purpose to destroy strangers This Island yields much Canadoe Wine diverse sorts of Grain Conies and Partridges There is another Island 20 Leagues from this called the Tenereffe a very high Land Sept. 28. We departed towards the West Indies taking our course S. W. and by W. on the 29. we sailed S. W. and by S. the 30. S. W. the first of October W. and by S. the 13. W. in the height of 16 deg The 25 of this Month the Hope and Adventure fell foul on each other about ten at Night they of the Adventure were forc'd to cut their Misson and throw it over-board Octob. 27. We espied Martinino an Island inhabited by a barbarous People called Canibals 10 Miles from this Island is another called Dominica where is much Tobacco the people traffiqued with us in exchange for their Tabacco The Weapons they use are Bows and Arrows made of Reeds with sharp Pieces of Braseil on the ends they wear their Hair long cut round by their Shoulders Octob. 30. we came to Gordelowpa distant from this ten Leagues where are many Rivers issuing from the Mountains with great force into the Sea From whence we sailed toward the River Della-Hatch N. W. and by N. and Nov. 7. we descried three Islands of the Trigonies viz. Mononalla Rotmido and Savoa Nov. 10. we set sail for John de Portrizo W. and by N. These Islands belong to Virginia in some of their Harbours 1000 Ships may ride at Anchor Novem. 12. we Anchored within 4 Miles of Portrizo against a great Fort where was placed a Piece of Ordnance which plyed us divers times with shot This day Sir John Hawkins died The same night also as Sir Francis Drake Sir Thomas Baskerfield and others sate at supper Sir Nicholas Clifford Capt. Stratford and Mr. Brut Browne were wounded with the same Piece of Ordnance from the Fort and as Sir Francis Drake was drinking a Cup of Beer his Stool was struck from under him but he received no hurt Sr. Nicholas Clifford died instantly of his Wounds The same night also we went against the Town and Anchored Nov. 13. Our General called a Council Next Night 500 Men went with Shot and Fire-works to burn the 5 Men of War which rode within the Harbor one of which held 400 Tun the rest smaller In this Ship was planted much Ordnance besides small shot which played on our Men and also great store of shot from the shore Tho we were no Gainers by this assault as having lost a Ship and several Men yet it was a valiant attempt All those that were in that great Ship were slain and drowned save 4. we took up They told us that by reason they had notice of our coming our design was marred they told us also that this Town had in it 3000000 of the King of Spains Treasure and that they kept our Men they had taken in the Little Francis whereupon our General wrote to the Governor to use them civilly This Town stands on a small Island encompassed with the Sea on one side and a great River on the other Nov. 15. Sir Jo. Hawkins and Sir Nich. Clifford were thrown over Board the same day we espied a Spanish Carvel coming towards St. Jo. de Portricho and our General sent off some men to take her but those in the Castle perceiving it shot off a Piece whereby they had warning and ran ashore Nov. 16. We departed thence and sailing 36 Leagues came to St. Jermans Bay there we landed some Companies to Guard the Carpenters that built out Pinnaces Near this is a House called an Ingeneroide where Sugar is made This day Captain Brut died Nov. 23. John Standly was had before a Court Marshall Nov. 22. Sir Tho. Baskerfield took 2 men of this Island a Negroe and Clemeronne Nov. 24. the Ship the John of Frollony of Plimouth was burnt in the Bay the same day we departed for Crusao distant from St. Jermans 150 Leagues stayed but three or four Hours Nov. 29. we espied the Main Land called the West-Indies N. N. E. from us we sailed along the Coast to Della Hatch and the same day anchored within 10 Leagues of it Dec. 2. We sailed to the Town all that day and entred it at one a Clock at Night the Enemy had Fled leaving about 12 Souldiers in the Town who gave us a Volley and then all Fled save 2 we took Prisoners They had carried all away so that we found nothing in the Town Dec. 3. The Spaniards parlyed with us for a certain Sum to ransom the Town and on the 4th they brought Pearl c. but less in value than we compounded for our General refused it and ordered to burn the Town which was accordingly done at our departure Dec. 16. the Governor came to Parly our Men went to seek for Victuals and met with the Governor We took more Prisoners and found some of their Goods and carried them away At our departure we lest the Town all on Fire save a Religious House not finished and another House the Treasury used to be kept in In it we found some of their Treasure and Merchandise This Country yieldeth store of Cattle and Fowl The People are Indians and Negroes they are wild and savage People save those the Spaniards keep in Subjection and War against the Spaniards There is a Mountain 10 Leagues hence whereon Snow remaineth constantly Dec. 19. we came to Sancta Martha the Inhabitants had Fled to the Mountains but we pursued them into the Woods and found some Treasure the same day we took the Governors Deputy Dec. 20. we departed leaving it on Fire we were told that we were within 3 Leagues of a Gold Mine On Christmass day we sailed to Nombre de Dios and on the 27th anchored before it this day the Serj. Major died We landed our Men a Mile from the Town and marched towards it the Enemy gave us a Bravadoe of shot and fled into the Woods their Goods and Treasure being sent before They had but 3 Pieces of Ordnance and one of them broke with a shot We found some Treasure in the Woods Our General had notice of the Governors going to Panama and Sir Tho. Baskerfield went with 500 Men to surprize him in this journey we were in great Hazard of our Lives we went but 9 Miles and could get no farther being stopt by a Fort the Enemy had on the Top of a Rock through which we behoved to march the Passage was so narrow that but one man at once could go up so that we were forced to retire with loss Several both Commanders and Soldiers were hurt Returning to Nombre de Dios we saw it all on Fire and thereupon hasted to our Ships In this March a Pair of Shoes were sold for 30 s. and a Bisket Cake for 10 s. our want was so great Jan. 5. We departed and on the 10th came to Scoday it is N. and by W. from Nombre de Dios the same day we
Anthony but being to stand for the Havana we plyed to the Windward several days at which time we took a small Bark in which were 200 Hides and a Pump which we set in our Frigat The Bark as not useful for us we gave them again and afterwards came to Cape St. Anthony where we refreshed our selves and took 250 Turtles by night which we powdered and dried for our use There were at this time belonging to the several Plantations of the Spaniards above Two Hundred Frigates some of 120 some of 12 but most of 30 or 40 Tuns most of which during our abode in those parts we took and some of them twice or thrice and yet never burnt or sunk any of them unless Men of War sent against us or set to entrap us The Men we used very civilly either immediately dismissing them or if we kept them any time providing for them as for our selves and sheltered them from the Rage of the Symerons We set Sail from this Cape of St. Anthony and performed our Voyage very prosperously For whereas our Captain intended to touch at New-found-land there to have Watered being very scarce of it it pleased God to give us such store of Rain Water that we were sufficiently furnished and within 23 days we past from the Cape of Florida to the Isles of Silley and so arrived at Plimouth on Sunday about Sermon-time August 9th 1573. Sir Francis Drake His Voyage about the WORLD CAptain Francis Drake having in a former Voyage in the year 1572. and 73. had some view of the South Atlantick and thereupon conceiving a desire of being better acquainted with it tho he was crossed in his design for several years partly through secret envy and partly by his serving here for his Prince and Country at length in the year 1577. By Gracious commission from his Soveraign and by help of divers Friends Adventurers he fitted himself with 5 Ships viz. the Pelican Admiral burthen 100 Tuns Captain General Francis Drake the Elizabeth Vice-Admiral burthen 80 Tuns Captain Jo. Winter the Marigold a Bark of 30 Tuns Captain Jo. Thomas the Swan a Fliboat of 50 Tuns Captain Jo. Chester and the Christopher a Pinnace of 15 Tuns These Ships he Mann'd with 164 able Men and furnished them with all necessaries not forgetting ornaments and delights having with him several expert Musicians he likewise made some Pinnaces but carried aboard in pieces for to be set up when occasion served Thus furnished we set Sail from Plimouth Nov. 15. 