibals Neere vnto Dominica to the South stands Matinino Sancta Lucie and the Barbudos the which because they fall on the left hand of the Fleetes when they goe they call them already of the Ilands of the Leeward de Sotauento which appertaine to the coast of Terra firme and of them the greatest the first and the most Orientall is the Trinidad neere two hundred leagues from Hispaniola North and South with the Dominica about sixtie leagues from it It hath fiftie leagues in leangth East and West and almost thirty in breadth The Admirall discouered it the yeare 1498. the third Voyage that he made to the Indies and called it the Trinitie because hauing great trouble in the Voyage he had promised to God to giue such a name to the first Land that he should finde and presently the Mariner that was in the top saw three points of Land whereby the name fitted euery way to his vowe then hee discouered also the mouthes of the Dragon and of the Serpent the gulfe of Paria and all the firme Land vnto Cumana which iniustly Americus Vesputio claimes to himselfe whose name vnworthily is giuen to the port which they call Peninsula Australis or Indies of the South This Iland of Trinidad is knowne that it is no good Countrie though it hath many Indians it hath thirtie fiue leagues of longitude and others say more and twentie fiue of latitude it stands in 8. degrees the most orientall part of it is a point on the North side which is called de la Galera and to the North of it a small Iland compassed with little Iles which they call Tabago and in the South coast a Cape which they call the Round Point at the East the point of Anguilla at the West in the gulfe of Paria which is that that is from the Iland to Terra firme which may be eight leagues of distance because the firme Land maketh an oblique semicircle as a Diadem and in the entrance of the East is the distance recited in the entrance of the West the straightnes is much and with great depth and two little Ilands at the end of the North coast by the West which is called the Dragons mouth and to the North S. Vincent and Granada other two little Ilands The Iland of Margarita so named by Christopher Colon the first Admirall as also all the rest a most sufficient proofe of the Finder to the confusion of those which depriued him of the glory of the discouerie of the firme Land attributing it to themselues although changing the times it is twentie leagues from Trinidad Westward and one hundred and seuenty from Hispaniola it hath sixteen leagues in length East and West and yet some say twenty and the halfe in breadth it hath no store of water although it is very plentifull of Pastures for Cattle There is in it two Townes one neare the Sea which reacheth to a fortresse where the Gouernour is resident and another two leagues within the Land which is called the Valley of Sancta Lucie there is in his coast a good port and a nooke and many beds of Pearles whither the fishing of them is remoued which before was in Cubagua and they say it went away from thence for the rumour of the ordnance of the many Shippes that resorted to this Iland to the trafficke of the Pearles which was very great Cubagua stands one league from Margarita to the East there is no water in it and yet the new Cadiz was built there and they carried their water seuen leagues from the Riuer of Cumana To the East of Cubagua are foure little Illets close by the shoare which the first Admirall called Los Frayles and to the East betweene them and Granada other foure or fiue which he called Los Testigos the Witnesses and to the West after Cubagua another little Iland which he named Tortuga the Tortoyse neere to the point of Araya and from hence the discouery being made from below Paria he went to Hispaniola with a purpose to finish the discouery of Terra firme and as here after shall be seene hee went after to discouer and found the Ilands of the Guanaios and from before Veragua
a temperate Countrie plentifull of Seedes Cattle and Fowle of Europe it hath Mines of Iron and Steele the Countrie men are strong valiant and for much labour those Ilands stand in thirtie fiue degrees of the Pole little more or lesse according to the distance of euery Iland The Iapones doe not vnderstand the Chinas but by writing because of the Characters or Letters being one for them all and though they signifie the same they haue not the same name for they are to declare things and not words aâ— the figures of Arithmeticke that if a 9. be set the French the Castillan and the English man doe vnderstand it that it signifieth 9. but euery one doe name it after their owne fashion By another side the Iapones doe confine with the Phillipines from whence there is commerce with them and a great incouragement is giuen to the Fathers of the Company for to labour in the conuersion of the people of those Kingdomes where notable fruite hath beene gotten for the which these Ilands are much celebrated in the world and by the comming of the Ambassadours of the new Christendome to the Pope and to the King Phillip the second the Prudent and so as nature placed them in a scituation separated from the rest of the Land the men of that Region are differing in customes from other people In the yeare 1592. Nobunanga which caused himselfe to be called Emperour of Iapan interprised with eightie Vessels and 20000. men certaine Prouinces tributarie vnto China and wan it From the Iland of Simo which is among them of Iapan the greatest is extended a row of small Ilands called the Lequios and doe prolong themselues toward the Coast of China the two greater which is euery one of fifteene or twentie leagues neere the Coast of Iapan are called the greater Lequio and other two also great though not so much which are at the end of the Rowe they call Lequio the lesser some are inhabited of well shapen people white politicke well apparelled warlike and of good reason they abound in Gold more then others of that Sea and not lesse in Victuals Fruits and good Waters Neere vnto the lesser Lequio stands Hermosa or the beautifull Iland which hath the same qualitie and say it is as big as Sicilie THe Coast of new Guiena beginneth one hundred leagues to the East of the Iland of Gilolo in little more then one degree altitude on the other side of the Equinoctiall from whence it is prolonged toward the East three hundred leagues till it come to fiue or six degrees It hath beene doubted vntill now whether it be an Iland or firme Land because it doth enlarge it selfe in so great a Voyage from being able to ioyne with the Countries of the Ilands of Salomon or Prouinces of the Straight of Mâ—gellanes by the South side but this doubt is resolued with that which those do affirme that sailed on the South side of the Straight of Magelanes that that is not a continent but Ilands and that presently followeth a spacious Sea and among those that doe affirme iâ— is Sir Richard Hawkins an English Knight which was fiue and fortie dayes among the same Ilands From the Sea the Land of this coast of Guinea seemeth good and the men that haue been seene are cole black and in the coast are many Ilands with good roads and ports whereof is no particular notice for hauing sailed it few times those which are found in some cards are Aguada or the watering to the East thirty fiue leagues from the first Land is in one degree of Southern altitude and eighteene forward the port of Saint Iames and the Iland of the Crespos of sixteene leagues long neere the coast right against the Port of Saint Andrew and neere to it the Riuer of Saint Peter and Saint Paul before the Port of Saint Ierom and a small Iland neere the thrust out Point 40. leagues from S. Austin which they call of Good-pence and more forward from it the Shelter and Euill people two little Ilands and the Bay of Saint Nicholas fiftie leagues from Puntasalida and among other Ilands one of white men and the Mother of God before Good Baye and of the Natiuitie of our Lady the last of that which is discouered and as to the North from it the Caymana an Iland without in the Sea among others which haue no name The Meridionall coast is not yet known the first that discouered the new Guine was Aluaro of Saauedra being lost with many stormes from his course returning to new Spain when in the year 1527. the Marques of the Valley sent him that on that side he should seek the Ilands of the Spicerie The Ilands of Salomon are eight hundred leagues from Piru the opinion that is held of their riches gaue them this name the which properly are called of the West because they fal to the West from the Prouinces of Piru from the place that Aluaro of Mendoça made discouery of them by order of the Licentiate Lope Garcia de Castro his Vnckle Gouernor of the Kingdomes of Piru in the yeare 1567. the first that saw the Land of these Ilands was a yong man called Treio in the top of a Ship they are from seuen degrees of altitude on the other side of the Equinoctiall about 1500. leagues from the Citie of the Kings they are many in quantity greatnes and eighteen the most famous some of 300. leagues in compasse and two of 200. and of 100. and of 50. and thence downward besides many which are not yet made an end of coasting and they say that they might bea-continent with the coast of the new Guiney and the Countries to be discouered toward the West of the straight the Countrie of these Ilands seemeth of a good temper and habitable plentifull of victuals and Cattell there were found in them some fruits like those of Castile Swine Hens in great number the Countrie men some of a brown colour like Indians others white ruddie and some cole blacke which is an argument of continuance with the Countries of the new Guinie whereby there may so many differences of people be mingled of those which resort to the Ilands of the Spicery The greatest and most renowned are Sancta Ysabel from eight to nine degrees of altitude of more then 150. leagues in length and eighteene in breadth and one good port called of the Star Saint George or Borbi to the South of S. Isabel one league and a halfe of thirty leagues compasse Saint Marcos or Saint Nicholas of one hundred leagues compasse to the South-east of Saint Isabel the Iland of the Shelues as great as the former to the South of Saint Isabel and Saint Ierome to the West of 100. leagues compasse and Guadalcauall to the South-west greater then all and to the East of Saint Isabel the Iland of Buenauista and Saint Dimas and the Iland of Florida of
Archdeacon of the rest and his friends sent for a certayne Saracen which was a Sooth-sayer Who said vnto them A certayne leane man who neyther eateth nor drinketh nor sleepes in a Bed is angry with him if hee can obtayne his blessing hee may recouer Then they vnderstood it was the Monke And about mid-night the Priests Wife his Sister and his Sonne came intreating that hee would come and blesse him They also raised vs vp to intreate the Monke Then he said vnto vs intreating him Let him alone because hee with three others who likewise tooke euill courses consulted to goe vnto the Court to procure Mangu Chan that I and you should bee expelled from these parts For there arose a contention among them because Mangu and his Wiues sent foure Iascots and certayne Silkes vpon Easter Eeuen to the Monke and Priests to distribute among them And the Monke had kept vnto himselfe one Iascot for his part and of the other three one was counterfeit for it was Copper Whereupon it seemed to the Priests that the Monke had kept too great a portion to himselfe Whence it might bee that they had some words among themselues which were reported to the Monke When day came I went vnto the Priest hauing an extreme griefe in his side and spitting bloud whereupon I thought it was an Impostume Then I counselled him if he had any thing that was an others to restore it He said hee had nothing I spoke vnto him also of the Sacrament of Extreme Vnction Who answered we haue no such custome neither doe our Priests know how to doe it I intreat you that you would doe it for mee as you know best to bee done I aduised him also concerning Confession which they frequent not hee spake shortly in the Eare of a certayne Priest one of his fellowes After this hee beganne to bee better and hee intreated mee to goe for the Monke So I went but the Monke would not come at the first yet when hee heard hee was some-what better hee went with his Crosse. And I also went and carryed in a Boxe of Master Williams the bodie of Christ which I had reserued vpon Easter Day at the intreatie of Master William Then the Monke beganne to kicke him with his feet and hee most humbly imbraced his feet Then I said vnto him It is the custome of the Church of Rome that the sicke should receiue the Bodie of Christ as it were prouision for their iourney and a defence against all the Deceits of the Enemie Behold the Bodie of Christ which I consecrated on Easter Day You must bee confessed and desire it Then said hee with a great Faith I desire it with all my heart Which when I had discouered hee with great affection said I beleeue that this is my Creatour and my Sauiour who gaue mee life and will restore it againe vnto mee after death in the generall Resurrection and so tooke the Bodie of Christ from my hand made after the manner of the Church of Rome Then the Monke abode with him and gaue him in my absence I know not what Potions On the morrow hee beganne to haue the pangs of death vpon him Then taking their Oyle which they said was holy I anointed him according to the manner of the Church of Rome as they intreated mee I had none of our Oyle because the Priests of Sartach kept all And when wee should sing a Dirge and I would haue beene present at his end the Monke sent vnto mee willing me to depart because if I should bee present I could not come into the house of Mangu Chan for one whole yeare Which when I had told his friends they said it was true and requested me to depart lest I might be hindered in that good which I might promote Assoone as hee was dead the Monke said vnto mee care not I haue killed him with my Prayers This fellow only was Learned and opposed himselfe against vs the rest know nothing Henceforth Mangu Chan himselfe and they all will crouch at our feete Then hee declared vnto me the foresaid Answere of the Sooth-sayer Which not beleeuing it I inquired of the Priests who were friends of the dead whether it were true or no. Who said it was But whether he were pre-instructed or not that they knew not Afterwards I found that the Monke called the foresaid Sooth-sayer and his Wife into his Chappell and caused dust to bee sifted and to diuine vnto him For hee had a certayne Rutenian Deacon who diuined to him Which when I vnderstood I was astonied at his foolishnesse and said vnto him Brother a man full of the Holy Ghost which teacheth all things should not demand Answeres or Counsell from Sooth-sayers seeing all such things are forbidden and they excommunicated who follow such things Then hee beganne to excuse himselfe that it was not true that hee sought after such things But I could not depart from him because I was placed there by the commandement of Chan himselfe nor could I remooue my selfe without his speciall command COncerning the Citie of Caracarum know this that excluding the Palace of Chan himselfe it is not so good as the Castle of Saint Denis and the Monasterie of Saint Denis is tenne times more worth then that Palace and more too There are two streets there one of the Saracens where the Faires are kept and many Merchants haue recourse thither by reason of the Court which is alwayes neere and for the multitude of Messengers There is another street of the Cataians who are all Artificers Without those streets there are great Palaces which are the Courts of the Secretaries There are there twelue kindes of Idolatries of diuers Nations Two Churches of Mahomet where the Law of Mahomet is proclaimed one Church of the Christians at the end of the Towne The Towne is inclosed with a mudde Wall and hath foure Gates On the East part Millet and other Graine is sold which yet is seldome brought thither On the West Sheepe and Goates On the South Oxen and Waggons are sold. At the North Horses are sold. Following the Court before the Ascension wee came thither the Sunday before the Ascension The next day after we were called before Bulgai who is a Iustice and chiefe Secretarie both the Monke and all his Family and wee and all the Messengers and Strangers which frequented the house of the Monke And wee were called before Bulgai seuerally first the Monke and after wee and they beganne diligently to inquire whence wee were and for what purpose wee came and what our errand was And this inquirie was made because it was told Mangu Chan that foure hundred Hassasines or secret Murtherers were gone forth in diuers Habits to kill him About that time the foresaid Ladie was restored to health and shee sent for the Monke and hee not willing to goe answered shee hath sent for Idolaters about her let them cure her if they can I will goe no more Vpon Ascension
to the dangerous Passage of twentie there were two which had Habergions And I demanded whence they had them They said they had gotten them of the Alani aforesaid who are good Worke-men for such things and excellent Smiths Whereupon I thinke they haue small store of Armour but Quiuers and Bowes and Leather Iackes I saw them presented with Iron Plates and Iron Sculls capillos out of Persia. And saw two also who presented themselues to Mangu armed with Coats made of Hogs skins bent inward of rough Leather which were very vnfit and vnwildy Before we came to Porta ferrea we found one Castle of the Alani which was Mangu Chans for hee had subdued that Countrey There we first found Vineyards and drunke Wine The day following wee came to Porta ferrea which Alexander the Macedonian King made And it is a Citie whose East end is vpon the Sea shoare and there is a little Plaine betweene the Sea and the Mountaines through which the Citie is stretched forth in length vnto the top of the Mountaine which bordereth vpon it on the West so that there is no way aboue for the roughnesse of the Mountaines nor below for the Sea but forth-right through the middest of the Citie ouerthwart where there is an Iron gate from whence the Citie hath the name And the Citie is more then a mile long and in the top of the Hill a strong Castle and it is as much in bredth as a great stones cast it hath very strong walls without Trenches and Turrets of great polished stones But the Tartars haue destroyed the tops of the Turrets and the Bulwarkes of the Walls laying the Turrets euen with the Wall Beneath that Citie the Countrey was wont to bee like a Paradise Two dayes iourney hence we found another Citie called Samaron wherein there were many Iewes And when we past it we saw walles descending from the Mountaines to the Sea And leauing the way by the Sea by those walles because it bent towards the East wee went vp into the high Countries towards the South On the morrow wee passed through a certaine Valley wherein the foundations of walles appeared from one mountaine to another and there was no way through the tops of the Mountaines These were sometimes the Inclosures or walles of Alexander restraining the fierce Nations to wit the Shepheards of the Wildernes that they could not inuade the inhabited Countries and Cities There are other walles or Inclosures where Iewes are The next day we came vnto a certaine great Citie called Samag And after this we entred into a great Plaine called Moan through which the Riuer Cur floweth of the which the Curgi haue their name whom we call Georgians And it runneth through the middle of Tiflis which is the Metropolis of the Curgines and in comes directly from the West running to the East to the foresaid Caspian Sea and it hath excellent Salmons In that plaine wee â—ound Tartars againe Also by that plaine comes the Riuer Araxes which commeth from the greater Armenia from betwixt the South and West of which it is called the Land Araxat which is Armenia it selfe Whereupon in the booke of the Kings it is said of the Sonnes of Sennacherib that hauing slaine their Father they fled into the Land of the Armenians And in Esay it is said that they fled into the Land of Ararat To the West then of that most beautifull Plaine is Curgia In that Plaine the Crosmini were wont to be And there is a great Citie in the entrance of the Mountaines called Ganges which was their Metropolis stopping the Georgians that they could not come downe into the Plaine Then wee came to the Bridge of Ships which were fastened together with a great Yron chaine stretched forth crosse the Riuer where Cur and Araxes meet together But Cur loseth his name there AFter that wee went alwayes vpward by Araxes whereof it is said Pontem dedignatur Araxis Araxes disdaines a Bridge Leauing Persia and the Caspian mountaines on the left hand towards the South on the right hand Curgia and the great Sea toward the West going Southwest betweene the South and the West We passed through the meadows of Bacchu who is Generall of that Armie which is there within Araxis And hee hath made the Curgi and Turkes and Persians subiect to him There is another Gouernour in Persia at Taurinum ouer the Tribute called Argon Both which Mangu Chan hath called home to giue place to his Brother comming into those Countries That Countrey which I haue described to you is not properly Persia but was sometimes called Hyrcania I was in Bacchues house and hee gaue vs Wine to drinke and he himselfe dranke Cosmos which I would willingly haue drunke if he had giuen it me yet it was the best new Wine but Cosmos is more wholsome for an hunger-staruen man Wee went vp therefore by the Riuer Araxes from the Feast of Saint Clement vnto the second Sunday in Lent till we came to the head of the Riuer And beyond that Mountaine where it riseth there is a goodly Citie called Arserum which belongeth to the Soldan of Turkie And neare thereabout Euphrates ariseth towards the North at the foot of the Mountaines of Curgia to whose Spring I had gone but the Snow was so great that no man could goe out of the trodden path on the other side of the Mountaines of Caucasus towards the South ariseth Tigris When we departed from Bacchu my Guide went to Taurinum to speake with Argon carrying my Interpreter with him But Bacchu caused me to bee brought to a certaine Citie called Naxnan which sometimes was the head of a certaine great Kingdome and the greatest and fairest Citie but the Tartars haue made it a Wildernes And there were sometimes Eight hundred Churches of the Armenians there now there are but two little ones for the Saracens haue destroyed them In one of the which I held the feast of Christmas as I could with our Clerke And the next day following the Priest of that Church dyed to whose buriall came a certaine Bishop with twelue Monkes of the high Countries For all the Bishops of the Armenians are Monkes and of the Greekes likewise for the greater part That Bishop told me that there was a Church neere that where Saint Bartholmew and likewise Saint Iudas Thaddaeus were martyred but there was no way open for Snow He told me also that they haue two Prophets The first or chiefe is Methodius the Martyr who was of their Country and plainely Prophesied of the Ismaelites Which Prophesie is fulfilled in the Saracens The other Prophet is called Acacron who when hee dyed Prophesied of a Nation of Archers that should come from the North saying That they should Conquer all the Countries of the East and should spare the Kingdome of the East that he might giue them the Kingdome of the West But he saith our Friers the Frankes being Catholikes beleeue them not
their head fastened with a siluer bodkin their grounds are plentifull of many and good waters it is a people that sayle very seldome being in the middest of the Sea They weare good shore Swords they were in times past subject to the Chinas with whom they had great conuersation therefore are very like the Chinas Now this Iland remayning to the Sea from China as we haue said the Coast of China runneth winding from the Prouince of Cantano and from her Coast vnto the Coast of the Prouince of Nanquin whether to the Portugals haue sayled the Coast making neuer a point as the Maps doe make the which may be seene well pointed in the Sea-cards and in the Maps made among the Portugals The Tartars are reckoned among the Scythians and runne so far along China with the which it hath continuall Warre that commonly they affirme to haue betweene the Chinas and the Tartarians a Wall of an hundred leagues in length And some will affirme to bee more then a hundred leagues the first Kingdome that doth confine with it on the Sea-side of India is one that is called Cauchin-china which hath about an hundred leagues little more or lesse a long the Sea-coast the Sea maketh a great entrance betweene it and the I le Daman which is of fiftie leagues in length and is already of the Chinas and in the end of this entrance this Kingdome abutteth with the Kingdome of China and is subiect to the King of China The people of this Kingdome in their Habit Policie and Gouernment doe vse themselues like the people of China The Countrey is much inhabited and of much people it is also a very plentifull Countrey They haue the same Writing that the Chinas haue although their speech be diuers Beyond this Kingdome of the Cauchin-chinas lyeth another very great Kingdome which runneth within the Land along China which some doe call Laos and others Siones Maons this by the otherside towards India doth confine with the Kingdome of Camboia and with the great Kingdome of Syam and with the rich Kingdome of Pegu with all the which Kingdomes it hath Traffique in sort that there remayâ—eth to this Kingdome towards the Sea of India all the Coast of Pegu vnto the ends of the Kingdome of Champaa which doth confine with Cauchin-china And so there remayne to these Laos toward the â—ide of the Indian Sea the great Kingdome of Pegu the Kingdome of Tanaçarin and that of Quedaa and that of Malaca and the Kingdomes of Paâ— of Patane of Syam of Camboia and of Champaa which abutteth vpon the Cauchin-chinas This Kingdome of the Laos or Sions Maons was subdued by the Bramas of the which we will speake presently in the yeere of fiftie sixe and among some which they brought captiue to Pegu they brought some Chinas which the Laos held Captiues as one George Mello affirmed vnto mee which went for Captayne of the Voyage to Pegu. And though commonly there be no Warres betweene these Laos and the Chinas because of the great Mountaynes that are betweene them on the which the Chinas haue good forces on that side in the Prouince of Camsi which doth confine with these and with the Bramas and in the forces they haue continually men in Garrison for the defence of those parts there bee notwithstanding continually assaults on the one side and of the other whereby the Laos might haue some Chinas captiue Before that these Laos were subdued by the Bramas they carryed to Sion to Camboia and to Pegu some very good Muske and Gold whereof is affâ—rmed to be great store in that Countrey and these people hauing Muske makes a conjecture the great store of Muske which the Chinas haue they get it from the many beasts thaâ— are in the Confines of this Kingdome in the Prouince of Camsi from whence they bring it The Muske is the flesh and bloud of certayne beasts which they say to be as bigge as Foxes the which beaten with strokes and killed they tye the skinne with the flesh together in lumps the which they cut after the flesh is rotten and so they sell it which the Portugals do call Muske Cods And when it commeth fresh presently it appeareth to be rotten flesh and bloud the rest they sell loose holding these Cods for the finer Muske Returning to the Laos whereof we were speaking these be the Wares which they brought to the aboue-said Kingdomes carrying in returne Cotton-clothes and other things they had need of This people is not very browne they weare their haire all cut round vnderneath and all the rest aboue ruffled raysing it many times vpward with their hands that it remayneth to them like a Cap and serueth in stead of one for they weare nothing on their heads they goe naked from the middle vpward and from the hips downward they weare certayne Cotton-clothes girt about them all white the women goe couered from the brests to the halfe legge they haue their faces some-what like the Chinas they haue the same Heathenish Ceremonies that the Pegus and Siones and the Camboias The Priests of their Idols doe weare yellow clothes girt about as the rest of the people and a certayne manner of yellow Copes with certayne folds and seames in which they hold their Superstitions Of this people I saw many in Camboia which remayned there the yeere before by the way of Traffique and that yeare that I was there they came not because of the Warres wherein as I said they said they were subdued by the Bramas These Laos came to Camboia downe a Riuer many daies Iournie which they say to haue his beginning in China as many others which runne into the Sea of India it hath eight fifteene and twentie fathome water as my selfe saw by experience in a great part of it it passeth through many vnknowne and desart Countries of great Woods and Forrests where there are innumerable Elephants and many Buffes of which I saw many wild in that Countrie and Merus which is like a good Mule and certayne beasts which in that Countrie they call Badas of the which the Male haue a pointlesse and blunt Horne in their fore-head and some of the Hornes are spotted with singular colours and others all blacke others of a waxe colour but they haue no vertue but only for the Hemorroides or Piles and after the Elephant there is no other greater beast the haire of it is browne and footed like an Elephant the head like a Cow and it hath a great lumpe of flesh that falleth vpon his head whereof I did eate trauelling in those parts There are also many other wilde Beastes There bee some Thorny Trees like Limons and Oranges and many wilde Grapes through the Woodes When these Laos doe returne to their Countrie going against the streame they goe in three moneths This Riuer causeth a wonder in the Land of Camboia worthy of reciting Comming neere to a place which they call Chudurmuch which is twelue
