or none remained with the Preacher all running out to observe the blessing of God upon the dangerous labours and endeavours of Captain Drake CHAP. IV. Captain Drake with five Ships undertakes a Voyage round about the Word in 1577. and in prosecution thereof arrives at Port St. Julian where he discovers a Conspiracy for which a Gentleman of his Company was beheaded CAptain Drake having in his former Voyage had a View and only a View of the South Atlantick Ocean from the high Tree aforementioned and from that very time being very ambitious of sailing thereon in an English Ship he retained this Noble resolution within himself for some years being partly prevented by secret envy at home and partly by applying himself to the publick service of his Prince and Countrey in Ireland under the Earl of Essex and otherwhere But in 1577. having a gracious Commission from his Soveraign and assisted with divers of his Friends who were Adventurers with him he fitted up five Ships 1. The Pellican Admiral of a hundred Tuns Francis Drake Captain General 2. The Elizabeth Vice-Admiral eighty Tuns John Winter Captain 3. The Marigold a Bark of eighty Tun John Thomas Captain 4. The Swan a Flyboat of fifty Tuns John Chester Captain 5. The Christopher a Pinnace of fifteen Tuns Thomas Moon Captain Having mann'd this little Fleet with a hundred and sixty four able men and furnisht them with all necessary Provisions for so long and dangerous a Voyage and stowing certain Pinnaces aboard in pieces to be set up on occasion as in his former Voyage yea carrying with him several Musicians for delight and rich furniture of Silver for his Table and Cook-room with all sorts of curious Workmanship for Ornament and to raise admiration of the Civility and Magnificence of his Native Countrey in other Nations where he came Thus appointed they sailed out of Plymouth Sound Novem. 15. 1577. about five in the afternoon and next morning came to the Lizzard where meeting contrary Winds they were all compell'd to put into Falmouth Next day a great storm arose so that though they were in a good Harbor yet the Admiral wherein Drake was and the Marigold were forc't to cut their Main Masts by the board and oblig'd to return to Plymouth to repair thirteen days after their departure thence where having quickly supplied all defects they Decem. 13. once more put to Sea with better hopes Being out of sight of Land Drake gave some intimation of his design which he had hitherto concealed both by the course he saild and appointing their Randezvouz if separated by any accident to be the Isle of Mogadore Sailing then with a favourable Wind Decem. 25. being Christmas day they had sight of Cape Cantin in Barbary and of the high in-land Countrey in thirty two degrees and thirteen minutes North latitude and coasting thence Southward about eighteen Leagues they arrived that day at the Isle of Mogadore which is under the King of Fesse and a good Harbor being about a Mile from the main Land uninhabited and a League in circuit overgrown with shrubs and full of Pigeons and therefore much frequented by Goshawks and other Brids of Prey with plenty of several sorts of Sea-Fowl At the South side are three hollow Rocks under which are great store of very ugly yet very wholesom Fish Sending a Boat to sound the Harbor all their Fleet came in Decemb. 27. and staid about four days setting up one of their four Pinnaces brought from home in pieces The Inhabitants of the Countrey soon perceived them and made signs on the Shoar to come aboard to whom the General sent a Boat wherein two Chief Moors were received and one of theirs left in exchange till their return Drake treated them very civilly aboard his Ship presenting them with what they seem'd most to value to shew they came in Peace and Friendship to Trade for such Traffick as their Countrey afforded according to their own content wherewith they seem'd much pleased promising to return again the next day to exchange their Goods for others By their Law they ought to drink no Wine being Turks in Religion yet they will drink it very plentifully by stealth as it now appeared Being carried ashoar they freely restored the Person left as a pledge returning with Camels next day at the hour appointed as if loaden with Goods for Exchange and calling hastily for a Boat had one sent by the Generals Order before he went from the Island The Boat coming to a place of Landing among the Rocks one John Fry suspecting no treachery readily stept out of the Boat to be a pledge as the day before when those on the Shoar instantly seizing him and others in ambush coming to their assistance they speedily carried him away the rest being glad to shift for themselves The cause of this violence was to inform the King of Fesse whither this Fleet was bound or come from the King of Portugal or what Intelligence they could give him Fry being brought into the Kings presence and declaring they were Englishmen bound for the Straights under General Drake he was sent back with a Present to his Captain and offers of all Kindness and Friendship in that Countrey Drake much disturbed at this injury landed his men in his Pinnace and marcht pretty far up into the Countrey without resistance the Moors declining any ingagement with him so that making provision of Wood and visiting an old Fort formerly built by the Portugals but ruined by the King of Fesse he departed Decemb. 31. toward Cape Blank so that when Fry came back he to his great grief found the Fleet gone yet by the Kings favour he was after sent home in an English Merchants Ship Meeting with foul weather they were detained sometime and the third day after fell with Cape de Guerre in 30 degrees where they took three Spanish Fisher-boats called Caunters whom they carried to Rio del Oro under the Tropick of Cancer and there took a Carvel From hence Jan. 15. they sailed to Cape Barbas where the Marygold took another Carvel it lyes in 20 degrees 30 minutes low and sandy where they first observed the South Stars called the Crosiers 19 degrees 30 minutes above the Horizon In the Cape they took another Spanish Ship riding at Anchor all her men but two being fled ashoar in the Boat whom with all the rest formerly taken they carried into the Harbor three Leagues within the Cape Here General Drake resolved to stay some time to refresh his men with the plenty of fresh Victuals in this place and to supply them at Sea there being great store of Fish easily taken even within the Harbor and as good as any in the World During their abode here the General being ashoar was visited by the People of the Countrey who brought down a Moorish Woman with her little Babe hanging at her dry Breast being scarce alive her self and therefore unlike to nourish that whom they would have sold as
