withdraw themselves when Keymish who first discovered the genuine and best Navigable streame of the great River Oronoque within eight dayes saile and entrance thereunto came up to the Port of Morequito where finding his hopes of assistance from the Natives frustrated and himselfe not able to encounter the Spaniards he forthwith for feare of surprizall taketh downe the River againe and so in the fifth moneth after his setting forth out of England returnned thither safe againe though without any good successe at all After this I find no further attempt to have beene made by the English upon Guiana but that of Sir Walter himselfe Anno 1617. when he had beene fourteene yeeres prisoner to the great retarding of his intended prosecution of Guiana The successe of this voyage was little answerable to the great preparation thereof For though he went forth at his owne and friends charge with seven good ships well manned and provided yet he brought no treasure home And no mervaile for as he no lesse truly then boldly writeth to Sir Ralph Winwood from Christophers Island his whole designe what ships what men what Ammunition he would take with him as also what time he would set forth hence and what branch of Oronoque he intended to goe up to Guiana were all made knowne to the Spaniard before he could get out of the Thames by King Iames to whom he was enforced by oath before he could get liberty to goe to discover the foresaid particulars Upon which notice speedy directions were sent from the Court of Spaine to draw up forces three times as many as ours were from Porto-Rico Nuequo-Reygno and other neerest adjoyning parts to surprize them unexpectedly Yet such was the courage and resolution of our men that they went up to Saint Thomas and tooke it and in it some store of rich Tobacco but the Spanish forces purposely abandoned the Towne for the better defence of the mines so that ours could not take them which by reason of Woods lying on every side neare unto them with 200 Musqueteers they easily defended A more then probable argument that the Spaniard was then possessed of those golden mines then sought by the English else would they not have left their Towne and betooke themselves to the defence of them And Sir Walter Raleigh in his foresaid letter maketh good proofe of it in naming the men in whose possession they then were and he further confidently affirmeth that he was sufficiently able to make good what he writ by the King of Spaâ—nes severall grants to severall persons as also by the Spanish Register books wherein appeare the abundance of Treasure the mines as then discovered afforded by the great summes thence arising yeerly from the Kings fifth part And certainly had the Spanish King not feared learned and experienced Raleighs future and greater discovery and prosecution of Guiana he would never so eagerly have pursued him unto death as he did which yet he had not soone effected had it not beene for his pensioners here some noble ignoble English men overpowerfull with King Iames the reputed Solomon of his time as now they are much more with his Successour much inferiour to his father in wisdome From that time to this the English hopes being chrushed in losse of so worthy a Commander there hath beene either none or little venturing from England to Guiana But the Netherlands since that have made so many yearely voyages up the River Oronoque as farre as Saint Thomas encouraged by the great returne made from thence not of gold but of rich Tobacco as that some of their skilfull Pilots were as well able to direct the best and safest way thither as our Water-men are able to describe the passage from Dover to London the very cause as is generally conceived why being growne so expert in that River they were some yeers since so severely prohibited by the King of Spaine to trade any more there You have heard of Guiana as it bordereth Westerly on both sides Oronoque as much as can be conveniently expressed in so short an Epitome You shall now heare more briefly how it lyeth to the East Ocean accordâ—ng to the pincipall Rivers as they fall betweene Oronoque and Amazon The first great River of any note from Winkebery the most Southerne and best navigable arme or streame of Oronoque is Essequebe very broad but withall very shallow in the mouth of it where it falleth into the Ocean It is affirmed by the natives bordering upon both sides of it to arise within one dayes journey of golden Manoa the prime City of Guiana but both our English and the Dutch who have diligently endeavoured to make entrance into the continent by this River have found it in two or three dayes not passable by reason of many great vvaterfals three times as high and more heady then is the fall of London-bridge The Inhabitants about this River neerest to sea are called Arwaci as barbarous but not so inhumane cruell as are the Caribs who possesse the more inland Couâ—try They are continually at vvarre betweene themselves yet both great enemies to the Spaniard and not to be trusted by us or any other Christian Nation when they are able to doe mischiefe The soyle especially about 20 miles from sea is exceeding fertill the Commodities are Christall and a kind of wood very usefull and much desired for dying the best colours The next River of note is Berbice lying somewhat above the sixth degree the Land adjoyning is as the former possessed by the Arwaci but is farre inferiour in regard of fertility and the forenamed merchantable Commodities The next two Rivers or rather two in one is Sarname upon the sixth degree and Iâ—otera that falleth into Sarname three miles before it emptieth it selfe into the Ocean The Inhabitants hereof being men-eaters and very false in performing their promises are of all others least to be trusted neither indeed are the Commodities thereabout of that worth being upon the matter onely Brasil-wood as might invite men to venture farre into the Country Twelve miles more to the South is Marawyny a River of a wide and deepe mouth affording above twenty leagues convenient passage for vessels of burthen though yet the comming up from sea into it is very difficult The inhumanity and infidelity of the borderers is as great as the other and the Commodities the Land affordeth of as little worth and therefore seldome frequented either by us or the Netherlands From hence more and more to the South five other Rivers of greater note have their fall into the East Ocean The first is Cajana inhabited by the Caribs whose fall is computated to be twenty leagues from Marawiny the head of it to be more then fifty from the South-west The second and third Cauwo and Wio much upon the middle betweene the fourth and fifth degree inhabited by the Yayi and Shebaij have their rising to the South-west further into the continent The most Southern of the five great