festiuall apparell with many Gold Chaines and gilded Swords till he came into the Port in which rode in a rew twentie six Ships and eightie Iunks besides a greater number of smaller vessels fastned one before another in two wings making a street betwixt them adorned with Laurell and other greene boughes and sweet herbs the Ordnance thundring on both sides a congratulation The Chinois wondred and asked if he were Brother or neere Kinsman to their King they receiued him in such honour Nay said a conceited Portugall but his father shooed the Kings Horses and therefore is he worthie of this honour Hereat they were more then amazed and said There were great Kings in the World of which their Authours had made no mention and the King of Portugall seemes one of them and much to exceed the Cauchim or the Tartar and it were no sinne to say he may hold compare with the Sonne of the Sâ—nne the Lion crowned in the Throne of the World Others confirmed the same alledging the great riches which the bearded men generally possessed A glorious Lantea was purposely adorned for his person in which hee went with many Musicall Instruments of the Chinas Malayos Champaas Siamites Borneos Lequios and other Nations which there secured themselues vnder the Portugals for feare of Rouers which filled those Seas I should wearie you to let you see the rest of this pompous spectacle and more to heare their Orations preferring him before Alexander Scipio Annibal Pompey Caesar Neither will Religion let mee goe with him to their Masse nor doe I euer dine worse then at solemne Feasts and others will grudge me a roome at Comedies all which pompes I will leaue to our Author enlarged by the Spanish translator Canon of the Church of Arbas as dedicated to Manuel Seuerin de Faria There hee stayed fiue moneths spending the time in Hawking Hunting Fishing Feasting Quiay Panian in this time dyed After hee made ready to goe to the Mines of Quoangiparu Others disswaded him by reason of warres in those parts and a famous Pyrat called Similau told him of an Iland called Calempluy in which seuenteene Kings of China were buried with much treasures in Vests and Idols of Gold and other incredible riches which hee on no other testimonie embraced without consulting with his friends who not a little blamed him therefore and went with Similau in search of this Iland setting out May the fourteenth 1542. He set foorth with two Panouras which are as it were Frigots but somewhat higher Iunkes he vsed not both for secrecie and because of the Currents which set out of the Bay of Nanquin which great ships cannot stemme by reason of the ouer-flowings from Tartaria and Nixibum Flaon in those moneths of May Iune and Iuly He had with him sixe and fiftie Portugals with a Priest and fortie eight Mariners of Patane and fortie two Slaues more our Pilot Similau would not admit fearing suspition in trauersing the Bay of Nanquin and entry of many Riuers much iâ—habited That day and night wee cleared the Iles of Angitur and followed our voyage thorow a Sea before neuer sayled by Portugals The first fiue dayes we sayled with good winde in sight of land to the entrie of the Bay of Nanquins fishings and passed a gulfe of fortie leagues and had sight of a high Hill called Nangafu alongst which we ranne to the North fiue dayes at the end whereof Similau put into a small Riuer the people whereof were white of good stature with small eyes like the Chinois but differing in speech and behauiour After three dayes the tempest ceasing we set sayle East North east seuen dayes together in sight of land and crossing another gulfe there was a straight open to the East called Sileupaquim ten leagues in the mouth within which we sayled fiue dayes in sight of many Townes and Cities very faire and this Riuer or straight was frequented with innumerable shipping insomuch that Faria was afraid to bee discouered and would needs against Similaus minde turne some other way Thus out of the Bay of Nanquin Similau telling them of a moneths worke of sayling by the Riuer Sumhepadan one hundred and seuentie leagues distant thence to the North wee sayled fiue dayes at the end whereof wee saw a very high Hâ—ll called Fanius and comming neere it entred a goodly rode where one thousand ships might ride at anchor Wee sayled thence thirteene dayes along the coast and came to the Bay of Buxipalem in 49. degrees where wee found it somwhat cold and saw Fishes of strange shapes some like Thornbacks aboue foure braces or fathoms compasse flat nosed like an Oxe some like great Lizards speckled blacke and greene with three rewes of prickles on the backe like â—ristles three spannes long very sharpe the rest of the body full but of shorter these Fishes will contract themselues like Hedge-hogs and looke fearefully they haue a sharpe blacke snout with tuskes after the manner of a Bore two spannes long Other deformities and diuersities of Fishes we saw Fifteene leagues further we came to an another fairer Bay called Calnidan sixe leagues in compasse set round with Hills diuersified with Woods and Riuers foure very great Similau sayd that the filth of dead Carcasses of creatures proceeding from the ouerflowings specially in Nouember December and Ianuarie at the full of the Moone caused the generation of such diuersitie of Fishes and Serpents in that Bay and the former which were not seene in other parts of that Coast. Faria asked him whence those Riuers came and hee said that he knew not but if it were true which was written two of them came from a great lake called Moscumbia and the other two from a Prouince of great Mountaines which all the yeere were couered with snow called Alimania and in Summer when great part of the snow was melted they became so impetuous as wee now saw and for that Riuer in the mouth whereof we were entred called Paatebenam wee were now in the name of the Lord of heauen to turne the Prow to the East and East South-east to search againe the Bay of Nanquim which we had left behind two hundred and sixtie leagues all which way we had made higher then Calempluy The second day we came to a high Mountaine called Botinafau stored with diuers kindes of wilde beasts which continued neere fiftie leagues and sixe-dayes sayling and after came to another Hill as wilde as the former called Gangitanou and all the way forward was mountainous and so thicke of trees that the Sunne could not pierce Similau sayd that in ninetie leagues space there was no habitation and in the skirts thereof liued a deformed sauage people onely by their Hunting and some Rice which they got in China by exchange of wilde beasts skinnes which hee sayd came to aboue a million yeerely Of these Giganhos wee saw a beardlesse youth with
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
being aduertised of his comming came foorth and receiued him at the Palace gate whereas was vsed betwixt them great courtesie The Captayne came with great Maiestie with his guard of Souldiers and Mace-bearers before him with great musicke of Hoy-buckes Trumpets and Drums and two Whiffelers or Typ-staues that made roome putting the people aside also there came with him two executors of Iustice hauing each of them in their hands a Set made of canes which is an instrument wherewith they doth whip and punish offenders When this Captayne came vnto the Palace gate whereas the father Friars and their companions did receiue him he was brought on the shoulders of eight men very richly apparelled in a chayre wrought of Iuorie and Gold who stayed not till they came into the inner Chamber whereas he did alight from the chayre and went straight vnder a Cloath of estate that was there ordinarily for the same purpose and a Table before him there hee sate downe and straight-wayes arose vp and standing he did receiue the strange ghests who did courtesie vnto him according vnto their fashion which is to joyne their hands together and to stoope with them and their heads downe to the ground hee gratified them againe with bowing his head a little and that with great grauitie These speeches being finished there was brought foorth certaine pieces of blacke Silke of twelue vares long a piece And his Officers did put on the Friars shoulders each of them two which was for either shoulder one and was brought about their bodies and girt therewith the like was done in order vnto the Spanish Souldiers and vnto Omoncon and Sinsay and to their Interpreter But vnto Omoncon and Sinsay was giuen vnto either of them a branch or Nosegay made of Siluer which was set vpon their heads which is accustomable honour that is done vnto such as haue done some great enterprise or such like After that this ceremonie was done they played vpon the Instruments aforesayd which came with the Captayne In the meane time of their musicke there was brought foorth great store of Conserues March-panes and things made of Sugar and excellent good Wine and so being on foote standing hee caused them to eate and hee himselfe from the Chayre whereas he sate did giue them to drinke euery one in order without rising vp which is a ceremonie and token of great fauour and of loue This being done hee arose from the chayre vnder the Cloath of state and went and sate downe in that which was brought on mens backes and with declyning of his head a little hee departed out of the Hall and out of the house and went vnto his owne house whereas by the counsell of Omoncon and Sinsay within an houre after they should goe and visite him the which they did hee receiued them maruellously well and with great courtesie who maruelled at his great Maiestie and authoritie for that Omoncon and Sinsay when they did talke with him were vpon their knâ—es and so did all the rest Hee gaue them againe in his owne house a gallant banquet of diuers sorts of Conserues and Fruits and excellent Wine of the Palme-tree and did talke and reason with them in good sort and was more familiar than at his first visitation After that the Fathers with their companions had remained two dayes in the Port of Tansuso the thrid day they departed in the morning towards Chincheo At their going forth of the Town they were accompanied with a great number of Soldiers both Harquebusses Pikes and before them a great noyse of Trumpets Drums and Hoy-bucks till such time as they came vnto the Riuers side whereas was a Brygandine prouided and made readie in all points to carrie them vp the Riuer all the streets alongst whereas they went there followed them so much people that it was innumerable and all to see them All alongst the Riuers whereas they went was seated with Villages very gallant and fresh both on the one side and on the other At the end of the two leagues they came vnto a great Bay where was at an Anchor a fleete of more then one hundred and fiftie Ships men of warre whose Generall was this Captaine whom wee haue spoken of At such time as the fleete did discouer them they began to salute them as well with great pieces of Artillerie as with Harquebusses and other kinde of pastimes which commonly they doe vse at such times Our Spaniards did trauell vp the Riuer more than three leagues hauing continually both on the one side and on the other very many and faire Townes and full of people In the end of the three leagues they went aland halfe a league from the Towne of Tangoa whereas straight-wayes all such things as they carryed with them were taken vpon mens backes and carryed vnto the Towne before them whereas they were tarrying their comming for to giue them great entertaynment At their going ashoare they found prepared for the two Religious men little Chayres to carrie them vpon mens backes and for the Souldiers and the rest of their companions horse The Fathers did refuse to bee carryed and would haue gone a foot but Omoncon and the other Captayne would not consent thereunto The Fathers obeyed their reasons and entred into the Chayres and were carryed with eight men a piece and the other their companions with foure men a piece according vnto the order giuen by the Gouernour Those that carryed the Chayres 〈◊〉 it with so good a will that there was striuing who should first lay hands to them This Towne of Tangoa hath three thousand Souldiers and is called in their language Coan at the entring in it hath many Gardens and Orchards and a street where through they carryed the Spaniards vnto their lodging they affâ—rmed to bee halfe a league long and all the street whereas they went was full of boards and stalles whereon was layd all kinde of Merchandise very curious and things to bee eaten as fresh Fish and salt Fish of diuers sorts and great abundance of Fowle and Flesh of all sorts Fruits and greene Herbes in such quantitie that it was sufficient to serue such a Citie as Siuill is They were brought vnto the Kings house which was very great marueilously well wrought with stone and bricke and many Halls Parlours and Chambers but none aboue but all below So soone as they were a foote there was brought from the Captayne or Iustice of the Towne whom they doe call Ticoan a message bidding them welcome and therewith a present which was great store of Capons Hennes Teales Duckes Geese Flesh of foure or fiue sorts fresh Fish Wine and fruits of diuers sorts and of so great quantitie that it was sufficient for two hundreth men All the which they would haue giuen for a little coole ayre by reason that it was then very hot weather and againe the great number of people that came thither to see them did augment it the more In the Euening the
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
their Mufti and more manifestly the Soldans of Egypt to their Califas they yeeld a seeming subiection the Dairi not daring to crosse them Faexiba Cicugendono obtayned that title of Quabacondono Dono is a generall title of honour the next to the Dairi and hauing subiected Iapon minded to conquer China by the way of Corai The King of Corai sent his Embassadour to him with three hundred attendants in vaine he minding to send and place in those new Conquests all the suspected Princes of Iapan and to eternize his owne name being exceeding vain-glorious He tooke from the Bonzi their Lands and after that making ditches round about Meaco hee forced them all to dwell together neere the said ditches which reducing their discrepant Sects to an vnformed Chaos together made many of them forsake their profession Hee enioyed euery foot of Land in Iapon gaue or remoued or depriued Kings at pleasure tooke away all Armes from the Rustikes forbad all contentions and fights vpon paine of death if any guilty hereof fled punishing the kindred or seruants or neighbours crucifying them He administred iustice very seuerely without partiality or pardoning any man and had almost put to death the Meacon Bonzi for their Concubines if the Gouernour of Meaco had not interposed and vndertaken their amendment Hee neuer suffered the Souldiers to be idle but vsed them in warres or buildings The Vice-roy sent him an Embassage and Presents the foure Iaponian Lords which had beene in Europe attending Valignanus the Embassadour Quabacondono would needs heare these Iaponians play Europaean Musicke which they had there learned and made great shewes of kindnesse to them all and sent this Letter with Presents to the Vice-roy Sir I haue receiued Letters which your Lordship from so remote Regions sent mee in opening and reading whereof I seemed to see the length of the leagues by land and sea This Kingdome of Iapon as you wrote contayneth aboue sixtie States or Iurisdictions in which before haue beene great disorders and warres no peace nor quiet For many wicked men Traitors to their Countrey conspired to denye obedience to their King a thing which from my youth hath vexed me And long since I bethought mee of a course to subiect this People and to pacifie the whole Kingdome and layed for a foundation three vertues to wit Gentlenesse and affabilitie of speech in conuersing with men Prudence in considerate iudging of things and egregious fortitude and courage of minde by the aide whereof I haue subdued all this Nation and haue brought all the Kingdomes into this forme of one Empire wicked men being extinct and worke-men which labour in the fields promoted And I haue so restored peace and quietnesse to these Kingdomes and in few yeeres haue so setled and stablished the Monarchie of Iapon that it is now like a great Rocke which cannot be remoued Whence it is come to passe that in all foure parts of the Kingdome they haue a King eminent in much wisedome and the King likewise hath all of them obedient And in this order I haue declared and exercised the power of a good Captaine to whom these Kingdomes are subiect by taking away the wicked and rooting out all Robbers by sea and land So the people families and all places of the Kingdome enioy maruellous quiet I haue also determined to invade the Kingdome of China and in few dayes I will take ship and doubt not of victorie When I shall possesse it your Lordship may more easily communicate with mee in all things Now concerning the Fathers Iapon is the Kingdome of Chamis whom wee hold to be the same with Scin which is the beginning of all things This Scin is the substance and the very being of all things and all things are one and the same with Scin and into Scin are resolued Who in Scina is called Iutto and in Tescincu Buppo Further in the obseruation of the Lawes of this Chamis consisteth all the Politicall gouernment of Iapon which being neglected there is no difference betwixt Lords and Subiects if it be kept the vnion and concord is perfected which ought to bee twixt the Father and Sonne the Husband and wife Therefore the whole both internall and externall gouernment of Men and Kingdomes is placed in the conseruation of this vnion and policie Now the Fathers formerly haue entred these Kingdomes to preach another Law for the sauing of men but because wee are instructed and settled in the Lawes of Chamis we desire no other Law for the diuersities of Lawes and opinions are hurtfull and preiudiciall to the Kingdome Wherefore I commanded the Fathers to depart out of Iapon and haue forbidden them to preach their Law nor will I that heereafter they preach any new Law in this Kingdome Although these things be so yet I greatly desire that a stable communication may remayne betwixt vs for so this Kingdome shall bee free from Theeues by Land and Sea And I giue leaue to all Merchants which bring merchandise to sell them all without let I desire your Lordship to approue the same I receiued all the gifts which you sent out of those Southerne parts as it is written in your Letters I likewise send some others out of these Kingdomes with a memoriall of the gifts and the names of them which haue giuen The Legate will declare the rest wherefore I will bee no longer Dated 20. yeere of Tenscij 25. of the seuenth Moone In the end was the Seale and Subscription It was written in a leafe eight palmes long foure broad painted with golden Flowers and put in a red silke bagge wrought with Gold and siluer and that inclosed after the Iapon manner in a Boxe which for the price and workmanship was so admirable that the subtiltie and excellence of the worke might amaze all Europeans Within it was couered and without with Vrosci made of Gold beaten into powder distinguished with Flowers of Gold and Siluer so inserted in the Vrosci that none could discerne the coniunction but he which knew the making of the Boxe It had also Roses and gold Chaines to tye the Boxe which Boxe was put into another Bag and that into another Boxe very artificiall The gifts were Armours Armes and other things very precious He assembled his Lords about this China Warre which durst not expresse any other opinion hee hauing protested that hee would not heare his Sonne disswade him if he were aliue againe and if any should hinder him it should cost him his life Thus for some moneths space nothing might be seene else but prouision for Ships Armes Munitions and necessaries for the Warre Hee made a Catalogue of all his Lords exempting none from the expedition and setting euery one his number of followers To Augustine a Christian Lord hee gaue the fauour of first impression into Corai other Lords staying still at Suscima eighteene leagues distant Corai is adioyning to the Continent of China at one end
at the least the three that went forward in that sort were Cornelius Iacobson Master of William Barents ship William Gysen Pylot of the Pinnasse and Hans van Nuflen William Barents Purser and after that the sayd Master and Pylot had shot three times and mist the Purser stepping somewhat further forward and seeing the Beare to be within the length of a shot presently leuelled his Piece and discharging it at the Beare shot her into the head betweene both the eyes and yet she held the man still fast by the necke and lifted vp her head with the man in her mouth but shee began somwhat to stagger wherewith the Purser and a Scottish-man drew out their Curtelaxes and strooke at her so hard that their Curtelaxes burst and yet she would not leaue the man at last William Geysen went to them and with all his might strooke the Beare vpon the snout with his Piece at which time the Beare fell to the ground making a great noyse and William Geysen leaping vpon her cut her throat The seuenth of September wee buried the dead bodies of our men in the States Iland and hauing stayed the Beare carryed her Skin to Amsterdam The ninth of September we set sayle from the States Iland but the Ice came in so thicke and with such force that we could not get through so that at Eeuening we came backe againe to the States Iland the winde being Westerly There the Admirall and the Pinnasse of Rotterdam fell on ground by certayne Rockes but got off againe without any hurt The tenth of September we sayled againe from the States Iland towards the Wey-gates and sent two Boates into the Sea to certifie vs what store of Ice was abroad and that Eeuening wee came all together into Wey-gates and Anchored by the Twist-point The eleuenth of September in the Morning we sayled againe into the Tartarian Sea but we fell into great store of Ice so that we sayled backe againe to the Wey-gates and Anchored by the Crosse-point and about midnight we saw a Russian Lodgie that sayled from the Bâ—â—lt-point towards the Samuters Land The thirteenth of September the Sunne being South there began a great storme to blow out of the South South-west the weather being mistie melancholy and snowie and the storme increasing more and more we draue through The fourteenth of September the weather began to bee somewhat clearer the winde being North-west and the storme blowing stiffe out of the Tartarian Sea but at Eeuening it was faire weather and then the wind blew North-east the same day our men went on the other side of Wey-gates on the firme land to take the depth of the Channell and entred into the Bough behind the Ilands where there stood a little House made of wood and a great fall of water into the land The same Morning we hoysed vp our Anchor thinking once againe to try what wee could doe to further our Voyage but our Admirall being of another minde lay still till the fifteenth of September The same day in the Morning the winde draue in from the East-end of the Wey-gates whereby we were forced presently to hoyse Anchors and the same day sayled out from the west-West-end of the Wey-gates with all our Fleet and made homewards againe and that day past by the Ilands called Matfloe and Delgoy and that night we sayled twelue miles North-west and by West till Saturday in the morning and then the winde fell North-east and it began to Snow We saw the point of Candyâ—aes lying South-east from vs and then wee had seuen and twentie fathom deepe red sand with blacke shels The nine and twentieth of September in the Eeuening entred into Ward-house and there we stayed till the tenth of October And that day we set sayle out of Ward-house and vpon the eighteenth of Nouember we arriued in the Maes CHAP. V. The third Voyage Northward to the Kingdomes of Cathaia and China in Anno 1596. Written by GERAT DE VEER §. I. What happened to them at Sea before they came to build their House AFter that the seuen Ships as I said before were returned backe againe from their North Voyage with lesse benefit then was expected the Generall States of the Vnited Prouinces consulted together to send certayne Ships thither againe a third time to see if they might bring the said Voyage to a good end if it were possible to bee done but after much Consultation had they could not agree thereon yet they were content to cause a Proclamation to be made that if any either Townes or Merchants were disposed to venture to make further search that way at their owne charges if the Voyage were accomplished and that thereby it might be made apparant that the sayd passage was to be sayled they were content to giue them a good reward in the Countries behalfe naming a certayne summe of money Whereupon in the beginning of this yeere there was two Ships rigged and set forth by the Towne of Amsterdam to sayle that Voyage the men therein being taken vp vpon two Conditions viz. What they should haue if the Voyage were not accomplished and what they should haue if they got through and brought the Voyage to an end promising them a good reward if they could effect it thereby to encourage the men taking vp as many vnmarried men as they could that they might not bee disswaded by meanes of their Wiues and Children to leaue off the Voyage Vpon these Conditions those two Ships were ready to set sayle in the beginning of May. In the one Iacob Heemskerke Hendrickson was Master and Factor for the Wares and Merchandizes and William Barents chiefe Pylot In the other Iohn Cornelison Rijp was both Master and Factor for the goods that the Merchants had laden in her The fifth of May all the men in both the Ships were Mustered and vpon the tenth of May they sayled from Amsterdam and the thirteenth of May got to the Vlie The thirtieth of May we had a good winde and sayled North-east and wee tooke the height of the Sunne with our Crosse-staffe and found that it was eleuated aboue the Horizon 47. degrees and 42. minutes his Declination was 21. degrees and 42. minutes so that the height of the Pole was 69. degrees and 24. minutes The first of Iune we had no night and the second of Iune we had the winde contrarie but vpon the fourth of Iune we had a good winde out of the West North-west and sayled North-east And when the Sunne was about South South-east wee saw a strange sight in the Element for on each side of the Sunne there was another Sunne and two Raine-bowes that past cleane thorow the three Sunnes and then two Raine-bowes more the one compassing round about the Sunnes and the other crosse thorow the great rundle the great rundle standing with the vttermost point eleuated aboue the Horizon 28. degrees at noone the Sunne being at the highest the height thereof was measured and
a Beare that lay there and slept awaked and came towards vs to the ship so that wee were forced to leaue our Worke about turning of the ship and to defend our selues against the Beare and shot her into the bodie wherewith she ranne away to the other side of the Iland and swamme into the water and got vp vpon a piece of Ice where she lay still but we comming after her to the piece of Ice where she lay when she saw vs she leapt into the water and swamme to the Land but we got betweene her and the Land and strooke her on the head with a Hatchet but as often as wee strooke at her with the Hatchet she duckt vnder the water whereby wee had much to doe before we could kill her after she was dead we flayed her on the Land and tooke the skinne aboord with vs and after that turned our shippe to a great piece of Ice and made it fast thereunto The sixteenth ten of our men entring into one Boat rowed to the firme Land of Noua Zembla and drew the Boat vp vpon the Ice which done we went vp a high Hill to see the situation of the Land and found that it reached South-east and South South-east and then againe South which wee disliked for that it lay so much Southward but when wee saw open water South-east and East South-east we were much comforted againe thinking that we had wonne our Voyage and knew not how we should get soone enough aboord to certifie William Barents thereof The eighteenth we made preparation to set sayle but it was all in vaine for wee had almost lost our Sheat Anchor and two new Ropes and with much lost labour got to the place againe from whence wee came for the streame ranne with a mightie current and the Ice draue very strongly vpon the Cables along by the ship so that we were in feare that wee should lose all the Cable that was without the ship which was two hundred fathome at the least but God prouided well for vs so that in the end we got to the place againe from whence we put out The nineteenth it was indifferent good weather the Wind blowing south-South-west the Ice still driuing and wee set sayle with an indifferent gale of Wind and past by the point of Desire whereby we were once againe in good hope and when we had gotten aboue the point we sailed South-east into the Sea-ward foure miles but then againe wee entred into more Ice whereby wee were constrayned to turne backe againe and sayled North-west vntill we came to the Land againe which reacheth from the point of Desire to the head point South and by West six miles from the head point to Flushingers head it reacheth South-west which are three miles one from the other from the Flushingers head it reacheth into the Sea East South-east and from Flushingers head to the point of the Iland it reacheth South-west and by South and South-west three miles and from the Iland point to the point of the Ice Hauen the Land reacheth West South-west foure miles from the Ice Hauens point to the fal of Water or the streame Bay and the low Land it reacheth West and by South and East and by North seuen miles from thence the Land reacheth East and West The one and twentieth we sayled a great way into the Ice Hauen and that night anchored therein next day the streame going exreame hard Eastward wee haled out againe from thence and sayled againe to the Iland point but for that it was misty Weather comming to a piece of Ice wee made the ship fast thereunto because the Wind beganne to blow hard South-west and South South-west There we went vp vpon the Ice and wondred much thereat it was such manner of Ice For on the top it was full of Earth and there wee found aboue fortie Egges and it was not like other Ice for it was of a perfect Azure colour like to the Skies whereby there grew great contention in words amongst our men some saying that it was Ice others that it was frozen Land for it lay vnreasonable high aboue the Water it was at least eighteene fathom vnder the water close to the ground and ten fathome aboue the water there wee stayed all that storme the Wind being South-west and by West The three and twentieth wee sayled againe from the Ice South-eastward into the Sea but entred presently into it againe and woond about to the Ice Hauen The next day it blew hard North North-west and the Ice came mightily driuing in whereby we were in a manner compassed about therewith and withall the Wind beganne more and more to rise and the Ice still draue harder and harder so that the pinne of the Rother and the Rother were shorne in pieces and our Boat was shorne in pieces betweene the ship and the Ice we expecting nothing else but that the ship also would be prest and crusht in pieces with the Ice The fiue and twentieth the Weather began to be better and we tooke great paines and bestowed much labour to get the Ice wherewith we were so inclosed to goe from vs but what meanes soeuer we vsed it was all in vaine but when the Sunne was South-west the Ice began to driue out againe with the streame and we thought to saile Southward about Noua Zembla to the Streights of Mergates seeing we could there find no passage Wee hauing past Noua Zembla were of opinion that our labour was all in vaine and that we could not get through and so agreed to goe that way home againe but comming to the Streame Bay wee were forced to goe backe againe because of the Ice which lay so fast thereabouts and the same night also it froze that wee could hardly get through there with the little wind that we had the Wind then being North. The six and twentieth there blew a reasonable gale of Wind at which time wee determined to sayle backe to the point of Desire and so home againe seeing that wee could not get through the Wergats although we vsed all the meanes and industry wee could to get forward but when we had past by the Ice Hauen the Ice began to driue with such force that wee were inclosed round about therewith and yet we sought all the meanes we could to get out but it was all in vaine and at that time we had like to haue lost three men that were vpon the Ice to make way for the ship if the Ice had held the course it went but as we draue backe againe and that the Ice also whereon our men stood in like sort draue they being nimble as the ship draue by them one of them caught hold of the beak head another vpon the shrouds and the third vpon the great brase that hung out behind and so by great aduenture by the hold that they tooke they got safe into the ship againe for which they thanked God with all their