relieving their young or themselves when they are willing to stay at home They eat their bodies but preserve their Skins of which the Royal garments of their King are made This Countrey General Drake called Nova Albion both because it had white Cliffs toward the Sea and that its name might have some likeness to England which was formerly so called Before they went hence the General caused a Monument to be erected signifying that the English had been there and asserting the right of Queen Elizabeth and her Successors to that Kingdom all ingraven in a Plate of Brass and nail'd to a great firm Post with the time of their Arrival the Queens name and the free resignation of the Countrey by the King and People into her hands likewise her Picture and Arms and underneath the Generals Arms. The Spaniards had never any commerce nor ever set foot in this Countrey their utmost Acquisitions being many degrees Southward thereof and now the time of their departure being at hand the joy of the Natives was drowned in extream sorrow pouring out woful complaints and grievous sighs and tears for their leaving them yet since they could not have their presence they supposing them indeed to be Gods thought it their duty to intreat them to be mindful of them in their absence declaring by signs that they hoped hereafter to see them again and before the English were aware set fire to a Sacrifice which they offered to them burning therein a Chain and a bunch of Feathers The General endeavoured by all means to hinder their proceedings but could not prevail till they fell to Prayers and Singing of Psalms when allured thereby forgetting getting their folly and leaving their Sacrifice unconsumed and the fire to go out imitating the English in all their actions they lift up their Hands and Eyes to Heaven as they did July 23. They took a sorrowful leave of them but loth to part with them they went to the tops of the Hills to keep sight of them as long as possible making fires before behind and on each side of them wherein they supposed Sacrifices were offered to their happy Voyage A little without their Harbor lye certain Isles câ—lled by them the Islands of St. James wherein were plenty of Seals and Fowls and landing in one of them next day they supplyed themselves with competent Provision for some time The General now finding the extremity of the cold increase the Sun being gone further and the Winds constantly blowing Northerly giving no hope of finding a Passage through those Northern Seas He resolved with the general approbation of all to lose no more time but Sail directly to the Molucco Islands And having a sight of nothing but Sea and Sky for sixty eight days together they continued their course through the Main Ocean till Sept. 30. when they spied certain Islands about eight degrees North of the Line from whence there came instantly a great number of Canoo's having in some four in others six 14 or 15 men bringing Coco's Potatoes Fish and several fruits to sell Their Canoo's are made of one Tree hollowed within very artificially and as smooth as glass all over with a very curious prow and stern hung full of white glittering shells On each side were two peices of Timber about a yard and half long at the ends whereof a great Cane was fastened to prevent them from overturning The People had the lower parts of their Ears cut round and hanging very low on their cheeks wherein they put things of a reasonable weight the Nails of some of their Fingers were at least an inch long and their Teeth as black as Ink occasioned by eating an herb with a powder they always carry with them to that purpose The first company of Canoo's coming up to their Ship which Sailed slow for want of Wind seemed very fair dealers and exchang'd some goods with them very orderly making signs for them to come nearer the shoar but designing treacherously to seize both Men and Ship These gone others presently came who if they got any thing into their Hands would neither return it nor give any thing for it counting all their own which they once handled impudently expecting more but would give back nothing Upon which the English refusing to trade with them as Cheats they were so inraged that having Stones in their Canoo they let fly a great many at them The General scorning to revenge this injury yet to shew them he was able caused a great Gun to be discharged which had the desired effect for they instantly leapt out of their Canoo's into the Water and diving under the Keel of their Boats staid there till the Ship was gone a good distance from them and then nimbly recovering their Canoo's hastned to the Shoar However new Companys of them still resorted to the Ship and since violence would not prevail pretended now to traffick honestly yet stole whatever they could meet with One pluckt a Dagger and Knives from their mens Girdle which being again demanded 〈◊〉 endeavoured to catch at more neither could they be rid of this ungracious Company till they made some feel the smart of it and so they left this place which they named The Island of Theives Octob. 