am now come to make entry upon those Provinces that appertaine to the royalty of Nova Hispania For the right surveighing whereof I must of necessity againe fall to discribe the Sea-coast so by surrounding in Yucatan a long and wide Peninsula save onely in the necke of it where the gulss of Honduras and Mexico come neerest together of no lesse then 25. leagues compasse the sayling on either side of it is dangerous by reason of many scattering Islands rocks shelves and sands From the comming up againe of Honduras gulfe on the South-east of Yucatan to the North-east these are very carefully to be avoyded as most pernitious Elbob Lamanary Zaratan Pantoia Quitazuwenho which last signifieth as much as now take heed It lyeth in the eighteenth degree of latiude a full degree more to the North then Guanima Isle just opposite to cape Honduras but much of the same longitude with them so as though the gulfe on either side towards Yucatan or Honduras be not safe to saile in yet by the channell thereof more then twenty leagues broad in most places is safe and navigable From Quitazuwenho to Cape Conche the most northeast of this Peninsula and neerest to the Island Cuba are neer seventy leagues between which comes the Island Coznmel and many petty Islands called Mucheres The North and North-west Sea-coast of Yucatan are no lesse dangerous then the north-North-east as being also full of sands shallowes and rocky Islands known by the name of Alcranes and Negrillos which though they be far remote from land yet they make the passage dangerous to come into the best ports of Comill on the river Ligartes on that side being themselus not very good From hence to the west the continent falling down again more and more to the South for three degrees viz. from above 21. to 28. all this coast as the other by reason of the Isle of Sands Desconsidla and Triangulo and some others no lesse sandy but much more rocky is hazardous and make Cical and Telichaque the best Havens hereabouts to be lesse frequented Neither yet is the Sea channell here adjoyning so deepe and free from sands as is safe for ships of any great burden to faile in The land within this long and wide Peninsula is for the most part neither temperate nor healthfull save onely in the mountainous places nor so much inhabited but onely to the North end of it where standeth Merida the chief Town about twelve leagues from sea the Governour Bishops abode accompanied with 100 Spanish Families Another is Vallidolid 31. leagues to the East of Merida where a great Monastry of Franciscans standeth and where the Natives of the region adjoyning are said farre to exceed all others being at least 50000. A third Towne fifty leagues to the West of Merida is Campeche where Captaine Parker our Country-man Anno 1596. with some hazard but greater honour seized in sight of all the Inhabitants upon a ship laden with gold silver and other rich commodities and brought her away though they made all the resistance possibly they could A fourth Towne is Salamanea in the neck of this Peninsula not much differing in respect of longitude though neerer a degree in latitude from port Real it belongeth to the Province of Tabasco of which I will say no more but that it is very slenderly inhabited though yet it be of large extent no lesse then forty leagues bordering upon the North-sea called the gulfe of Mexico as many in breth toward the South adjoyning to the province Verapaz and Chiapa The reasons whereof given by Authors are that this Country is as intemperate and unwholsome as any other thereabouts and affordeth but slender sustentation and but few Merchantable Commodities The onely Spanish Towne in this Province is called Senora Victoria in remembrance of the great Victory here obtained by Cortesius the over prosperious because the over cruell subduer of this and all the Country hereabout The next Province to the South is Chiapa much upon the same bredth and length whereof also little is to be said but that it is a more pleasant and healthfull more abounding with the rare though usuall fruit of Nova Hispania and which is Neat Sheep and Swine the horses are of such an excellent breed as they are sent for as farre as Mexico the Metropolis of Nova Hispania no lesse then 200. leagues distant Here are likewise many Eagles and other Fowles of prey that now live upon such wholsome and toothsome Fowle as may be better imployed for mans sustentation and by their meanes more easily taken Ximenes maketh mention of one monstrous Bird having one foot like a Goose and the other like a Faulcon that liveth by prey taken both in the water and Ayer There are in Chiapa many Natives distinguished by the names of Zeques Zeltales Quelcnes and Secaulands and among either of these there are many Villages well inhabited The onely Spanish Towne of note is Cuidad Reall seventy leagues to the North-east of Guatimala and as many from Senora in Tabasco From Chiapa westward followeth the Bishoprick of Guaxaca whereunto the Provinces Misceca Tucepeque Zapoteca and Guazacoalco are annexed which take up all the continent between both seas From the great River Guazacoalco unto the River Alvarde on the North side distant the one from the other fifty leagues As much more from Tecoantepeque a small port to Tequanapa a safe Haven in the wide and deepe River Onatepec betweene which lyeth the famous port of Agutulco taken with much treasure by Sir Francis Drake Anno 1578. and by Captains Candish 1586. This Bishoprick with the Provinces annexed are in the generall though mountainous very fertill and healthfull but the Valley of Guaxaca that Crotesius the Conquerer of this Country and the regions thereabout chose for his inheritance doth exceed imagination in regard of fertility both of grasse and Cattell Corne and pleasant fruits Fish and Fowle Besides that it containeth in it many gold and silver mines much Chochaneel Silk strong incitements to make it so fully inhabited as it is both with Spaniards and Natives the Natives being reported to exceed 150000. And though Mistica and the other annexed Provinces be not every way so beneficially accommodated yet are they so well provided with necessaries streames abounding with golden oare small peeces of gold washed from the mountaines and other Merchantable Commodities that they also are well stored with Inhabitants of whom this is very remarkable that they use the Jewish Ceremonies in particular Circumsicion which they affirme to have received from their Ancestors The chiefe Spanish Towne there is Auteguera standing in the heart of the aforesaid incompararable Valley Zapoteca and Nixapa two other Towns fall short of it full twenty leagues the one to the North-east the other South-east Agaculco a great Haven towne upon the South sea standeth directly to the South somewhat more then thirty leagues The Bishoprick of Tlascula is next to Guaxaca more to