the decke thinking to finde a Foxe there we sought all the holes but we found none but when we entred into the Cabbin and had stricken fire to see in what case the ship was and whether the water rose higher in it there wee found a Foxe which we tooke and carryed it home and eate it and then we found that in eighteene dayes absence for it was so long since we had beene there the water was risen about a finger high but yet it was all Ice for it froze as fast as it came in and the vessels which wee had brought with vs full of fresh water out of Holland were frozen to the ground The nineteenth it was faire weather the winde being South then we put each other in good comfort that the Sunne was then almost halfe ouer and ready to come to vs againe which wee sore longed for it being a weary time for vs to bee without the Sunne and to want the greatest comfort that God sendeth vnto man heere vpon the earth and that which rejoyceth euery liuing thing The twentieth before noone it was faire cleere weather and then we had taken a Foxe but towards Eeuening there rose such a storme in the South-west with so great a snow that all the house was inclosed therewith The one and twentieth it was faire cleere weather with a North-east winde then we made our doore cleane againe and made a way to goe out and clensed our Traps for the Foxes which did vs great pleasure when we tooke them for they seemed as daintie as Venison vnto vs. The two and twentieth it was foule weather with great store of snow the winde South-west which stopt vp our doore againe and wee were forced to digge it open againe which was almost euery day to doe The three and twentieth it was foule weather the wind South-west with great store of snow but wee were in good comfort that the Sunne would come againe to vs for as we ghest that day hee was in Tropicus Capricorni which is the furthest Signe that the Sunne passeth on the South-side of the line and from thence it turneth Northward againe The foure and twentieth being Christmasse Eeuen it was faire weather then wee opened our doore againe and saw much open water in the Sea for we had heard the Ice cracke and driue although it was not day yet we could see so farre Towards Eeuening it blew hard out of the North-east with great store of Snow so that all the passage that wee had made open before was stopt vp againe The fiue and twentieth being Christmasse day it was foule weather with a North-west winde and yet though it was foule weather we heard the Foxes runne ouer our House wherewith some of our men sayd it was an ill signe and while we sate disputing why it should bee an ill signe some of our men made answer that it was an ill signe because wee could not take them to put them into the Pot or roast them for that had beene a very good signe for vs. The sixe and twentieth it was foule weather the winde North-west and it was so cold that we could not warme vs although wee vsed all the meanes we could with great fires good store of cloathes and with hot stones and billets layd vpon our feete and vpon our bodies as we lay in our Cabbins but notwithstanding all this in the morning our Cabbins were frozen which made vs behold one the other with sad countenance but yet wee comforted our selues againe as well as we could that the Sunne was then as low as it could goe and that it now began to come to vs againe and we found it to bee true for that the Dayes beginning to lengthen the Cold began to strengthen but hope put vs in good comfort and eased our paine The seuen and twentieth it was still foule weather with a North-west wind so that as then wee had not beene out in three dayes together nor durst not thrust our heads out of doores and within the house it was so extreame cold that as we sate before a great Fire and seemed to burne on the fore-side we froze behind at our backes and were all white as the Countrey-men vse to bee when they come in at the gates of the Towne in Holland with their Sleds and haue gone all night The eight and twentieth it was still foule weather with a West wind but about Eeuening it began to cleere vp at which time one of our men made a hole open at one of our doores and went out to see what newes abroad but found it so hard weather that hee stayed not long and told vs that it had snowed so much that the Snow lay higher then our house and that if he had stayed out longer his eares would vndoubtedly haue beene frozen off The nine and twentieth it was calme weather and a pleasant ayre the wind being Southward that day he whose turne it was opened the doore and digged a hole through the Snow where we went out of the house vpon steps as if it had beene out of a Celler at least seuen or eight steps high each step a foote from the other and then we made cleane our Springes for the Foxes whereof for certaine dayes we had not taken any and as we made them cleane one of our men found a dead Foxe in one of them that was frozen as hard as a stone which he brought into the house and thawed it before the fire and after flaying it some of our men eate it The thirtieth it was foule weather againe with a storme out of the West and great store of Snow so that all the labour and paine that we had taken the day before to make steps to goe out of our house and to clense our Springes was all in vaine for it was all couered ouer with Snow againe higher then it was before The one and thirtieth it was still foule weather with a storme out of the North-west whereby we were so fast shut vp into the house as if wee had beene prisoners and it was so extreame cold that the fire almost cast no heate for as we put our feet to the fire we burnt our hose before we could feele the heate so that we had worke enough to doe to patch our hose and which is more if we had not sooner smelt then felt them we should haue burnt them ere we had knowne it After that with great cold danger and disease wee had brought this yeere vnto an end we entred into the yeere of our Lord God 1597. the beginning whereof was in the same manner as the end of Anno 1596. had beene for the weather continued as cold foule and Snowie as it was before so that vpon the first of Ianuary wee were inclosed in the House the winde then being West at the same time wee agreed to share our Wine euery man a small measure full
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
Mora or Drie Sea The other is this which is betwixt the Matpheyoue Ostroue and the Yougorskoie-share lying as before was sayd South from the sayd Matpheyoue Ostroue From which Iland in a cleere day they can see the Land of Vaygats which lyeth on the Larboord side being very high Land So that stirring out-right in the middle betweene the Meadanetskoiâ— Land on their Starboord and the Land of Vaygats on their Larboord side they sayle directly into the Yougorskoie-share Likewise there is not much of this Yougorskoie-share For they say that being at one end they can see the Sea at the other end thereof Also about the Land of Vaygats are neither Flats nor Shoalds From the Yougorskoie-share to the Carskoie Gooba is twelue houres sayle or twentie leagues In this Bay or Gooba is the Meastnoy Ostroue or Meastnoy Iland Further it is to bee remembred that as soone as they enter this Carskoie Gooba or Bay they sayle vp a Riuer leauing this Bay on their Starboord which Riuer bringeth them into the Mootnoya Reca which signifieth the thicke or troubled Riuer From Carskoie Gooba to this Mootnoya Reca is 20. leagues Likewise being a little past the Yougorskoie-share there may bee described an high Land which they call Socoâ—a Looda that is The Hawkes perch And being ouer the Mootnoya Reca which they are eight dayes and eight nights in halling along the shoare by the Rope or Beachaua they come into two Lakes which two Lakes from one end to the other they commonly row ouer in one Day or two Tides the same not being aboue ten or twelue leagues Hauing gotten to the end of those two Lakes they come to a place called the Nauoloke which signifieth an Ouer-hall And it is almost two hundred fathoms or foure hundred paces in length And hauing emptyed their Vessels called Coaches laying poles vnder them with the Companies or men of foure or fiue Boates hauing twelue or thirteene men in a Boate they hall their Vessels ouer launching them into a third Lake which they call the Zelenoy Osera that is the Greene Lake These Ouer-halls constraine them to consort themselues into Companies otherwayes they could not get this way to Mongozey At the end of this Zelenoy Osera or Greene Lake they come into the Zelenoya Reca or Greene Riuer into which they runne with the streame being often compelled to emptie their great Boates with their Lodias or Wherries laying their Goods vpon the shoare which being done they row their great Lodias ouer the shoalds emptie and hauing got ouer the shoalds they bring their goods on boord againe And thus they doe in diuers places of this Zelenoya Reca or Greene Riuer by reason whereof they are commonly ten dayes from the Ouer-hall before they can get through this foresayd Riuer which is all with the streame but the Distance hereof cannot yet bee perfectly learned Being come to the end of this Zelenoya Reca they enter into the Riuer of Ob and hauing rowed a little way vp the same they come to a place which they likewise call Zauorot which signifieth a turning winding or entring into a place From this Zauorot they turne into the Tawze Reca stirring away South to Tawze Riuer but it is foure and twentie houres sayle or fortie leagues from the Riuer of Ob before they come into any part of the Tawze Reca In the Riuer of Ob are neither Woods nor Inhabitants till they sayle so farre vp the same that they come neere to Siberia But there are Woods When they are entred into this Tawze Riuer they haue foure dayes and foure nights sayling to Tawze Castle with a faire wind and a stiffe gale But if they bee driuen to row to the Tawze Gorodoc or Castle then they are twelue dayes and twelue nights rowing thither at the least hauing calme weather This Tawze Gorodoc or Tawze little Castle with the Villages Townes and all other places there to belonging is by all the Russes generally called Mongosey At this place are two Gentlemen or Gouernours with three or foure hundred Gunners and small Câ—stles in seuerall places of these parts of Mongosey Moreouer the men of Mezen from whom I had all these Notes told me That in the Winter time there went men from Siberia to Mongosey to buy Sables deliuering vnto mee that the Sables taken by the Samoyeds about Mongosey are richer in Furres then those that come from Siberia Also they told me that the Samoyeds inhabiting vpon the mayne land ouer against Vaygats trauelled in the Winter time with their Reyne Deere to the parts of Mongosey to kill Sables and other beasts and doe carrie their Furres from thence to Mezen to sell there at a place called by the Russes Slobodca to which they did commonly resort about Shroue-tide staying not there long but as soone as they had made sale of their Furres they departed home againe Further these men of Mezen told me that in the Winter time with them was to be sold store of Squerrils Beauers Beauers wombs and 〈◊〉 Sables And that all those that trauelled in the Winter time from any part of Mongosey Sibiâ—â— Pechora and Oust-selma to any part of Russia whether they were Merchants or buyers vp of the Furres or the Samoyeds that caught them they must of force come to their Towne of Mezen to hire Horses to carrie them to Colmogro By which meanes they told mee their Towne was well replenished with all manner of Furres especially of Squerrils Also they informed me that diâ—ers of Colmogro and other parts of Russia thâ—â— sold vs Furs for the most part bought the same of them lying there in the Winter time for that purpose Therefore said they if that any of our Nation would trade into their parts they would be glad thereof and that they may be furnished of all sorts of Furres and at a farre better rate then hitherto we haue had them at And that wee could vpon any occasion he quickly at Colmogro in the Winter time by Sled or in any part of the Spring or Summer time by Boatâ— at a very small charge Lastly that in the Spring time we should not faile of a parcell of Trane-cyle and Deeres skinnes which euery Summer they transported to Archangel to sell. A true direction of the Russes trauelling from Mezen with Cayooks or small Boats through the Riuer Peoza and from thence to a place called by them Peaskanoy Nauolock or The Sandy Ouer-hall passing from thence through other Riuers till they come to Oust-selma and to the Towne of Pechora And is as followeth HAuing embarqued themselues at Mezen in these small Cayooks or Boats couered with the barkes of trees they sayle to a Riuer called Peoza Reca From thence they sayle or draw their Boats to a place called the Peaskanoy Nauolock or Sandy Ouer-hall From Mezen to this Ouer-hall is ten dayes haling along the shoare with the rope This said Ouer-hall is fiue Russe
durst not without the Emperour of Russia his licence Whereupon I answered that the Emperours Maiestie when he was raigning was very gracious vnto our Nation aboue all other strangers and shewed what great priuiledges hee had bestowed on our people and how by the English-mens meanes at the first what a trade is now at Arkania and what profit came not onely into his Maiesties Treasurie but also into all parts of his Dominions which in time might be brought hither and withall shewed the Emperours priuiledge Wherefore then they began to put away feare and willed vs to stay fiue or sixe dayes vntill he had sent for the chiefest men of the Townes-men who were abroad and then they would giue vs an answer Then I desired that we might haue an house to be in and not to stay without doores So he gaue libertie to any that would to entertayne vs whereto there was one Callem that made answer that he would whereupon wee went with him and were in an Ambar of his vntill wee receiued answer from them In the meane time wee made much of them and feasted them with our Aqua vitae Biscuit and Figs that we might the better obtayne their loue The foure and twentieth the Customers came to giue vs our answere and told vs that they had concluded that we might stay if wee would but they must write vp to the Musko of our being here So we thanked them and gaue them such entertaynment as we could and sent presents to sixe of them of the chiefest which they tooke very thankfully and promised what fauour they could So this night I made ready my Letters to send for England The fourth of August fiue and twentie Lodyas arriued at the Towne laden with Meale and others which were bound for Molgomsey but by reason of contrary winds they were forced into Pechora and came vp to the Towne of Pustozer and vnladed to make sale The sixe and twentieth we remoued from the house where we were at the first vnto a Poles house who is christened Russe where we are to remayne all the Winter The nine and twentieth the frost was so strong that the Ozera was frozen ouer and the Ice driuing in the Riuer to and againe brake all the nets so that they got no Salmon no not so much as for their owne victuals The second of September the frost brake vp againe and it was open weather The eight of September there was a Soyma which the Towns-men bought that went downe the Riuer to haue gone for Iugoria and had a faire wind but they neglecting two dayes sayling that would haue carried them forth of the Riuer to the Sea the wind came contrary so that they were wind-bound and could not get any further and on the nineteenth gaue ouer their Voyage and came vp to the Towne The thirteenth of October the frost was so extreme that the Ozera stood in one night that men did walke on it the next day and so continued all the Winter after The twelfth of Nouember there went two men of Penega to Vst-zilma to buy Squerrils and Beauers and other commodities The thirteenth the Sunne arose at South and by East by the Compasse and set at South-west and by West The foure and twentieth there went diuers men with at the least three or fourescore Sleds drawne with Deere to a place called Slobodca where they hold a Mart from the beginning of December to the middle thereof and they carried fresh-water fish thither with whom William Pursgloue went into Russia The sixe and twentieth the Sunne arose at South and by West by the Compasse and set at South-west and by West The first of December the Sunne arose at South and by West Westerly by the Compasse and set South-west and by West Southerly The fourth the Towns-men of Pechora went ouer land into Iugoria to trade with the Inhabitants there and the Samoyeds The eleuenth Marmaduke Wilson said that he saw the Sunne but it was but the way of the Sunnes beames The thirteenth I saw the Sunnes beames my selfe but I could not see the Sun it selfe although I watched it very strictly The fourteenth it was snowie and stormie weather and continued so vntill the foure and twentieth day which was close weather also The fiue and twentieth being Christmas day I saw the Sunne and it rose at South and by West and set at South-west and by South it hauing the neathermost part of it all the way iust with the Horizon The sixe and twentieth it was stormy and snowy weather and so continued vntill the end of the moneth The second of Ianuarie the Sunne arose at South somewhat Westerly and set south-South-west a little Southerly it mounting a pretie height aboue the Horizon The fift William Pursgloue returned from Colmogro The eleuenth the Sunne arose at South by East by the Compasse and set at South-west and by West The twelfth there came a command from the Patriarch that there should bee a generall Fast both for young and old not exempting the sucking babes which began the thirteenth continuing three dayes space they neither eating nor drinking so much as water neither admitted they their sucking Babes saue those that fainted to whom they gaue a few Figs and a little water The nineteenth the Inhabitants of Pustozer that went into Iugoria returned from thence hauing had but an hard Voyage by reason of the Warres which the Samoyeds had amongst themselues so that they durst not goe into Molgomsey where they catch the most part of the Sables which come into Russia The three and twentieth came the Carratchey which is the chiefe of the Samoyeds but they had no commodities to speake of by reason of the Warres so that they neither durst trade with the Samoyeds of Molgomsey neither hunt for the Sables themselues which at other times they were wont to doe The thirtieth I had the chiefe Carratchey his sonne his sonnes sonne and his brothers sonne at Dinner and had some conference with him who told mee that they had seene ships in the Vaygats two yeeres one after another but they durst not bee seene of them but fled from them for the Russes told them that they would kill them or carrie them away prisoners Yet they seemed to be glad of our comming when they saw our behauiour and the entertaynment that they had of vs Neuerthelesse they are very timerous and vnreasonable couetous as by more acquaintance I perceiued by them The second of February the most part of the Samoyeds went to Slobodca with their commodities because in the Summer they had beene together by the eares with the Samoyeds of Callenose and had slayne one or two of them wherefore they went to agree with them and to pay ransome for some of their men that were taken afterwards The fifteenth the Sunne arose at South-east a little Southerly and set at West and by South Westerly The sixteenth the Sunne arose at
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-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
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
the great mercie of God we came to an Anchor cleere of it and close by it our Master named them the Iles of Gods Mercie This is an Harbour for need but there must be care had how they come in Heere our Master sent me and others with me to discouer to the North and North-west and in going from one place to another we sprung a Couey of Partridges which were young at the which Thomas Woodhouse shot but killed only the old one This Iland is a most barren place hauing nothing on it but plashes of water and riuen Rockes as if it were subiect to Earthquakes To the North there is a great Bay or Sea for I know not what it will proue where I saw a great Iland of Ice aground betweene the two Lands which with the Spring-tide was set afloat and carried into this Bay or Sea to the North-westward but came not backe againe nor within sight Here wee tooke in some Drift wood that we found ashoare From hence we stood to the South-west to double the Land to the West of vs through much floting Ice In the end wee found a cleere Sea and continued therein till wee raysed Land to the North-west Then our Master made his course more to the South then before but it was not long ere we met with Ice which lay ahead of vs. Our Master would haue doubled this Ice to the North but could not and in the end put into it downe to the south-South-west through much Ice and then to the South where we were embayed againe Our Master stroue to get the shoare but could not for the great store of Ice that was on the coast From out of this Bay we stood to the North and were soone out of the Ice then downe to the South-west and so to the West where we were enclosed to our fight with Land and Ice For wee had Land from the South to the North-west on one side and from the East to the West on the other but the Land that was to the North of vs and lay by East and West was but an Iland On we went till we could goe no further for Ice so we made our ship fast to the Ice which the tide brought vpon vs but when the ebbe came the Ice did open and made way so as in seuen or eight houres we were cleere from the Ice till we came to weather but onely some of the great Ilands that were carried along with vs to the North-west Hauing a cleere Sea our Master stood to the West along by the South shoare and raysed three Capes or Head-lands lying one aboue another The middlemost is an Iland and maketh a Bay or Harbour which I take will proue a good one Our Master named them Prince Henries Cape or Fore-land When we had layd this we raised another which was the extreme point of the Land looking towards the North vpon it are two Hills but one aboue the rest like an Hay-cocke which our Master named King Iames his Cape To the North of this lie certaine Ilands which our Master named Queene Annes Cape or Fore-land Wee followed the North shoare still Beyond the Kings Cape there is a Sound or Bay that hath some Ilands in it and this is not to be forgotten if need be Beyond this lieth some broken Land close to the Mayne but what it is I know not because we passed by it in the night Wee stood to the North to double this Land and after to the West againe till wee fell with Land that stretched from the Mayne like a shewer from the South to the North and from the North to the West and then downe to the South againe Being short of this Land a storme tooke vs the wind at West we stood to the North and raised Land which when our Master saw he stood to the South againe for he was loath at any time that wee should see the North shoare The storme continuing and comming to the South shoare againe our Master found himselfe shot to the West a great way which made him muse considering his Leeward way To the South-west of this Land on the Mayne there is an high Hill which our Master named Mount Charles To the North and beyond this lieth an Iland that to the East hath a faire head and beyond it to the West other broken Land which maketh a Bay within and a good Road may be found there for ships Our Master named the first Cape Salsburie When we had left this to the North-east we fell into a Rippling or Ouer-fall of a Current which at the first we tooke to bee a Shoald but the Lead being cast wee had no ground On we passed still in sight of the South shoare till we raised Land lying from the Mayne some two leagues Our Master tooke this to bee a part of the Mayne of the North Land but it is an Iland the North side stretching out to the West more then the South This Iland hath a faire Head to the East and very high Land which our Master named Deepes Cape and the Land on the South side now falling away to the South makes another Cape or Head-land which our Master named Worsenhams Cape When wee were nigh the North or Iland Cape our Master sent the Boat ashoare with my selfe who had the charge and the Carpenter and diuers others to discouer to the West and North-west and to the South-west but we had further to it then we thought for the Land is very high and we were ouer-taken with a storme of Raine Thunder and Lightning But to it we came on the North-east side and vp we got from one Rocke to another till we came to the highest of that part Here we found some plaine ground and saw some Deere as first foure or fiue and after a dozen or sixteene in an Herd but could not come nigh them with a Musket shot Thus going from one place to another wee saw to the West of vs an high Hill aboue all the rest it being nigh vs but it proued further off then we made account for when wee came to it the Land was so steepe on the East and North-east parts that wee could not get vnto it To the South-west we saw that wee might and towards that part wee went along by the side of a great Pond of water which lieth vnder the East side of this Hill and there runneth out of it a streame of water as much as would driue an ouer-shot Mill which falleth downe from an high Cliffe into the Sea on the South side In this place great store of Fowle breed and there is the best Grasse that I had seene since we came from England Here wee found Sorell and that which wee call Scuruy-grasse in great abundance Passing along wee saw some round Hills of stone like to Grasse cockes which at the first I tooke to be the worke of some Christian. Wee
as was the Geographicall partition of the Iland it selfe mentioned before at the end of the first Chapter diuided into North East South and West quarter And againe they diuided the Fourths into Thirds except the North quarter For this as it was larger then the rest was parted into Fourths But these Thirds they subdiuided againe into their parts some Tenths and others somewhat otherwise For the which not finding a fit name I haue retayned the proper name of the Countrey that which with them is Hreppar wee may counterfeitly call Reppae vnto the which also we may imagine no vnapt Etymon from the word Repo For here was the first 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of them that executed any publike Office for equitie either of opinion and judgement and the equall ballancing of mindes to be preserued in the rest of the Magistrates worthily ought to begin there vnlesse any would rather thinke they had respect heere vnto Reeb that is to say Coards with the which the diuision was made after the most ancient manner of the Hebrewes themselues Euery Reppa regularly contayned twentie Inhabitants at the least for oftentimes it contayned more limited by a certayne increase of the wealth of their Family vnder which they might not be reckoned to the poorer Reppes to the richer they might Moreouer in euery Third as also in the Fourths of the North Tetrade which Iurisdictions in times past they called Pyng at this day also Syslu herad they appointed three more famous places consecrated to the Seat of Iustice and Iudgements besides also dedicated to Ethnicke Sacrifices which they call Hoff we call them Holy Places and Temples Euery Chappell after the manner of this Countrey was sumptuously built whereof wee reade of two of one hundred and twentie foot long One in the Iurisdiction of Washdall of North Island the other in Rialarnes of South Island and this surely sixtie foot broad Moreouer euery such holy place had a kind of Chappell adjoyning This place was most holy Heere stood the Idols and Gods made with hands vpon a low stoole or a certayne Altar about which the cattle which were to be sacrificed vnto them were orderly placed But the chiefe and middlemost of the Gods was Iupiter by them called Por from whom these Northerne Kingdomes yet call Thors day Thorsdagh The rest of the Gods were collateral vnto it whose certayne number and names I haue not heard Yet in the ancient forme of oath whereof mention shall be made hereafter three besides Thorus are specially noted by name Freyr Niordur and As whereof the third to wit As I thinke to be that famous Odinus not accounted the last among those Ethnicke Gods of whom I made mention before Synecdochically called As because hee was the chiefe of the people of Asia who came hither into the North for in the singular number they called him As which in the plurall they called Aesar or Aeser This Odinus as aforesaid for his notable knowledge in Deuillish Magicke whereby like another Mahomet hee affected a Diuinitie after his death was reckoned among the number of the Gods from whom at this day Wednesday is called Odens Dagur the day of Odinus whereupon peraduenture I shall not vnaptly call Odin Mercurie as Thor Iupiter Yet the ancients honoured Odin in the place of Mars and such as were slaine in the warres they say were sacrificed to Odin And the companions or Sonnes of Odin were Freyr and Nâ—ordur who through the same artes which their Father or Prince Odinus practised obtayned an opinion of Diuinitie I haue before aduertised you that chiefly in the North Countrey Kings after their death are honoured for Gods But the worshipping of them hath not yet come vnto the Islanders wherefore we will speake nothing of them in this place Before that seate of the Gods placed in the foresaid Temples stood an Altar erected couered aboue with Iron that it might not be hurt with fire which must bee continually there A Caldron also or brasen vessell was set vpon the Altar to receiue the bloud of the sacrifices with an holy water sticke or sprinkle to bedew the standers by with the bloud of the sacrifices Besides on the Altar a siluer Ring was kept or of copper of twentie ounces which being anointed with the bloud of the sacrifices they who executed any office pertayning to Iustice being now readie to take their oath religiously handled while they were sworne Foure-footed beasts for the most part were appointed for sacrifices to bee conuerted to the food of the Sacrificers Although in the meane space I finde a lamentable matter that the blinde Ethnicks in the foresaid place of Rialarnes vsed also humane sacrifices where at the doore of the Temple was â— very deepe Pit wherein the humane sacrifices were drowned which Pit was called Blotkellda from the Sacrifice Also in West Island in the Prouince of Thornsthing in the middle of the Market place there was a round circle into the which men appointed to be sacrificed to the Gods were gathered who being violently smitten against an exceeding great stone set there were cruelly slaine The indignitie whereof that stone is reported to haue declared many ages after by the bloudy colour which no shower of raine or water could euer wash away An abominable crueltie surely yet not wanting examples deriued euen from the most ancient times I omit those of later time and found in the neare bordering Countries as the humane sacrifices of the French whereof Cicero pro Fonteio speaketh and also the custome of nearer bordering Countries I doe not mention the Roman sacrifices among which Luperca Valeria appointed to be sacrificed was deliuered from present death by an Eagle Let the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and sacrificing of noble Virgins of the Greekes not be remembâ—ed with whom Helena was likewise freed from imminent perill of sacrificing by the benefit of an Eagle But who is it that can be ignorant of Benhennon or Gehennon of the Hebrewes and their crueltie farre greater then this exercised not vpon slaues or guiltie persons but euen vpon their dearest children Concerning which matter I thought good to set downe the wordes of Christoph. Adricomus Delphus Gehennon saith he was a place in the suburbs of Ierusalem ouer against the East vnder the Mountayne of Offence neare the Fish poole of the Fuller most pleasant like Tempe In this Valley stood a Pauilion and the brasen Idol of Moloch cunningly wrought in the shape of a King bâ—llow within whose head resembling a Calfe the other parts a man had armes stretched forth to sacrifice children who through the vehement heat of the Idol were burned amidst those cursed embracements For when by the fire put vnder in the concauity of the Idoll it became all fiery then the most wicked parents with incredible crueltie deliuered their dearest children to wit their Sonnes and Daughters to be burned within these detestable