1557. at 5 a Clock in the Afternoon but meeting with contrary Wind we were forced to put in at Falmouth The next day there arose such a Storm that the Admiral and Marigold were fain to cut their main Mast And therefore when the Storm was over we returned to Plimouth to repair our damages which done we put to Sea again Dec. 13. When we were out of sight of Land we easily conjectured whither our General intended by his course and his appointing Mogadore our place of meeting if any of our Ships should be parted from the Fleet. The first Land we had sight of was Cape Cantine in Barbary on christmas-Christmas-day in the Morning The shore is White sand the In-land mountainous in 32 deg 30 min. North lat Coasting from hence 18 Leagues Southward we arrived at the Island Mogadore before named It is under the King of Fess in 31 deg 40 min. a mile off the shore making a good Harbor between the Land and it It is uninhabited but a League in Circumference overgrown with shrubs not unlike our Privet full of Doves and much frequented by ravenous Birds At the South side of it are 3 hollow Rocks under which are store of wholesom but ugly Fish We sent a Boat to sound the Harbor and finding it safe we brought in our Ships Dec. 27. and continued there till the end of the Month setting up one of our Pinnaces The Inhabitants perceiving us gave us signs of their desire to be brought aboard to whom our General sent a Boat in which two of the Moors were received one of ours being left ashore as a Pledge We entertained them very courteously that they might thereby understand that we came in peace offering to traffick for their Country commodities To this they agreed promising to bring such things as they had to exchange for ours It is a Law among them to drink no Wine notwithstanding privately they taste it liberally as we found At their return they restored our Pledge The next day they brought with them Camels in shew loaden with Wares and therefore according to order our General being then ashore in the Island we shut off a Boat Our Boat being come to Land John Fry one of our men mistrusting no danger stept out of the Boat but was presently laid hold of and carried away The cause of this was a desire the K. had to know whence our Fleet was whether it were a forerunner of the K. of Portugals but he having declared who we were was immediately sent back with a present to his Captain But in the mean time our Captain resenting it landed his Company and marched into the Country without resistance wherefore having provided some Wood and viewed an old Fort built by the K. of Portugal now ruined by this K. we departed Dec. 13. for Cape Blank so that when Fry return'd we were gone yet the K. sent him home to England in an English Merchant Till Jan. 4th we had Foul weather yet we reached Cape de Guerre where we took 3 Spanish Fishermen and carried with us to Rio del Oro under the Trop of Cancer where we took a Carvel from thence we Sailed to Cape Barbas and took another Carvel and Jan. 16. to Blank This Cape lyeth in 20 deg 30 min. on the North side resembling the Corner of a Wall the Land betwixt it and Barbas is low and Sandy Here we observe the South Guards called the Crosiers 9 d 30 m. above the Horizon We took a Spanish Ship riding here all her men having fled save two and carried her with the rest into the Harbor 3 Leagues within the Cape Here being a plentiful place our General purposed to stay a while to refresh his men During our aboad he was visited by the People of the Country who brought down a Woman a Moor with an Infant hanging by her dry dug having scarce life in her to be sold as a Cow and Calf but our General would not deal in such goods They also brought Ambergreece and Gums to exchange for Water of which they are very scarce our General gave them Water but would take nothing for it as also some of our Victuals their manner of eating whereof was Inhuman Having trimmed our Ships and discharged the Spaniards save one we took with us we departed for the Islands of Cape de Verde intending there to take in Water for that from thence we intended straight for Brazil without touching Land And having the
THE VOYAGES Of The Ever Renowned Sr. FRANCIS DRAKE Into the WEST INDIES Viz. His great Adventures for Gold and Silver with the Gaining thereof and an Account of his Surprising of Nombre de Dios. A large Account of that Voyage wherein he Encompassed the World His Voyage made with Francis Knollis and others their taking the Towns of St. Jago Sancto Domingo Carthagena and Saint Augustin His last Voyage in which he Died being Accompanied with several Valiant Commanders and the Manner of his Burial Collected out of the Notes of the most Aproved Authors To which is added An Account of his Valorous Exploits in the Spanish Invasion LONDON Printed for Thomas Malthus at the Sign of the Sun in the Poultry 1683. To the Reader IN the following Sheets are presented to thy view the Long and Dangerous Voyages with the Heroick Exploits of the Famous Sir Francis Drake more concise than they were formerly published That I may not seem haerere in Limine I shall forbear digressing etiher in giving a particular Account of the Passages herein mentioned or in Apologizing for the Defects that may be found in this Treatise hoping the Courteous Reader will rather look upon the design than critically inspect the imperfections or escapes hereof That which moved me to the Undertaking hereof was next to the reviving the Memory of this Renown'd Gentleman the Eccho of whose praises sometimes resounded all the World over and to whom we owe the Discovery of a great Part of what we now possess of Foreign Plantations to divert that Spirit of Contention that is now arisen in every one almost against his Brother and to excite in the Spirits of Young People especially an Aemulation of this Worthy Patriot in Advancing the Glory of their Country by Foreign Conquests Books lately printed for sold by Tho. Malthus at the Sun in the Poultry BEntivolio and Urania in six Books by Nathaniel Ingelo D. D. the fourth Edition with large Amendments wherein all the obscure Words throughout the Book are interpreted in the Margin which makes this much more Delightful to read than the former Editions Mr. James Janewayes Legacy to his Friends containing twenty seven Famous Instances of Gods Providences in and about Sea-dangers and Deliverances with the Names of several that were Eye Witnesses to many of them An Historical Account of the Heroick Life and Magnanimous Actions of the most Illustrious Protestant Prince James Duke of Monmouth Containing an Account of his Birth Education Places and Titles with his Great and Martial Achievements in Flanders and Scotland his Disgrace and Departure both from Court and Kingdom with the most material Circumstances that have occurred since his Return The Compleat Statesman demonstrated in the Life Actions and Politicks of that Great Minister of State Anthony Earl of Shaftsbury containing an Historical Account of his Descent his Administration of Affairs in the time of Oliver Cromwel his unwearied Endeavours to restore his most Sacred Majesty his Zeal in Prosecuting the Horrid Popish Plot several of his Learned Speeches his two Commitments to the Tower the most Material Passages at his Tryal with many more Considerable Instances unto his Lordships going for Holland Catastrophe Mundi or Merlin Revived in a Discourse of Prophesies and Predictions and their Remarkable Accomplishments with Mr. Lillies Hieroglyphicks Exactly Cut and Notes and Observations thereon as also a Collection of all the antient reputed Prophecies that are extant touching the Grand Revolutions like to happen in these latter Ages Historical Memoirs of the Life and Death of that wise and valiant Prince Rupert Prince Palatine of the Rhine Duke of Cumberland c. containing a brief but impartial Account of his Great and Martial Achievements during the time of the Civil Wars together with his several Engagements in the Wars between his Majesty and the States General of the United Provinces Fifteen Real Comforts of Matrimony in answer to the late fifteen Shain Comforts together with Satyrical Reflections on the Whoring and Debauchery of this present Age. Written by a Person of Honour of the Female Sex Sir Francis Drake REVIVED Giving an Account of his Surprizing of Nombre de Dios and of several other notable Atchievements performed by him in those Parts ON Whitsun-Eve May 24. 