more Southward toward Virginia Yet was first found out in the yeare 1609. by Master Henry Hudson an English-man imployed by the States of the Low-countries for a discovery in those parts After which Discovery returning to Amsterdam he was next yeare by the Merchants thereof sent forth againe with a ship furnished with such commodities as were fittest to truck with the Natives for number far exceeding those of New England The continent upon the Sea-coast from the foresaid Malebâ—r bending a good space to the South-West And then a little to the North-west hath adjoyning foure Islands Petakonocke Kotget Christian and Block whereof the third Christian is of good note for store of timber aboundant fowle and fish Within the Continent lyeth the great River Nassaw whose first enterance is two miles wide and for eight miles it cotinneth very Navigable but after becommeth shallow The country adjoyning on either side is very pleasant and fruitfull inhabited by the Wapavockes and Nalucantos Then followeth the River Siccanamos the country whereunto adjoyning is possessed by the Pequets professed enemies to the English Then the River Virresche on the West-side whereof bending to the North lye the Sequini and Novasis Between these Nations and the Matawaces who live by fishing there lieth an Archipellagus wherein are many Islands On the North-side of the Dutch Plantation springeth the river Machicham called the great North river which running thorow one of the widest parts of that part of the continent as yet discovered affordeth convenient habitation for the Aquamachites and the Manahots on the East-side For the Sanachans and Tappans on the West-side Neare of this great River the Dutch have built a Castle of great use to them not only for the keeping under of the Natives adjoyning but likewise for their more free trading with many of Florida who usually come down the River Canida and so by land to them A plaine proofe Canida is not far remote There is yet another River not fully discovered bigger then the former called the South River It lyeth westerly by South toward Virginia The enterance into it is very wide having Cape May to the East and Cape Hinlopen to the West lying about the degrees of 41 and from thence the Sea-coast inclineth by little and little somewhat more then two degree to the South A point necessarily to be observed by those who saile into those seas for avoiding of shelves and sands The chiefe inhabitance lying on the East-side of this River to the East are the Sicones and the Naraticons On the West are the Minquaans the Senenquaans and many more And now concerning New Netherlands convenient temperature the goodnesse of the soile or commodities which either sea or land afford I need say no more but that in all these respects it differeth not much from New England only I must in these foure things give it the precedency that the land in generall is richer the fields more fragrant with flowers the timber longer and therefore more fit for building and shipping the woods fuller of Bevors and the waters of Salmon and Sturgeon Virginia VIrginia is next adjoyning westerly to New Netherland it extendeth it selfe with relation to the Sea-coast from North to South from the degree of 39 to 33. And it is divided into two parts the Northerne and the Southerne the Southerne was first found out by Sir Walter Raleigh in the yeare 1586. And by him in honour of our most gratiouâ— Queen Elizabeth called Virginia from whence the other part also is denominated what successe his Discovery had or hath I shal impart unto you in its due place so soone as I have done with the Northerne part which in the yeare 1606 from the degree 37 to 39. began to be inhabited by our English and hath ever since continued sometime in better sometime in worser estate but for some yeares last past for many temporall respects beyond immagination prosperous The Sommer is here as hot as in Spain especially in Iune Iuly and August but it is for the most part greatly mitigated by a brisk Easternely wind and other winds coming ordinarily from the Sea-coast from December to March it freezeth sharply but is not usually of any long continuance some yeares more and some years lesse as in other regions and though here sometime drought sometime raine do exceed yet do they not so excâ—ed but that the Inhabitants affording a due care and endevour may and do reape the fruits of the land in great variety There is but one only comming up unto this Norther part of Virginia which is by a wide arme of the sea called Chesapeaâ—ke bounded on the North and on the South with two great Promontories whereof the Northerne taketh denomination from King Charles the Southerne from Prince Henry It extendeth it selfe from South to North accompanied well neare for two hundred miles with the ebbing and flowing of the sea so as it is navigable more than fifty miles there falleth into it as it passeth from the North-west five principall Rivers fed and maintained by many other Rivers which I purposely omit these being sufficient lying as they do some 25. miles asunder to fructifie and replenish with store of corne grasse and other fruits almost all the knowne parts of North Virginia which our English either now do or shall undoubtedly by Gods assistance shortly enjoy The first River is Pawhatan which springing out of the Mountaines of Monocham and afterwards encreased by divers other Rivers becommeth so wide and so deep as it is Navigable about an hundred miles from its fall into the grand streame Chesapeacke not far from Cape Henry Either side of this River is inhabited