to the shore with our Shallops and went on land but seeing in all places great abundance of broken Ice we lay close to the shoare and doubting that although perhaps with much adoe we might get about the point of the Beach yet should we still be pestered with Ice from proceeding any further we resolued to walke ouer land to the other side of the Beach where we saw a hill about foure miles distant from which we thought we should be satisfied how much further it was possible for vs to proceede so thither we trauailed where when we came wee saw a very faire Sound on the East side of the Beach which was open within but there lay very much Ice at the entrance of it which although it was extended more then halfe ouer Sound yet we doubted not but if we could get our Shallops about the Beach we should finde either one way or other to passe ouer the said Sound from the high land on the other side we should receiue very good satisfaction if the weather continued faire and cleare as now it was therefore we intended to make triall what we might do but before we returned we went down to the point of the Beach at the entrance of the Sound and there set vp a Crosse and nailed a sixe pence thereon with the Kings Armes This being done we returned to our Shallops and according to our late determination we rowed about the point of Red-beach and with many crooked windings amongst the Ice at length we got ouer Wiches Sound for so it is now named As soone as we were ouer on the other side about two leagues from Red-beach Master Baffin and I clambred vp a very high hill from whence we saw a point of land bearing East North-east by the ordinary Compasse eighteene or twentie leagues distant as I supposed Wee likewise saw another faire Sound to the Southwards of vs which was much pestered with Ice but we could not see the end of it Here vpon the mountaine wee set vp a Warelocke and then came downe againe with lesse labour but more danger then we had in getting vp by reason of the steepinesse thereof then we walked to the shoare side and there found many beach Finnes whereby I coniectured that Master Marmadukes men in his first discouery made in Anno 1612. had not beene vpon this land to search the Beaches for in all other places where we had beene heretofore we could finde nothing at all Now therefore we resolued to make further search alongst this shoare and to proceede with our Shallops so farre as we possibly could whereupon wee returned to our men againe whom we left with our Shallops where we first landed Hauing stayed here a while and obserued the latitude which I found to be 79. degrees 54. minutes we saw a Shallop come rowing towards the extreamest point of this shoare therefore we hastned towards them to see who were therein and found them to be Master Marmadukes men lately come from their ship the Harts-ease which they said they left at Sea amongst the Ice about a league from Red Beach here they were setting vp a Crosse which they said that they found there fallen downe and had beene formerly set vp in the time of Master Marmadukes first discouery by one Laurence Prestwood whose name I saw thereon engrauen with two or three names more and it had the date of the seuenteenth of August 1612. Vpon this Crosse they nailed the Kings Armes Here we parted from them and according to our former determination we proceeded some in the Shallops amongst the Ice and others on shoare till wee went about foure leagues further in which space we found many more Finnes and one paire of Morses teeth but now we found the Ice so close packt together that wee could not proceede any further with our Shallops wherefore Master Baffin and I intended to walke ouer land vntill we should be better satisfied how farre this Sound went in for wee could as yet see no end of it and it seemed to make a separation of the land so leauing our men here with the Shallops wee trauailed almost a league further till we came to the point of a sandie beach that shot into the Sound which was wonderfully stored with drift Wood in great abundance From this point we receiued such satisfaction as we looked for because we saw the end of the Sound which lies South in about ten leagues It hath in it a good harbour that is landlockt and doubtlesse it is a good place for the Whale-killing if it be not euery yeare as now it is pestered with Ice Here I saw a more naturall earth and clay then any that I haue seene in all the Countr but nothing growing thereupon more then in other places This Sound is that which formerly had and still retaineth the name of Sir Thomas Smiths Inlet Being thus satisfied we came backe againe to our Shallops and seeing no way but one we returned towards our Ship but before we could get to Red-beach there arose a very great storme from the East North-east after we had entered amongst the Ice in Wiches Sound so that we were separated the one Shallop from the other whereby our danger was the greater for whiles wee were both in company together the one might haue beene helpefull to the other when neede required and more easie it seemed to saue them both then being separated to keepe either of them from wracke but God who in his wonted mercie is euer ready to relieue the faithfull distressed did not onely so prouide that we met together againe and indeede were helpefull the one to the other otherwise I doubt the one Shallop had miscarried for she was in great danger but also deliuered vs safely out from amongst these perillous rockes of Ice which it was very hard to shuâ— and at the length brought vs into an open Sea where with as scant a saile as we could make we past swiftly before the winde the Sea comming diuers times ouer the sternes of our Shallops which wet our skinnes that had scarse any dry cloathes on before to keepe them warme by reason of a drizeling Snow which fell with the storme then we went aboord our Ship into the South harbour of Faire hauen the fift of August with one hundred and fiftie Beach finnes and one paire of Morses teeth giuing thanks to God for his blessing and mercifull deliuerance The ninth of August two ships of the Hollanders that were appointed for Northerne Discouery were seene thwart of Faire Hauen sayling to the Southwards The eleuenth of August we set sayle forth of Faire Hauen the winde at South South-west intending to make tryall if yet the Ice would admit vs to haue passage to the Northwards or the North-eastwards We held our course from Cape Barren North-east and by East till seuen a clocke at night at which time hauing runne eight leagues
from the shoare wee met with the Ice which lay East and by South and West and by North and bore vp alongst it to the Eastwards for the winde was now come to the North North-west then wee tackt about to the Westwards and plyed off and on close by the Ice till the thirteenth day at mid-night still expecting a change of the weathâ—â— that we might haue made some aduenture amongst the shatterd Ice for both on the twelfth and thirteenth day the winde blew hard at North and the weather was cold thicke and very winter-like with fall of snow this winde being so contrarie droue both the Ice and our ship to leewards towards the shoare so that wee were forced to put into Harbour againe and came to an Anchor the fourteenth day in the North Harbour of Faire Hauen where the Fleet of Hollanders lately rid at which time the Hartsease was there at an Anchor Now was the Land both Mountaynes and Plaines wholly couered with snow so that almost all mens mindes were possessed with a desire of returning for England But to preuent a sudden resolution for a homeward Voyage without further satisfaction I made motion that once againe we might goe forth with our shallops to see what alteration there might bee found alongst the shoare It fell out that I was to goe in one shallop for this purpose so I tooke with me eight men and went from our ship the fifteenth day of August We rowed to Red-cliffe Sound where we passed through much Ice that was newly congealed being thicker then an halfe Crowne piece of siluer notwithstanding we broke way through it and being ouer the Sound we had a cleere Sea againe then we proceeded to Red-beach where finding the shoare cleere of Ice which at my last being there was wonderfully pestered I conceiued good hope to finde passage to the furthest Land from thence in sight bearing East halfe a point Southerly nine or ten leagues distant to this end we put off from the shoare of Red-beach and rowed a league and more in an open Sea and then met with Ice which lay dispersed abroad and was no hinderance to our proceeding so that we continued rowing the space of sixe houres in which time we had gotten more then halfe way ouer but then we found the Ice to lye very thicke thronged together so that it caused vs much to alter our course sometimes Southward and sometimes Northwards and euen in this time when we thought wee stood in most need of cleere weather it pleased God to send vs the contrary for it beganne to snow very fast which made the Ayre so thick that we could not see to make choice of the most likely way for vs to passe therefore I thought good to stay here awhile hoping that ere long the weather would bee more agreeable to our purpose so a Grapnell being laid forth vpon an Iland off to hold fast our shallop a Tent was made of the shallops sayle to keepe the weather from vs and we remayned here fiue houres but finding no alteration in the constant weather I willed the men to take downe the Tent and with faire tearmes perswaded them that notwithstanding the wet weather it were good to be doing something to get ouer to the desired shoare where we might refresh our selues and haue fire to dry our wet clothes they seemed well content with this motion and so we rowed the space of foure houres more the Ice still causing vs to hold a South and South South-east course which carried vs further into Sir Thomas Smiths Inlet and put vs from the place where we wished to be The thicke snowie weather continued all this time which was very vncomfortable to vs all but especially to the men that rowed and as the snow was noysome to their bodies so did it also begin to astonish their mindes as I well perceiued by their speeches which proceeded vpon this occasion The snow hauing continued thus long and falling vpon the smooth water lay in some places an inch thicke being alreadie in the nature of an Ice compact though not congealed and hindred sometimes our shallops way this I say caused some of them not altogether without reason to say that if it should now freeze as it did that night when we came ouer Red-cliffe Sound we should be in danger here to be frozen vp Howsoeuer this search might bee a meanes to discourage the rest that considered not of such a thing till they had heard it spoken of yet true it is that I saw no likelihood by reason of the Ice how to attayne my desire at this time and therefore I bade them row toward the shoare of Red-beach againe where I intended to stay till the weather might happily be more conuenient So holding a West North-west course so neere as the Ice would suffer vs wee came to the East-side of Red-beach hauing beene eighteene houres amongst the Ice during all which time the snow fell and as yet ceased not When we had been here about an houre it began to cleere vp and the wind to blow hard at East which rather packt the Ice close together in this place then disperst it so that I was now out of hope to get any further then I had beene alreadie wherefore I returned toward our ship intending as I went to make a more particular Discouerie of Broad-bay and Red-cliffe Sound hoping that one place or other would afford some thing worthy of the time and labour When we were come to the West side of Red-beach it began to blow much wind where withall the Sea growing to be great all men aduised to passe ouer Broad-bay whilst the winde and weather would serue vs to sayle for they said it was like to be very foule weather so seeing that it was no conuenient time for coasting we came ouer the Bay to Point Welcome which I so named because it is a place where wee oftentimes rested when wee went forth in our shallops it is about foure leagues distant from the North end of Red beach At this point the Hollanders had set vp Prince Maurice his Armes neere vnto a Crosse which I had caused to bee set vp aboue a moneth before and had nayled a sixe pence thereon with the Kings Armes but the men that were with me went without any such direction from mee and pulled downe the said Princes Armes whilst I was gone vp a Mountayne to looke into the Sea if I could see any Ice and when I came downe againe they told me that the six pence was taken from the Crosse that I had set vp and there was another post set by it with the Hollanders Armes made fast thereon which they had pulled downe so because the six pence was taken away I caused one to nayle the Kings Armes cast in Lead vpon the Crosse which being done we rowed to the bottome of Red-cliffe Sound and as we coasted alongst the
Popes Sanctitie he procured an Armie of ten thousand Souldiers in Poland well furnished and in his Russian March winneth to his partie the Cossaks a kind of men which follow forreigne Warres and prey and leades with him tenne thousands of them Passing Boristhenes hee first charged vpon Zerniga summoned them to yeeld to the true heire Demetrius which was done by Iuan Takmeuy who had before conceiued dislike against Boris Corelas commanded the Cossaks a notorious Sorcerer He was the Author of the siege of Putinna a populous Citie which Michelowich Soltekoui held with eight thousand Cossaks whom also he wrought with that hee admitted and followed Demetrius Hereupon Boris sends an Army of an hundred thousand men against him He also sends Ambassadors into Poland to put them in minde of the league betwixt both Nations and earnestly desired this counterfeit Demetrius a Priests Bastard and notable Sorcerer to bee deliuered vnto him aliue or dead adding threats if they persisted and withall working vnder-hand with the Nobles to deterre the King from his ayde But by the Popes and Iesuites preuayling power nothing was effected the King and the Poles resoluing to assist him as thinking it the best course to accord both Nations Both Armies met at Nouogrod where Palatine Sendomir the Generall in the end of Ianuarie 1605. thinking to find a reuolt in the Russian Armie gaue a rash on-set was put to flight and after returned to Poland Demetrius retyred himselfe to Rilskie Castle in the borders with a few and forsaken of others he forsooke not himselfe Hee had brought with him two Diuines of the Cistercian Order which returned home two Iesuites also Nicolas Cherracoui and Andrew Louitzi which had beene Authors of the Expedition and now encouraged him by their exhortations and examples of patience He confident as hee made shew in the justice of his cause when he was to begin battell or skirmish vsed to call vpon God so as he might bee heard of all with his hands stretched forth and his eyes lifted vp to heauen in such like words O most iust Iudge kill me first with a Thunderbolt destroy me first and spare this Christian bloud if vniustly if couetously if wickedly I goe about this Enterprize which thou seest Thou seest mine innocencie helpe the iust cause To thee O Queene of Heauen I commend my selfe and these my Souldiers Which if they be truly related and he not the true Demetrius he was either an impudent Iugler or exceedingly gulled with fortunes daliance and prosperous successe which concludâ—d in a Tragicall period Part of Boris his Armie was now comne to Rilsky where in a battle betwixt the horsemen of both parts Demetrius got the better and the lately conquered and presently fewer became Victors at the first encounter a thousand being slaine two hundred taken and the rest put to flight leauing their footmen to the slaughter and the baggage to the spoyle Hereupon fiue neighbouring Castles with their seuerall Territories yeelded to Demetrius one of which Bialogrod yeelded him a hundred and fiftie Peeces of Ordnance The Captaynes were deliuered into his hands Soone after Ialeka and Leptina yeelded in which Hinsko Otiopelus that famous Sorcerer was taken after which all Seueria a large Principalitie came in and eight Castles Demetrius vsing great modestie in this vnexpected victorie Boris meanewhile sent some with large promises to murther him and the Patriarke excommunicated all which fauoured him Demetrius writ hereof modestly to the Patriarke and to Boris also offering faire conditions to his Family if he would resigne his vsurped Empire which he with indignation rejected That happened when the Embassadors of Denmarke and Sweden were in his Court to joyne league with him against the Pole In that consultation Boris is said to haue beene in such a chafe that hee fell downe suddenly much bloud passing from his mouth nosthrils and eares and in the end of Aprill hee dyed some say of an Apoplexie others of poyson which hee drunke after hee had reigned seuen yeeres His Wife with her Sonne were aduanced to the Throne after him and the Nobilitie sworne to them The dead bodie was buried without any pompe Constantine Fidler a Lieflander of Rie made an elegant Oration in his prayse whose brother Gaspar serued Boris Presently Peter Basman was sent away with an Armie Hodunius a neere Kinsman of Boris besieged Crom to rayse whom Demetrius vsed this policie Hee sent a simple man thither which being deceiued himselfe might deceiue others with Letters that fortie thousand were comming to ayde the besieged He being taken sent by a way which he could not escape and examined with tortures confesseth the same with his Letterâ— which caused a tumult in the Campe and in the end the besieged taking aduantage of the rumour still increased by some sent purposely with reports that they had seen the new auxiliaries issued with a counterfeit shew of great numbers and caused the Russians to consult of yeelding Basman also the new Generall yeelded and cried out with a loud voyce that Demetrius was the true heire and therefore all true hearted Muscouites should follow his example which the most followed Hodunius was taken and refusing to acknowledge Demetrius was cast in Prison In the Tents were huge Ordnance foâ—nd After this Campe-alteration followed the like in Mosco the people resounding the name of Demetrius The Empresse and her sonne were committed to ward where some write that they poysoned themselues some that Demetrius commanded it The Germanes flying out of the Borissian Campe to Demetrius drew many with them From Crom doâ—h Demetrius now march towards Mosco the people all the way flocking to see their new Prince who in twentie remoues came thither on the 19. of Iune and entred with pompous procession of Souldiers Priests the Russian Priests hauing Banners with the Pictures of the blessed Virgin and their Tutâ—lare Saint Nicolas in the end of al the Patriarch and after him Demetrius by himselfe on a white Palfray with a gallant trayne of attendants Thus hee goeth to the Temple of our Ladie and after Prayers from thence to Saint Michaels Church in which his Father lay buried and hearing that Boris lay there interred he presently commanded his body to be taken vp and to be remoued to a meaner Chappell without the Citie Passing by Boris his peculiar House he could not endure the sight but sent workemen presently to race the same saying they were infamous with Sorceries and that an image was said to be placed vnder the ground holding in the hand a burning Lampe hauing vnderneath store of Gunpouder buried things so disposed that the Oyle failing and the Lampe breaking the fire should had it not beene before spied and remoued blow vp that and the houses adioyning Thus had Boris impeached him and he now Boris of Magicall arts which are vsuall accusations in those parts Thence he went to the
Imperiall Pallace and beganne to gouerne the Empire more inclining to the Poles and forreiners then to the Russes which vntimely expressing himselfe hastned his ruine Seuentie noble Families of Boris his kindred or faction were exiled that their Goods might be â—hared amongst strangers and new Colonies of men planted brought into Russia His clemency was remarkable to Suisky who being condemned for not onely refusing to acknowledge this Emperour but vttering also reproachfull speeches of him as being of base Parentage and one which had conspired with the Poles to ouerthrow the Russian Temples Nobility and now his prayers ended and the fatall stroake on his knees expected on the seauenth of Iuly by vnexpected mercy euen then receiued his pardon The last which yeelded to him were the Plescouites Some tell of exceeding Treasures also which hee found laid vp for other purposes which through his profusenesse soone vanished The first of September was designed to his inauguration being New yeeres day to the Russes as sometimes to the Iewes but for other causes it was hastned and his Mother was sent for out of a Monasterie into which Boris had thrust her farâ—e from the Court An honorable Conuoy was herein employed and himselfe with great shew of Pietie went to meet her embraced her with teares and bare-headed on foot attended her Chariot to the Castle whence afterwards she remoued with her women into a Monasterie where the Noblest Virgins and Widdowes of Russia vse to sequester themselues from the World His Mother was noted to answere with like affection to him whether true or dissembled on both parts At his entrance to the Kingdome after Ceremonies ended Nicolas Cnermacouius a Iesuite made him a goodly Oration the like was done by the Senate To the Iesuits was alotted a faire place of entertaynment not far from the Castle wherein to obserue the Romish Rites and Holies and euen then by their meanes he had declared himselfe in that point but for feare of Suiskie hee stayed till fitter oportunitie Hauing thus setled things his care was to recompence the Poles to enter league with that Nation and to consummate the Marriage For which purpose hee sent three hundred Horsemen with Athanasius the Treasurer who in Nouember came to Cracouia had audience of King Sigismund where he with all thankfulnesse acknowledged the Kings forwardnesse with his Nobles to recouer his right whereto God had giuen answerable successe beyond expectation that he deplored the Turkish insolencies in Hungary and other parts to vindicate which he would willingly joyne with the Pole and other Christian Princes meane whiles hee was willing to make an euerlasting league with him and to that end entreated his good leaue to take vnto himselfe a Wife out of Poland namely Anna Maria the Daughter of George Miecinsie the Palatine of Sendomir to whom for money men and endangering of his owne life hee was so much engaged The eight day after the Contract was solemnely made by the Cardinall Bishop of Cracouia and the Embassadour with her Parents feasted by the King Demetrius had sent her and her Father Iewels worth 200000. Crownes Thus farre haue wee followed Thuanus and hee Iacobus Margaretus a French Captayne of Demetrius guard of Partisans which published a Booke hereof Now let vs present you a little English Intelligence touching this Demetrius and his respect to men of our Nation in those parts and first his Letter to Sir Iohn Mericke The Copie of a Letter sent from the Emperor DEMETRY EVANOWICH otherwise called GRISHCO OTREAPYOV the which Letter was sent to Master IOHN MERRICK Agent out of the Campe as Master MERRICK was taking his Iournie to the Sea-side the eighth of Iune Anno 1605. FRom the great Lord Emperour and great Duke Demetry Euanowich of all Russia To the English Marchant Iohn Merrick wee giue to vnderstand that by the iust iudgement of God and his strong power we are raised to our Fathers throne of Vladedmer Mosko and of all the Empire of Russia as great Duke and sole commander likewise we calling to memorie the loue and amitie of our Father the great Lord Emperour and great Duke Euan Vassilywich of all Russia and our Brother Theodor Euanowich of all Russia which was held and kept by them and other great Christian Princes in the same forme and manner doe we likewise intend and purpose to hold and keepe Loue and amitie but especially and aboue all others doe we intend to send and to haue loue and friendship with your King Iames and all you his English Merchants we will fauour more then before Further as soone as this our Letter doth come to your hand and as soone as you haue ended your Markets at the shipping place of Michael the Archangell then to come vp to Mosco to behold our Maiesties presence And for your poste Horse I haue commanded shall be giuen you and at your comming to Mosco then to make your appearance in our Chancery to our Secretarie Ofanasy Vlassou Written in our Maiesties Campe at Tooly in the yeare of the world Anno seauen thousand one hundred and thirteene The Copie of the translation of a Passe giuen to Master IOHN MERRICK which was giuen him in the time of his being in the Campe at Molodoue with the Emperour DEMETRY EVANOWICH otherwise called GRISHCO OTREAPYOVE FRom the great Lord Emperour and great Duke Demetry Euanowich of all Russia from Mosco to our Cities and Castles as also to the Castle of Archangell at the Shipping place and hauen to our Generals Secretaries and all other our Officers c. There did make suite vnto vs the English Marchant Iohn Merricke and his Company that we would gratifie them to be suffered to passe to the new Castle of Archangell or to the shipping place or hauen in regard of trafficke of Merchandise Also that if he doe send home any of his fellowes and seruants from the shipping place being of the English that then they might be suffered to passe into England Also that to whatsoeuer Citie of ours the English Marchant Iohn Mericke and his fellowes doth or shall come vnto then all yee our Generals Secretaries and oll other our Officers shall suffer them to passe euery where without all delay And as for our Customes as for passing by or for head mony our custome of goods you shall not take any of them nor of their seruants Likewise when the English Merchants Iohn Merricke with his fellowes and seruants shall come to the Castle of Archangell then Timophey Matphewich Lazaroue and our Secretary Rohmaneum Mocaryoued Voronoue at the foresaid Castle of Archangell shall suffer and permit the English Merchant Iohn and his companie to trade freely Moreouer when at the shipping place they haue ended and finished their Markets and that then the said Iohn Merricke shall desire to send into England any of his fellowes or seruants with goods then likewise they shall be suffered to passe But Russâ— people and other strangers of
by the way and being within one dayes march of the place to which wee were likewise going they set fire vpon three or foure Villages hard by the place where we lay at Grasse with our Horses for a token that they were comming And â—his was done vpon Midsummer day last in the morning by breake of day Then came they thundring wich shouts and cries to set vpon vs but no sooner was the Alarum giuen when the greatest part of those nineteene or twenty thousand Russes that were ioyned to vs as our aide fled most basely before any blow was giuen This sudden cowardize of theirs somewhat amazed vs but the houre being now come wherein we were not to talke of dangers but to goe meete them with our sixe companies of English horse we brauely resisted the Polanders and with great hurt to them but with little losse vpon our part charged them three seuerall times At last Pontus le Guard our chiefe Generall tooke his heeles and fled too leauing vs vtterly destitute of all direction which much astonished vs as not well vnderstanding what to doe for our greatest strength being by their slight taken from vs none but wee strangers were left in the field and of vs there was not in all aboue two thousand and of that number there were aboue six hundred French horsemen who seeing both the Generall gone and the Russes fled turned their backs vpon vs and ranne away too most valiantly yet not out of the field but to the enemy Then were wee not aboue twelue or foureteene hundred at the most left to resist eight thousand at the least vpon whom notwithstanding our six companies of English horsemen charged three seuerall times without any great loâ—se but with much honor And at the fourth time for want of powers to second them which the French should haue done all our six companies were scattered and ouerthrowne with the losse of few of our colours The Captaines ouer these sixe Companies of Horse were these Captaine Crale of whose company I was Captaine Kendricke Captaine Benson Captaine Carre Captaine Colbron Captaine Creyton Which six Captaines had not in all their companies aboue fiue hundred men In this battaile Captaine Creyton was slaine in the field Captaine Crale was shot in the knee and within a short time after dyed of that wound not aboue twelue of his companie escaping Captaine Kendrick was wounded in diuers places of the head and dyed Captaine Benson was shot in the hand and wounded in the head and yet escaped and liued onely Captaine Carre and his Cornet escaped but all his companie scattered and lost Diuers other Officers were slaine whose names I cannot remember Thus were all our English horse-men dispersed and ouerthrowne to the number of fiue hundred and vpwards Ouâ— Generall Euerhorne with his companies of Finland or Finscâ— blades were also put to retrait so that there was not left in the field aboue sixe or seuen hundred which were foot-men And of these one halfe was English one halfe Dutch who kept onely a certaine place by a wood side barricadoed about with wagons hauing with them foure field pieces with which they did great spoile to the Enemie But their number being but few neither durst they venture on the Enemie nor durst the Enemie enter vpon them but kept them still as it were besieged in that place onely because they could no wayes escape The inconuenience of which cooping vp in so narrow a roome being looked into and the dangers on euery side well considered it was held fittest for safetie to summon the Enemie to a parley In which parley the Enemie offered that if they would yeeld and fall to their sides they should haue good quarter kept And if any man had desire to goe for his owne Countrie hee should haue libertie to goe with a Pasporâ— from the King of Poland Or if any would serue the King of Poland hee should haue the allowance of very good meanes duly paid him Vpon these compositions they all yeelded and went to the Enemie onely Captaine Yorke and his Officers with some few of their Souldiers went backe into the Countrie and came not to the Enemie as the rest had done who from thence marched vp to the Polish Leaguer being ten miles distant from the place and there they continued But such as desired to trauell to their owne Countries were sent to the King of Polands Leaguer which lay at that time at a place called Smolensko and there accordingly had their Passe to the number of one hundred of which number I my selfe was one What became of the rest I know not but I with fiue more held together in trauell vntill we came to Dantzicke a great Towne in Prussia being distant from Smolensko one hundred leagues To make an end of this Storie of the Foxe and the Beare the pretending Demetrius and contending Suiskey it is reported that Demetrius seeing these perplexities of Suiskey raysed a great Armie of such Russes as voluntarily fell to him the Pole hauing now reiected him except some Voluntaries and againe laid siege to Mosco Zolkiewsky for Sigismund beleagred another part thereof with fortie thousand men whereof one thousand and fiue hundred were English Scottish and French Suiskey seeing no hope to withstand them his Empire renouncing him hee would seeme to renounce the Empire first betaking himselfe to a Monasterie But not the sanctitie of the place nor sacred name of an Emperour might protect or secure him The Muscouites yeelded vp their Citie and his Person to the Pole and the Castle was manned for Sigismund All ioyne against Demetrius who betaketh him to his heeles and by a Tartar as before is said was slaine in his campe Charles King of Sweden dyed Octob. 30. 1611. and Gustanus his sonne succeeded Sigismund obtayneth Smolensko also after two yeeres siege and more in which time the Defendants had held out so resolutely that the Polish Peeres and States which in that Kingdom beare great sway had called the King to their Parliament the rather in regard of the King of Denmarke warring vpon Sweden in which warre diuers thousands of our English voluntaries assisted the Dane but he first desiring to trie his fortune carried the Citie with two hundred pieces of Ordnance and other rich spoile Many were slaine and diuers great persons taken of which was the Archbishop Many were blowne vp as was thought by their owne voluntarie act by fire cast into the store-house in which is said to haue beene if our Author mistake not fifteene thousand vessels of poulder whereupon seemed to returne the very Chaos or in stead thereof a Hell into the World It is accounted one of the strongest Forts in Christendome the walls able to beare two Carts meeting in the breadth It was taken the twelfth of Iuly 1610. Suiskey was carried into Poland and there imprisoned in Waringborough Castle and after the lâ—sse of libertie and his Empire
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
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