3. they got clear of these Rocks and Sailed without sight of Land till the 16. falling then with four Islands in 7 degrees 5 Minutes North Latitude Oct. 22. they Anchored and Watered on the biggest called Mindanao where they met with two Canoo's who would have talked with them but the Wind prevented it Oct. 25. they passed by the Isles of Talao Teda Ceylon Salan and Suaro so named to them by an Indian and Novem. 3. arrived at the Molucco's as they desired They are four high spired Islands called Terenate Tydore Matchan and Batchan all very fruitfull especially of Cloves wherewith they were cheaply furnisht Easterly lyes a very great Island called Gillola They designed for Tydore but coming Novem. 4. near an Island belonging to the King of Terenate his Vice-Roy came off to their Ship in a Canoo and without fear went boldly aboard who saluting their General earnestly intreated him to go to Terenate assuring him his King would be very joyful to see and accommodate him to whom that very night he would give notice of them with whom if he once dealt he should find him a King of his word whereas the Portugals of Tydore were altogether false and treacherous whom if they first visited their King would not treat with them accounting the Portugals their mortal Enemies With these perswasions the General was induced to go to Terenate and anchored there very early next Morning and presently sent a Menssenger to the King with a Velvet Cloak for a present to assure him they came in peace desiring nothing but Victuals which he was destitute of by his long Voyage and to exchange some Merchandizes with him which he did require with the more assurance being invited to come hither by
danger they met with in their whole Voyage though not the last as by the sequel appears For a month after they were in continual fear of these Shoals and Islands among which they were tost and which lye in vast numbers round the South of the Celebes Jan. 12. not being able to bear their Sails for fear of Tempests and Sands they anchored upon a Shoal and two days after on an Island where they staid a day Wooding and Watering After which they met with foul weather Westerly Winds and dangerous Shoals for many days so that being weary of this Coast they sailed for Timor But could not so easily clear themselves of the Celebes which lye in five degrees South Latitude for Jan. 20. being forced toward a small Island not far thence and sending their Boat a good distance before to search out a place where to Anchor there suddenly rose a most violent Storm out of the Southwest driving them among the perilous and hidden Shoals so that they again counted themselves lost or that they must spend their days among Infidels if they should escape with their lives but that God who had hitherto preserved them was pleased once again to deliver them by unexpectedly stilling the tempest whereby both their Men and Boat were likewise restored to them Getting off hence as well as they could they continued their course till Jan. 26. when they were again assaulted with a very strong West Wind so that they could use no Sail till the end of that month Feb. 1. they saw a very high Land which seemed well inhabited and would fain have got to it to procure some relief but the weather being so bad that they could discover no Harbor they were fearful of venturing too near the shoar Two days after they saw another little Island but could not reach it Feb. 6. they had sight of 6 Islands one East and the other 5 Westward of â—â—em at the largest of which they Anchored Watered and Wooded next day Going thence Feb. 8. two Canoo's came up and talked with them alluring and conducting them to their Town not far off named Barativa in 7 degrees 13 Minutes South Latitude The People are Gentiles or Heathens very comely of body and civil just and courteous to strangers seeming very glad of their coming and readily releiving their wants with whatever their Countrey afforded The men go naked except their Heads and Secrets every one having some thing hanging at their Ears the Women are clothed from the Wast to the Feet wearing abundance of Bracelets some nine and more upon their naked arms made of horn of brass the lightest weighing near two Ounces They much value Linnen cloth to make Rolls for their Heads and Girdles about their middles and delight in Stones and the like trifles Their Island is rich in Gold Silver Copper Tin and Sulphur which they work very artificially into divers forms and shapes They have plenty of Nutmegs Ginger long Pepper Lemmons Cucumbers Coco's Figo's Sagu and several other Fruits whereof they provided themselves of one like a Bay berry but pleasant in tast and being boyld is very soft and nourishing meat They continued here two days not having found more comfort and refreshment in all their Voyage except at Terenate as in this place Feb. 12. Coming to the height of eight degrees four minutes they spied a green Island to the South and soon after two more that way with a large one toward the North appearing well inhabited but they had no occasion to visit them and therefore past them by together with several others Feb. 18. they Anchored under a little Island but found nothing but Wood and two Turtles After which they Sailed on Westward without stay or any thing observable till March 9. when they spied Land and Anchored that night Next Morning they bore farther North and came to an Anchor the second time near the shoar March 11. they took in Water and sending their Boat again ashoar they traded with the People and coming nearer the Town the General sent his man ashoar next day to present the King with some Silks and Cloth both Woollen and Linnen which he thankfully received returning Rice Cocoes Hens and other Provisions in recompence They found it to be Java Island in 7 degrees 30 minutes South Latitude March 13. the General with many of his Gentlemen