by diversity of Natives whereof on the North-side are the Chicahemans the Wenankes and the Paspaheyens whereof the first are able to bring neare two hundred men to the war the second an hundred the third forty And here forty miles from Cape Henry lyeth Iames Towne our best hold On the South-side the chiefe are the Nansamunds consisting of about forty men of war the Chesapeackes an hundred the Apamatucks sixty and either of these and others lesse considerable by reason of their far smaller numbers have their severall petty Kings which they call Weroances The second River distant from Pawhatan to the North is Pamaunke at first small but after greatly increased by the accesse of other Rivers all the Natives on either side this River cannot bring above 150 men to the war The third is Toppahanocke Navigable about 150 miles the Natives lying on both sides of it whereof the Toppanahochs are not much more than 300 serviceable men The fourth is Patowomeke a very wide and deepe River Navigable 140. miles by reason that divers other Rivers fall into it and it is on either side in regard of the commodiousnesse and pleasantnesse of the soyle much inhabited and is able out of three Villages only Adigcomoco Onawmament Noyowane to send 350 and as many more out of others The last and
America It flourished exceedingly in the preceeding age but since the finding out of Peru it hath lost much of its spendour as being lesse frequented by Merchants The inhabitants hereof according to the Spaniards own relation doth not exceed 600. families of Spaniards the Moores and Mungrels which are begot of Spanish and Moores amounting to as many more It was taken in the yeer 1586 by Sir Francis Drake with 1200. men but the spoil came far short of expectation there being found great store of brasse coyne but little gold To the North of this prime City in the same Province is the City De La Conception wherein is a Cathedrall and a Monastry as also the Towne Gotuy Not farre from San Domingo the Province of Cayagua beginneth and extendeth it selfe on the South coast near 160 miles and in this Province is Azna commonly called Compostella very rich in Sugers and five convenient havens Nizao Formoso Ocoa Caligna and Yagnion it selfe all greatly frequented especially Nizao and Ocoa by the Dutch for the abundance of Suger and hides untill of latter yeers trading there hath beene utterly prohibited by the King of Spaine Upon this coast are three little Islands little better then Rocks Beta Alta Vela Frayles wherein though there be nothing worth observation yet are they carefully to be observed for the preventions of Shipwracke The next Province to the West and more to the North is Baoca very mountaines and so hard of accesse as it cost the Spaniard very dear before he could gaine it The most Southwest Province is Hanigvagia very plaine pleasant and fruitfull wherein standeth Savana just opposite to Baqua a small but very considerable Island to furnish navigatours hath also in it Cape Tuburo and the promontory Dona and many safe harbours for Ships From the last of these the Land turning to the East many leagues admitteth of a great inlet of Sea upon which bordereth Zagua a Province no lesse fruitfull and pleasant then the former in which standeth the Towne called Iaguana well provided with store of excellent Salt And neer unto the North is the Island Guanabo The most Northwest is Cape Saint Nicholas where beginneth the first Northside Province of the Island Marien where Christophorus Columbus built Navidad hereunto belong two Islands Mosquites and Port Palma the one to the East the other to the West The next Province is Lawega Reall extending it selfe 70 leagues in length twenty in breadth admirable rich in medowes and Pastures Between this Northerne Province and Yaquimo to the South lie to other Cibao sometime abounding with golden mines and Maguana with in comparable meadowes as being almost incompassed with two wide Rivers Niba and Yaquen There are belonging to this spacious Province two Townes of good note Saint Iago and Port de Plata besides four convenient havens Cape Francis Port Riall Mons Christi and Port Isabell The most north-Northeast is Samana unto which belongeth one onely haven of note bearing the same name Lucaick Ilands TO the North of Hispaniola and Cuba between them and the Continent of Florida lye the many small Lucaick Ilands so neer one another as they make those Seas very rough heady and dangerous besides this there is nothing worth noting in them I shall therefore herein returne the Readers whom it may concerne I meane those who are to passe those seas to advise with that Map which the most judicious Author Mr. De Laet hath made and placed in that his great and exact Collection of all America almost out of all Authors Latine English Spanish Dutch or French who have written in this kinde From him by whom I have been most assisted in this my short Compendium they shall finde their severall names and be sufficiently informed how they fall betweene the forefaid Ilands and the Continent which for me here to insâ—rt would be both needlesse and troublesome they are so many and of so little worth Porto-Rico Portorico lying to the North short of the 19 Degree of the North latitude is to the East of Hispaniola neare sixteene leagues To the West of Virgo Gorda and Anagado the most West of the Carib Ilands seventeen leagues from Cogui Bocoa a Promontory of Vnezuella in the Continent of America to the north-Northeast it is distant one hundred thirty leagues The Climate is very pleasant only sometimes in the moneths of December and January it is infefted with too much raine in June July and August with somewhat immoderate heat and terrible tempests which they call Huracanes The land for the most part riseth and falleth with convenient small fruitfull hils and vallies though the fruitfulnesse thereof is much hindred with the over-great store of Guiabo trees The Townes and Ports of this Iland are but few about the middle of the North side lyeth Porto-Rico the only Towne of note built after the Spanish fashion and divided into fair streets it hath in it a safe Haven for ships a stately Cathedrall and a Monastery and though it hath no wals it is well fortified by land and sea yet not so but that it was taken by our countrey man the Earle of Cumberland who found there a rich booty and at least seventy great peeces of Ordnance which he brought away Anno 