very good Sound hard by the Vre in sixteene fathoms at the mouth of Cunninghams Foord about fiue of the clocke There came presently foure of the Countrie people vnto vs after their old accustomed manner This euening about sixe of the clocke the Vrin anchored by vs. This night the Admirall my selfe and Captaine Browne went on Land to see the Myne of siluer where it was decreed that we should take in as much thereof as we could On Sunday the third of August the Sauages seeing our curtesie toward them bartered Seales skinnes and Whales finnes with vs which being done wee went to our Boat and rowing away three of them taking their Boats rowed with vs vp the Foord calling to other of the people telling them and making signes to vs of our dealing towards them Then they also came to vs and bartered with vs for old Iron and Kniues for Seales skinnes and coates made of Seales skinnes and Whales finnes and rowed still all with vs. In the end hauing rowed fiue or sixe leagues vp the Foord and seeing it to bee but a Bay wee returned alongst many greene and pleasant Ilands where wee found good anchoring the people still followed vs to the number of fiue and twentie persons till about sixe of the clocke when it fell thicke with some raine and the winde being Southerly wee rowed in among the Sounds at which time they went from vs wee rowing our Boat to one of the Ilands went to supper And hauing supped wee rowed some three leagues vp an other Foord where we found very shallow water in which place we stayed with our Boat all that night The fourth day in the morning about three of the clocke wee returned to our ship againe with a gale of winde Southerly being somewhat thicke and raynie weather sayling by the Land among the Ilands till we came three leagues to the Northwards of Queene Sophias Cape when going without the Ilands wee met with a very high Sea so that wee had much to doe but by the prouidence of Almightie God the Boat was preserued from being swallowed vp of the Sea In the end wee got againe among the Ilands and so about noone wee came to our ships The fift day some of our men went on Land among the Mountaines where they did see reine Deere The sixt day I casting about stood into the shoare South-east till wee had brought Ramels Foord East and by North off vs bearing roome for the same Foord There goeth a very hollow Sea betweene the Ilands of the Kings Foord and Ramels Foord The winde being somewhat still wee towed on head with our Boats till wee came thwart of a Bay in which I was in the Vrins Boat which I named Fos Bay after the name of Philip de Fos Pilot of the Vrin. But the Admirals wilfulnesse was such that I could by no meanes counsaile him therein though night were at hand but hee would goe vp the Foord till wee came on the starboord side of the Foord to sixe and twentie fathomes sandie ground The Vrin let fall anchor by vs but the winde comming off the Land our Captaine and Companie being so obstinate and willfull that I could by no meanes get them to worke after my will the ship draue into the midfoord where wee could haue no ground at an hundred fathoms till the Tyde of flood came when the flood set the ship to the shoare but I laying out a Cage-anchor got the ship off and setting our foresaile stood for another roade vp the Riuer The eight day about foure in the morning wee came to an anchor in twentie fathomes sandie ground hauing very faire shoalding within vs. About noone the Vrin came and anchored by vs. It floweth in this Riuer South-east and North-west and it standeth in the latitude of 66. degrees and 25. minutes The ninth in the morning our Captaine with the Captaine of the Vrin went with their Boates vp the Riuer where they did come to see their winter houses which were builded with Whales bones the balkes being of Whales ribbes and the tops were couered with earth and they had certaine Vaults or Sellers vnder the earth foure square about two yards deepe in the ground These houses were in number about some fortie They found also certaine Graues made vp of stones ouer the dead bodies of their people the carkasses being wrapped in Seales skins and the stones laid in manner of a Coffin ouer them This day in this place we set a man on Land which had serued our Captaine the yeer◠before which for a certaine fault committed by him our Captaine left behinde in the Countrie About noone our men came aboord againe and after Dinner some of the people came vnto vs of whom wee caught 〈◊〉 with their Boates and stowed them in our ship◠to bring them into Denmark◠to enforme our selues better by their meanes of the state of their Countrie of Groineland which in their owne language they call Secanunga and say that vp within the Land they haue a great King which is carried vpon mens shoulders The tenth of August in the morning the winde being at East South-east we weighed and came forth of Rombes Foord but being come forth to Sea amongst the Ilands the winde came vp to the South-west and by South the Sea going maruellous high we lying West and West and by North to Sea doubling certaine Ilands and Rocks Where the Sea going so wonderfull high had set vs vpon the Rocks where we had all dyed if God of his mercy 〈◊〉 that instant when wee saw nothing before our eyes but present death had not sent vs a great gale of winde at South South-west whereby wee lay West North-west away with a flawne sheat wee doubling of the Ilands and Rocks were forced to goe betweene certaine little Ilands which lye off Queene Sophias Cape foure leagues into the Sea The which Ilands I named the yeere before Knights Ilands after the name of Iohn Knight So hauing passed these Ilands not without great danger was found betweene them many blinde Rock◠and being cleere in the Sea The thirteenth at noone we were in the latitude of 66. degrees 50. minutes being off Cape Sophia West and by North halfe westerly about sixteene leagues The eighteenth about foure in the morning we got cleere off the Ice steering South and by West away it being very thicke weather till noone when it cleered vp at which 〈◊〉 wee saw the shoare rising like Ilands being very high and stretching South and by East and North and by West about foure and twentie leagues the shoare being beset all full with Ice so that in that place it is impossible for any ship to come into the shoare Also of the Southermost of these two Capes lay such a great banke of Ice stretching into the Sea that wee were forced to lye West and by North to double the 〈◊〉 All this afternoone wee were almost
Licentiate Iohn of Obando Predecessor of your Lordship in whose time the Office of chiefe Chronicler of the Indies was instituted for writing with greater authoritie foundation and truth the Acts of the Castilians in the New World and to see and examine that which the other Chroniclers should write for I finde that almost to all that is written no credit could be giuen for ouer-much licence wherewith vntill then it was done hee vsed great diligence in gathering the most certaine Relations that were found as well in the Indies as in Spaine of that which happened in the Discoueries of those Regions the foundations of those Townes and Customes of the people And many yeers being past after his death without making any beginning of this History your Lordship being prouided for President of the Royall and Supreme Councell of the Indies knowing how much it behoued that deeds so worthy of memorie should no longer be buried and that they should be written by a Royall Chronicler seeing so much frâ—â— is gotten of Historie that it exceedeth so much the Picture as the soule the bodie against the opinion of a moderne Writer Prouiding all the meanes necessarie with liberalitie and diligence haue beene the meere and onely Instrument following the opinion of S. Augustine that this Historie and the Description that followeth hath come to the present estate And because it hath not beene of least importance to honour the Author animating him to goe forward with so great a labour conforming your selfe with the vniuersall opinion of the much that is due to the watchings and labours of the Writers placing this Office of Chiefe Chronicler in that point and reputation that so noble an Exercise deserueth as the most famous men of the World haue iudged it and it is esteemed and talked of among all Nations be they neuer so barbarous your Lordship shall be praysed eternally and thanked of all that are interessed in it by which is procured the making mention of their Fathers and Predecessors with their Names and Countrey all that hath beene possible against the barbarous and most vniust opinion of Iohn Baptista Ramusio in his Proeme in the third Volume of the Nauigations where hee saith to bee a vaine thing and ridiculous that the Spanish Authors should take paines in writing the names and Countrey of those which serued in the matters of the Indies Wherein he sheweth the venime of the enuie conceiued of the glorious deeds of these Catholike Kings and of the Castillian Nation seeing the Chronicles doe serue to honour the good and to reproch the euill for an example of those to come which could not be obtayned with the opinion of this Ramusius whom the saying of Cato against the Grecians doth fit But the opinion of your Lordship hath beene according to your prudence and valour of the which as it is iust there will be a perpetuall memorie and for that which this Nation is indebted vnto you for the same you shall bee reknowledged of it eternally God keepe your Lordship from Vallyadolyeede the fifteenth of October 1601. THe compasse of the Earth is 360. degrees which being reduced to leagues of Castile are 6300. and by the compasse of the Earth is vnderstood the Sea together with it which two Elements make the Globe whose vpper face in part is Earth and in part is Sea The Ancients diuided the Earth in three parts and gaue to euery one his name The first they called Europe more celebrated then any of the other The second Asia which is greater then the rest and contayneth the great Kingdome of China The third Africa And men being in a supposition that the World contayned no more then was rehearsed not contenting themselues with it entred in the Art of Nauigating and in the inuention of ships of high building fitting them in such order that they might abide the force of the waues of the Sea in this Art the Spaniards haue surpassed all the Nations of the World For whiles there reigned Ferdinand in Castile and in Lyon the famous Kings Catholike Ferdinando the Fift and Isabella a most wise prudent and most puissant Queene and Don Iohn the Second called the Pellican raigned in Portugall hee that euer will be worthy of memory Don Christopher Coloâ— first Admirall of the Indies hauing liued many yeeres married in Spaine with the counsell of Martin of Bohemia a Portugall borne in the Iland of Fayall a famous Astrologian and especially a Iudiciarie and of others with whom he communicated it gaue a beginning to the Discouery of that which at this day is counted the fourth part of the World and the greatest of them all and taking his course toward the Sunne setting going from Pallos a Village of the Earle of Miranda in the Coast of Andaluzia he sayled so much by the Ocean that hee found this great Land which the Equinoctiall Line cutteth in the middest and it goeth so farre toward the South that it reacheth to fiftie two degrees and an halfe and goeth so high to the North that it hides it selfe vnder the Pole Articke without knowing any end The greatnesse of this fourth part hath set the people in great admiration whose description shall here be handled vnder the name of Ilands and firme Land of the Ocean Sea because they are compassed with this Sea and placed to the West and are commonly called the West Indies and the New World and comprehended within the limits of the Kings of Castile and of Lyon Which is an Hemisphere and halfe of the World of 180. degrees beginning to reckon from a Meridian Circle which passeth by thirtie nine or by fortie degrees of longitude Occidentall from the Meridian of Toledo through the mouth of the Riuer Maranyâ—â— and to the Orientall through the Citie of Mallaca in sort that at twentie leagues sayling for a degree these bounds haue from the one part to the other 3900. Castillan leagues euery one of 3000. paces of fiue foot of a Castillan yard which men say are sixtie Italian miles from the Orient to the Occident which the Sea-men doe call East and West And this account of twentie leagues to a degree is according to Ptolomie and to the opinion of many curious men It hath seemed to others that the miles of euery degree are seuentie and that they make no more then seuenteene leagues and an halfe of Castile which is held for the truest account The degrees of longitude which are those that are reckoned by the Equinoctiall which goeth from East to West through the middest of the Orbe and Globe of the Earth haue not beene able to bee taken well because there is no fixed signe in the Heauen Degrees of altitude are those which are taken and reckoned from the Pole which fall out certayne because it is a fixed point which is the marke that is taken by the which it shall be shewed in this description There is discouered and nauigated from the North
Other ten leagues thence standeth the Port of Siuill before the Point Negrillo from whence the Coast windeth vnto the Cabo de Falcon neere to Oristan and goeth by the South to the Port of Guayano And fiue leagues from this Coast are the Harmingas a dangerous shoale and seuen leagues further las Viuoras small Ilands compassed with shoales and to the South of them the Serrana and a little Iland compassed with shoales with other foure or fiue neere vnto it and to the North-west of it the Serranilla and to the West of it the Roncador another Rocke and to the South-west of it Saint Andrewes an Iland compassed with shoales North and South with Nombre de Dios about fortie leagues from it and neere from thence another called Sancta Catilina the Caymanes directly West from Iamayca twentie fiue leagues from the little Blackmoore which are two little Ilands sixe leagues the one from the other and the great Cayman another Iland of seuen leagues in length fifteene leagues from the Caymanes to the West and to the North Coast betweene Cuba and Hispaniola another shoale which is called Abre-oio The Iland of Saint Iohn of Port Rico which the Indians called Barriquen lyeth betwixt twelue and fifteene leagues from Hispaniola to the East of fortie fiue leagues in length East and West and from North to South betwixt twentie and thirtie very plentifull of all that Hispaniola hath and of Millet Yuca and of Mynes of Gold The temperature is good and almost one all the yeere except in December and Ianuary There is in it three Spanish Townes with a Gouernment and a Bishoppricke the President Iohn Ponce of Lion passed to discouer this Iland the yeere 1508. being Gouernour in the Prouince of Yguey for Nicholas of Ouando in Hispaniola and returned the yeere 1510. by order of the King to people it The Citie of Saint Iohn is in the beginning of the North Coast on the East side in eighteene degrees of height and they call it of Port Rico for the excellencie of the Hauen The Bishop and the Gouernour are resident in it and the Officers of the Kings Reuenues and it is Suffragane to Saint Domingo Arrecibo stands thirtie leagues to the West from Port Rico the Towne of Guadianilla or Saint German the New in the Westerne Coast three and thirtie leagues from Port Rico to the South-west There was in old time in this Iland another Towne which was called Guanica in the South Coast at the end of it where now is the Port of Mosquitos which is very good from whence it was remoued to another situation of the Westerne Coast which they call Aguada or the Watering with name of Soto-Mayor there is in this Iland a row of Mountaynes that diuide it in the middest East and West vnto the Sea and Borders of Saint German and heere is found the Tree called Tabernaculo which yeeldeth white Rozen like Gumme Anime and it serueth for Pitch for the ships and for fire or light and it is medicinable to take out the colde or numnesse and to cure wounds There are few Ports in this Iland for all the Coast of the North is very foule with shoales and Rockes those that are are to the East from the Port of Saint Iohn The Riuer of Luysa and that which they call Canoba and la Cabeça the farthest East point of the Iland neere to the Hill of the Loquillos and in it a Port which they call Saint Iames three leagues further is another called Yabucoa and three leagues from the Coast on this side of the passage is a little Illet and at the beginning of the South passage another which they call Boyqui and forward the Iland of Saint Anne Guayama a Port and afterward the Riuers Neabon and Xauia six leagues before the Port of Guadianilla two leagues to the East of the Riuer of Mosquitos in whose mouth is the Riuer called Guanica and six leagues from it the Cape Roio the furthest West of the South Coast and to the West of it toward Hispaniola is the Iland of Moua and to the North of it the Manico and Zecheo other two little Ilands the Port of Pines and the Port of Mayaguez and the Bay of Saint German the old and the mouth of the Riuer Guanabo or the Watering and that of Guabataca more forward and afterward in the North Coast that of Camay and of Cibuco and Tâ—a neere to Port Rico and in the middest of the Coast of the South Sea leauing vnto it the Haberianas foure or fiue little Ilands There is also much Ginger gathered in this Iland which is a Root like vnto Madder or Saffron which the Portugals brought from the East to this Iland of Barlouento The Ilands which are to the North of Saint Iohn Hispaniola and Cuba of which none is inhabited with Spaniards are called the Lucayos One the most Septentrionall is aboue twentie seuen degrees of altitude which is called Lucayoneque or Yucayoneque which hath almost to the West Bahama another Iland in twentie sixe degrees and an halfe of thirteene leagues in length and eight in breadth from whence the Channell of Bahama betweene Florida and the shoales Delos Mimbres taketh the name whereby the Currents of the Sea doe goe so swiâ—t to the North that although the wind be prosperous the ships cannot enter it and although they be contrary they goe with the Currents The shelues of Bimini are so called of an Iland in the middest of them of fiue leagues in length which the first Admirall gaue the name the first time he came to Cuba and it is that which Iohn Paul of Lyon did agree to inhabit Abacoa is another in the middest of the said shelfe of twelue leagues in length Cigateo of twentie fiue Curateo another small Iland in twentie sixe degrees and Guamma fifteene leagues of length and ten in breadth and neere vnto it Guanahani the first Land of the Indies which the first Admirall discouered which he called Saint Sauiour Yuma of twentie leagues and eight in breadth in twentie foure degrees and an halfe which the Admirall named Isabella in honour of the famous Queene Donna Isabella his particular Protectresse and that gaue him this Discouerie Iumeto in twentie three degrees and an halfe fifteene leagues in length to the North of Hispaniola Samana seuen leagues ouer betweene Iumeto and Guanima three square of eight leagues in length in twentie foure degrees Yabaque of ten leagues in twentie two degrees and an halfe Mira-par-vos are three little Ilands in triangle compassed with shelues to the South of Iumeto Mayaguana twentie leagues in length and ten in breadth is twentie three degrees Ynagua of ten leagues in twentie degrees and an halfe The Caycoâ— an Iland of fiue leagues in twentie one degrees and to the North of it is another called Hamaua and another Conciua Maçarey stands in twentie degrees compassed with shelues Abreoiâ— is a
vntill he passed Nombre de Dios. The Officers and Royall treasure are in Margarita and it and the Iland of Cubagua are in eleuen degrees a little more THe Gouernment of Venezuela parteth the bounds in the coast of Terra firme to the East with the new Andaluzia from whence to the Riuer of Hacha and Gouernment of Sancta Martha with which it ioyneth by the West is an hundred and thirty leagues and within the Land about eightie vnto the bounds of the new Kingdome of Granada In this Countrie are vaines of Gold of more then two and twentie carracts and a halfe it is plentifull of Wheate because there is two haruests in the yeare and most abundance of all kinde of Cattle great and small There goeth from this Prouince great store of Meale Bisket Cheese Bacon and much Cotten-linnen and in the port of Guayra in the Prouince of Caracas are laden many Cowe-Hides and Sarsaparilla There is in it eight Spanish Townes and the name Venezuela was giuen it because when the Belzares Almainâ—s went to gouerne in this Prouince the yeare 1528. by a couenant which they made with the Emperour they thought to inhabit in a Rocke and hils that are in the mouth of the Lake of Maracaybo where it falleth in the Sea a Towne which they named Venezuela It stands in 8. degrees a little more and from hence the Couernment tooke the name His first Towne is the Citie of Coro which the Indians call Coriana which commonly they call now Venezuela it stands in 11. degrees of altitude and 79. degrees one third part from the Meridian of Toledo one thousand and fiue hundred leagues from it here the Gouernor is wont to be resident and there is the Cathedrall Church suffragane to the Archbishop of S. Dominicke Iohn of Ampues built first this Citie and then those that went for the Belzares made their abode in it the first was Ambrose Alfinger it is so healthfull and of so good an ayre that there is no neede of Physitians The second place is our Lady of Carualleda in the Prouince of Caracas neere to the Sea East from Coro eightie leagues and with a bad Hauen Don Francisco Faiardo built it the yeare 1560. which went for that purpose from the Margarita S. Iames of Lyon in the same Prouince seuen leagues within the Land and three from Carualleda to the South and sixtie from Coro where at this time the Gouernour is most resident The new Valencia sixtie leagues from Coro and twentie fiue from S. Iames of Lyon seuen from the port of Burburata The Captaine Villacinda peopled it The new Xerez about fifteene leagues almost South from the new Valencia and twentie from the new Segouia and sixtie from Coro to the South-east a new Towne The new Segouias in the Prouince of Bariquizimito twentie leagues from Xerez to the South and tenne from Tucuyo and eightie from Coro to the South-east where the Officers royall the Gouernour and the Lieuetenant are resident at times Iohn of Villegas peopled it in the yeare 1552. The Citie of Tucuyo is famous because in it they slew the tyrant Lope of Aguirre it stands tenne leagues from Segouia to the South-west eightie fiue from Coro it is the habitation of the Captaine Caruajal Truxillo or our Ladie of Peace in the Prouince of Cuycas about eightie leagues almost to the South direct from Coro somewhat to the East and twentie fiue from Tucuyo directly to the West The Auditor Vallejo discouered this the yeare 1549 the Bacheller Tollosa being Gouernour in it and the yeare 1559. the Captaine Iames Garâ—ia of Paredes inhabited Truxillo and there may be in this Gouernment more then 100000. Indies tributaries and in them are not comprehended from eighteene vnder nor aboue fiftie yeares because the supreme Counsell of the Indies hath prouided that in no place of this Orbe these doe pay tribute and because daily they increase and diminish in number it cannot be said precisely and perfectly how many there are The Lake of Maracaybo which the Castilanes call of our Lady is of fresh water it entreth fortie leagues within the Land from the Sea and hath more then tenne in breadth and eighty in compasse with many Townes vpon his Borders in the end of it entreth a Riuer that descendeth from the new Kingdome of Granada by the which and the Lake Marchandise are transported which came to the new Kingdome of Castile and to other places some of the men of this Lake doe liue in Boates their houses being made in the Trees within the water and at the Border whence it tooke also at the first the name of Venezuela sayling by some parts of this Lake ye can see no Land there enter into it other great Riuers it runneth to the Sea it hath about halfe a league of mouth and in it the shoale and rocks abouesaid The Ports Capes and Points of the coast of this Gouernment and those annexed vnto it are to the West Marcapaâ—a the Vrchila an Iland against the Riuer Oynare neere to another called Rocke of the Ilets and afterward the Cape of the Codera and Puerto Flechardo and the hauen of Sardinas or Pilchers and opposite the I le of Aues or Birds before Burburata a maruellous hauen which the Bachiler Tolosa peopled and is a Scale or Port for the new Kingdome Nueuo Reyno Prouinces of Peru and after that is Gulfo triste and to the North of the Bonayre an Iland of ten leagues in length and eight in breadth and afterward Punta seca and right against it Curacao and a little forward Curacaute foureteene leagues in length right against the Cape of S. Roman to the South of the Iland of Aruba S. Roman entreth twentie leagues into the Sea it standeth twelue from Coro the Indians doe call it Paraguana it lacketh a little to be an Iland it may haue in compasse twenty fiue leagues and more of plaine ground with a Mountaine almost in the middest it is discouered a great way into the Sea There is at the beginning of the Gulfe of Venezuela the entrance and channell of the Lake of Maracaybo and at the entrance of it the Riuer Mitare and to the West the Monkes three little Ilets close by the Point and Cape of Coquibocoa where onely in all the Indies was found waight and touch for the Gold and afterwards the deepe Baye Balua Honda and the Portete the Cape de Vela which the Captaine Alfonsus of Ojeda named when Americo Vespucio went with him the first time much after that the Admirall discouered this coast which stands in 12. degrees somewhat more And there is from the Cape de Vela to the Riuer of Hache eighteene leagues without any stone in them nor water but raine water This Gouernment remained destroyed since the time of the Almaines because they would not inhabit onely seeke to make slaues and to waste the Countrie They called first the Riuer
FLORIDA In all the rest of the Coast that is betweene the point of Sancta Helena by New found Land and the Bacallaos vnto the Land of Labrador which reacheth and passeth the height of England there is no Towne nor Gouernment of Spaniards although by diuers times and Nations it hath beene discouered and Nauigated and it is knowne there is aboue one thousand leagues iourney of Land without gold and the more in height the worse and lesse habitable There be many Riuers and Ports that because they are not well knowne nor frequented there is no mention made but of the Riuer of the Stagges by another name of Sancta Marie which is a very great and maine Riuer almost in the midst of the Coast betweene the Baccallaos from whence the great Riuer Ochelago entreth within the Land toward the West which diuers times the strangers haue nauigated beleeuing to haue found that way passage to new Spaine And in the Coast of Florida which looketh to the West are the Tortoyses seuen or eight Ilands together and to the North of the point of los Martyâ—eâ— the Muspa in terra firme And thirteene leagues to the North the Bay of Charles by another name of Iohn Ponce of Lyon and as much more forward the Bay of Tampa thirtie three leagues from the Bay of Tocobaga by another name of the Holy Ghost or de Meruelo in twentie nine degrees and an halfe of height where beginneth that which properly is called Florida Many haue thought that by this side of Florida toward the land of Labrador there might a streit be found to communicate the North the South Seas together saying that as it had beene found to the South there should be one to the North but experience doth shew that the South passage is no streight at the least it is alreadie in doubt and by the North vntill now though it hath beene much sought for it hath not beene found and hee that went neerest to it was the President Peter Melendez by some conjectures All the Coast on the West side vnto the Gouernment of Panuco which is aboue 300. leagues is called The Gulfe of New Spaine wherein is no Towne of Spaniards though it was giuen for a gouernment to Pamphilo of Naruaez and to Hernando of Soto and first to Francisco de Garay and of his people in particular The Country is very poore of victuals and the people miserable and although in it are many Riuers and Ports no mention is made of them because they are not well knowne This Gulfe hath two entrances by the one the currents doe enter furiously betweene Yucatan and Cuba and goe out with a greater force betweene the same Iland of Cuba and the point of Florida and running doe make the channell of Bahama which taketh his name of the Iland rehearsed THe second Audience which was setled in the Indies is that of New Spaine and Nunyo de Guzonau Cauallero de Guadalaiara was the first President till a Gouernour were prouided and because he gaue no satisfaction there was another new Councell quickly sent and for President of it Don Sebastian Ramirez of Fuenleal which of a Iudge of the Chancerie of Granada went for President of the Councell of Saint Dominicke and Bishop of the Citie of the Conception of the Valley a person of great Learning Vertue and Valour Hee had the charge of the Gouernment Iustice and disposition of the goods Royall the Warre remayning at the charge of the Marquesse of the Valley with order to communicate with the President that which appertayned thereto and betweene them was alwayes great conformitie The bounds of this Councell on the one side doth not comprehend that which commonly is called New Spaine and on the other it comprehendeth more because the new Gallicia which is a Councell by it selfe is part of New Spaine The Prouince of Yucatan falleth within the bounds of it which as now it is may haue in length about foure hundred leagues from the furthest East of Yucatan vnto where it parteth bounds with the Councell of new Gallozia and North and South about two hundred from the end of the Gouernment of Panuco vnto the South Sea his bounds remayning open on the North side whose principall Prouinces are the Archbishopricke of Mexico the Bishoprickes of Mechoacan and that of los Angelos or Tlascala and of Guaxaca and of Chiapa and the Gouernments of Panuco and Yucatan with that of Tobosco and for circuit or commerce the Ilands Phillipinas and the dispatch of the Nauigation of China New Spaine is one of the best Prouinces of the new World and the most habitable in a good temper hauing abundance and plentie of Corne Millet and Cattle and all other necessaries for humane life except Oyle and Wine and although in many places of it there is Gold Siluer is most generall whereof there are many good Mynes HONDIVS his Map of New Spaine HISPANIA NOVA There are in Mexico Monasteries of Dominican Franciscan and Austine Friers the company of Iesus El Carmen la Merced the Bare-foot and Trinitarie Friers ten Monasteries of Nunnes one Colledge of Indian children and another of Arrepentidas the Repentantes and Recogidas or Retyred and the Vniuersitie where curious and learnedly the Sciences are read with other Colledges and Hospitals And the Spaniards which inhabit the bordering Townes of the Indians and Granges are about three thousand and there are reckoned about two hundred and fiftie Townes of Indians in which the chiefe places of Doctrine are one hundred and fiue and in them and thereabouts are six thousand Granges more then fiue hundred thousand tributarie Indians and more then one hundred and fiftie Monasteries of Franciscan Dominican and Austine Friers And the Doctrines or Schooles of Priests and Friers to teach the Faith Catholike to the Indians are without number besides the Fathers of the Company and Mercenarie Friers there is also Resident in Mexico the holy Office of the Inquisition whereof we will intreat hereafter In the Coast bounding on this Archbishopricke towards the South Sea and the Prouince of Acapulco is the good Port of Acapulco in seuenteene degrees height sixe leagues from the Riuer Yopes whereby the Archbishopricke is joyned with the Bishopricke of Tlascala And other eight more to the West the Riuer of Citaâ—a and other foure the Riuer of Mitla In the Coast of the North it hath that which falleth in the Gouernment of Tanuco In the limits of this Councell are the Mynes of Puchuca fourteene leagues from Mexico and the Mynes of Tasco twentie two those of Ysmiquilpo which are of Lead twentie two the Mynes of 〈◊〉 twentie foure the Mynes oâ— Tâ—â—azcaltepeque eighteene those of Cultepâ—quâ— 22. those of Zacualpa twentie 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 40. those of Guanaxato sixtie those of Commaia seuen From Guanaxuator those of Acâ—â—chica eighteene from the Citie of los Angelos and those of Gaâ—la or Zumatlan and Saint Lewes of the Peace