1572. Captain Drake in the Pascha of Plimouth of 70. Tuns his Admiral with the Swan of the said Port of 25 Tuns his Vice-Admiral in which his Brother John Drake was Captain set sail having in both of them of Men and Boys 73. sufficiently provided with Necessaries for such a Voyage The Wind continuing at N. E. gave us very good Passage so that in five Weeks after we had sight of the Island of Guadalupe one of the West-Indies Islands The next Morning June 29th entring between Dominica and Guadalupe we descried 2 Canows coming from a rocky Island 3 Leagues off Dominica Landing on the South side of it we remained three days there to refresh our men and to water our Ships There we saw some poor Cottages built with Palmito Boughs and Branches but no Inhabitants the Cottages probably serving only for the use of those that came thither at certain times to fish July 1. being the 3d. day after about 3 in the Afternoon wé sailed thence for the Continent of Terra Firma and the fifth day we saw the high land of Sancta Martha but we directed our Course for a Place called by our Captain in his former Voyage Port Phesant by reason of the great store of those Fowls he and his Company had there where we arrived in six days It is a round Bay and safe Harbour not past half a Cables length over at the mouth but within 8 or 10 every way of 10 or 12 fathom water full of good Fish and of a fruitful soil At our entrance here our Captain having left his Brother to attend the Ships with some few of his Company went to land But as we were rowing ashore we saw a Smoke in the Woods near the place our Captain frequented therefore our Captain thought fit â—o take more strength with us suspecting some Enemy there But this smoke was occasioned by a Fire which one Mr. Garret of Plimouth and his Company had made and had continued at least five days before our Arrival This John Garret left a Plate of Lead nailed to a huge Tree of near five Fathom about in which were Engraven these words Captain Drake if you fortune to come to this Port make haste away for the Spaniards which you had with you here the last year have bewrayed this place and taken away all that you left here I departed from hence this present 7th of July 1572. Your very loving Friend John Garret Yet our Captain Resolved to tarry here still he had built his Pinnaces and therefore caused the Pinnaces to be brought ashore for the Carpenters to set up employing the rest of his Company in fortifying a place he had chosen out to work in being 3
unwilling to give his men longer leisure to demur or the Enemy further respite he stept forward commanding his Brother with John Oxnam and their Company to break the Kings Treasure-house the rest to follow himself to keep the strength of the Market place till they had dispatch'd their Business But as he stept forward he began to faint through much effusion of Blood out of a wound in his Leg he received in the first encounter which though it smarted he concealed till his fainting discovered it the Blood having filled the prints our footsteps made to the great dismay of all our Company thinking it incredible that one man should lose so much Blood and live And therefore tho' they would have hazarded much for such a Booty yet would they not endanger their Captains life but having given him some Cordial and tied up his Leg they entreated him to go aboard that his wound might be drest and then return ashore if he thought fit This when they could not perswade him to as knowing that if they went aboard they could never recover that state again in which they now were and thinking it more honourable to jeopard his life for so great a Prize than to leave such an Enterprize unaccomplished they with force and entreaty carryed him aboard his Pinnace abandoning a Rich Spoil to preserve their Captains Life Thus we embarkt July 29 by break of day many of our men besides our Captain were wounded only a Trumpeter slain whereupon our Chirurgions were busie in dressing their Wounds but especially our Captains And before we departed the Harbour we took the aforesaid Ship of Wines belonging to the Spaniards But before we had her free of the Haven they of the Town shot at us But notwithstanding we carried our Prize to the Isle Bastimienses or the Isle of Victuals where we staid two days to cure our wounded men and refresh our selves At our arrival here the Governour sent to our Captain a Principal Soldier of the late sent Garrison to view us who at his coming protested he came of meer good Will for that we had undertaken so great an attempt with so few men and that at first they feared we had been French of whom they expected no mercy but perceiving us to be English their fears were the less knowing that tho' we took the Treasure yet we would use no Cruelty towards their persons But notwithstanding this fair pretence his Governour had sent him aboard by reason divers of the Town had affirmed they knew our Captain who had been often on their Coast last two years he desired to know 1. Whether our Captain was the same Captain Drake or no 2. Whether our Arrows which many of their men were wounded with were poisoned And 3. how they might be cured Lastly what Victuals or Necessaries we wanted promising to supply us Our Captain though suspecting him a Spie yet answered his demands That he was the same Captain Drake that it was not his manner to poison Arrows and that the Wounds might be cured by ordinary Chirurgery as for Wants he told him He wanted nothing but some of that special Commodity that Country yielded and therefore before he departed he meant to reap some of their Harvest they got out of the Earth To this the Gentleman replied What then was the Reason we departed the Town at this time where there is above 360 Tun of Silver ready for the Fleet and a greater value of Gold but when our Captain had declared the cause he acknowledged our wisdom in departing was no less than our courage in attempting Thus with courteous entertainment after Dinner he was dismissed in such sort that he protested he was never so much Honored in his life After his departure the Negroe aforementioned confirmed his report of Gold and Silver and told us how we might acquire store of it by means of the Symerons whom though he had very much incensed yet if our Captain would undertake his Protection he durst hazard his life as knowing our Captains name was most precious among them Whereupon we further consulted and because this place seemed not safe next day we Sailed for Port-Plentie where we had left our Ships and recovered it next night At our return to our Ships Captain Rause doubting of our safe continuance upon that Coast departed our Captain in the mean time having put all things in readiness resolved with his 2 Ships and 3 Pinnaces to go to Carthagene Aug. 13 We came to an Anchor in 3 Fathom Water between the Islands of Charesha and St. Bernards Our Captain led the Pinnaces about the Island into the Harbour of Carthagene where he found a Frigate at Anchor one man only aboard who being askt for the rest of his company told they were gone ashore that evening that 2 hours before night there past by a Pinnace making all speed they could and askt him if any English or French had been there lately and upon Answer that none had been they bid them look to themselves that after this Pinnace was come to the out-parts of Carthagene many great Pieces were shot off whereupon one going to the Topmast espied over the Land diverse Frigates bringing themselves within the Castle This report our Captain credited and having further examined this old Mariner he understood that there was within the next Point a great Ship of Sivel ready to Sail next morning for Domingo and taking this old man into the Pinnace he rowed towards this Ship which we boarded As soon as we were on the Decks we threw down the Gates and Spare-decks to prevent the danger of closs Fight and then we cut her Cables and towed her with our three Pinnaces without the Island without danger of their great shot Which when the Town heard of they put themselves into readiness and came down to the very point of the Wood against us The next morning we took two Frigats in which were two of the Kings Scrivano's with 7 Mariners and 2 Negroes come from Nombre de Dios and bound for Carthagene to certifie them of our aforementioned exploit at Nombre de Dios. Yet our Captain at the Scrivano's entreaties set all the Company a shore and then bare up to the Island of St. Bernards three Leagues off the Town Our Captain now considering that he was discovered found that he must wait some time before he could accomplish his design and likewise that his Pinnaces must be well mann'd in order to which he had a design to burn one of the Ships and make the other a Storehouse but finding that his Company would be loth of that he thought of another expedient and therefore sent for Thomas Moon Carpenter in the Swan and desired him to bore several holes in the Well of that Ship as near the Keel as he could and that with all secresie He was very averse from doing it but having heard our Captains reasons he was at last perswaded and did it accordingly The next