1597. It hath since in the yeare 1625 beene assaulted by Henricides the Dutch Generall who though he demeaned himself very valiantly in the attempt could not obtaine it The other Ports on the North side of the Iland as Visa Canaba and Cabeca to the East of Portorico are not safe as being exposed to the Northern tempests and shelves and sands which lye before them In the Northwest corner lyeth Agada a very oportune Haven to water in between which and Portorico the Rivers Cami and Cabuco fall into the sea Directly to the West side of the Iland somewhat about the middle lyeth the River Guiabo by which they passe to Saint Germin four leagues remote from the Westerne sea the Towne is but small and hath been often taken by the French Between the harbour belonging to it which is the mouth of Guiabo and Aguada directly to the west side of the Iland lyeth the Rock Zacheo inconvenient and dangerous There are other small villages in the Island but none other of great worth or note On the Southside most to the West lieth Cape Roxo neer which our English have found some salt pits very usefull for those who travaile those parts From Cape Roxo lie the havens of Guaima Xaria Guadianilla and Guaiama distant five or six leagues the one from the other On the Southeast-side lie the small Islands Bieque on the East coast then are onely these two Ports Saint Iames and Yabucoa The prime commodities of this Island are great store of Sugars Ginger Cassia and Neats hides It did abound with silver and gold but those mines are either exhausted or neglected for want of worke men Burmudos THere is another Island called Burmudos which because it falleth much
Fish Fowl and honey with which it aboundeth Over against the West end of Cumana a degree remote to the North lyeth Tortugas and Blancas distant five leagues one from the other which for that they afford little elâ—e but Hogges and Goats hard to be taken being overrunne with exceeding sharp briers and thornes are seldome gone unto The next part of the continent bending to the Northwest is Venezuella a â—ar greater and râ—cher Country It consisteth of many Provinces and hath in it many Spanish Townes and commodicus Havens The soyle in generall is so fertill as it affordeth two cropâ— yeerly the Pastures and Meddowes thereof are so many and â—o rich as they plentifully sustaine greâ—t store of wholsome Cattell as well Neat as other The great sâ—ore of Cow and Oxe hides usually brought from thence sufficiently prove the same It is also generally reported to afford in divers Provinces good store of treasure especially gold of the best sort Before the comming of the Gâ—rmanes into this Country to whom the Emperour Charles gave it in regard of their great service against the Protestants the Country was full of Inhabitants but by reason of the covetousnesse and cruelty of those Germanes whose intent was not to plant but to make spoyle of the Natives they were well nigh utterly rooted out and are not now much increased by a latter possession of the Spanish but Tygers and other wild beasts have overrunne it Spanish Authors make mention of severall Provinces belonging to Venezuella but they doe not so cleerly prescribe their severall limits as is requisite Therefore proceeding in my discourse according to my usuall method in following the Sea-coast I shall briefly acquaint you with such Spanish Towns as are neare adjacent to the Sea-coast or neer upon the same degree of longitude though farre distant in regard of latitude from North to South which is the breadth of the Country The most Easterne promontory of Venezuella is Cordeliera within five miles of Porte de Guaira whence within fifteene miles is the strong Tower called Caraâ—as and from thence within two miles is Blanco all convenient harbours for ships Then follow Turâ—ane and Burburate two other commodious and safe Havens the former whereof affordeth good water and is distant from Blanco thirteene miles the other store of salt and is remote from the said Blanco fifteene miles Within the Land aâ—ove two leagues from the Sea-coast lyeth Carvaleda a Spanish Towne of some note and from thence about foure leagues is Saint Iago a greater Town where the Governour of those parts doth usually reside From Porte Burbarata about seven leagues within the continent directly to the South the Spanish of latter time hath built Nova Valentia from whence fifteene leagues more to the South is Nova Zerez of a later standing both well accommodated with wholsome provision in a competent measure From Zerez to Nova Segovia another Spanish Towne directly to the South is twenty leagues it joyneth upon the River Bariquicemetâ— which falleth after a great circuit of ground into the River Oronoque the Country hereabouts is very barren but the mountaines with which it is surrounded are conceived by the Germanes who built that Towne to be well stored with gold this opinion of theirs is upon good grounds strongly confirmed by others of better judgement who have written of those parts Tucunio that is exceedingly commended for the sweetnesse of the Ayre the temperature of the climate the super-abundant variety of victuall and store of gold it yeeldeth is yet eleven leagues more to the Southwest distant from the neerest place of the North Seacoast fifty from Nova Granado 150 leagues in which long passage two parts are very pleasant and fruitfull the third very rough and ill provided Now to returne to the Sea coast and so with relation to the longitude of Venesuella to survey the middle of this Country as it extendeth it selfe to the South Not farre from Burburata lyeth a little gulfe called Triste from which Porte Etsave is a league distant whence the Land beginning to wind upon the North sea continueth for the space of 55 leagues so to doe by somewhat proportionable gaining on the Sea Onely a little above Coro the onely City here the Land turning two leagues to the South and then againe twelve to the North-west admitteth a great inlet of the Sea which falling somewhat neare to the gulfe of Venezuella laying on the other side maketh a kind of Peninsula called Paragoana containing in the circumferance about 25 leagues The Cape whereof to the North is San-Roman a promontory of great note and betweene the South-west end thereof and the foresaid gulfe lyeth the great Lake of Maracaybo extended into the continent in length 35. 