the Purification to the South-west from Guadalaiara and thirtie leagues from it neere the port of the Natiuitie in the confines of the bounds of this Counsell and of that of Mexico in a very hot and sickly Countrie and vnto the end of the yeare 1531. Nunno of Guzman discouered one hundred and fiftie leagues of Land by the Coast of Xalisco which stand in somewhat more then 22. degrees In the Prouince of the Zacatecas are rich mines of Siluer and want of Water Corne and Millet there are three Townes of Spaniards and foure Camps appointed of mines those which they call of the Zacatecas are the principall fortie leagues from Guadalaxara to the North and eightie from Mexico wherein are ordinarie more then fiue hundred Spaniards fiue hundred Slaues one thousand Horses and Mules and one Monasterie of Franciscane Fryers and there is resident alwayes one of the Officers Royall of Guadalaiara In this Prouince also are the Mines of Auinyo in the confines of the Zacatecas and those of Saint Martin seuen and twentie leagues from the Zacatecas to the North-west wherein are wont to be about foure hundred Spaniards and Xerez of the Frontier thirtie leagues from Guadalaxara to the North and tenne from the mines of the Zacatecas in the way to them There are besides these other Reales or Campes whereof no mention is made because they are so famous The Village of the Erena the Mines called of the little Hat are fiue and twenty leagues from Zacatecas to the North-west neere to those of Saint Martin and others that are in the limits The Village of Nombre de Dios is sixtie eight leagues from the Citie of Guadalaiara and tenne from the Mines of Saint Martin to the North with a Monasterie of Franciscan Friers aboundant in Corne and Millet and good Mines in his Borders The Village of Durango in the Borders of the Mines of Saint Martin and the Valley of Saint Saluador eight leagues from Nombre de Dios a wholesome Countrie many Riuers with whose watering they gathered great store of Corne and Millet and of other Prouisions and in the Borders are the Mines of Saint Luke and a very good Salt-pit And the Indians of this Kingdome in many places were in armes and the Chichimecas and Guachachiles did great hurt in the way of Guadalaiara to the Zacatecas and this warre was very costly and tedious and was ended the Marquesse of Villamanrique being Viceroy The Indians are diuided in this precinct in one hundred and foure partitions or tribes The Prouince of new Bizkie is North-westward from the Zacatecas fiftie leagues from them a Countrie of Prouisions and much Cattell and of good Siluer Mines the Mines of Hindehe are in it of Sancta Barbola and of Saint Iohn and in it is the Prouince of Topia and in this discouery and inhabiting Franciscus Ybarra did many seruices The Prouince of Chiametla twenty leagues broad and long in the Coast of the South Sea about fortie leagues from Xalisco hath Mines of Siluer and in it stands Saint Sebastian a Village of Spaniards which was first of the Counsell of Mexico and it stands in more then 22. degrees Culiacan is a gouernment in the South Sea more to the East and West from Chiametla it is a plentifull Countrie of Victuals and showes of Siluer Mines whereof there is a Campe peopled which they call of the Virgins The Village of Saint Michael eightie leagues from Compostella and one hundred and three from Guadalaiara Nunno of Guzman inhabited it the yeare 1531. The Prouince of Civaloa the last and most Septentrionall of the new Kingdome of Galicia two and fortie leagues from Culiacan one hundred and fiftie from Guadalaiara to the North was a Towne built in it that was called Saint Iohn of Cinaloa of Spaniards and could not be kept This Prouince was discouered Don Antonie of Mendoca being Viceroy in new Spaine and they said there was a Citie seene wrought with stone which they called Granada and that those Indians were warriers and that in the Countrie was great store of Victuals Quibira stands in fortie degrees of a temperate and fruitfull soyle Cibola stands thirtie leagues from Culiacan toward the North and Quibira two hundred from Cibola to the East it is all of poore people for that they haue no Cotten they weare Deere skinnes and of the Countrie Kine which haue a lumpe on the ridge of the backe and long haire in the fore parts the hornes lesser then ours and in them consisteth the greatest part of the sustenance of the people for of the skinne they cloathe and make Shooes and Cords they eate the flesh and make tooles of the bones they haue sundry languages in this Prouince because they communicate little the one with the other California is a great point of the Land that putteth out to the Sea in the vttermost West of new Spaine in two and twentie degrees height from whence it extendeth to the North-west neere about two hundred leagues although of it there is no certaine notice nor of the Ports and Ilands of the Gulfe California which is made betweene the said point and Gulfe of new Spaine which goeth along that way as to the North-west in the which although there be many Riuers Capes and Points and landing-places there is no particular notice had of them because they are not much frequented At the beginning and entrance of this Gulfe are very long and narrow Ilands along the Coast and very close with it which is called the Guayauall that reacheth from the Riuer of our Ladie or of Sebastian of Bora vnto the Riuer of Christmas in Culiacan The Riuer of the Village of Saint Michael is called Ciguatlan and neerer to new Spaine is the Riuer of Pastla and against it the Desart Iland and afterward the Riuer of the Holy Ghost and the port of Xalisco and to the South of the point of California is Annublada or the Cloudie Iland and the Iland of Saint Thomas and the Iland of Flores and another which is called Las Monias IT was first called the Counsell of Guatemala of the confines because it was commanded first to be built in the confines of the Prouinces of Nicaragua and Guatemala without assigning any certaine Towne It hath in length East and West two hundred and fortie leagues and from the Meridian from 84. to 98. of longitude and North and South in breadth one hundred and eightie from 9. to 10. degrees of height vnto eighteene or nineteene in the which are comprehelded the Prouinces of Guatemala Soconusco Chiapa Suchitepeque the Verapaz Honduras and Cacos Saint Sauiour and Saint Michael Nicaragua Chuluteca Taguzgalpa and Costarica and in euery one of these Prouinces they alter in speech and according to the opinion of Religious men it was the worke of the Diuell for to plant dissentions and discord betweene these Nations which were bloody and reuengefull
where the yeere 1524. the Master of the field Christopher of Olid planted and the Riuer Hulma or of Xagua and to the North of his mouth the Iland of Vtila and to the North-east Guayana Helen and Guanaja and Saint Francise North and South with the Point of Truxillo which are the Ilands of the Guanajos The said Point is called by another name Cabo Delgado the Small Cape or of Honduras from whence to the Cape of Camaron in search whereof they goe from Iamayca are thirteene Riuers and at the Point of the Cape a plazell or great shelfe of more then twentie leagues into the Sea and in the middest of it neere to the Coast a great Iland which is called the Iland de los Baxos of the shelues and another to the North neere the shelfe called Saint Millan and hauing passed the shelfe the Bay of Cartago and the Deepe Bay before the Cape of thanks be to God which stands in fourteen degrees one third part and to the North of it three Ilands which they call the Viciosas and Quita suenno or Take away sleepe and Roncador the Suorter two dangerous shelues and hauing passed the Cape the Gulfe of Nicuesa where hee was lost in the yeere 1510. and the Riuer of Yare in thirteene degrees where the Gouernments of Honduras and Nicaragua are ioyned The Ilands of the Guanajos which are the rehearsed the first Admirall Don Christopher Colon discouered 1502. in the last voyage he made to the Indios when he discouered Terra firme in the coast of Veragua where his ill lucke appeared for if as he went to Veragua hee had gone to the other side he had discouered New Spaine The Prouince and Gouernment of Nicaragua which the Gouernour Iames Lopez of Salzedo called the New Kingdome of Lion on the West ioyneth with Guatemala and on the North with Honduras and on the South with Costa Rica It is of one hundred and fiftie leagues East and West and eightie North and South a plentifull Countrie of Millet Cacao Cotton wooll store of Cattell without Corne or Sheepe it hath fiue Spanish Townes Lion of Nicaragua is one hundred and foure leagues from Saint Iames of Guatemala about the South-east and twelue from the South Sea neere to the great Lake of Nicaragua where the Gouernour is residenâ— the Royall Officers and the Cathedrall and Iames Aluarez Ossorio was the first Bishop It hath fiue Monasteries of Mercenaries and in her bounds one hundred and twentie thousand tributarie Indians The Citie of Granada is sixteene leagues from Lion which and Lion were built by the Captaine Franciscus Hernandez 1523. and Granada stands by the border of the great Lake and foure and twentie leagues from the Port of Realeio besides the great Lake stands the Lake of Lindiri and the famous Vulcan or Fierie mouth of Massayatan The great Lake ebbeth and floweth it hath many Ilands it runneth into the North Sea by the Riuer which is called El Desaguadero or The Voyding it hath great store of Fish and many Lizards At two leagues from it and seuen from Granada is the great fierie mouth of Mombacho very high with many Groues of diuers fruits of which much refresh the Countrie A Friar perswading himselfe that that masse of fire that in so many yeeres burned without consuming within the mouth of Massaya was gold hauing made by a certaine arte certaine Cauldrons with their chaines to draw it they scarcely came at the fire when the Cauldron and the Chaine were melted like Lead The new Segouia which was the beginning of Peter Arias his plantation 〈◊〉 thirtie leagues from Lion to the North and as many from Granada some what Northward also in which limits much gold is gotten And Iaen a Citie is thirtie leagues from the North Sea in the end of the great Lake whereby the Riuer which they call the Voyding and the merchandize which are carried from Nombre de Dios and now from Porte bello are conuayed in it The Village of Realejo one league from the Port of the Possession which commonly is called of the Realejo stands in eleuen degrees and a halfe and is one of the best Ports and surest in all that Coast wherein are made good ships by reason of the good prouision of Timber there There are in this Gouernment many Townes of Indians and in them store of tributaries and in the Confines of this Gouernment and of Costa Rica and of Nicoya eight and fortie leagues from Granada in the South coast is a Corregidorship in which and in the Iland of Chyra which is of the iurisdiction thereof eight leagues to the Sea are many tributarie Indians of the Crowne Royall subiect in other times to the Councell of Panama vnto the yeere 1573. at which time it was incorporated in Costa Rica whose Gouernour placeth a Deputie and the Bishop of Nicaragua a Vicar There is in it a reasonable Port in the coast of this Prouince on the North Sea After this is the Riuer Y are that diuideth it from that of Honduras the Riuer of Yairepa before the Riuer and Port of Saint Iohn which is called the Voyding or Desaguadero with a great Iland at the mouth and after some other Riuers common to Costa Rica In the South Sea it hath besides the Realeio the Port of Saint Iames before the Chira and the Port of Paroâ—ight â—ight against Nicoya in the Gulfe called of the Salt-pits before the Point of Saint Lazarus and the Cape of Borrica at the East side whereof are the Ilands of Saint Marie Saint Martha Cobaya and Sebaco neere to the bounds of Veragua common to Costa Rica In the Coast of Nicaragua on the South side the Village of Bruxelles was peopled 1529. and Iames Lopes of Salcedo disinhabited it because they had receiued in it Pedro de los Rios Gouernour of Castilla del Oro which went to take the Gouernment of Nicaragua where Salcedo had thrust himselfe and had gone from Honduras his owne Gouernment vnto it Captaine Franciscus Hernandez planted it 1524. in the doubtfull Streight in the seate of Vritina and on the one side it had the Sea on the other the Playnes and on the third side the Mountaine of the Mynes and in all this Orbe there are no Indians more expert in the Castillan tongue then those of Nicaragua The Prouince and Gouernment of Costa Rica the furthest East of the Northerne Indies and Councell of Guatemala hath in length East and West ninetie leagues from the Confines of Veragua vnto those of Nicaragua with which it ioyneth by the North and by the West In it are two Townes it is a good Countrie with many showes of Gold and some of Siluer The one Towne is the Village of Aranjues fiue leagues from Chomes Indianes a Towne of the iurisdiction of Nicoya The Citie of Cartago fortie leagues from Nicoya and twentie from the Sea almost
doth confine with Costarica on the West side it hath in length East and West fiftie leagues and in breadth fiue and twentie a Mountainous Countrie full of bushes without Pastures or Cattle Wheate Barley little Millet or little Pulse but full of Gold with many vaines of it and rich Mines in the Riuers and breaches and those Indians that are are in warre it hath the Citie of the Conception fortie leagues from Nombre de Dios to the West where the Gouernour and the Officers which they of Panama at this present doe prouide are resident The Village of Trinitie stands six leagues to the East of the Conception by Sea for yee cannot goe by Land neere to the Riuer of Bethleem at three leagues from the Sea The Citie of Sancta Fe stands twelue leagues from the Conception to the South with melting houses and Deputie Officers The Citie of Charles in the coast of the South Sea neere to the Sea fiftie leagues from the Citie of Sancta Fe to the East all the Indians of this gouernment are in warre There is no Port of name in the two Coasts South and North of this gouernment and in all the bounds of the Counsell are the Riuers Ports and points following The Bay of Carabaco or of Saint Hierome in the coast of the North Sea and the confines of Veragua and to the East of it and of the Riuer of the Trinitie of the Conception and of Bethlehem where was the first inhabiting that the first Admirall made in Terra firme of all that Orbe in the yeare 1503. which continued not and right against the Shield an Iland and the Riuer of Chagre and more to the East a league the Portete to the place where the Admirall came discouering the same yeere and the Ports of Langostas twelue leagues from Nombre de Dios to the West and the Port de Gallinas or of Hennes nine degrees and the Port of Bonauenture six Portobelo fiue and right against it the Ilands of the Lookings and those of the Prouisions or Bastimentos and hauing Nombre de Dios two leagues the Riuer of Sardinilla and the Iland of Sardina foure and the Riuer of Millet or Mayz and the Riuer of Snakes or Culebras eight and at the entry of the Gulfe of Vraba where in the yeare 1509. the Bachiller Enciso built the Citie of Sancta Marie of Darien This Bachiller Enciso was he that published that in the Prouince which was called Castilla del Oro there were places where the gold was fished with nets which encouraged many people to goe to the Indies which passed in the yeare 1514. with Peter Arias Danila and the President Basco Nunnez of Balboa went 1513. from the Darien in demand of the South Sea and discouered it The Point of the Iland of Captiua stands right against the Mountaines of Saint Blas and the Iland of Comagre and the Iland of Pinos more within the Gulfe of Vraba and in the inward Port of it the Port of Nilcos neere to the mouth of the Riuer of Darien which diuideth the bounds of this Counsell and those of the Gouernement of Cartagena and there is Culata de Vraba where in the yeare 1510. Alonso of Oieda inhabited Saint Sebastian of Vraba This Gulfe stands in 8. degrees it hath foureteene leagues of longitude into the Lands and in the entrie it hath six in breadth and a little forward fiftie and at the end foure and fiue leagues within was the Citie of Sancta Marie the auncient of Darien In the South Sea stands the Cape of Sancta Marie and point de Guerra of Warre and toward Panama the Gulfe of Parita or Paris where stands Nata the point of Chiame the Countrie of that Cazique Chiapes the friend of Basco Nunnez of Balboa which holpe him in his discouery and passed the Port of Panama the Riuer of Chepo and the Balsa or of Congos in the inner part of the Gulfe of Saint Michael North and South from the Iland of Pearles and the Point or Port of Pinyas at the entrie of the Gulfe on the South side which is fiftie leagues from Panama and twentie ouerthwart to the Gulfe of Vraba and Puerto Quemado or Burnt Hauen neere to the Cape of Corrientes in 5. degrees of altitude Septentrionall THe bounds of the Counsel of the New Kingdome hath in length East and West three hundred leagues and as many North and South wherein are comprehended the Prouinces of the New Kingdome the gouernments of Sancta Martha and Cartagena and part of that of Popayan for borders the Prouinces of the Dorado or new Stremadura the Prouince of New Kingdome which is that which the Counsell gouerneth it hath in length from East to West foureteen leagues and eightie in breadth North and South of plaine ground for the most part with Valleys and hils and good Pastures for all sort of Cattle which are in abundance and in many places Wheate Miller and the fruits of Castile and generally much Gold and very fine and Mines of Copper Steele and the Countrie men for the most part are able men great traffickers and doe weare Cotten cloath And the Townes that be in the Kingdome of Spaniards are the Citie of Sancta Fe of Bogota which was built at the foote of Bogota so called by the Cazique which was called Bogota which the President Gonçalo Ximenez of Quesada built and gaue the name to the Citie and to the Kingdome because he was of Granada though in the discouery the President Belalcazar and Nicholas Federman had part it stands 72. degrees and a halfe of longitude from the Meridian of Toledo which by a greater circle may be one thousand foure hundred and fortie leagues and 4. degrees on this side of the Equinoctial it hath more then six hundred housholds in it is resident the Counsell the Kings Officers and Royall treasurie and Melting house the Cathedrall Metropolitane whose suffragans are Popayan Cartagena and Sancta Marta with a Monasterie of Dominicke and another of Franciscane Friers and in her borders more then fiftie thousand tributarie Indians and the Lake of Guatauita which was a worshipping place of the Indians where it is reported that they did cast great summes of Gold in offring to the Idols The Village of Saint Michael in the bounds of Sancta Fe twelue leagues from it to the North was built for trafficke with the Pauche Indians because being of a hot Countrie it did them hurt to goe to Sancta Fe which is cold The Citie of Tocayma fifteene leagues from Sancta Fe to the West somewhat inclined to the North with a Monasterie of Dominicke Friers was inhabited the yeare 1545. by the Captaine Hernando Vanegas in the border of the maine Riuer Pati which runneth into the Riuer Magdalene It hath no gold and is most hot and by night there falleth no Deaw in it In all the Kingdome there is
it a loyall man to the King by order of the President Don Iames of Almagro which left him for Gouernour of the Prouince when hee went vnto it hauing ended the agreement with the President Don Peter of Aluarado The Riuer Bamba in the Prouince of the Pâ—râ—aes is a Countrie to Castile in the temperature of herbes flowres and other things it is a towne of shepheards it stands fiue and twentie leagues to the South-west of Saint Francisce of Quito the way to the Kings wherein are fortie thousand head of cattell the greatest part sheepe Here the Yugas had certaine Royall houses and here the President Belalcazar had a tedious battaile with the Indians and ouercame them and in this place was the agreement rehearsed of Don Iames of Almagro and Don Peter of Aluarado and in it was the Citie of Quito first built The citie of Cuenca which the Marques of Cauyete commanded to be built being Vice-roy of Piru which by another name is called Bamba one and fiftie leagues from Quito to the South is a Corregidorship prouided of the Vice-roy with one Monasterie of Dominicke another of Franciscan Friars In her iurisdiction are rich mynes of gold some of siluer and rich mynes of quick-siluer copper Iron and Brimstone The citie of Loxa otherwise called la Zarça eightie leagues from the citie of Quito toward the South and thirtie from Cuenca is a Gouernourship prouided by the Vice-roy it hath Monasteries of Saint Dominicke and of Saint Francis it stands in the way from Cuzco to Quito from whence it is eightie leagues in the faire Valley of Cuxibamba betweene two Riuers Captaine Antonie of Mercadillo built it in the yeere 1546. for to pacifie the countrimen which were somewhat disordered The citie of Zamora which is called of the Alcaydes is ninetie leagues from Quito South-eastward hauing passed the Rowe of the Andez it is a Gouernment prouided by the Vice-roy it hath a Monasterie of Franciscans they reape no Wheat because the countrie is very raynie it hath rich Mynes of gold wherin they find graines of foure pound waight and more the Captaine Mercadillo peopled it the yeere 1549. by a couenant with Captaine Benauente It stands twentie leagues from Loxa hauing past the Rowe which diuideth the bankes of the South Sea from the North the Indians did call it Zamora that part of the countrie is called Poroauca which signifieth Indians of warre much gold is gotten there and there hath beene graines brought to his Maiestie of twelue pound waight and there are Salt-pits of salt-water The citie of Iaen is fiue and fiftie leagues from Loxa and thirtie from the Chachapoyas Captaine Iames Palomino built it 1549. in the Prouinces of Chuquimayo in that of Chacaynga The citie of Saint Michael of Piura is in the Prouince of Chila one hundred and twentie leagues from Quito South-eastward and fiue and twentie from the Port of Payta where the bounds of this Councell doth end It is a Gouernment at the prouiding of the Vice-roy it hath one Monasterie of Mercenaries Though in this countrie rayne is holden for a wonder there are good watered grounds that beare good Wheat and Miller and the seedes and fruits of Castile The port of Payta stands in the iurisdiction of this Citie in fiue Southerne degrees which is good great and secure where the ships that goe from Guatemala to Piru doe touch The Marques Don Franciscuâ— Piçarro built it in the yeere 1531. the first of these Kingdomes and where the first Temple was erected in the honour of God and the holy Mother Church of Rome All the Prouince and borders of the Valleys of Tumbez are drie and the high-way of the Ingas passeth through these Valleys of Piura betweene trees and pleasant shadowes and betweene the principall Valley are ioyned two or three Riuers the Citie was built at the first in Tangazala from whence it was remooued because it was a sickly situation and now it stands betweene two Valleys and yet is somewhat sickly especially for the eyes for the great windes and dusts of the Summer and great moistures of the Winter The Citie of Saint Iames of Guayaquil by another name las Culata sixtie leagues from Quito and fifteene from the Sea to the South-west it is a Gouernment prouided by the Vice-roy the President Belalcazar peopled it and many of the Indians hauing rebelled and slaine many Spaniards the Captaine Franciscus of Orellana peopled it againe 1537. it is a most plentifull and pleasant Countrie and hath great store of hony in the hollow places of trees The waters of this Riuer which runne almost vnder the Equinoctiall are thought healthfull for the French disease and other sâ—ch like Many people went to the Riuer to recouer health for the multitude of the rootes of Zarçaparrilla that are in the Riuer it is not very great nor those that run to the South Sea are so bigge as those that runne into the North Sea because they runne but a little way but notwithstanding they are strong and with sudden flouds because they fall from the Mountaine The Indians doe vse many shiâ—ts for to passe them they haue in some places a rope ouer it and a basket on it and the passenger being put into it they pull him from the other side In other Riuers the Indian goeth riding on a trusse or straw and earneth the passenger behinde him in other places they haue a great Net of gourds vpon the which they lay the cloathes and the persons and the Indians fastened with certaine coardes goe swimming and pulling as coach-horses and a thousand other artes they vse for to passe the Riuers The Port of this Citie stands neere vnto it for the Riuer is very broad whereby they bring vp the merchandise from the Sea and they goe by land to Quito The yeere 1568. Captaine Contero planted the citie of Castro in the Valley of Vili the Licentiate Lope Garcia of Castro being Gouernour Vili is in the Prouinces of Bunigando Imdiuono and Gualapa which they call the Prouince of the Emeralds and he went about it from Guayaquil and discouered all these Prouinces from Passao vnto the Riuer of Saint Iohn which entreth into the South Sea The Citie of Puerto Viejo is about eightie leagues from Saint Francis of Quito to the West though not of open way and other fiftie from Saint Iames of Guayaquil whereby yee goe from Quito in her borders stands the Passao which is the first Port of the countrie of Piru and from it and from the Riuer of Saint Iames began the gouernment of the Marques Don Franciscus Piçarro and because this countrie is so neighbour to the Equinoctiall line that it stands in one degree some beleeue it is vnwholsome but in other parts as neere the Line men liue with much health plentie and abundance of all things for the sustenance of man against the opinion of the ancient
him and seeming to him that hee was neere to Piru went to the Citie of The Kings where the Marques of Cauyete was Vice-roy and with his order and for Lieftenant of his sonne Don Garcia of Mendoça the Captaine Nuflo of Chaues went againe to inhabit this Citie though he came out of the Riuer of Plate with purpose to discouer the Prouinces of the Dorado In the Coast of this Councell which beginneth in seuenteene degrees and a halfe in the Riuer of Nombre de Dios or Tambopalla is the Port of Hilo neere to a Riuer in eighteene degrees and a halfe and more to the South El Morro de los Diablos and the Port of Arica in nineteene degrees one third part and that of Tacama in one and twentie and the Point of Tarapaca to the South and more forward the Riuer of Pica and that de la Hoia or of the Leafe and of Montelo the Port of Mex 〈…〉 s and more to the South the Point of the Beacones or Morto Moreno before the Bay and Riuer of Sancta Clara and more to the South the Breach and the White point and the Deepe breach and the Riuer of Sancta Clara about thirtie leagues from the Riuer of Copiapo where the Coast of Chile beginneth and the Coast of the Charcas endeth The Prouince and Gouernment of Tucaman is all Mediterrane her bound begins from the Countrie of the Chichas which are of the iurisdiction of the Imperiall village of Potosi it stands in the same Line of the Citie of the Assumption of the Riuer of Plate about an hundred leagues from the South Sea coast it doth confine with the Prouince of Chile it is a Countrie of a good temper reasonably plentifull and vntill now without Mynes of siluer or gold There is in it some Spanish Townes in one Bishopricke which are of the Citie of Saint Iago del Estero which at the beginning they named del Varco or of the Boate in eight and twentie degrees of altitude one hundred eightie fiue leagues from Potosi to the South declining somewhat to the East the Gouernour and the Officers of the goods and treasurie Royall and the Bishop and the Cathedrall are resident here The Citie of Saint Marie of Talauera is fiue and fortie leagues from Saint Iames to the North and fortie from Potosi in sixe and twentie degrees The Citie of Saint Michael of Tucuman eight and twentie leagues from Saint Iames to the West in the way of the Charcas in seuen and twentie degrees There were inhabited in this Gouernment in the time of Don Garcia of Mendoça his father the Marques of Cauyete being Vice-roy the New London and Calchaque which they called New wisedome in the Prouince of the Iurias and Draguita which afterward were dishabited within a few yeeres The people of this Countrie goeth clothed in woollen and in wrought leather made by arte like the guilt or wrought leather of Spaine they breed much Cattell of the Countrie by reason of the profit of their wooll they haue the Townes very neere the one to the other and the Townes are small because there is but one kindred in euery one they are compassed round about with Cardones and thornie trees for the warres that they had among themselues They are great husbandmen and it is a people that is not drunke for they are not giuen to drinke as other Nations of the Indies There are in the Prouince seuen mayne Riuers and more then eightie Brookes of good waters and great pastures the Winter and the Summer are at such times as in Spaine it is a healthfull Countrie and of a good temper and the first that entred in it were the Captaines Diego de Rojas Philip Gutierres and Nicolas de Heredia they discouered on this side the Riuer of Plate vnto the Fortresse of Gabota DOn Diego de Almagro was prouided the yeere 1534. in Toledo for Gouernour of two hundred leagues of ground beyond the Gouernment of the Marques Don Francisco Piçarro toward the Streight of Magellan intituling this part The new gouernment of Toledo Hee went to pacifie this Countrie and because he forsooke it it was giuen in charge to the Marques Don Francisco Piçarro 1537. and he commended it 1540. to the Captaine Peter of Valdinia who went thither with one hundred and fiftie Spaniards All the Countries of this Kingdome lye to the South of the Equinoctiall in a more Southerne altitude then the Kingdome of Piru and her Prouinces within the Torride from the Equinoctiall vnto the Tropicke of Capricorne which passeth a Desart which they call of Atacama which is from twentie three to twentie sixe degrees and then beginneth the Kingdome of Chile which the Indians call Chille and before the inhabited Countrie is the Riuer of The Salt in three and twentie degrees and three quarters which from the East side of the Row of Mountaines runneth to the West into the Sea through a very deepe Valley and though it hath the water very cleere all that the Horses are wet with it when they drinke is congealed with the heate of the Sunne and it is so meere salt that it cannot bee drunke and in the borders it is congealed the Riuer is before the entring in the first Prouince of Chile two and twentie leagues where the Xagueyes are which are Wells of water for there is no other in the two and twentie leagues and all the Kingdome stands within the Zone which the ancient men called Deserte which is inhabited with white Indians and it is situated on the borders of the South Sea which is Mare Magnum which is included betweene her Coast and the Coast of China This Gouernment taken largely vnto the Streight hath in length North and South from the Valley of Copiapo where it beginneth in seuen and twentie degrees fiue hundred leagues and in breadth East and West from the South Sea to the North Sea from foure hundred to fiue hundred of ground to be pacified which doth straighten it selfe till it remayneth by the Streight in ninetie or in an hundred leagues That which is inhabited of this Gouernment may bee three hundred along the North Sea coast and the breadth of it twentie leagues and lesse vnto the Rowe of the Andes which doe end neere the Streight and it passeth through this Kingdome very high and almost couered at all times with snow All the Countrie is plaine at the least there is no great roughnesse except where the Rowe of Piru doth reach and doth end within two or three leagues of the Coast. The temper and qualitie of it though it bee not without some difference for the varieties of the heights it standeth in altogether is of the best and most inhabitable that is in the Indies in temperature like vnto Castile in whose opposite altitude iâ—â—â—lleth almost all and in abundance and goodnesse of victuals and plentie of all things riches of Mynes and Metals and force and vigour of