Treasure Our Captain having heard all their opinions concluded to reconcile the 2 first opinions and therefore sent John Oxnam Eastwards to provide for Victuals he himself resolving to go Westwards in the Minion to lye off and on the Cabezas to attend the Frigats that transported the Treasure But disliked the Symerons proposal lest our men might thereby be wearied whom he designed to strengthen for his next service Therefore he dismissed such of the Symerons as were desirous to go with such gifts as were most pleasing entertaining still aboard those that were willing to stay and so they steered their course as is said The Minion about the Cabexas met with a Frigate of Nicaragua in which was some Gold having a Genoway Pilot who being civilly used certified our Captain of the state of the Town and Harbor and of a Frigate wherein was a Million of Gold ready to depart in a few days offering to conduct him to it if he would do him his right for that he know the Channel so well that he could enter safely by night and utterly undescried and that because the way by Land from the point is far and difficult and by Sea but 5 Leagues though we were discovered we might dispatch our business before the Town could have notice He likewise told he heard of Drakes being on the Coast whereby they were greatly afraid but had not as yet provided themselves against him Our Captain hearing this had a mind to return to his Ship to have been better informed of the place by some Symerons there But the Genoway urged to lose no time promising success if we delayed not and therefore our Captain following his advice set in for to enter the Harbor But when we came to the mouth of it we heard a report of 2 Chambers and about a League off 2 Answering them whereby our Genoway suspected we were discovered assuring us that this order was taken since his departure But not only this but providence likewise crossed our designs For the wind that formerly was Easterly turned to the West whereupon we returned to our Ship where on Sheer Thursday we met according to appointment with our Bear who had emproved his time better than we having taken a Frigate wherein were 10 men great store of Maiz 28 fat Hogs and 200 Hens Our Captain unladed her and made her up for a Man of War having heard by the Spaniards that they were building 2 little Gallies in Nombre de Dios to waft the Chagro Fleet to and fro but not yet lanched Wherefore he purposed to take that Fleet and to encourage his Company feasted them sumptuously that Easterday being Mar. 20. The next day with this new Frigat and Bear we set for Cativaas and landed 2 days after staying till noon when seeing a Sail to the Westward we plyed towards her and she bare with us till they saw we were no Spaniards and their Catain supposing us those English men he had heard of he made towards us He was a French Captain of New-Haven and being distrest he prayed our Captain to help him to some Water for that he had nothing but Wine and Sider aboard which had greatly empaired the health of his men Our Captain sent him some relief for the present willing him to follow us to the next Port where he should be better supplyed He sent our Captain a Case of Pistols and a guilt Symeter which had been the late K. of France's whom Mons Mongomery hurt in the Eye and was given him by Mr. Stroffe and our Captain requited him with a Chain of Gold and a Tablet This Captain reported to us the first news of the Massacre in Paris at the K. of Navarres Marriage on St. Bartholomews Day last of the Admiral of France slain in his Chamber and divers others of the Popish Cruelties He told what famous reports he had heard of us and he desired to know of our Captain what way he might compass his Voyage Tho' our Captain was jealous of him yet upon consultation he resolved to take him and divide his men and put them with ours proportionably so as we needed not fear much hurt of them so that we might both gratifie them and serve our own turn Having thus agreed with him we sent for the Symerons two of them were brought aboard our Ship to give the French assurance of this agreement As soon as we had furnisht our selves and refresht the French which was done in five or six days taking twenty of the French and fifteen of ours with our Symerons and leaving both our Ships in safe Road we man'd our Frigat and two Pinnaces and went toward Rio Francisco and because it had not Water enough for our Frigat we left her at the Cabezas man'd with English and French to Robert Doble to stay there till our Pinnaces return'd and then bare to Rio Francisco where our Captains landed and ordered them that had the Charge of the Pinnaces to be there the fourth day following And thus knowing that the Carriages went now daily from Panama to Nombre de Dios we went secretly through the Woods towards the High-way betwixt them it is reckoned five Leagues by Sea but the way we went was seven When we were come within an English Mile of the way we past the night in great silence in a convenient place where we heard the Carpenters working in their Ships as they usually do by reason of the heat of the day there The next morning upon hearing the great number of Bells the Symerons rejoyced as having that opportunity again of which we were disappointed before now they assured us we should have more Gold than we could bear away as in truth it fell out For there came three Recoes one of fifty Moyls the other two of seventy each which carried in all near thirty Tun of Silver We put our selves in readiness and went down near the way where we stayed not long till we saw them and took such hold on the foremost and hindermost Moyls that all the rest stayed and unladed as their manner is They were guarded with about forty five Soldiers which occasioned some small Skirmish in which Conflict the French Captain was dangerously wounded and one Symeron but in the end we put them to flight and then we unladed the Moyls And being weary we were content to take a little with us as we could easily carry hiding the rest in convenient places But when we had disposed of all our matters being about two hours and were ready to march back we heard both Horse and Foot coming as it seemed to the Moyls for they did not follow us after we entred the Woods and the French Captain disabled by reason of his Wounds stayed hoping thereby to recover his strength But after we had marched two Leagues the French Souldiers complaining that they wanted one of their Men also and it was found upon examination that he had drunk too much Wine and over-lading himself
Wind at N. E. and E. N. E. Trade Winds being usual in those places we Coasted Bonavista and the next day Jan. 28. we came to Anchor in the West part of the Island Maio in 15 deg being high Land save only the Northwest part a League from the Sea very low and is Inhabited by the Portuguese Landing here we found a great many ruinous Houses with a poor naked Chappel The Springs and Wells were stopped up and we could have no Water for our use wherefore we marched up to seek some or at least to see if the People could be prevailed with to help us In this Journey we found the soil very fruitful full of Fig-Trees and in the Valleys where their Cottages were Vineyards bearing ripe Grapes tho now in Winter the Sun scarce ever withdrawing himself from them There were also Coco Trees no branches sprouting forth but at the Top with several others We found good Water in several places but being far off the Road we could not carry it to our Ships The People would not come near us keeping themselves close in their Houses This Island hath great store of Goats Hens and Salt made Naturally by the Suns heat so that of the product thereof they keep continual Traffick with the adjacent Islands We departed thence Jan. 30. Next day we passed St. Jago 10 Leagues West in the same Latitude inhabited by Portugals and Moors The Portugals being formerly sole Lords of that Country used that rigor towards their Slaves that they were forced to try some means of help and thereupon fled to the Mountainous parts where by continual escapes encreasing to a great number they now live in that terror of their oppressors that they endure no less bondage in mind than formerly in Body besides the damages in their goods and Cattel they suffer dayly from them On the South-west of this Island we took a Portuguese laden with Wine Wollen and Linnen Cloath c. bound for Brazil As we passed by in sight of 3 of their Towns they shot off 3 great Pieces which we answered Twelve Leagues South of St. Jago lies that Island called by the Portuguese Fogo the Burning Island in which riseth a steep Hill 6 Leagues high within the bowels of which is a constant fire which breaketh out with violence 4 times an hour Herein is engendered a great quantity of Pumice stones which being by the Vehemency of the Fire carried up into the Air fall down upon the Hill and many times into the Sea The rest of the Island is fruitful and Inhabited by Portugals Two Leagues to the South of this Island lies a pleasant Island full of Trees which are always green whence it is called the Brave Island being a Storehouse of many Fruits as Figs Coco's Plantons Oranges c. full of pleasant streams of Water But there is no convenient Road for Ships For after long sounding we could find no ground at any hand neither was it ever known that any line would fetch ground in any place about the Island So that the Top of Fogo burneth not so high in the Air but that the root of Brava is buried as low in the Seas The only Inhabitant of this Island is an Hermite as we suppose for we saw but one House built as it seems for such purpose and he was so delighted in his solitary life that he would by no means abide our coming but fled leaving behind him a Cross with a Crucifix and such other Idolatrous trash Here we dismissed the Portugals taken at St. Jago and gave them for their Ship our new Pinnace with Provision to carry them home Having thus taken in fresh Water we departed Feb. 2. and fell with the Coast of Brazil Apr. 5. 