went ashoar and presented the King with their Musick by whom they were very generously entertained They shewed him the English Military Discipline training their Pikes and Muskets before him They were treated according to their desire and at length dismist with a promise to have more Victuals sent them In this Island there is one Principal but many petty Kings whom they call Raja's that live in much friendship with each other March 14. they received Victuals from two of them and next day three of these Kings came aboard in Person to visit the General and to view their Ship and Amunition being much pleased with their entertainment and what they saw After they had been with them and related what they found Raja Donan the Chief Monarch of the whole Isle came aboard them next day bringing Victuals for their relief And few days past but one or other of them came whom the General treated with the best cheer he could make and shewed them all the rarities of their Ship with their great Guns Arms and all the furniture thereto belonging and how they were used Never failing to give them Musick wherewith they were equally filled with delight and admiration March 1. Raja Donan coming again aboard in requital of theirs presented the General with his Countrey Musick which though strange yet seemed very pleasant The same day he sent an Ox to the Water side which he was willing to exchange for divers sorts of costly Silks which he much esteemed Their Kings as well as the People are kind true and exact in their dealings they traffickt with them for Hens Goats Cocoes Plantanes and other Provisions whereof they offered them such plenty that if there had been occasion they might have laden their Ship with them Though these Visits and Entertainments were some hindrance to them yet having at length washt and trim'd their Ship and freed her from a kind of Shell Fish sticking fast wherewith she was overgrown in this large Voyage and much hindred her Sailing they took their leaves and departed from Java March 26. sailing West South West directly for the Cape of Good Hope or Bon Esperance and continued without seeing any thing but Air and Water till May 21. when they had sight of the Main Land of Africa very high in some places under 31 degrees and an half Latitude They coasted along till June 15. when having very fair Weather and the Wind at South East they past the said Cape so near that they could easily have shot to Land July 15. they saw Rio de Cesto and many Negroes fishing in their Boats two of which came
a Horse or Cow which Merchandize Drake not dealing in they produced Amber-greese and some curious Gums to exchange with the English for fresh water of which they have great want and were willing to quench their thirst at any price whatever and to carry the rest in their Leathern Bags for that purpose Drake compassionating their unhappiness gave them freely what water they desired and fed them with Victuals which they devoured in an inhumane and loathsom manner Their Ships washt and trimm'd and all their Spanish Prizes discharged except one Caunter for which they gave the Fisherman the Christopher one of their own Ships And a Carvel bound for St. Jago being here freed also after six days stay they sailed for the Islands of Cape Verde Jan 22. where they were obliged to furnish themselves plentifully with water since the General intended to run a long course from thence even to the Coast of Brasil without touching land And having the Wind generally North-East Jan. 27. they coasted Bonavista and next day anchored at the Isle of May in fifteen degrees high land and inhabited by the Portugals where landing and expecting to traffick with the Inhabitants for fresh water they found in the Town near the Shore only a great many ruinous houses and a poor Chappel but no people nor Water though within the Land there is enough The Springs and Wells here being stopt up and no quantity of water to be found they marched forward to seek for a supply finding the Soil fruitful and plenty of Fig-trees with fruit thereon and in the Valleys were little low Cottages with pleasant Vineyards yeilding excellent Grapes also Coco Trees Plantains and other Fruits some ripe some rotten and others blossoming and this in January because the Sun never withdraws its heat from them nor have they ever any great cold or frost They found good Water in divers places but so far from the Shore they could not convey it to their Ships the people refusing any conference with them securing themselves in the sweet Vallies among the Hills where their Towns were and suffering them freely to survey the Island since they were like to receive more damage than profit to offer violence to those who came peaceably among them The Island yeilds vast numbers of Goats and Wild Hens and Salt made without labour by the flowing of the Sea and the heat of the Sun which naturally produceth a great quantity thereof lying openly upon the Sands for all that come and wherewith the people drive a great trade with the adjacent Islands Sailing hence Jan. 30. they passed next day by the Isle of St. Jago ten Leagues West of May in the same latitude inhabited both by Moores and Portuguess occasioned by the cruelty of the Portugals toward the slaves which was so intollerable that many fled from their Masters to the hilly parts of the Island and their number increasing by the escapes they dayly made grew at length so formidable that they are now a terror to their Oppressors from whom they receive dayly injuries either in their Goods or Cattel and have lost a great part of that large and fruitful Isle which is a relief to all Ships bound for Brasil Guinea or the East-Indies being also of great strength were it not for the cause aforesaid which hath much abated the pride of the Portugals who under pretence of Trade and Friendship excluded the first Planters thereof both from Government Liberty and