the Port of Cauyete and the Iland of Mocha more to the South and the Port of Cauten which is that of the Imperiall and to the South the landing place and the Riuer of Tolten before the Port of Valdinia and past this the Point of the Galley and more to the South the great Bay or Port of Osorno in the Riuer de las Canoas and to the South of it about thirtie leagues to the Lake de los Coronados the broadest Riuer of this Realme and at the end of this Realme the Lake of Aucud HONDIVS his Map of the MAGELLAN Streight FRETUM Magellani The Ports Capes and Points of the Coast of the one and the other Sea vnto the Streighr although they be many and some are not pointed in the Cardes of Nauigation it appeareth not wholly neither is there any certaine relation of all And the most knowne of the Coast from Chile vnto the Streight which runneth from Valdinia about an hundred leagues to the West South-west are the Cape of Saint Andrew in seuen and fortie degrees from whence the Coast turneth directly to the South vnto the Streight by the Cape of Saint Roman in eight and fortie degrees and neere vnto it the Iland of Saint Catalina neere to the great Bay which they call Hartichoked and within it the Bay of our Lady and the Iland of Santa Barbara and more forward the Ports of Hernan Gallego in eight and fortie degrees two third parts and the Bay of The Kings eighteene leagues from the Port of Hernan Gallego and the Bay of Saint Iohn in fiftie degrees one third part the Cape of Saint Francisco in one and fiftie whereby some Channels doe enter into the Land and the Iland de la Campana or of the Bell eleuen leagues from Saint Francis also with some Channels which haue not beene nauigated within the Land and the Bay of Saint Lazarus in two and fiftie degrees with Channels on the sides which enter very broad and long to the one and the other parts which haue not beene nauigated and a great Sea of Ilands which alwayes was said to bee at the South side neere to the mouth of the Streight the which Sir Richard Hawkins denyeth for hee saith That at this mouth of the Streight on the South side he found no more then foure small Ilands and one in the middest like a Sugar loofe and that at the least they are distant from the mouth of the Streight sixe leagues and the great Sea is on the one side and he holdeth for certaine it is that which they say is the firme Land of the South side of the Streight and that there is no firme land The Streight though they haue past it from the South to the North side by order of the Vice-roy Don Franciscus of Toledo Peter Sarmiento and Antonie Pablo Corso and it is knowne it stands from 52. to 53. degrees of altitude where it draweth most to the South and that in length it hath one hundred and ten â—eagues or one hundred and fifteene little more or lesse and in breadth from one to tenne it hath neuer beene nauigated to an end from the South Sea to the North Sea nor the Pyrats that haue past it from the North to the South are vnderstood to haue returned by it The aboue said Sir Richard Hawkins saith that he sailed many dayes by the Straight and affirmeth that all the Countrie on the South side is no firme Land but many Ilands which reach to 56. degrees the which he might know because he sayled to the same 56. degrees through the middest of those Ilands and seeing he found nothing but Sea hee followed his course againe through by the Straight and that this cannot be so farre the differences of Seas which the many entrings doe cause that are among those Ilands and that the habiting of them is of people on the North side which doe passe to those Ilands to sustaine themselues of fishings and in their seasons returne to their Countries and that he comprehended this of many things especially of not hauing seene any seated inhabitating but some Cabbins which the Indians doe make for a time The same said Sir Francis Drake that it hapned him when he passed the Straight the yeare 1579. who after his comming out into the South Sea he ran along with tempests compassing this Sea vnto the mouth of the North Sea and by the same way he had runne he made sure his nauigation to the South Sea The parts most famous of the Straight at the entring of the South are the Cape Desseado or Desired in 53. degrees and the Channell of all Saints two and twentie leagues from the mouth very broad and large and past it the port of the Treason and afterward another great large Channell which runneth to the North-west and Rowlands Bell a great Rocke in the middest at the beginning of a Channell They gaue it this name of one of Magellanes fellowes called Rowland who went to reacknowledge it which was a Gunner the point of possession which is foure leagues from the Cape of Virgenes at the entring of the North Sea in 52. degrees and a halfe of altitude when Peter Sarmiento and Antonie Pablo Corso by order which they had to reknowledge the Straight for it had beene commanded long before for to see if it were a more easie nauigation to the South Sea then that of Panama they viewed the two narrow places that at the entrie of the North and it seemed to Peter Sarmiento that the one was so narrow that with Artillerie it might be kept and so much he perswaded it that although the Duke of Alua affirmed it was impossible the Armie which Iames Flower carried vnfruitfully was sent about it and in the end was knowne that that nauigation is dangerous and the flowing of two Seas which come to meete in the middest of the Straight doe withdraw themselues with such furie ebbing in some places more then sixtie fathoms that when the Shippes did carry nothing but Cables to preserue themselues from loosing that which they had sayled they would goe full froaghted In foure hundred leagues there is of Coast from the mouth of the Straight vnto the Riuer of Plate which runneth altogether North-east and South-west there is the Riuer of Saint Ilefonsus twelue leagues from the Cape of the Virgenes the a Gallizian Riuor and the Bay of Saint Iames foureteene leagues from the Riuer of Sancta Cruz in 50. degrees and at the mouth an Iland called of the Lyons and the Port of Saint Iulian in 49. degrees and the Riuer of Iohn Serrana to the South of the Ilands of Duckes in 47 degrees the Riuer of Cananor in 45. degrees the Cape of Saint Dominicke before the Cape of three Points and the Land de los Humos or of the Smoakes in 38. degrees the Point of Sancta Hellene and of Saint Apollonia in 37. degrees before the White
there went a ship from Calloa in Lima to the Philippines which sayled two thousand and seuen hundred leagues without sight of Land and the first it discouered was the Iland of Lusson where they tooke Port hauing performed their voyage in two moneths without want of winde or any torment and their course was almost continually vnder the Line for that from Lima which is twelue degrees to the South he came to Manilla which is as much to the North. The like good fortune had Aluaro de Mandana when as he went to discouer the Ilands of Solomon for that he had alwayes a full gale vntill he came within view of these Ilands the which must bee distant from that place of Peru from whence hee parted about a thousand leagues hauing runne their course alwayes in one height to the South The returne is like vnto the voyage from the Indies vnto Spaine for those which returne from the Philippines or China to Mexico to the end they may recouer the western windes they mount a great height vntill they come right against the Ilands of Iapon and discouering the Caliphornes they returne by the coast of new Spaine to the Port of Acapulco from whence they parted So as it is proued likewise by this Nauigation that they saile easily from East to West within the Tropicks for that their Easterly windes doe raine but returning from West to East they must seeke the Westerne windes without the Tropicks in the height of seuen and twentie degrees The Portugals proue the like in their Nauigations to the East Indies although it be in a contrarie course Let vs now speake of that which toucheth the Question propounded what should be the reason why vnder the burning Zone we saile easily from East to West and not contrarie wherein we must presuppose two certaine grounds The one is that the motion of the first Moouer which they call Diurnall not onely drawes and mooues with him the celestiall Spheares which are inferiour vnto him as wee see daily in the Sunne the Moone and the Starres but also the Elements doe participate of this motion insomuch as they are not hindered The Earth is not mooued by reason of her heauinesse which makes it immoueable being farre from this first motor The Element of water mooues not likewise with this Diurnall motion for that it is vnited to the Earth and make one spheare so as the Earth keeps it from all circular motion But the other two Elements of Fire and Aire are more subtill and neerer the heauenly Regions so as they participate of their motion and are driuen about circularly as the same celestiall bodies As for the Fire without doubt it hath his spheare as Aristotle and other Philosophers haue held but for the Aire which is no point of our subiect it is most certaine that it mooues with a motion Diurnall which is from East to West which wee see plainly in Comets that mooue from the East vnto the West mounting descending and finally turning in the hemispheare in the same sort as the Starres moue in the firmament for otherwise these Comets being in the region and sphere of the ayre whereas they ingender appeares consum'd It should be impossible for them to moue circularly as they doe if the element of the aire doth not moue with the same motion that the first motor doth For these elements being of a burning substance by reason they should be fixt without mouing circularly if the sphere where they are did not moue if it be not as we faine that some Angell or intellectuall Spirit doth walke with the Comet guiding it circularly In the yeare 1577. appeared that wonderfull Comet in forme like vnto a feather from the horizon almost to the middest of heauen and continued from the first of Nouember vntill the eight of December I say from the first of Nouember for although in Spaine it was noated but the ninth of Nouember according to the testimonie of Writers of that time yet at Peru where I was then I remember well we did see it and obserue it eight dayes before and all the time after Touching the cause of this diuersitie some may delate vpon it particularly I will onely shew that during those fortie dayes which it continued wee all obserued both such as were in Spaine and we that liued then at the Indies that it moued daily with an vniuersall motion from East to West as the Moone and other Planets whereby it appeares that the sphere of the aire being its Region the element it selfe must of necessitie moue after the same sort We noted also that besides this vniuersall motion it had another particular by which it moued with the planets from West to East for euery night it turned more Eastward like vnto the Moone Sunne and Planets of Venus We did also obserue a third particular motion whereby it moued from the Zodiacke towards the North for after some nights it was found neerer vnto the Septentrionall signes And it may be this was the reason why the great Comet was sooner seene by those that were Southerly as at Peru and later discouered by them of Europe for by this third motion as I haue said it approached neerer the Northerne Regions Yet euery one may well obserue the differences of this motion so as we may well perceiue that many and sundry celestiall bodies giue their impressions to the sphere of the ayre In like sort it is most certaine that the ayre moues with the circular motion of the heauen from East to West which is the first ground before mentioned The second is no lesse certaine which is that the motion of the ayre in those parts that are vnder the Line or neere vnto it is very swift and light the more it approacheth to the Equinoctiall but the farther off it is from the Line approaching neere the Poles the more slow and heauie this motion is The reason hereof is manifest for that the mouing of the celestiall bodies being the efficient cause of the mouing of the ayre it must of necessitie be more quicke and light where the celestiall bodies haue their swiftest motion Alonso Sanches was of opinion that this motion of the ayre was not a winde but the ayre moued by the Sunne This is learnedly spoken yet can wee not deny it to be a winde seeing there are vapours and exhalations of the Sea and that we sometimes see the Brise or Easterly windes stronger sometimes more weake and placed in that sort as sometimes they can hardly carry all their sayles We must then know and it is true that the ayre moued draweth vnto it the vapours it findes for that the force is great and findes no resistance by reason whereof the Easterne and Westerne windes are continual and in a manner alwayes alike in those parts which are neere the Line and almost vnder all the burning Zone which is the course the Sun followes betwixt the two circles of Cancer and Capricorne
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
drie and therefore they cannot refine it with fire And for this reason in Potozi there was great store of these poore metals whereof they made no great account but were reiected like straw and as the skum of the good metall vntill they found meanes to refine it by quick-siluer whereby the skum they called Oquiache was of great profit for the quick-siluer by a strange and wonderfull propertie purifies the siluer and is apt for these metals which are drie and poore wherein they consume lesse quick-siluer then in the richer for the richer they are the more need of quick-siluer they haue At this day the most vsuall manner of refining in Potozi is by quick-siluer as also in the mynes of Cacatecas and others of new Spaine There were in old time vpon the sides and tops of Potozi aboue sixe thousand Guayras which are small Furnaces where they melt their metall the which were placed like lights a pleasant sight to behold by night casting a light afarre off like a flame of fire But at this day there are not aboue two thousand for that as I haue said they vse little melting but refine it by quick-siluer the which is the greatest profit And for that the properties of quick-siluer are admirable and that this manner of refining of siluer is remarkable I will discourse of Quick-siluer of the Mynes and Worke and what is requisite for that subiect Quick-siluer so called by the Latines for that it runnes and slides suddenly from place to place amongst all other metals hath great and wonderfull vertues The first is although it bee a true metall yet is it not hard neither hath it any certaine forme nor subsistance like to other metals but is liquid not like vnto gold and siluer molten but of his owne proper nature and although it be a liquor yet is it more heauie then any other metall and therefore all others swim aboue and sinke not to the bottome being more light I haue seene two pounds of Iron put into a barrell of quick-siluer the which did swimme about like vnto Wood or Corke vpon the Water Plinie giues an exception hereunto saying That gold alone doth sinke and not swimme aboue it I haue not seene the experience but it may bee this growes by reason that quick-siluer by nature doth inuiron gold and couers it which is one of the most important properties it hath for it ioynes with gold in a strange manner it seekes it where it lyes and inuirons it in such sort as it doth distinguish and separate it from any other body or metall wherewith it is mixt for this reason such take gold as will preserue themselues from the dangers and discommodities of quick-siluer They haue vsed a remedie to those in whose eares they had put quick-siluer to cause them to die secretly to put little plates of gold into their eares for that Gold hath the vertue to draw out Mercurie and after they drew out these plates all white with the quick-siluer it did sticke vnto them Being one day at Madril I went to see the exquisite workes which Iacomo de Treco a rare worke-man of Millan made for Saint Laurence the Royall it was my hap to be there one day when as they gilded certaine pieces of a countertable of brasse which is done with quick-siluer and for that the fume of Mercurie is mortall he told me that the worke-men preserued themselues from this venome by swallowing a double Duckat of gold rolled vp the which being in the stomacke drawes vnto it all the quick-siluer that enters in fume by the Eares Eyes Nostrils and Mouth and by this meanes freed themselues from the danger of quick-siluer which the gold gathered in the stomacke and after cast out by the excrements a thing truly worthy of admiration After the quick-siluer hath purified and purged gold from all other metals and mixtures hee is likewise separated from the gold his friend by the heate of the fire the which purifies it from all quick-siluer Plinie sayes that by a certaine arte and inuention they did separate gold from quick-siluer It seemes to me the Ancients had no knowledge to refine siluer by quick-siluer which at this day is the greatest vse and chiefe profit of quick-siluer for that he sayes plainly that quick-siluer ioynes with no other metall but with gold and when hee makes mention of refining of siluer hee speakes onely but of the manner of melting whereby wee may inferre that the Ancients had no knowledge of this secret In truth though there be a league and simpathy betwixt gold and quick-siluer yet where as the Mercurie findes no gold it ioynes with siluer though not in the like manner as with gold but in the end it doth clense and purge it from Earth Copper and Lead amongst the which the siluer growes without any neede of fire to melt it yet must they vse fire to separate it from the siluer as I will shew hereafter Quick-siluer holds no account of other metals but of Gold and Siluer but contrariwise it doth corrupt them force and consume them and flyeth from them as much as may bee The which is likewise admirable and for this cause they put it in earthen vessels or in beasts skins For if it bee put in vessels of Copper of Iron or other metall it presently pierceth and corrupts them And therefore Plinie calleth it the poyson of all things for that it consumes and spoiles all Wee finde quick-siluer in the graues of dead men which after it hath consumed the bodies comes forth pure and whole There hath beene likewise found in the bones and marrow of Men and Beasts who hauing receiued it in fume by the mouth and nostrils congeales within them and pierceth euen vnto the bones Therefore it is a dangerous thing to frequent so perillous and mortall a creature It hath another propertie which is to runne and make a hundred thousand small drops whereof not one is lost bee they neuer so little but they returne euery way to their liquor It is almost incorruptible hauing nothing in a manner that may consume it And therefore Plinie calls it the eternall sweat It hath yet another propertie that although it doth separate Gold from Copper and all other metals yet they that will gild Copper Brasse or Siluer vse quick-siluer as the meanes of this vnion for with the helpe thereof they gild metals Amongst all the wonders of this strange liquor that seemes to mee most worthy obseruation that although it bee the weightiest thing in the world yet is it conuerted into the lightest of the world which is smoake and suddenly the same smoake which is so light a thing turnes againe into so heauie a substance as is the proper liquor of quick-siluer whereinto it is dissolued for this smoake encountring the metall on high being a solid body or comming into a cold Region suddenly it thickens and is conuerted into quick-siluer and if you set him once againe to the fire he
into New Spaine and with the second Armie of Grigialua and with the third of Cortese and with the fourth of Pamphilo di Narbaez all by order of Lieutenant Velasco whereby Cuba was in manner dispeopled and by the former causes mentioned of Hispaniola and by the contagion of the small Pockes which was vniuersall in all these Ilands So that the Great God hath in manner wholly extinguished them for their not without others sinnes They haue much Gold and Brasse vse to fish much with the Rouerso before mentioned as also that Wild-goose chase There are innumerable Cranes such as are in Spaine the Boyes take infinite Egges and young ones There are Turtles greater then in Spaine Euery yeare there passe from the end of Cuba infinite numbers of diuers sorts of Birds which come from the North of the firme Land and crosse ouer the Alacrain Ilands and Cuba and flye ouer the Gulfe Southwards I haue seene them passe ouer Darien and Nombre de dios and Panama in diuers yeeres in the Firme Land so many that they couer the Skie and this passage or march continueth a moneth or more about the moneth of March I thinke they flie round about the World for they neuer are seene to returne toward the West or North and we see them not euery yeere one after another from morning to night the aire is couered and some flie so high that they cannot bee seene others lower yet higher then the Mountaines tops They come from the North-west and North to the Southwards and then turne South-west occupying in length more then the eye can discerne and a great space in breadth The lowest are Eaglets and Eagles and all seeme Birds of prey of many kinds and plumes The higher cannot bee discerned in their plumes but in manner of flying and qâ—antâ—tie appeare of diuers sorts There haue beene Serpents killed in Cuba as bigge as a mans thigh and fiue and twentie or thirtie foot long and more They are tame and the Indians eate them and find sometimes in their bellies sixe or seuen creatures bigger then Conies which they swallow whole I am loth to lead you with this Author along with Grigialua in his long Expedition from hence to Iucatan and other parts Neere to Porto de termini he found two Trees seeming set by hand standing alone and fifteene paces off diuers Idols of Chalke They saw two Images made of the wood Copei in manner of Sodomiticall villenie ioyned together and another of Chalke with his circumcised member betwixt his hands Iamaica was in people vices creatures and other things like the former they were the Inuentors of the reuerso-fishing and Goose-catching with Gourds or Pompions aforesaid which sometimes they practised also with leaues and greene boughes on their heads and vsed that Garland as is before said of the Pompions Of Cubagua the Pearle Iland and of the Pearle-fishing is spoken before In Cubagua is a bituminous Fountayne hauing otherwise no water to drinke nor Hearbes nor Trees but a few of Guaiacan nor any liuing creatures though at first comming of the Christians there were a few Conies At the East point is the Fountayne running into the Sea with an Oily substance floating on it profitable for Medicine there called Deuils Dung They that liue there fetch their water seuen leagues off from Cumana on the firme Land and wood from Margarita The Kings fifth of the Pearle-fishing hath yeelded 15000. Duckets yeerly a thing not knowne that so many Pearles haue beene taken from so small a space the Iland of Cubagua not compassing aboue three leagues In the Gulfe of Orâ—tigâ—a and the Ilands therein in the Prouince of Nicaragua on the South Sea are many shel-fishes of a long forme some a Cubit long some lesse creased growing broader and broader to the end when they are opened they haue a fishie substance within them and shine within as the Pearle-oysters doe halfe their length thence by degrees loosing that shining toward the broader end The Pearles within them are not so fine as the other The Indians vse the shels to digge their loose ground fastning the shell to a handle of wood binding it fast and making a kind of Spade thereof In the yeare 1517. An Englishman vnder colour of Discouery came with a great ship towards Brasill on the Firme Land and thence trauersed to Hispaniola and came neere the Hauen of Saint Domingo and sent his Boat full of people on shoare and desired Trade But the Captaine of the Fort shot from the Castle at the Boate because shee came directly to the Port and thereupon they returned to their ship The English seeing this entertainment tooke their course towards the Iland of Saint Iohn and entred the Port of Saint German and there demanded victuals and prouisions for their ship complaining of the wrong done them at Saint Domingo comming thither for Trade to buy with their Mony and to barter Commodities There they got some victuals for which they paid in wrought pieces of Pewter and other things and so returned towards Europe where it is likely they came not for there was neuer any more heard of them The next yeare a French Pirat guided by a Spanish Pilot came to trade in the Iland of Pearles and a Portugall Carauell which he had taken on the Coast of Brasill and would haue landed his Boats full of men but was resisted and a Battel betwixt both parts followed in which thirteene Frenchmen were slaine and two of ours Three or foure Nauarrois and Biskainers fled from them and said the French were Theeues and came to take the Iland whereupon they went with all their strength and tooke her Boat and the ship fled out of sight c. Ouiedos twentieth Booke is of shipwrackes and disaduentures which haue happened to the Spaniards in those parts One which happened 1514. is admirable the ship sinking and fiue and twentie persons escaping in the Boat hast forbidding prouision of Card Compasse or victuall to saue their liues Thus liued they twelue dayes at Sea neither had they any thing to eate or drinke only a young man had saued two pounds of Bisket which beeing diuided amongst them he which had most had not aboue an ounce and halfe Vrine or the Sea was their drinke In this case they made Vowes to our Lâ—die of Antica in Siuill and on the twelfth day hauing made a Saile of their shirts they came to Siluer-port in Hispaniola Their Pilot Aâ—to Caluo told me the Storie The same yeare in the Pleet of Pedrarias de Auilla a Portugal youth being scoffed at and flouted by the Spaniards leaped into the Sea in a fresh gale and not without the wonder of all men was taken vp by another ship aliue whom after I saw vaunting of this folly and saying that no Castilian durst haue done it which I easily beleeue as hauing more wit then this Foole. Yet will I imitate a little this foolish
Mexico Although the chiefe Citie of the Tapanecanes was that of Azcapuzalco yet had they others with their priuate Lords as Tucuba and Cuyoacan These seeing the storme passed would gladly that they of Azcapuzalco had renewed the warre against the Mexicans and seeing them danted as a Nation wholly broken and defeated they of Cuyoacan resolued to make warre by themselues to the which they laboured to draw the other neighbour Nations who would not stirre nor quarrell with the Mexicans In the meane time the hatred and malice increasing they of Cuyoacan began to ill intreate the women that went to their Markets mocking at them and doing the like to the men ouer whom they had power for which cause the King of Mexico defended that none of his should goe to Cuyoacan and that they should receiue none of them into Mexico the which made them of Cuyoacan resolue wholly to warre but first they would prouoke them by some shamefull scorne which was that hauing inuited them to one of their solemne Feasts after they had made them a goodly Banquet and feasted them with a great daunce after their manner then sent them for their fruite womens apparell forcing them to put it on and so to returne home like women to their Citie reproaching them that they were cowards and effeminate and that they durst not take armes being sufficiently prouoked Those of Mexico say that for reuenge they did vnto them a foule scorne laying at the gates of their Citie of Cuyoacan certaine things which smoaked by meanes whereof many women were deliuered before their time and many fell sicke In the end all came to open war and there was a battaile fought wherein they imploied all their forces in the which Tlacaellec by his courage and policie in warre obtained the victorie For hauing left King Izcoalt in fight with them of Cuyoacan he put himselfe in ambush with some of the most valiant Souldiers and so turning about charged them behinde and forced them to retire into their Citie But seeing their intent was to flie into a Temple which was very strong he with three other valiant Souldiors pursued them eagarly and got before them seising on the Temple and firing it so as he forced them to flie to the fields where he made a great slaughter of the vanquished pursuing them two leagues into the Countrie vnto a little hill where the vanquished casting away their weapons and their armes a crosse yeelded to the Mexicans and with many teares craued pardon of their ouerweening folly in vsing them like women offering to be their slaues so as in the end the Mexicanes did pardon them Of this victory the Mexicans did carry away very rich spoiles of Garments Armes Gold Siluer Iewels and rich feathers with a great number of Captiues In this Battaile there were three of the principals of Culhuacan that came to aide the Mexicans to win honour the which were remarkeable aboue all And since being knowne to Tlacaellec and hauing made proofe of their fidelity he gaue them Mexican deuises and had them alwayes by his side where they fought in all places very valiantly It was apparant that the whole victory was due to the Generall and to these three for among so many captiues taken two third parts were wonne by these foure which was easily knowne by a policie they vsed for taking a Captiue they presently cut off a little of his haire and gaue it to others so as it appeared that those which had their haire cut amonnted to that number whereby they wonne great reputation and fame of valiant men They were honoured as Conquerours giuing them good portions of the spoiles and Lands as the Mexicans haue alwaies vsed to doe which gaue occasion to those that did fight to become famous and to win reputation by Armes The Nation of the Tapanecans being subdued the Mexicans had occasion to doe the like to the Suchimilcos who as it hath beene said were the first of the seuen Caues or linages that peopled this Land The Mexicans sought not the occasion although they might presume as Conquerours to extend their limits but the Suchimilcos did moue them to their owne ruine as it happens to men of small iudgement that haue no foresight who not preuenting the mischiefe they imagined fall into it The Suchimilcos held opinion that the Mexicans by reason of their victories past should attempt to subdue them and consulted hereon among themselues Some among them thought it good to acknowledge them for superiours and to applaud their good fortune but the contrary was allowed and they went out to giue them battaile which Izcoalt the King of Mexico vnderstanding he sent his Generall Tlacaellec against them with his armie the battaile was fought in the same field that diuides their limits which two Armies were equall in men and armes but very diuers in their order and manner of fighting for that the Suchimilcos charged all together on a heape confusedly and Tlacaellec diuided his men into squadrons with a goodly order so as he presently brake his enemies forcing them to retire into their Citie into the which they entred following them to the Temple whither they fled which they fired and forcing them to flye to the Mountaines in the end they brought them to this point that they yeelded with their arme acrosse The Generall Tlacaellec returning in great triumph the Priests went forth to receiue him with their musicke of Flutes and giuing incense The chiefe Captaines vsed other Ceremonies and shewes of ioy as they had beene accustomed to doe and the King with all the troupe went to the Temple to giue thankes to their false god The day following the King Izcoalt went vnto the Citie of Suchimilco causing himselfe to be sworne King of the Suchimilcos and for their comfort he promised to doe them good In token whereof he commanded them to make a great Cawsey stretching from Mezico to Suchimilco which is foure leagues to the end there might be more commerce and trafficke among them Which the Suchimilcos performed and in short time the Mexican gouernment seemed so good vnto them as they held themselues happy to haue changed their King and Common-weale Some neighbours pricked forward by enuie or feare to their ruines were not yet made wise by others miseries Cuitlauaca was a Citie within the Lake which though the name and dwelling be changed continueth yet They were actiue to swim in the Lake and therefore they thought they might much indomage and annoy the Mexicans by water which the King vnderstanding he resolued to send his Armie presently to fight against them But Tlacaellec little esteeming this warre holding it dishonorable to lead an Armie against them made offer to conquer them with the children onely which he performed in this manner he went vnto the Temple and drew out of the Couent such children as he thought fittest for the action from tenne to eighteene yeares of age who knew how to