1578. during which Voyage where we saw nothing but Sea and Air as we beheld the wonderful Works of God in his creatures so likewise we did tast the goodness thereof for relief of our necessities We often had adverse Winds and sometimes Calms and also terrible Lightnings and Thunder yet with a mixture of comforts for it pleased God that whereas we were but badly furnished with Water when we were within 4 degrees of the Line on this side and past it so many on the other we had every day some rain whereby our want of Water was much supplied This was also observable that notwithstanding the badness of the passage and Storms we sometimes had yet not one of us lost our company save only the Portugal prize for one day but next day found us again Among the many strange creatures we saw we took particular notice of a flying Fish as big as the ordinary Pilchards its fins are of the length of its whole body resembling and supplying the use of Wings for therewith when it is chased by bigger Fish and cannot escape by Swimming it lifteth it self above the Water and flyeth a pretty height sometimes lighting on Boats or Barks The Quils thereof are proportionable set together with a thin Film so that they would serve for a longer or higher flight but that the dryness of them is such that unless moistned every 10 or 12 strokes they grow stiff and unfit for motion The encrease of this Creature is wonderful which if it had not been so their kind could not have been continued they being a prey to so many Creatures And when they flee into the Air in shunning one hazard they commonly incur another by some ravenous Foul. When we came within 3 Leagues of Brazil in 31 deg 30 min. South latitude having 12 Fathom Water we were descried by the Inhabitants and we saw huge fires made by them in several places which custom though it be universal among Christians and Heathens yet is differently used by them to wit for a sacrifice to Devils with many other conjurations casting up heaps of sand c. that if any Ships stay upon their Coast their ministring Spirits may make wrack of them which the Portuguese have found to their loss But this devilish intent of theirs was of no effect to us for though we had great Storms yet we sustained no damage but the separating our Ships And seeing we could find no Harbor thereabout we coasted along Southward till April 14 in the morning we passed by Cape St. Mary in 35 deg near the mouth of the River Plate and running within it 6 or 7 Leagues we came to Anchor under another Cape which our General after called Cape Joy because the second day after our Anchoring here the Christopher we had lost in the former storm came to us again The cares our General took besides the main care of effecting our Voyage were these to keep our whole Fleet together to get fresh Water for our men and to refresh them when wearied And therefore at our departure from Cape Verde the next place of meeting if we should be dispersed or for Watering was appointed to be the River of Plate The Country thereabout is temperate of a sweet Air
and fruitful soyl and hath among other things plenty of large Deer We removed hence 12 Leagues further where was a long trace of Rocks not far from the Main making a commodious Harbor especially against the South-wind and rode till the 20th day where we killed store of Seals We weighed again hence and sailed further up the River till we had but 3 Fathom and were in fresh Water but because the Winds were strong and we could have no safe Harbor there we went to Sea again Apr. 27. The Land here lieth S. S. W. and N. N. E. with shoal water some 3 or 4 Leagues off into the Sea it 's in 36 deg 20 min. or better South Latitude At our coming to Sea the Swan lost company of us And therefore our General to prevent the like in those that remained knowing that the Coast it drawing now toward Winter uses to be subject to tempestuous weather determined to seek out some convenient Harbor and searched all that Coast from 36 to 47 deg but found none And May 8. by another Storm the Caunter was severed from us May 12 we saw Land in 47 deg where we came to Anchor in such Road as we could for the time Our General named the place Cape Hope by reason of a Bay within which promised a convenient Harbor But by reason of the many Rocks lying off it we durst not hazard our Ships into it without trial first made Our General who never was wont in matters of importance to trust to other mens care went himself with some others in a Boat May 13. to sound it out and being now nigh the Shore suddenly a thick fog arose with a great tempest our General thought it now best to return to his Ship but the fog was so thick that they could see none of us Captain Thomas out of love to our General hazarded in with his Ship where he found him and received him aboard and then dropt an Anchor there and lay safe during the Storm while we were tossed at Sea The next day the weather being fair our General went ashore that he might by making of fires gave signs to the dispersed Ships to come together again whereby at last they all met except the Swan and our Portugal prize the Mary In this place the people being fled for fear of our coming we found near the Rocks in houses made for that purpose 50 Ostriches at least with other Foul some dryed and some drying for their provision The Ostriches Thighs were as big as ordinary Legs of Mutton they cannot flie but run so swiftly that a man cannot overtake them nor come within shot of them we found the Instruments the people use to take them with Among others this is one they have a large Plum of Feathers tyed together upon the end of a Staff in the fore part resembling the Head Neck and Bulk of an Ostrich in the hinder part spreading it self out so large as to hide the Body of a man with this they drive them into some neck of Land by the Sea where spreading long Nets with their Dogs they overthrow them The Country is very pleasant and of a fruitful Soil Being afterwards driven to this place again we had great familiarity with the people who rejoyeed at our return because we had done no hurt this time But because this place was not fit for our purpose we departed May 15. and held our course S. and by W. In 47 deg 30 min. we found a Bay convenient for us in which we Anchored May 17. and the next day went further in where we abode 15 days The first day of our arrival here our General sent Captain Winter Southward he himself going to the North in search of the 2 Ships and it pleased God he met with the Swan which he brought with him into the Harbor where being unladen she was cast off and her Iron work and other necessaries reserved for use the remainder being made fire-wood The other Ship we could not as yet hear of After a little stay here some of our men being ashore in an Island near the Main the People of the Country shewed themselves to us with Leaping Dancing Shouting c. after their manner Our General sent a Boat straight to them with Knives Bells Bugles and such things whereupon they assembled on a Hill near the Water-side sent 2 of their Company running one after the other with great grace but when they drew near they halted refusing to come to our men which our men perceiving sent such things as they had and laid them in their view and as soon as our men were departed they came and took them leaving in exchange thereof Feathers and Bone made in fashion of a Toothpike carved about the top 6 Inches long Whereupon our General with divers others at low Water went over to the Main Against his coming they remained still on the Hill setting themselves all in one Rank ordaining one of them to run from one end of it to the other and back again East and West holding his hands over his Head and yielding forward his Body toward the rising and setting of the Sun and every 2d or 3d turn erecting it towards the body of the People after their ridiculous manner When they saw us ascending the Hill to them they seem'd afraid Which our General seeing retired whereby they were confirmed we had no design to injure them and came down with great speed after us and trafficked with us The wares we had from them were Arrows of Reeds Feathers and Bones as aforesaid They go Naked except a Skin of Fur they cast about their shoulders when they sit in the cold but when they are doing any work they gird it about their Loins They wear their Hair long and when they Travel they put it up with a roll of Ostrich Feathers using these rolls likewise for Quivers and for carrying provision some on either side within these rolls for a sign of honor have a large and plain Feather shewing like horns a far off They paint their Bodies with divers colours some wash their Faces with Sulphur some paint their whole Bodies black leaving only their Neck white some one Shoulder black another white and their Sides and Legs after the same manner the black part hath set upon it white Moons and the white black Suns the Marks and Characters of their Gods This advantage I conceive they have of painting their Bodies that it Armeth them against the nipping cold for the Colours being soakt into the inner part of their skin fills up the pores so close that no cold can enter They have clean comely and strong Bodies they are swift of foot and Active It 's strange to think how they having never before known Christians in a short time were so kind judging us a People they ought to serve not injure esteeming our General as a Father us as Brethren One of the chiefest of them receiving a Cap of our Generals