almost Life South-west of this Isle they took a Portugal Ship loaden with Wine store of Linnen and Woollen Cloth and other Goods bound for Brasile with many Merchants and Gentlemen aboard As they went hence three Towns in sight of them shot off two great Guns into the Sea either for joy of their departure or to shew they were provided to entertain them and were answered with one from the Fleet. South-west about twelve Leagues hence yet for its height not seeming above three lies Fogo a burning Island or Fiery Furnace wherein rises a steep Hill thought at least eighteen English Miles high belching out great and dreadful Flames of Fire from the top almost every quarter of an hour that in the night it gives light like the Moon and seems to reach the very Heavens It throws out great Stones which falling into the Sea are used as Pumice Stones The rest of the Island is peopled with Portugals who live happily therein Two Leagues hence lyes another Sweet and Pleasant Island called Brava the Trees always green and is almost planted all over with Trees and Fruits as Figs Coco's Plantains Oranges Lemmons Cotton and the like with Streams of fresh water running into the Sea and easily taken up by Boats and Pinnaces but there is no Road nor Anchoring for Ships no ground being to be found by the longest Line so that the Sea is thought as deep as Fogo is high They found only one Hermit inhabiting this Island nor saw any House but his who delighted so much in solitariness that he fled from them leaving behind the Relicks of his Worship that is a Cross a Crucifix an Altar with another above it and certain Images of Wood of rude Workmanship They here discharg'd the Portugals taken near St. Jago giving them a new Pinnace built at Mogadore instead of their old Ship with Victuals and Provision Furnisht with fresh Water at Cape Verde Feb. 2. they derected their course toward the Streights of Magellane to go through into the South Sea sailing sixty three days without sight of Land passing the Equinoctial Line Feb. 17. and fell with the Coast of Brasil April 5. During which long passage on the vast Ocean having nothing but Sea below and Heaven above they saw and experienced the goodness of Divine Providence in making ample Provision for all their wants and though they oft met with contrary Winds and Storms unwelcom calms and burning heats in this Torrid Zone with the terrors of dreadful Thunder and Lightning yet they could not but take notice that not having been throughly furnished with Water since they came from England till they arrived at the River of Plate long after yet for 17 days together their necessities were constantly supplyed by Rain-Water neither was their Fleet now six in number ever disperst nor lost company except the Portugal Prize for one day only which yet much discouraged them having the greatest part of their drink aboard her and was therefore found again with much joy since her miscarriage might have defeated the whole Voyage Among many strange Creatures they particularly observed the Flying Fish as big as a Pilchard whose Fins are as long as his Body and serve for wings when he is chased by the Boneto or great Mackrell whom the Dolphin likewise pursues for when weary of Swiming be lifts up himself above Water and Flyes pretty high falling sometimes into Vessels that Sail by The Fins are so curiously placed as might serve for a longer and higher flight did not their dryness
Tempest as the like is not recorded in any History since Noahs Floud The Storm being somewhat allayed they ran in again among those Islands from whence they were lately driven not far from their former anchoring hoping now at length for some peace and security there especially since they saw the Natives going from one Island to another in their Canoo's both Men Women and Young Infants hanging at their Mothers backs to get a livelyhood by trading with chains of certain Shells and other trifles Having had a breathing-time here for three days only which they imployed in providing what they wanted though with much trouble and danger from the tempest not quite stilled when behold it again recovered its former rage with much more violence driving them from their Anchors and assaulting them in all Quarters at once and at length chasing them to the utmost Land toward the South Pole even to 56 degrees beyond which no Continent nor Island is to be seen but the Atlantick Ocean and South Sea meet freely and openly Some have imagined these Islands were Main Land and called them Terra Incognita or The Unknown World wherein were many strange Monsters which they now saw to be altogether false as likewise the common opinion of the impossibility of returning out of the South into the West Ocean because of the strong Currents and Winds since they met with neither but were oft in danger of being driven back as well as in going forward and many times were forced to alter their course losing more sometimes in one afternoon than they could recover again in an whole day with a reasonable gale and since the narrowness of the Passage is reckoned the cause of this swift current they now observed that the Passages through were innumerable and Southward of these Islands there is a large and main Sea Coming to the utmost part of these Islands Oct. 28. the Storm ceased and all their calamities except the absence of their Friends were forgotten As if God had secretly intended they should make this discovery and did then stay his hand and refresh his Servants In these Southerly parts the night in the latter end of October was but two hours long There are few of these Islands but are inhabited and live after the same manner as those aforenamed The General gave one name to them all calling them Elizabethides After two days Oct. 30. they Sailed North-West along the Coasts of Peru hasting to the height of 30 degrees being the place appointed for the Fleet to reassemble and