〈◊〉 bredth ten leagâ—es over the mouth of it being a mile and a halfe wide joyned with the gulfe of Venequell whence though the Sea daily flow into it yet doth it empty it selfe by a constant ebbing The Islands over against this part of the continent some leagues remote in respect of latitude are first Bonary neare a degree distant to the North it is of eight miles circumferance well provided with store of hogs and horse as also with one safe Haven on the Northwest end thereof from hence 39 leagues farther to the west and fourteene to the North from Coro the onely City of Venezuella is Curaca farre lesse but more fertill It hath a Haven on the North but not very safe especially for great ships The last is Araba nine miles remote from Quaracâ—o to the West and eight from Cape San Roman to the North Let us now consider the Spanish Townes adjacent to this Sea-coast and more remote into the Land Coro which is built in the foresaid Peninsula having a Bishop seat in it goeth by the name of a City and is indeed the onley place of note neare adjoying to Sea and chiefe Towne of Venezuella it hath belonging to it two Havens to the West and North that to the west though not very good is farre better then that of the North The Country round about is well stored with fish flesh fowle and sugar Canes One thing it hath peculiar such store of wholsome and medicinable herbs as it is said to need no Physitian From Coro directly to the South betweene the North Sea-coast the Lake Maracabo and neare Valentâ—a lyeth Portilla de Carora in the fertile Vale of Carora a large space of ground neare two leagues from the pleasant and fruitfull fields of Coro to the no lesse pleasant and fruitfull Vale of Carora is mountainous and unfruitfull inhabited onely by Savages called Xizatiaras and Axaguas In the bottome of Maracabo is Lagana a Spanish Towne surrounded between two Rivers with well levelled grounds which might serve to good use being abundantly stored with Deere Coneys and great variety of Fowle but that it is overrunne with wild Beasts especially with Tygers Beyond which eightteene leagues more to the South is the
A SHORT DISCOVERIE Of the Coasts and Continent of AMERICA From the Equinoctiall Northward and of the adjacent ISLES By William Castell Minister of the Gospell at Courtenhall in Northamptonshire Whereunto is prefixed the Authors Petition to this present Parliament for the propagation of the Gospell in America attested by many eminent English and Scottish Divines And a late Ordinance of Parliament for that purpose and for the better government of the English Plantations there Together with Sir Benjamin Rudyers Speech in Parliament 21. Ian. concerning America London Printed in the yeer 1644. ORNATISSIMIS VIRIS OLIVERO St. JOHN Sollicitatori Regis generali JOANNI WILD Servienti ad Legem verae Religionis Iuris municipalis Patriae debitae libertatis Assertoribus integerimis GVLIELMVS CASTELL debitae observantiae gratitudinis ergo sed praecipue ob eximium utriusque desiderium proâ—pagandi Evangelium apud Americoâ— Hoâ— suum qualecunque Opusculum humiliter D. D. D. AD LECTOREM NOn opus exegi tamen haec quae scripta videbis Romanam Cathedram Hispanos Erebâ—mque movebunt Scilicet Americam sibi soli poscit habendam Rex Cantabrorum quod non siâ—it iste libellus Multorum effigies fida medulla laborum Nec minuâ— infensos Papam Papaeque Paâ—entem Hic liber inveniet Papam retegendo suorum Impuros coitus fraudes perjuriâ— clades Indorum immeritas saeve sine fine pâ—ractas Nec quicquam dubito slygia depâ—omta pharetra In me missurum saevissima Daemona tela Lumen Evangelij audentem suadere Britannis Laete festinare armata milite classe Gentibus ignotis in quas bis mille per annos Vindicat imperium plus quam regale retentum Iamque suas tam sponte suas vel posse reposci Et fremit frendit velut atrox Cerberus olim Aâ—t ego quid fremitus quid inania tela mâ—rarer Si mode vel quicquam nostro quocunque labore Americis prosim misere jam lumine cassis Vt tandem in se discendant laqueisque soluti Tartareis Christitutissima castra sequantur Agnoscantque Deum terrae caelique supremum Artificem Regem vereque petentibus illum Depositum credant verum solamen in illo Praesentis perdulce levamen spemque beatae Vitae venturae periturae tempore nullo Hoc mihi si dederit pater optimus undique venâ— Divite tellurem gemmis auroque refertam Non fâ—occi facio tanto dignatus honore TO THE MOST HIGH AND HONOVRABLE Court of PARLIAMENT now Assembled The humble Petition of WILLIAM CASTELL Parson of Courtenhall in Northamptonshire for the propogating of the Gospell in America IN all humble manner sheweth unto your approved wisdomes the great and generall neglect of this Kingdome in not propagating the glorious Gospell in America a maine part of the World Indeed the undertaking of the work is in the generall acknowledged pious and charitable but the small prosecution that hath hitherto been made of it either by us or others having as yet never been generally undertaken in pitty to mens soules but in hope to possesse the Land of those Infidels or of gaine by Commerce may well make this and all other Christian Kingdomes confesse they have been exceeding remisse in performing this so religious so great so necessary a worke May it therefore please your wisdomes to give your Petitioner leave to propose briefly as the nature of a Petition requireth the more then ordinary piety and charity of the worke the evident necessity and benefit of undertaking together with the easinesse of effecting A greater expression of piety your Petitioner conceiveth there cannot be then to make God knowne where he was never spoken nor thought of to advance the Scepter of Christs Kingdome And now againe to reduce those who at first were created after the Image of God from the manifest worship of Devils to acknowledge and adore the blessed Trinity in Unity To do this is to be happy instruments of effecting those often repeated promises of God in making all Nations blessed by the comming of Christ and by sending his Word to all Lands It is to inlarge greatly the pale of the Church And to make those who were the most detestable Synagogues of Sathan delightfull Temples of the Holy Ghost It was a high point of piety in the Queen of the South to come from the utmost parts of the world to heare the wisdome of Salomon And so it was in Abraham to leave his native countrey for the better and more free service of his God And certainly it will be esteemed no lesse in those who