and straight the leaves whereof are like our Broom among these Trees were a multitude of Worms no bigger than Flies which by night did cast great light There was here also a great number of Bats of the Bigness of a Hen with flie wonderfully swift but their flight is short and when they light they hang by the Boughs with their Backs downwards There was here likewise a Kind of Cray Fish of such size that one would satisfie 4 men being very wholesom Food They do not live in the Sea but dig themselves caves under the roots of Trees lodging by Companies when we came to take them they climbed up Trees to hide themselves This Island we called Crab Island Dec. 12. We put to Sea and on the 16 had sight of Celebes or Sillebis but having a bad Wind and being entangled with Islands and other difficulties and dangers we could not recover the North of Sillebis or continue or course further West but were necessitated to steer Southwards finding that course very dangerous by reason of the many Shoals and Jan. 9. when we thought we were past all danger and had a prosperous Gale of Wind of a Sudden when we were sailing with full Sail in the beginning of the first night Watch our Ship was laid fast on a desperate Shoal where we expected nothing but present death Notwithstanding having first recommended our selves to God by prayer we endeavoured to use the means and in the first place plying our Pumps we found the leak nothing encreased which was some tho small encouragement to us Our next Essay was for good ground and anchor-hold to Seaward of us whereon to hale by which means if by any our General told us there was some hope left but when we sounded we found that even a Boats length from the Ship we could not find ground so that our hopes quite vanished and nothing but present death or at least a lingring death was before us In those fears and perplexities we spent this night next morning we tryed to see if we could now find any Anchor-hold but this succeeded no better than the former But it pleased God miraculously to deliver us so that we got clear of it This Shoal is 3024 Leagues in length lyes in 1 deg betwixt 56 and 57. min. South Lat. This was the greatest danger we met with in our whole Voyage Yet we were tossed with several storms for 3 weeks after Jan. 12. being not able to bear Sail we dropt our Anchors upon a Shoal in 3 deg 30 min. Jan. 14. We again anchored at an Island in 4 deg 6 min. South Lat. After this we had foul Weather so that we were weary of the Coast of Celebes The farthest Cape of Celebes is in 5 deg South Lat. Jan. 20. We were forced to run with a small Island not far thence and sought for a place where we might anchor when suddenly a storm arose out of the Southwest whereby we were in fear of being cast away on a Lee shore and had if the merciful Goodness of God had not wrought our delivery Having escaped this danger we continued our course till 26 day when the winds arising we could bear no sail till Feb. 1. At which time we saw very high land and would willingly have got in there but that the weather was so bad Feb. 3. We saw a little Island but could not fetch it Feb. 6. We saw 5 Islands one to the East and 4 to the West of us at the biggest of which we anchored and watred Feb. 8. we departed thence and descried 2 Canows who having seen us before came willingly to us conducting us to their Town not far off named Baratina it is in 7 deg 13 min. South Lat. The People are Gentiles of handsom Body comely Stature civil Demeanor just in dealing and courteous to Strangers The men go naked save their Heads and Secret parts having Pendules at their Ears Their Women are covered from the middle to the Foot wearing Bracelets upon their Arms for most part of Horn or Brass each at least weighing 2 Ounces With this People Linnen Cloath is the best Merchandise as also Margareta's and such other things Their Island is rich and Fruitful abounding in Gold Silver Tin Sulphur c. Fruits are likewise plentiful as Nutmegs Ginger Long-Pepper c. Here we spent 2 days and departed Feb. 10. In 8 deg 4 min. Feb. 12. we espied a green Land to the Southward and a little after 2 Islands on the same side and one more on the North all which we past Feb. 14. we saw other big Islands and Feb. 15 past between 4 or 5 big Islands in 9 deg 40 min. Feb. 18. we anchored in a little Island and departed next day Feb. 22. we lost sight of some Islands on our Star-Board side After this we steered Westward seeing nothing considerable till Mar. 9. in the morning we espied Land some part thereof very high in 8 deg 20. min. and bearing farther North Mar. 10. we anchored we first took in Water and afterwards sent our Boat ashore and traffiqued with the People of the Country and next day brought our Ship nearer the Town our General sent Linnen and Woollen Cloath and some Silks as a Present for the King in requital whereof he returned Rice Cocoes Hens and other Victuals This Island we found to be Java the middle whereof is in 7 deg 30 min. South Lat. Mar. 13. Our General with others went ashore and complemented the King with his Musick shewing him likewise the manner of our exercising Arms we were courteously received and dismissed with promise of more supplies In this Island there is one Chief but many Under-Governors whom they call Raias who live in great love Marc. 14. we received Victuals from 2 of them and on the 15. three of these petty Kings visited our General who were highly satisfied with what they saw and with our entertainment and on their return related what they saw to Raia Donan the Chief King who next day came aboard us bringing Victuals with him for our relief Few days past but one or more of these Kings visited us so that we were acquainted with most of them and our General always entertained them to the utmost of his Power especially with our Musick wherewith they were extremely delighted The People of this place as also their Princes are a loving and just dealing People which we found in our traffiquing with them Taking our leaves of them Marc. 26. we set our course W. S. W. directly towards the Cape of good Hope and May 21. we espied a part of the Main of Africa We coasted along till June 15. and past the Cape within shot of it July 15. we fell with Land again about Rio de Sesto Jul. 22. we came to Sierra Leona and watered in the Mouth of Tagoine and put to Sea again here we had Oisters and plenty of Lemmons Aug. 15. we were under the Tropick of Cancer having the Wind
honour of our Queens Coronation day In the mean while the Lieut. Gen. stayed upon the Hill with most of his Forces till the Town was quartered out for lodging the Army which done every Captain took his own Quarter and in the evening kept susficient Guard to prevent danger Here we stayed 14 days taking such spoils as the place afforded but found no Treasure The Situation of St. Jago is in Form like to a Triangle having on the East and West sides 2 Rocky Mountains on the top of which were built some Fortifications one the South side is the Main Sea and on the North a Valley between the aforesaid Mountains the Valley and Town grow very narrow between the 2 Clifts In the midst of the Valley cometh down a Brook of fresh Water which hard by the Sea maketh a Pond very convenient for Watering The Valley at the Towns End is wholly converted into Gardens and Orchards wherein are diverse sorts of Herbs Fruits and Trees among which are the Cocoes and Plantens The Cocoes have a hard shell and green Husk over it bigger than a mans 2 Fists of the shell drinking Cups are made within this shell is a white Rine resembling the White of an Egg when it is hard boyled and within that a Water whitish and clear about a half Pint which are very cool and as some say restorative The Planten groweth in Cods like to Beans but bigger and when it is ripe the meat of it becometh yellow and is very pleasant While we abode here a Portugal came hither with a Flag of Truce to whom Capt. Sampson and Goring were sent as they came to him he asked of what Nation they were and being told he asked if there were Wars between England and Spain they answered our General could best satisfie him in that and proffered him safe conduct if he would go to him but he refused pretending he was not sent by his Governor Then they told him that if his Governor would