to seek for them in the mean time In this course they next day met with two Islands stored with Birds of which they made plentiful provision from whence Nov. 1. they steered North-West as formerly but soon found the mistake of the Maps in describing the Latitude of those Coasts This part of Peru to Lima 12 Degrees South is Mountainous and barren without either Water or Wood except in some few places inhabited by the Spaniards and not hearing of their Ships they Anchored Nov. 15. at a great Island called Mucho by the Spaniards for its largeness very fruitful of Sheep and other Cattle stored with Maiz Potatoes and other Roots and thought to be wonderful rich in Gold wanting nothing fit for the use of man The Inhabitants are those Indians who by the horrid severities of the Spaniards have been driven from the Continent to secure and fortifie themselves here With this People General Drake thought fit to Traffick for fresh Victuals and Water and therefore that very night some of the Company going ashore they very courteously came and brought the best Victuals and Provisions they had presenting the General with two very fat Sheep who returned them many necessary things assuring them that he came only to exchange such Goods with them as he wanted and they could well spare and chiefly such as they had already brought them except fresh water which they desired them to bring whereat they seemed very well pleased and extream joyful at their coming promising to direct them where to have fresh water next morning and that they would bring any thing else they wanted Next morning early the General having prepared all things ready for Traffick and Vessels to bring the water set two of his men ashore to go to the watering place assigned the night before who passed quietly half the way but were then violently assaulted and slain by these treacherous people and in hope to surprize the General with the rest about five hundred of them prepared for mischief lay in ambush behind the Rocks who suddenly falling on them the Rocks being very dangerous for Boats and the passage very open to the Sea they wounded every man of the Company with their Arrows Drake himself being shot in the Face under his right Eye very deep and in his Head to the great indangering of his Life The rest there being nine Persons in the Boat were grievously wounded and the Chief Surgeon being dead and his Mate absent in the Vice-Admiral none but a Boy being left their case was very desperate yet by the help of God and the assistance of the rest they all escaped The cause of this injury from these Islanders proceeded from their hatred to the Spaniards for their cruelties toward them and some of the English using the Spanish word aqua in requiring water they supposed them of that Nation and therefore used this outrage toward them The General left the revenge of this wrong to Heaven wishing only they might be sensible whom they had abused not an Enemy but those who would rather have defended them from the injuries of the Spaniards and sailed thence that Afternoon approaching now the place appointed for meeting the rest of their Ships and to find a conveniency for reposing their wounded men and supplying them with necessaries and at length Novem. 30. they fell in with a place called Philips Bay in about 32 degrees and instantly sent out a Boat for discovery who after diligent search could find no appearance of relief discovering only the heads of wild Beasts but no sign of any Inhabitant thereabout Yet in their return they perceived an Indian Fishing in a Canoe within the Bay whom they brought aboard the General he was a proper comely Person clothed in a white Garment reaching almost to his Knees his Arms and Head were bare his Hair very long but without a Beard as most Indians are seeming to be of a mild temper apprehensive to learn every thing and very thankful for what the General bestowed on him and discovering in his carriage the harmless disposition of the Natives and how unjustly they have been abused by the Spaniards After he had been kindly treated and furnisht with what they had giving what he thought convenient in exchange he was freely dismist in their Boat with his own Canoo made of Reeds and when landed desired the English to stay till his return who being met by two or three of his
at the next Harbor called Guatulco inhabited by Spaniards they by trading supplyed themselves with Bread and other necessaries and then departed from the Coast of America yet not forgetting to take along with them a pot of about a Bushel full of Ryals of Plate that they found in the Town with a Chain of Gold and other Jewels which they intreated a Spaniard who was flying away with them to leave behind Next day April 16. they went directly to Sea sailing five hundred Leagues in Longitude to get a Wind and by June 3. got fourteen hundred Leagues coming into 42 degrees North Latitude where they felt an extream alteration from heat to cold which much impaired their healths made the Ropes of their Ships stiff and the Rain was turned into Hail so that they seemed rather in the Frozen Zone than so near the Sun and sailing 2 degrees further the cold increased so severely that their hands were benum'd and they durst hardly bring them from under their Garments to feed themselves Neither could they impute this to the tenderness of their Bodies coming out of those very hot Countreys since their meat almost as soon as from the Fire was frozen and their tackle so stiff that six men were hardly able to perform what was usually done by three which very much discouraged them but General Drake comforting and perswading them to trust in Gods Providence who never fails his Children and that they should now quit themselves like men and endure this short trouble and extremity with patience since they were sure thereby to obtain speedy comfort and glory By such motives as these he put new life