answered to our Nouember they prepared what was necessary for the Children that should bee made Nouices the moneth following the Children with the old men made a certayne shew with rounds and turnings and this Feast was called Ituraymi which commonly they make when it raines too much or too little or when there is a plague Among the extraordinary Feasts which were very many the most famous was that which they called Ytu This Feast Ytu hath no prefixed time nor season but in time of necessitie To prepare themselues thereunto all the people fasted two dayes during the which they did neither company with their wiues nor eate any meate with Salt or Garlicke nor drinke any Chica All did assemble together in one place where no stranger was admitted nor any beast they had Garments and Ornaments which serued onely for this Feast They marched very quietly in Procession their heads couered with their Veâ—les sounding of Drummes without speaking one to another This continued a day and a night then the day following they danced and made good cheere for two dayes and two nights together saying that their Prayer was accepted And although that this Feast is not vsed at this day with all this ancient Ceremony yet commonly they make another which is very like which they call Ayma with Garments that serue onely to that end and they make this kinde of Procession with their Drummes hauing fasted before then after they make good cheere which they vsually doe in their vrgent necessities And although the Indians forbeare to sacrifice beasts or other things publikely which cannot be hidden from the Spaniards yet doe they still vse many Ceremonies that haue their beginnings from these Feasts and ancient Superstitions for at this day they doe couertly make this Feast of Ytu at the dances of the Feast of the Sacrament in making the dances of Lyamallama and of Guacon and of others according to their ancient Ceremonies THe Mexicans haue beene no lesse curious in their Feasts and Solemnities which were of small charge but of great effusion of mans bloud We haue before spoken of the principall Feast of Vitziliputzli after the which the Feast of Tezcalipuca was most solemnized This Feast fell in May and in their Kalender they called it Tozcolt it fell euery foure yeere with the feast of Penance where there was giuen full indulgence and remission of sinnes In this day they did sacrifice a Captiue which resembled the Idoll Tezcalipuca it was the nineteenth day of May vpon the Euen of this Feast the Noblemen came to the Temple bringing a new Garment like vnto that of the Idoll the which the Priest put vpon him hauing first taken off his other Garments which they kept with as much or more reuerence then wee doe our Ornaments There were in the Coffers of the Idoll many Ornaments Iewels Earerings and other Riches as Bracelets and precious Feathers which serued to no other vse but to be there and was worshipped as their God it selfe Besides the Garment wherewith they worshipped the Idoll that day they put vpon him certayne ensignes of Feathers with fannes shadowes and other things being thus attired and furnished they drew the Curtayn or Veile from before the doore to the end he might be seene of all men then came forth one of the chiefe of the Temple attyred like to the Idoll carrying flowres in his hand and a Flute of earth hauing a very sharpe sound and turning towards the East he sounded it and then looking to the West North and South he did the like And after he had thus sounded towards the foure parts of the World shewing that both they that were present and absent did heare him he put his finger into the Aiâ—e and then gathered vp earth which hee put in his mouth and did eate it in signe of adoration The like did all they that were present and weeping they fell flat to the ground inuocating the darknesse of the night and the winds intreating them not to leaue them nor to forget them or else to take away their liues and free them from the labours they endured therein Theeues Adulterers and Murtherers and all other offenders had great feare and heauinesse whilest this Flute sounded so as some could not dissemble nor hide their offences By this meanes they all demanded no other thing of their God but to haue their offences concealed powring forth many teares with great repentance and sorrow offering great store of Incense to appease their Gods The couragious and valiant men and all the old Souldiers that followed the art of Warre hearing this Flute demanded with great deuotion of God the Creator of the Lord for whom we liue of the Sun and of other their Gods that they would giue them victory against their enemies strength to take many Captiues there with to honour their Sacrifices This Ceremony was done ten dayes before the Feast During which ten dayes the Priest did sound this Flute to the end that all might doe this worship in eating of earth and demand of their Idoll what they pleased they euery day made their Prayers with their eyes lift vp to Heauen and with sighs and groanings as men that were grieued for their sinnes and offences Although this contrition was onely for feare of the corporall punishment that was giuen them and not for any feare of the eternall for they certainly beleeued there was no such seuere punishment in the other life And therefore they offered themselues voluntarily to death holding opinion that it is to all men an assured rest The first day of the Feast of this Idoll Tezcalipuca beeing come all they of the Citie assembled together in a Court to celebrate likewise the Feast of the Kalender whereof we haue already spoken which was called Toxcoalth which signifies A dry thing which Feast was not made to any other end but to demand raine in the same manner that wee solemnize the Rogations and this Feast was alwayes in May which is the time that they haue most need of raine in those Countreyes They beganne to celebrate it the ninth of May ending the nineteenth The last day of the Feast the Priests drew forth a Litter well furnished with Curtaynes and Pendants of diuers fashions This Litter had so many armes to hold by as there were Ministers to carrie it All which came forth besmeered with blacke and long haire halfe in tresses with white strings and attyred in the liuery of the Idoll Vpon this Litter they set the personage of the Idoll appointed for this Feast which they called the resemblance of their God Tezcalipuca and taking it vpon their shoulders they brought it openly to the foot of the staires then came forth the young men and Maydens of the Temple carrying a great coard wreathed of chaines of roasted Mays with the which they enuironed the Litter and putting a chaine of the same about the Idols necke and a Garland vpon his head They called the coard Toxcalt
Opinion of the Resurrection ibid. Their Kings Buriall place 281.20 Their theeueries in the Borders 314 60. Their Custome to cease vpon the Goods of Strangers deceased 313. 316.10 When They conquered China how long they held it and how expelled See 376.20 Tartars vide Crim Tartars Nagayan Tartars Mordwit Tartars Chicasce Tartars Cheremisse Tartars c. Tatami are Iaponian Mats 326 10 Taurica Chersonesus now Cassaria 53.30 Taurica Chersonesus described from pag. 632. Vnto 643. The length of the banke 636.1 The soyle 636.50 The Seasons Soyle Bounds Originall Princes c. 637. Part belongs to the Turke and part to the Tartars ibid. Taurinum the Citie where 49 40 Tauris in Persia the Merchandise of it 70.40 Taute and Manse Ilanders of Cathaya 34.10 Tayth City in Catay 800.50 Described ibid. Tebeth the Prouince now a Wildernesse 90.20 How Trauellers passe it ibid. They desire Strangers to take their Daughters Mayden-heads 90 40. They are great Negromancers 90.60 And 91 20 Tebet a Tartarian people that for pitty eate their Dead Parents 23.1 They make Cups of their Sculles 23.10 30. They haue much Gold 23.10 Teeth couered with Gold 92 20 Teeth the fume of Quick-siluer makes them fall out 950.1 Telegas or Waggons in the Russian 242.20 Temple of the Sun in the Indies 893.60 Conuerted into a Monastery 895.60 Temple and Statua erected to a Gouernour 328 Temple a most huge one 281 1. With gilded Steeples 265. 267.10 Temples of Peru 1032. Of Mexico described 1033. 1133 40 Temples of Mexico described 1133.30 Their Muniton kept in them 1134.1 Temples of the Mexicans haue Cloysters and Couents 1049 30 Tempests yearely in China and strange ones 198.1.39.60 Tempests cruell ones in the Mountaynes of Cathay 36.20 Layed ibid. Tempests extreme ones in Hispaniola 997.1 Tempests vsuall at the new Moone 256 Tempests raysed by the Deuill 974 60 Tenduch the Prouince of the Tartarian Presbyter Iohn 710.20 Tenerise in the West Indies the scite and distance from Santa Martha Villages about it Mynes c. 885.40 Riuers ibid. Tennis play of the Mexicans the fashion of it 1127.40.50 Tensa the Lords of it command all in Iapon 324.20 They are as Heires apparent 325.40 Tenth of the Spoyles due to the Prince of the Crim Tartars 641 40 Tenths of Wooll the great Cham hath 88.22 Tents the huge number and richnesse of the Tartarian Princes 86.20 Tenure in Capite in Russia 424.10 Tephelis or Tiflis the Georgians chiefe Citie 55.1 Terme for Law suites in Island 650.50 Terzas the Armenian Christians in Persia 400 Testimoniall in the Russes Coffin 218.1 Tezcalipuca the Mexican Idoll his great Festiuall the cause and manner 1047 Thaican or Thracian the Castle where 73.20 Thebeth Chesmir Sensim and Bachfi orders of Southsayers in Tartarie 81.1.20 Theeues their Thumbes cut off 264.50 Theeues how punished in China 204.10 Theeues all the way betwixt the Dominion of the Mogores and Cathay 311.312 c. Theeuerie ignominions to Posteritie 335.40 Theft dispensed withall vpon Confession before the Sacrament 37.20.30 Theodosia or Capha the Citie in Taurica 636.20 Christianitie deâ—ayed there ibid. How farre from Constantinople ibid. Theologie of the Chinois 397 Theodulus of Acon his foolish message to Mangu-Chan 29.10.20 c. Thistles with Stalkes foure inches square in the Indies 897.60 Tholoman the Prouince Gold plentifull there 94.30 Thomas Edge his Voyage 464.60 His returne 466.1 And second Voyage ibid. His second Voyage and Commission 709. His third Voyage 467.10 His Iland ibid. His fourth Voyage ibid. Another Voyage 468.30 Another 469.10 Thomas Perez Ambassadour to China how vsed 267.20 Sir Thomas Button confident to finde the Northwest Passage 848.40 Sir Thomas Smith Embassadour into Russia 747. His stately intertainment puts the Russes out of their Complement ibid. Denies to giue the Copie of his Embassage beforehand 748.10 His Audience ibid. His entertainement 749. His second audience 750.40 Take his leaue and returnes for England 751.20 A message sent to him from Demetrius 759.20 Sir Thomas Smiths Iland 730.10 A barren place ibid. Sir Thomas Smiths Inlet discouered to the furthest end 725.30 Sir Thomas Smiths Sound the Latitude 847 Saint Thomas buryed in Malepur 138.40 Saint Thomas his Tombe stâ—aâ—ge things concerning it 105.1.40.50 Thornsting Prouince in West Island 665.10 Thorro King of Goâ—land c. Made and a God 659.50 Thred made of Indian Nuts and how 71.50 Thred of Conies haire 1132.40 Thred gotten out of a Leafe 557.10 Threshold the Tartars touch not 84.20 Throne a most stately one 279.30 Throne of the King reuerenced in his absence 392.40 Thule whether it bee Island 643.50 Thule is not Island 655.10 But one of the Brittish Iles or Scandia or Tylemarke in Norway 655.50 marg Thunder in 70. Degrees 42. minutes North 580 Thunder worshipped by the Mexicans their odde opinion one 1027.30 Thunderbolts frequent in the West Indies where 885.1.890.40 Thunderbolt one Beast killed with it exempts the Hâ—ard from tribute 87.50 Thursday the Etymâ—n 664.50 Tibaldo de Vesconti di Piacenza the Popes Legate at Acon 67.1 Chosen Pope and called Gregorie the tenth 67.10 Sendeth Preachers into Tartarie ibid. Tiburon the Cape on the West of Hispaniola 859.10 Tickes of the water troublesome in the West Indies their cure 975.10 Tien tautec what in Chinese 201.40 Tiflis the Metropolitan Citie of the Georgians 49.10 Tiger deuoures a man â— story of it 902.50 Tigres their battels with the Crocodile 931 Tigres of the West Indies can distinguish an Indian from a Spaniard 963.30 Tigres of India described how killed a Tigre tamed 991 Tigris the head of it 49.30 Timber how Island is supplyed with 662.40 Timochaim in Persia 70.50 72.20 Tingoesi the people described 527.30.551.40 Speake like Turkie-Cockes ibid. Nations beyond them 528.10 Their dexterity to take Fowle Fish and Venison ibid. See also 530.20 Neere to China 543.60 546 Tingui the Citie 96.40 Tinguigui the Citie Drunkennesse well ouertaken there 97.40 Tinna the chiefe Citie of the Russes in the Samoieds Countrey 526.10 Tinlau a Riuer 257.30 Tipany in Lapland 560.20 Tides in the Sea where none 518.30 Tides a discourse of them 930.1.10.20 c. Tids their Course come from the North 492 Tides the chiefe Argument of the Northwest passage 848.40 Tylemarke in Norway is Thule 655. marg Time of the day finely declared 409 30 Tyras the Riuer Nester in Moldauia 633.1 Tithes payed in Groneland 520.1 Tithes payed in the West Indies 908.50 Titicaca Lake the greatnesse thicknesse of the water sorts of the Fishes and Fowles and the taking of them 932.20 Title of the King of Sweden 771. Of the Emperour of Russia See Russian Emperour or Emperour of Russia of the King of Poland 783.1 Titles the Chinois Ambition of them 393.1 Titles a great Merchandize in Iapon 324.10 Titubul the Citie 291.30 Tlacaellec a valiant Mexican Generall his Acts 1011.1012.1013 c. Winnes a battell onely with Children 1014.10 Refuses the Kingdome 1015. His great Honour Death and Funerall 1016.10 Toade found aliue
others Countries New Ambassadors in case of new successors Place of Ambassadors meeting Case of Shipwracke Neither party to aide the Pole e. Confirmation Names of the CoÌ„missioners Ambassadour from Catay and from the King of Altine See sup pag. 527. 552. None able to translate the China Characters Easterne Tartar Nations Russian Presents Tarchan of Labaia Sirgos Three Leopards c. for a Present His requests Relation of two Russe trauellers of their Voyage to Catay Tomo a new Castle beyond Ob. See sup pag. 527. Kirgis Mutalla Sheromugola Q. Manchika Wall of Catay The gate and guard See for better vnderstanding hereof Goes other Iesuites Relations in the second Booke * Such are the Tartars dwellings or fleetings rather with their beasts Their Iournal or daily iourneyes from place to place Huge Lake King Altine Vlusses or Tartarian Hords Yellow Mugals or Moal-Tartars Mugalla or Taâ—taria Orientalis from Bughar in Bactâ—ia to the Sea Their buildings Friers Idols Candles Candle burning withouâ— flame Rites of Religion Corne. Fruits People and attyre Distilled wine Cutuffs or Patriarkes Lobas or Friers Continencie shauing Three Kingdomes Ortus Talguth Shar Blacke Mugols or Cara Catay Shrokalga in Catay Walls of Catay Tower-becons Cara Catay But fiue gates in the wall Shirocalga Short Ordnance Yara Tayth Shirooan White Castle Catay greatest Citie of Catay If Catay be the same with China as before in Goes and the Iesuites is obserued many difficulties arise But this Russian Relation and that of Chaggi Memes seeme to agree to place some Catay North from China if this did not speake of the wall The Tartar names so differ from those of the Portugalls that it is hard to reconcile them And the Iesuitâ— make foure moneths trauell from the wall to Pequin which is here but a few daies except we say the Russes entred the wall at the North East part of it which the shortnesse of their iourney admits not Perhaps this chiefe Citie was but the chiefe of that Prouince where the Vice-roy resided and they were willing to make the most of their trauells Russiâ—a fide Yet the neerenesse of the Sea there also causeth scruple I suppose rather that these Russes entred China but a little way and receiued the Vice-royes Letter only there obserued with Ragall Rites and had much by Relation of that little which they tell How euer I haue here offered this to thy view at more leisure to vse thy more iudgement Merchants Kartalla Riuer Ob. This doth cleer the doubtfull passages pag. 760. Sealed with the Golden Seale How to finde out Ob from Pechora Ouson Riuer Vgorskdi and Sibierskie A shipwracke at the mouth of Ob. An Island neere the mouth of Ob. The way to discouer Ob by Sea Mattpheone or Matthewes land Aâ—ter our stile 1584. Caninos Medemske Carareca Carska Ob. Caninos Colgoieue Noua Zembla Naromske Mattuschan Yaâ— The Sands The two Seas that is the North and the East Sea The bignes of the Cliffe or Isle of Mattuschan Anthonie Marsh sent two of his men vpon the discouery of Ob by land with foure Russes Bodan Master Marsh his man brought to Mosco Russian iealousie of discouery A warme Sea beyond Ob. Mastâ—r Thomas Linde Third Volume of English voyages pag 446. See of these voâ—â—ges Hak. Tom. 1. Some thinke that the Mexican Kings Mutezuma the last professed that they were strangers were hence deriued D. â— Colon de vita patris Chrisâ—oph Col. 6.13 See Hak. tom 3. pag. 5. This Map some say was taken out of Sir Seb. Cabots Map by Clem. Adams 1549. Ramus Tom. 2. See Hak. Tom. 3. pag. 7 All the Coast to Florida discouered by the English from 67. deg 30. min. as he writ to Ramusio R. praefat Tom. 3. as likewise he was cause of the Russian and Greenland discoueries See sup l. 2. c. 1. W. Purchas Thorn and Eliot first finders of America Mosc and Turkie Companies Master Cartwright had bin in Persia and Turkie See the former Tome Buquhamnes Orkney The Start 59. degrees 30. minutes Faire I le Two small Ilands 57. degrees 55. min. no variation Variation eleuen degrees Westward No variation Guls and Pigions 59. deg 51. min. A great Iland of Ice Groneland A maine bank of Ice Black water as thick as puddle The Cape of desolation 60. deg 37. min. Store of Guls. America descried â—n 6â— degr and 30. min. Warwicks Foreland supposed to be an Iland The greatest hope of the North-west passage A current Westward in sixtie one degrees A current likely to set to the West A maine bank of Ice in 60. degrees The North coast of America seemeth to be broken land Blacke puddle water America againe discried in 63. deg 53. min. The loathsome noyse of Ice Sayles ropes and tackling frozen Thick fogge freezing as fast as it fell Mutinie 68. deg 53. min They returne froÌ„ the North. Mutiners punished A great Iland of Ice cracked like a thunder-clap and was ouerthrowne Great store of Sea Foule vpon the Ice An Inlet in 61. degrees 40. minutes The return out of the Inlet The variation 35. degrees Westward An Iland on the coast of America in 55. deg 30. min. The Godspeedâ— stroke vpon a piece of Ice Many Ilands The variation 22. degrees to West A Storme 55. deg 31. min. Variation 17. degr 15. min. They discrie the land again â—5 deg 20. min. A pleasant low land being all Ilands 55. degrees The variation 18. deg and â—2 min. Westwardâ— Temperate ayre Grâ—at hope of a passage 〈◊〉 three places 〈…〉 Rocks strangly vanishing A great Rocke A Whirlwinde taking vp the Sea They were entred 30. leagues into an Inlet in 56. degrees They returned for England This Book was also subscribed by W. Cobreth and Iohn Drew The lands end May 1605. Iohn Cunningham Iohn Knight of whom after Flecâ—rie Variation obserued A race of a tide Variation obserued Busse Iland wrong placed First sight of Groenland Cape Christian. The shoare full of Ice Cape Desolation Compasse varied Black water Sight of the Lion Iune 1605. Ilands of Ice Mightie incumbrance of Ice A mightie current setting North North-west A huge high Iland of Ice Noyse by the fall Our people determined to returne backe againe Former discoueries A mightie banke of Ice Another banke of Ice The Lions departing from vs. A mightie current Sight of Land Mount Cunningham Queene Annes Cape Queene Sophias Cape Christians Foord Our anchoring Our first landing in Groinland Our first sight of the people Boat of Seale skins Our entring into their Tents Eaters of Dogs Of the other sort of Boats There is one of these Boats in Sir T. Smiths Hall The manner of killing of their great fish or Seales Their comming to our ships Obseruation of the latitude Obseruation of the tides Our departing in the Pinnasse from the ship The Sauages begin to sling stones at vs. They sling stones againe Denmarks Hauen The people come againe The subtiltie of the Sauages My Boy shot with a Dart.
18. minutes and so deeper The north-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
did see in some battailes the Image of our Lady from whom the Christians haue receiued in those parts incomparable fauours and benefits c. And therefore we ought not to condemne all these things of the first Conquerors of the Indies as some religious and learned men haue done doubtlesse with a good zeale but too much affected For although for the most part they were couetous men cruell and very ignorant in the course that was to be obserued with the Infidels who had neuer offended the Christians yet can we not denie but on their part there was much malice against God and our Men which forced them to vse rigour and chastisement Euery one may vnderstand by the Relation and Discourse I haue written in these Bookes as well at Peru as in New Spaine when as the Christians first set footing that these Kingdomes and Monarchies were come to the height and period of their power The Inguas of Peru possessing from the Realme of Chille beyond Quitto which are a thousand leagues being most abundant in gold siluer sumptuous seruices and other things as also in Mexico Moteçuma commanded from the North Ocean Sea vnto the South being feared and worshipped not as a man but rather as a god Then was it that the most high Lord had determined that that stone of Daniel which dissolued the Realmes and Kingdomes of the World should also dissolue those of this new World And as the Law of Christ came when as the Roman Monarchie was at her greatnesse so did it happen at the West Indies wherein wee see the iust prouidence of our Lord For being then in the World I meane in Europe but one head and temporall Lord as the holy Doctors doe note whereby the Gospell might more easily bee imparted to so many People and Nations Euen so hath it happened at the Indies where hauing giuen the knowledge of Christ to the Monarchs of so many Kingdomes it was a meanes that afterwards the knowledge of the Gospell was imparted to all the people yea there is herein a speciall thing to be obserued that as the Lords of Cusco and Mexico conquered new Lands so they brought in their owne language for although there were as at this day great diuersitie of tongues yet the Courtly speech of Cusco did and doth at this day runne aboue a thousand leagues and that of Mexico did not extend farre lesse which hath not beene of small importance but hath much profited in making the preaching easie at such a time when as the Preachers had not the gift of many tongues as in old times He that would know what a helpe it hath beene for the conuersion of this people in these two great Empires and the great difficultie they haue found to reduce those Indians to Chrisâ— which acknowledge no Soueraigne Lord let him goe to Florida Bresil the Andes and many other places where they haue not preuayled so much by their preaching in fiftie yeeres as they haue done in Peru and new Spaine in lesse then fiue If they will impute the cause to the riches of the Country I will not altogether denie it Yet were it impossible to haue so great wealth and to be able to preserue it if there had not beene a Monarchie This is also a worke of God in this age when as the Preachers of the Gospell are so cold and without zeale and Merchants with the heat of couetousnesse and desire of command search and discouer new people whither we passe with our commodities for as Saint Augusâ—â—ne saith the prophesie of Esay is fulfilled in that the Church of Christ is extended not onely to the right hand but also to the left which is as hee declareth by humane and earthly meanes which they seeke more commonly then Iesus Christ. It was also a great prouidence of our Lord that when as the first Spaniards arriued there they found aide from the Indians themselues by reason of their partialities and great diuisions This is well knowne in Peru that the diuision betwixt the two brothers Atahualpa and Guasca the great King Guanacapa their father being newly dead gaue entrie to the Marquesse Don Francis Pizarre and to the Spaniards for that either of them desired his alliance being busied in warre one against the other The like experience hath beene in new Spaine that the aide of those of the Prouince of Tlascalla by reason of their continuall hatred against the Mexicans gaue the victorie and siegniorie of Mexico to the Mâ—rquesse Fernando Cortes and his men and without them it had beene impossible to haue wonne it yea to haue maintayned themselues within the Country They are much deceiued that so little esteeme the Indians and iudge that by the aduantage the Spaniards haue ouer them in their Persons Horses and Armes both offensiue and defensiue they might easily conquer any Land or Nation of the Indies Chille stands yet or to say better Arauco and Tuecapel which are two Cities where our Spaniards could not yet win one foot of ground although they haue made warre there aboue fiue and twentie yeeres without sparing of any cost For this barbarous Nation hauing once lost the apprehension of horse and shot and knowing that the Spaniards fall as well as other men with the blow of a stone or of a dart they hazard themselues desperately entring the Pikes vpon any enterprise How many yeeres haue they leuied men in new Spaine to send against the Chychymequos which are a small number of naked Indians armed only with bowes and arrowes yet to this day they could not be vâ—â—quished but contrariwise from day to day they grow more desperate and resolute But what shall we say of the Chucos of the Chiraguanas of the Piscocones and all the other people of the Andes Hath not all the flower of Peru beene there bringing with them so great prouision of Armes and Men as we haue seene What did they With what victories returned they Surely they returned very happy in sauing of their liues hauing lost their baggage and almost all their horses Let no man thinke speaking of the Indians that they are men of nothing but if they thinke so let them goe and make triall Wee must then attribute the glorie to whom it appertaynes that is principally to God and to his admirable disposition for if Moteçuma in Mexico and the Ingua in Peru had beene resolute to resist the Spaniards and to stop their entrie Cortes and Pizarre had preuayled little in their landing although they were excellent Captaines It hath also beene a great helpe to induce the Indians to receiue the Law of Christ the subiection they were in to their Kings and Lords and also the seruitude and slauerie they were held in by the Deuils tyrannies and insupportable yoke This was an excellent disposition of the diuine Wisedome the which drawes profit from ill to a good end and receiues his good from an others ill which it hath not sowen It is most certaine
that no people of the West Indies haue beene more apt to receiue the Gospell then those which were most subiect to their Lords and which haue beene charged with the heauiest burthens as well of Tributes and Seruices as of Customes and bloudie Practises All that which the Mexican Kings and those of Peru did possesse is at this day most planted with Christian Religion and where there is least difficultie in the Gouernment and Ecclesiasticall Discipline The Indians were so wearied with the heauy and insupportable yoke of Satans lawes his sacrifices and ceremonies whereof wee haue formerly spoken that they consulted among themselues to seeke out a new Law and an other God to serue And therefore the Law of Christ seemed vnto them and doth at this day seeme iust sweet cleane good and full of happinesse And that which is difficult in our Law to beleeue so high and soueraigne Mysteries hath beene easie among them for that the Deuill had made them comprehend things of greater difficultie and the selfe-same things which hee had stolen from our Euangelicall Law as their manner of Communion and Confession their adoration of Three in One and such other like the which against the will of the Enemie haue holpen for the easie receiuing of the Truth by those who before had embraced Lyes God is wise and admirable in all his workes vanquishing the Aduersarie euen with his owne weapon hee takes him in his owne snare and kills him with his owne sword Finally our God who had created this People and who seemed to haue thus long forgot them when the houre was come hee would haue the same Deuils enemies to mankinde whom they falsly held for gods should giue a testimonie against their will of the true Law the power of Christ and the triumph of the Crosse as it plainly appeares by the presages prophesies signes and prodigies here before mentioned with many others happened in diuers parts and that the same ministers of Satan Sorcerers Magicians and other Indians haue confessed it And wee cannot denie it being most euident and knowne to all the World that the Deuill dareth not hisse and that the Practises Oracles Answers and visible Apparitions which were so ordinarie throughout all this Infidelitie haue ceased whereas the Crosse of Christ hath beene planted where there are Churches and where the Name of Christ hath beene confessed And if there be at this day any cursed minister of his that doth participate thereof it is in Caues and on the tops of Mountaines and in secret places farre from the name and communion of Christians The Soueraigne Lord be blessed for his great mercies and for the glorie of his holy Name And in truth if they did gouerne this people temporally and spiritually in such sort as the Law of Iesus Christ hath set it downe with a milde yoke and light burthen and that they would impose no more vpon them then they can well beare as the Letters Patents of the good Emperour of happy memorie doe command and that they would imploy halfe the care they haue to make profit of these poore mens sweats and labours for the health of their soules it were the most peaceable and happy Christian part of all the World c. CHAP. V. Of the ancient superstitions of the Mexicans and Indians of America gathered out of the fifth Booke of IOSEPHVS ACOSTA FIrst although the darknesse of Infidelitie holdeth these Nations in blindnesse yet in many things the light of Truth and Reason workes somewhat in them And they commonly acknowledge a supreme Lord and Author of all things which they of Peru called Vnachocha and gaue him names of great excellence as Pachacamac or Pachayachachic which is the Creator of Heauen and Earth and Vsapu which is admirable and other like names Him they did worship as the chiefest of all whom they did honor in beholding the Heauen The like wee see amongst them of Mexico and China and all other Infidels Which accordeth well with that which is said of Saint Paul in the Acts of the Apostles where he did see the Inscription of an Altar Ignoto Deo to the vnknowne God Whereupon the Apostle tooke occasion to preach vnto them saying Hee whom you worship without knowing him doe I preach vnto you In like sort those which at this day doe preach the Gospell to the Indians finde no great difficultie to perswade them that there is a High God and Lord ouer all and that this is the Christians God and the true God And yet it hath caused great admiration in mee that although they had this knowledge yet had they no proper Name for God if wee shall seeke into the Indian tongue for a word to answere to this Name of God as in Latin Deâ—s in Greeke Theos in Hebrew El in Arabike Alla but we shall not finde any in the 〈◊〉 or Mexican tongues So as such as preach or write to the Indians vse our Spanish name Dios fitting it to the accent or pronunciation of the Indian tongues the which differ much whereby appeares the small knowledge they had of God seeing they cannot so much as name him if it be not by our very name yet in truth they had some little knowledge and therefore in Pâ—ru they made him a rich Temple which they called Pachacamac which was the principall Sanctuarie oâ— the Realme And as it hath beene said this word of Pachacamac is as much to say as the Creator yet in this Temple they vsed their Idolatries worshipping the Deuill and Figures They likewise made Sacrifices and Offerings to Viracocha which held the chiefe place amongst the worships which the Kiâ—gâ— Iuguâ—â— made Hereof they called the Spaniards Virâ—cochas for that they hold opinion they are the 〈◊〉 of Hâ—auen and diuiâ—e eâ—en as others did attribute a Deitie to Paul and 〈◊〉 calling the one Iupiter and the other Mercurie so would they offer sacrifices vnto them as vnto gods and as the Barbarians of Mâ—litâ— which is Maltè seeing that the Viper did not huâ—â— the Apostle they called him God NExt to Viracocha or their supreme God that which most commonly they haue and doe adore amongst the Infidels is the Sunne and after those things which are most remarkâ—able in the celestiall or â—lementarie nature as the Moâ—ne Starres Sea and Land The Guiâ—cas or Oratories which the Iâ—guas Lords of Peru had in greatest reuerence next to Viracocha and the Sunne was the Thunder which they called by three diuers names Châ—â—â—â—illa Catuillâ— and Iâ—tiillapa supposing it to be a man in heauen with a Sling and a Mace and that it is in his power to cause Raine Haile Thunder and all the rest that appertaines to the Region of the Aire where the Cloudes engender It was a Guacâ— for so they called their Oratories generall to all the Indians of Peru offering vnto him many sacrifices and in Câ—scâ— which is the Court and Metropolitan Citie they did sacrifice children vnto him