consult his own or his Countreys good his best course were to present himself to our General Sir Fancis Drake whereby he might assuredly find favour otherwise within 3 days we would march over the Land and prosecute them with Fire and Sword Nov. 24. The Gen. Lieut. Gen. with 600 Men marched to Sancto Domingo a Village 12 Miles within the Land where the Governor Bishop and better sort lodged but found it abandoned After we had stayed a while we marched homewards as we were on our way we saw the Enemy both Horse and Foot though not of such Force as to encounter us Nov. 26. Our General ordered the Army to be embarqued into their Ships and Capt. Goring and Lieut. Tucker with 100 Foot were ordered to make a stand in the Market place till our Forces were all embarqued the Vice-Admiral waiting to take them aboard And also our General ordered Capt. Sampson with a Party to seek out such Munition as was hidden in the ground at the Town of Praie having been promised to be shewed it by a Prisoner taken the day before When they came thither the Prisoner failed of his promise and they searching all suspected places found a Piece of Ordnance of Iron and another of Brass In the afternoon our General anchored the Fleet before Praie and went ashore and caused us burn the Town and afterwards embarqued the same night and put off to Sea Southwest Before our departure from St. Jago the Gen. administred the Oath of Supremacy to the Souldiers as also an Oath for every man to do his utmost for the service of the Action and to obey the Orders of the Gen. and his Officers All the time of our being here none of the Spaniards came near us the cause of which we conjecture was the fresh remembrance of Injuries they had done some of our Countreymen by reason whereof we left tokens of our discontent From hence we put over to the West Indies and in our way were afflicted with a grievous distemper whereof above 300 died in a few days This sickness seised our People with extream heat and a burning Ague and those that escaped suffered a great diminution in their strength and wits In 18 days space we had sight of the Island of Dominica which is inhabited by a savage People who go all naked their Skin is coloured with paint of a reddish Tawney personable and strong men they admit little converse with the Spaniards yet they used us very kindly helping us with necessaries they brought us store of Tobacco as also a kind of Bread called Cassado very white and savory made of the Roots of Cassania for which we gave them Glass coloured Beads c. From hence we went to the Westwards of St. Christophers Island where we spent some days of Christmass but could see no Inhabitants Here it was unanimously resolved to proceed to Hispaniola And by the way we met a small Frigat bound thither which we took and having examined the Men one of them informed us that it was a barren Haven and the Land well fortified with a Castle so that we could not land within 10 Miles of the City to which place he promised to conduct us Hereupon we went on all this night in our Voyage and the General put himself into the Bark Francis as Admiral and in the Morning we came to the aforesaid place 10 Miles Westward of Domingo When we were landed our General returned to his Fleet committing the Charge of us to the Lieut. Gen. We marched at 8 a Clock and at Noon we approached the Town where those of the better sort about 150 Horse began to present themselves but we so played upon them with our small shot that they soon retreated so that we had leave to proceed towards the two Gates of the Town that were next the Sea They had manned them both and planted their Ordnance and also some Troops of small shot in Ambuscado by the way side We divided our whole Force being 1200 to attack both the Gates Their Ordnance was no sooner discharged on us doing but small execution but our Lieut. Gen. advanced with all speed to prevent their recharging and notwithstanding their Ambuscadoes we quickly entred the Gates and forthwith repaired to a spacious Square before the great Church whither also came Capt. Powel with the other Party This place we fortified and stayed here all day After Midnight they that were in the Castle hearing us at the Gates forsook it some flying others taken Prisoners Next day we quartered through the Town and kept this Town a Month. One day as we stayed here the Gen. sent on Message to the Spaniards a Negroe Boy with a Flag of White this Boy meeting unhappily with some Spaniards they struck him through the Body with one of the Horsemen staves the Boy notwithstanding returned to our General and after he had declared it to him died forthwith in his presence Whereat our General was so incensed that he caused two Friars then
Sea and 2 or 3 days after our Ship we had taken at St. Domingo fell into a great leak and lost Company of us but next Morning our General missing her cast about and at last found her in great distress whereupon we returned to Cartagena where she was unladed and her Goods and Men disposed in other Ships after which we departed and arrived at Cape St. Anthony and finding no Water there we put to Sea but were forced to return and then our scarcity of Water being greater we were more diligent in seeking after it and had it in abundance In taking in of which our General wrought as hard as the meanest of his Company to his unspeakable Praise After 3 days we departed and touched no where but coasted along Florida and May 28. we saw a place on the Shore built like a Beacon in 30 deg We manned our Pinnaces and went ashore and marched up the River side to see what place the Enemy held our General marched with the Companies the Lieut. Gen. led the Vantguard and when we had gone a Mile we saw a Fort on the other side the River built by the Spaniards and a little Town without Walls 3 Miles above it We prepared Ordnance for the Battery and about Evening our Lieut. Gen. shot off a Piece which stroke through their Ensign In the Night the Lieut. Gen. took a little Rowing Skiff and 12 men well Armed as Capt. Morgan Sampson and others to view what Guard the Enemy kept the Enemy seeng him come took the Alarm and being fearful that all our Force was coming abandoned the Place when they had shot off some Pieces Whereof a Frenchman a Prisoner informed us Thereupon our Gen. and Lieut. Gen. with some Souldiers put over to the Fort. In our approach some that stayed behind shot off 2 Pieces yet we entred finding no man there We found here 14 great Pieces of Brass Ordnance and of Money to the Value of 2000 l. Next day we essayed to go to the Town but could not by reason of Rivers and broken ground and therefore were forced to go up the River in our Pinnaces When we approached the Land they discharged some shot on us and presently withdrew And the Serjeant Major finding one of their Horses ready mounted and followed the Chase and outrunning his Company he was shot through the Head and afterwards stabbed in several parts of his Body by others to our great Grief In this Place called St. Augustin the King kept 150 Souldiers and at St. Helena 12 Miles Northward the same number to keep other Nations from inhabiting any part of that Coast Here it was resolved to assault St. Helena and then to seek out our Countreymen in Virginia in their Plantation distant thence 6 deg Northwards But when we came by St. Helena the Shoals appearing dangerous and we having no Pilot that would undertake to guide us durst not hazard in but coasted along and June 9th on sight of a great Fire the General sent his Skiff to the shore where they found some Englishmen and brought them aboard who directed us to their Port. But some of our Ships being of great draught we anchored all two Miles from the shore Our General wrote to Mr. Ralph Lane the English Governor shewing how ready he was to supply their Necessities Next day Mr. Lane with others coming to him our Capt. proffered either to leave a Ship a Pinnace and some Boats with sufficient Masters and Mariners with a Months Victuals to stay and make further discovery of the Country and so much as would bring them into England after such time if they thought fit Or if they desired to return into England now he would give them Passage they accepted the former Whereupon the Ship being received into Charge by some of their own Company before they had received their Provision a storm arose and continued 3 days which put all our Fleet in disorder besides the loss of Anchors c. and that Ship was driven quite away and never saw us again till we came to England with several other losses Notwithstanding our General proffered them another Ship tho not so good as the other nor the same Provision Whereupon Mr. Lane requested our General that they might have passage for England which being granted and the rest sent for out of the Country and shipped we departed that Coast June 18. and arrived safely at Plimouth July 28. 