either in their persons or purses shall religiously endeavour to make millions of those silly seduced Americans to heare understand and practise the mysterie of godlinesse And as is the piety such is the charity of the work exceeding great to no lesse then the immortall soules of innumerable men who still sit in darknesse and in the shadow of death continually assaulted and devoured by the Dragon whose greatest delight is to bring others with himselfe into the same irrecoverable gulfe of perdition What those blinde and spirituall distressed Americans are we were and so had continued had not Apostolicall men afforded greater charity unto us Divisis orbe Britannis by long journeying and not without great hazzard of their lives then as yet hath been shewed by us unto them We are not indeed indued with such eminent extraordinary gifts as were the Primitive Christians but yet if it be duly considered how fully and how purely God hath imparted his Gospell unto this Island how miraculously he hath lately protected us from Spannish Invasions and Popish Conspiracies how at this time we abound in shipping and all manner of provision for Sea It will be found that we of all Nations are most for the work and most ingaged to do it in due thankfulnesse to God Nor is the arms of the Lord shortned or his wonted bounty so restrained but that undertaking the Voyage principally for Gods glory and in compassion to mens soules we may expect a more then an ordinary blessing from him whose usuall custome is to honour those that honour him and most abundantly even in this life to recompence such religious undertakings The Spaniard boasteth much of what he hath already done in this kinde but their own Authors report their unchristian behaviour especially their monstrous cruelties to be such as they caused the Infidels to detest the name of Christ Your wisdomes may judge of the Lion by his claw In one of their Islands called Hispaniola of 2000000 of men as Benzo in his Italian History affirmeth they had not left 150 soules And Lipsius justly complaineth that wheresoever they came they cut downe men as they did corn without any compassion And as for those that survived they bought their lives at deare rates for they put them to beare their carriages from place to place and if they failed by the way they either miserably dismembred or killed them
King of England to that purpose but because a more full Discovery hath since been made by two worthy French-men Quarteri and Champlâ—ri from whose much approved relations I shall here briefely impart unto you what I conceive requisite for us to know These two worthy French-men tell us that all the discovery they madâ— of this part of America more than ever as yet hath been made was by the great River Canada falling from the West about an hundred leagues into the North part of St. Laurence Gulfe and by the Southerne Ocean Westward I shall therefore in this my briâ—fe Relation trace them in their long Voyages this way beginning with that part of New France that bordereth on both sides Canada where they made their first enterance Only let me take notice of some Promontories lying beâ—ween the South Ocean and Canada River not much frequented for that the comming in unto them hath often proved dangerous the seas being in most places very narrow by reason of the foresaid great Islands and many more which formerly did and now doth cause them who trade thither to steere a more safe course above the said Islands more to the North-east between them and New-found-Land They are knowne by these names Cape de Esperance and Bay de Chaleux somewhat above the 48 Port Gachepe upon the 49 Cape de Bontoneriers and Cape Evesque between the degrees of 50 and 49. From which last Cape beginneth the fall of Canada best known and most usually used by the West-side of Natiscotâ—â— whereunto answereth on the North-side the River of Cheschedec more than thirty leagues distant for such is the widenesse of that River there affirmed to be The next cape on the South-side whereunto the River Magaret on the North answereth is de Chate remote from the former neare thirty leagues Above these somewhat neare opposite But 20 leagues remote from the former lye the Rivers Lesquemin to the North and Montonne to the South The farthest navigable parts of this great river are on the North Tadousac a good haven at the falling of the heady River Saguâ—nay from the North-west as yet but very little discovered and the River May on the South-side The other part of Canada not navigable with any great vessell was yet attâ—mpted by Quartery to good purpose and after upon a further search Champlany is affirmed to reach yet 300 lâ—agues to the South-west The principall places by them observed are Orleance and Sault thirty leagues from Tadousac then follow Quebec 20 Mary River 60 Lake Pierto 100 leagues more Now concerning the goodnesse of this soyle and climate the condition of the Natives and what hath been here performed by the French It may suffice to know that the land oâ— the North side of Canada from the fall of it to the River Saguenay as far as is yet discovered is found to be mountenous wooddy and barren besides the comming up the River on that side is found much more dangerous than that â—o the South which also in many places requireth carefull circumspection But then the land is much more fruitfull and convenient to trade for Bevours and rich Furres the grand commodity here to be expected by reason there are more store of Natives to trade withall In the generall all this part of the Countrey is judged to be over cold in Winter to be well inhabited though yet it be constantly affirmed that the Natives might live very plentifully there were they not carelesse in sowing planting and making timely provisions and so prodigall in spending in two or three moneths what might serve them the whole year Sure it is that the French have taken a great opinion of it for besides many voyages formerly made they have from the yeare 1608. to the year 1616. made six voyages under the conduct of the fore-named Champlany and it is no lesse certaine that the French have continuall trading thither as finding good returne especially for Bevours skins The other part of New France adjacent to the South Ocean beginning where we came up in Saint Laurence Gulfe on the West-side of Ile Britton are Port Camseau and Port de Savelette somewhat above the 45 degree of latitude then