into them so that every man was armed with a resolution to see the utmost Discovery could be made that way The Land in that part of America bearing further West than they imagined they were nearer to it than they were aware and yet the cold still increased June 5. they were driven by the winds toward the Shore which they then first descried and Anchored in a Bay much exposed to the winds and flaws and when they ceased there instantly followed thick stinking Fogs which nothing but the wind could remove and that was always violent So that not able to stay here nor go further Northward for the cold and wind which was full against them getting to Sea they were forcibly carried Southward from 48 to 38 degrees where they found the Land low and plain with some few Hills covered with Snow June 17. they came to a convenient Harbor and continued there till July 23. During which though in the height of Summer yet they had constant nipping cold neither for 14 days could they see the Sun for the fogginess of the Air which had such influence not only upon their Bodies who came out of the heat but on the Inhabitants themselves though accustomed thereto who yet came shivering to them in their warm Furs crouding close together to receive heat of each other the Trees being without Leaves and the ground without Grass even in June and July the poor Birds and Fowls not dareing to rise from their Nests as they oft found after they had laid their first Egg till they were hatcht and had got some strength but had this advantage that their Bodies being exceeding hot perfects their young sooner than in other places Though the real cause of this extremity is uncertain yet it is judged to proceed from the large Continent of America and Asia near together Northward of this place from whose high Mountains always covered with Snow the Northwest Winds which usually blow on these Coasts bring this almost insufferable sharpness which the Sun in his greatest heat is not able to dissolve from whence the Earth is so barren and the Snow lyes at their doors almost in the midst of Summer but is never off their Hills from whence proceeds those stinking Fogs through which the Sun cannot pierce nor draw the vapors higher into the Air except the fierce winds do sometimes scatter them and when gone the Fogs return as before Some Seamen aboard who had been in Greenland affirmed they never felt such cold in the end of Summer as now in these two hot months from whence it may be supposed there is no passage through these Northern Seas or if there be it is unnavigable for the Ice and Cold met with therein Neither in all their sailing on these Coasts to 48 degrees could they find the Land bend in the least toward the East but running always Northwest as if it directly met with Asia and even then when they had a Wind to carry them through if any such passage had been yet they had a smooth Sea and ordinary Tides which could not have happened had there been a Streight as they concluded there was none CHAP. VI. General Drake having gained immense Treasures in Gold Silver and Jewels lands at a place named by him Nova Albion where the Indians Crown him King of their Countrey From hence he sails homeward by the Molucco Islands and the Cape of Good Hope and having thus surroundred the World returns joyfully to England about two years and ten months from their first setting forth Queen Elizabeth comes aboard his Ship at Deptford and Knights him NExt day after their coming to Anchor in the Harbor aforementioned the Natives of the Countrey discovering them sent a Man to them in a Canoo with all expedition who began to speak to them at a great distance but approaching nearer made a long Solemn Oration with many signs and gestures after their manner moving his hands and turning his head and after he had ended with great shew of respect and submission return'd again to shoar He repeated the Ceremony a second and third time bringing with him a bunch of Feathers like those of a black Crow neatly placed on a string and gathered into a round bundle exactly cut and equal in length which as they understood afterward was a special Badg worn upon the head of the Guard of the Kings Person He brought also a little Basket made of Rushes full of an Herb called Tabah which tyed to a short Rod he cast into their Boat The General intended instantly to have recompenced him but could not perswade him to receive any thing except a Hat thrown out of the Ship into the water refusing any thing else though it were upon a board thrust off to him and so presently return'd After this their Boat could row no way but they would follow it seeming to adore them as Gods June 21. Their Ship being leaky came nearer the shoar to Land their Goods but to prevent any surprize the General sent his men ashore first with all necessaries for making Tents and a Fort for securing their purchase Which the Natives observing came down hastily in great numbers with such weapons as they had as if angry but without the least thought of Hostility for approaching them they stood as men ravished with admiration at the