1586. The total Value of what we got in this Voyage was 60000 l. whereof the Companies that travelled in the Voyage were to have 20000 l. the Adventurers the other 40000. We lost 750 Men in the Voyage The Men of note that died were Capt. Powel Capt. Varney Capt. Moon Capt. Fortescute Capt. Bigges Capt. Cecil Capt. Hannam Capt. Greenfield Tho. Tucker Alex. Starkey Mr. Escot Mr. Waterhouse Lieutenants Mr. Nicholas Winter Mr. Alex. Carleil Mr. Rob. Alexander Mr. Scroope Mr. Ja. Dier Mr. Peter Duke with some others The Ordnance gotten in all were 240. whereof 203 were Brass the rest Iron and were found in these places In St. Jago 53 Pieces In St. Domingo 80 whereof was very much great Ordnance as Whole Cannon Demi-Cannon Culverins c. In Cartagena 63 and good store of the greater sort In the Fort of St. Augustin 14 Pieces the rest was Iron Ordnance of which the most part was gotten at St. Domingo the rest at Cartagena A short and true RELATION of another Voyage Made by Sir Francis Drake and others to the West-Indies THis Worthy Person accompanied with those here mentioned undertook this Voyage Sir Francis Drake Sir Jo. Hawkins Chief Generals Sir Tho. Baskerfield Coroner General Sir Nich. Clifford Lieut. Gen. Capt. Arnold Baskerfield Serj. Maj. Capt. Nich. Baskerfield Capt. Barkley Capt. Grinstone Capt. Rush Capt. Boswell Capt. Platt Capt. Chichester Capt. Stanton Capt. Fenton In the 37. Year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth Aug. 28. 1595. We embarked at Plimouth thence we sailed towards the Grand Canadoes and Sept. 6. we espied a French Man of War in the Northern Cape whom we overtook Sept. 9. We espied 20 French Men of War who chased us but could not fetch us up and therefore left us Sept. 25. We descried 2 Islands Hamseroth and Forta-Fontura both standing W. and by S. in 28 deg distant one from the other 4 or 5 Leagues and from the Grand Canadoes 10 Leagues Sept. 26. We anchored in that part of Canadoes otherwise called St. John Decrus where we endeavoured to get to Land in small Boats but the Enemy knowing our design entrench'd themselves at the place where we should have landed discharging their great and small shot from the Town and Castle forcing us to retire with loss of men the Enemy being near 400. The same day we departed to a Place where we watered it lyes W. and by N. of this Town The Inhabitants of it are Savages and some of our Men stragling here were slain and others bitten with Dogs they keep on
chased a Spanish Frigat and on the 11th brought it to our General The same day our General commanded all our sick Men to be carried ashore and to be lookt to in best sort we could Jan. 22. We departed back towards Nombre de Dios and came to Porta Vella Jan. 27. on which day Sir Francis Drake died whose Death was much lamented His Interment was thus His Corps being laid in a Coffin of Lead he was let down into the Sea the Trumpets in doleful manner sounding all the while and all the Cannons in the Fleet were discharged We stayed here till Feb. 8. In this Harbor they were beginning to build Houses again The day before we departed the Enemy took 6 of our Men. Feb. 18. we departed hence we took our course for Gemico North and by West Feb. 2. we descried some Islands called Gourdanes distant from Porta Vella 200 Leagues and West from Gemico To the East they are high Land to the West low we sailed to the Cape of Corenthus Feb. 27. we passed the Shoals to the West of this low Land one of our Ships being in danger and Mar. 1. we saw 20 of the Kings Men of War and afterwards fought with them 2 Hours and worsted them we plyed the Vice-Admiral so hard that if she had not fled she had sunk and another that was with her her Powder took Fire Next day we sailed to Cape St. Anthony Thirteen of them following us when they came nigh us we sent 2 Ships to them but they made away May 4. we came to St. Anthony distant from Cape Corenthus 18. Leagues thence to Havana 80 Leagues thence to the Gulf. The same day we saw Cape Florida N. W. and by N. from us and afterwards entred the Gulf in Length 100 Leagues and passed it next night March 9. we past the Barmuthies April 8. 1596. we came to the Islands of Flowers and Cores inhabited by Portugals here we watered and in short time after arrived at England A Brief RELATION Of the Spanish Invasion TO conclude we shall give you a Brief account of the defeat of the Spanish Armado being this worthy Gentlemen served in Her Majesties Fleet set out against it The King of Spain being importuned by the Pope and some English Fugitives to attempt a conquest of England entred into consultation about the manner of it The Marquess of St. Cruce who was to command the Armado and the Prince of Parma were for first surprizing some Sea Port Town in Holland or Zealand But others alledged that it would be easier to seize some Port in England which latter was approved of And in order thereto he set forth the Armado being in all 130 Ships containing 57808 Tun wherein were 845 Mariners 19295 Souldiers and 2088 Galley Slaves and were provided with 220000 of Bullets and great Shot of Powder 4200 Kintals each Kintal 100 l. weight of Lead for Bullets 1000 Kintals of Match 1200 Kintals 7000 Musquets 10000 Halberts and Partizans with store of Murthering Pieces Double Cannon and Field Pieces with all other Provisions necessary for accomplishing their design The Marquess of Sancta Cruce dying Don Lodovicos Peros Duke of Medina Sidonia was made General in his Place Joh. Martinez de Richalde was Admiral Don Francisco Bovadille Mareschal Don Martin Alcaron was Vicar-General for the Inquisition attended with 100 Jesuites Cardinal Allen was appointed Superintendent of Ecclesiastical Affairs in England The Prince of Parma also built flat bottomed Ships in Flanders for carrying of Horses with Bridges fitted to ship and unship the Horses he set men at work to make the River navigable from Antwerp to Gaunt and Bridges and laded 300 Boats with Munition and Victuals 200 more not so big as the former lay ready at Newport Haven and 37 Men of War at Dunkirk with all other Provisions requisite to carry on the design He had lying near Newport under the Command of Camillo 30 Companies of Italians 2 of Walloons and 8 of Burguignons At Dyxmew he mustered 80 Companies of Netherlanders 60 of Spaniards and 60 of High-Dutch and 700 Fugitive English commanded by Sir William Stanley who were in great contempt Nor was Stanley nor the Earl of Westmorland and others who offered their service heard but barred all access and rejected as Traiters to their Countrey At Conick also he had 4000 and at Watene 900 Horse commanded by the Marquess of Guast To this Land service came the Duke of Pastrana the King of Spain's supposed Base Son the Marquess of Bourgon one of Duke Ferdinands Sons with others of like Quality Pope Sixtus Quintus was very forward in this design dispersing his Indulgences and Pardons to all that contributed thereto and promised likewise to give a Million of Gold the one half presently the other when any notable Haven in England should be won but with this Proviso that England should be held as Feudatory to the See of Rome Queen Elizabeth hearing of these great Preparations having first represented her case to God and implored his Protection she provided what force she could The Charge of her Navy she committed to Charles Howard of Effingam Lord Admiral of England Her Vice-Admiral was the Famous Sir Francis Drake who were sent to the West of England She appointed Henry Lord Seimour second Son to the Duke of Somerset to lye upon the Coasts of Flanders with 40 Ships to prevent the Prince of Parma's joyning his strength with the Armado She ordered the Land-forces to be mustered appointing Duilley Earl of Leicester Lieut. 20000. whereof were disposed along the South Coast She had also 2 Armies one consisting of 1000 Horse and 22000 Foot encamped near the Mouth of the Thames where the Enemy purposed to land the other led by the L. Hunsdon consisting of 34000 Foot and 2000 Horse which were to guard her Person Arthur Lord Grey Sir Francis Knolles Sir Rich Bingham and Sir Roger Williams were appointed to consult for Managing the Land service They advised that all commodious landing Places should be manned and fortified and that the Trained Bands throughout the Coast shires should meet upon signal given to hinder the Enemies Landing And in case they should land that they should lay all the Countrey about Waste that the Enemy might have no Food but what they brought from their Ships and that they should continually busy the Enemy with Alarms but not hazard a Battle till greater Force were got together Some also suggested that the Papists at home were more to be feared than the Spaniards abroad whereupon some of them were imprisoned Directions also were sent to the Deputy of Ireland how to demean himself in this imminent danger In the midst of these Preparations the King of Spain to cast a mist over her Majesties Eyes importuned for a Peace and at last prevailed so far that a Treaty of Peace was entred upon our Queen notwithstanding Resolving to treat with her Sword in her Hand And in Febr. she sent her Commissioners into Flanders