innumeris Hispanus Classibus aequor Regnis juncturus Sceptra Brittanna suis c. Thus in English Spains King with Navys Great the Sea 's bestrew'd To join the English with his Spanish sway Ask you what caus'd this proud attempt 't was leud Ambition drove and Avarice led the way 2. 'T is well Ambitions Windy puff lyes drown'd By Winds And swelling hearâ—â—â—y swelling Waves T is Well Those Spaniards who the worlds vast round Devour'd devouring Sea most justly Craves Another In Eighty Eight Spain arm'd with potent might Against our peaceful Land came on to fight The Winds and Waves and Fire in one conspire To help the English frustrate Spains desire CHAP IX Sir Francis Drakes last Voyage to the West Indies in 1595. accompanied with Sir John Hawkins Sir Tho. Baskerfeild and Sir Nicholas Clifford and others with his Death Burial and Epithaph AS this valiant and heroick Worthy had for many years faithfully served his Prince and Countrey so he died in this honourable imployment and waâ— buried in that Vast Ocean wherein he had spent the greatest part of his life The last Voyage he made was to the West Indies in 1595. himself and Sir John Hawkins being Generals Sir Thomas Baskerfield and Sir Nicholas Clifford Lieutenant Generals with ten other Worthy Captains and divers Gentlemen who imbarquing at Plymouth Aug. 28. sailed toward the Grand Canaries and Sept. 6. in the height of the Northern Cape overtook a French Man of War and a Rocheller from Newfoundland whom they quietly let pass and after that two Biskayners bound for Barbary Sept. 9. they spied a Ship of Weymouth who coming to their General went with them to the Canaries Soon after they discovered 20 French Men of War who chased but could not reach them Sept. 19. they met one of the Earl of Cumberlands Frigots who told them the King's Men of War were going homeward Sept. 25. they discovered two Islands in 28 degrees one called Hanseroth and the other Forteventura inhabited only by Savage people and 10 Leagues distant from Grand Canary In the Port whereof Sept. 26. they imbarqued in Boats and Pinnaces endeavouring to land with all speed but the Enemy having notice of their coming had intrenched themselves in the landing-place and upon their approach plyed them so fast with great and small shot both from the Castle and Town that they were constrained with the loss of some Men to retire to their Ships the Spaniards being near 400 strong The same day they sailed thence to a place Northwest from the Town of S. John de Luz where was formerly a famous River running from the Rocks but now over-grown where they watered The people of this Island are barbarous and Moutaineers and Capt. Grimstone with four more were very much wounded and torn by Dogs kept for that purpose and some others that stragled into the Countrey slain It yeilds much Wine Wheat and other Grain with store of Rabbits Partridges and Tresses which have a Juice like Milk but rank poison It hath many large high Rocks in it and 20 Leagues distant is the Isle of Teneriff the Pyke whereof is of a vast height Sept. 28. they sailed hence directly West toward the West-Indies and Octob. 25. the Hope and Adventure Frigots fell foul of one another by the darkness of the night and a great Tempest of Hail and Rain so that they were forced to cut down the Missen Mast of the Adventure and throw it into the Sea October 27. They had fight of the Isle of Martinico inhabited by Cannibals or Man-Eaters they were thirty days Sailing from the Canarys to this Island from thence they went to the Isle of Dominica 12 English Miles thence and stored with Tobacco the people are not altogether so rude but would give them Tobacco for Knives and such other commodities they use Bows and Arrows made of reed and headed with a sharp peice of Brasile Wood their hair is very long and cut round the Shoulders Oct. 30. they reacht another Isle called Guadalowpa ten Leagues from Dominica and went into a River thereof many of which Issue out of the Mountains on the West side into the Sea it is wholly uninhabited and a meer Wilderness wherein are many wild Beasts and Serpents of Monstrous Shapes From hence they Sailed toward Rio de la Hacha and Novem. 7. discried three Islands between Guadalowpa and S. John de Porto Rico and next day the General landed his Men 〈◊〉 one of their Ports that every Captain might know his own Souldiers These Islands belong to Virginia and are many in number but are without Inhabitants having divers fair Harbors wherein a thousand Ships may ride at Anchor and full of very high Mountains Nov. 12. They arrived at Porto Rico and anchored within four miles of the Town under a great Fort from whence they oft received many furious shots The same day that worthy and vigilant Commander Sir John Hawkins dyed there and Sir Nicholas Clifford Captain Stratford and Mr. Brute Brown were wounded with a Cannon Bullet from the Fort all at once as they sate at Supper with Sir Thomas Baskerfield and Sir Francis Drake who had the stool struck from under him as he was drinking and yet received no further damage The same night Sir Nicholas Clifford dyed of his wound and that night they went and anchored against the Town Next day Nov. 13. the General calling a Council it was ordered that about nine next night some Muskets Gunners and Fireworks should be imbarqued in their Pinnaces and Boats And accordingly 500 men went into the Harbor to burn the five Spanish Men of War that lay there one being 400 Tun the rest less In this great ship were planted store of great Guns which together with abundance of small shot plaid furiously on the English who yet fought with so much gallantry that they burnt slew and drowned all the men in the great Ship wherein there were an hundred and sixty Ordnance besides small shot losing only the little Francis who being taken sometime before gave notice of their approach and much frustrated their design By the Prisoners taken the English understood that there was three Millions of Treasure in the Town belonging to the King of Spain which these five Men of War came to carry away and the General hearing that his men were Prisoners there sent the Governor word to use them well as he expected the like to the Spaniards their Prisoners They had notice there were 300 Souldiers in the Town which stands in a very small Island having the Sea on one side and a great River on the other built in a valley with a strong Fort to defend it and seems very large Nov. 15. Sir John Hawkins and Sir Nicholas Clifford were thrown overboard and the same day they spied a Spanish Carvel which they instantly pursued but being perceived by the Castle of Porto Rico they shot off a warning piece to them not to approach who thereupon ran themselves