halfe a degree more to the South follow Bay de Toutes and Port Elaine The first ful thirty the second neare fifty leagues from Savelette then Bay Senne Margurite River and Cape Heve all these follow one after another for a degree farther Yet more to the South-west follow Port de Rosignall Cape de Sable Port Courante and Cape Forcu one after another for the space of 35 leagues From Cape Forcu beginneth a great Inlet Sea called Bay Francoyse of 15 leagues wide at the first enterance but after a while it is narrowed more and more as it runneth backward towards the North-east full 30 leagues into the Continent And into this bosome of Sea are many good havens but that the comming up unto them is not so good They are knowne by these names Marys Bay Port Royall and Port aux Mines about five leagues distant the one from the other And here it is to be observed that the turning in of the foresaid bosome of the sea neare as far to the North-east as the Gulfâ— of Saint Laurence environeth that part of New France as the French call Cade On the South-west side of Bay Francoyse are Cape Range Saint Iohns River Port Coquilles and the River Croix Now the temprature of this part of this Country is better then the other as not being so excessive cold but the goodnesse of the soyle is in the generall not so good as is that part which is called Canada lying on the South-side of the River Canoda Yet the French have taken so good liking thereof that the Lord de Monts and the Lord de Poutrincourt have made some voyages thither in person and spent great part of their estates in setling Plantations there whereof there was great hope of good successe untill the yeare 1611. and 1613. the then Queene Regent of France who hath since proved the Fire-brand of Christendome after the murder of her Husband Henry the fourth by Jesuits sent some of that hellish fraternity thither in favour of her holy Father the Pope and the King of Spain to disturbe the Plantations as no doubt her deare daughter our now dreadfull Queene hath doth and will unhappily endevour to do â—y the counsell of her greatest favourites Spanish pentions especially if we shall presume to plant or trade in those much richer Southerne Countries which the Spaniard proudly challengeth as his inheritance Touching the Native Inhabitants here I will say no more but that they are much of the same condition with those who border about Canada men of no religion living without God in the world deluded and captivated by Satan and their Priests which they call Autonoins The Country in Sommer affordeth them sufficient food but for want of due provision for Winter they then are often exceedingly pinched
but that they were unexpectedly furnished with some victuals by an English ship After this the civill war ceasing in France and Colinus the Admirall returning againe into grace with the King Laudonerius the twentieth of May 1544 set forth with three ships well furnished for Florida where he arrived the twentieth of June and was friendly received by the Natives but could not find any gold or silver Mines though he spent much travell and time in search after them so long as his provision was all spent And the Natives growing both unable and unwilling to supply him any longer he was resolved to have returned into France if the foresaid Ribaldus had not againe arrived there with threâ— small ships out of France whose expected comming as it was very joyfull to the French so the Natives seemed to be highly pleased therewith as foure of their petty Kings the Kings of Homoloa Seravatri Almacam Malica and Castri came forth to congratulate Ribaldus arrivall and promised to conduct the French unto the Mountaines of Apalactri where store of red Mettall was to be had which they supposed to be gold But this great hope of the French soone vanished by reason of the Spaniards comming suddenly upon them with great ships every way well prepared upon whose approach the French stole away to sea but were forthwith pursued by the Spaniard whom though they as then escaped yet were they by a violent tempest after shipwrack and losse of some of their men againe cast upon the coast of Florida about six and twenty miles higher to the North-east towards Virginia where they were forth with set upon by the Spaniard beaten out of their Forts and almost all cruelly slaine to the number of six hundred among which Ribaldus the Governour was one though he yeelded himself among other conditions to have his life spared Laudonerius 〈◊〉 â—â—me few of the French escaped hardly to their ships 〈…〉 returned into France having cast off all future hopes of 〈◊〉 which was now 〈…〉 dispose of the cruell Spaniard neither 〈◊〉 the French 〈◊〉 for that he greatly disliked if not hated 〈◊〉 and such were these that were â—laine in 〈…〉 slaughter of his people as ever afâ—â—â—â—o much as attempt the least revenge of their bloud which yet two yeares after one Monsier Gurgius a private man at his owne charge with 280 men transported in three ships wâ— most vâ—liantly undertaken and no lesse happily effected by the help of the Natives who upon his first arrivall out of an inveterate hatred to the Spaniard their insolent outragious opposers joyned with him to the slaughter and utter extirpating of them out of Florida and yet for all this compleat victory the valiant Gurgius though earnestly invited by the Natives would not venture with so small a force to stay long in Florida as knowing very well that the bloudy revengefull Spaniard might in a short time from Cuba Hispaniola or other there neare adjoyning Plantations invade him with far greater forces and therefore within a while returned where he found his worthy service to be so displeasing to the King and his Popish Lords as he was faine a good while to hide himselfe and to fly for his life and after this we doe not heare that the French did ever venture into Florida any more Neither yet hath the Spaniard obtained any strong footing there for as yet they have no Towne of any note toward the sea of Mexico and but two which lye towards the Northerne sea the one which is chiefest called Saint Augustines the other Saint Matthewes of great difficulty to be taken by a small Navy but of great import in regard of their great wealth to them that shall take them And now will I only describe the Sea coasts of Florida from the Confines of Virginia unto Nova Hispania far better known then the Inland countries to the North of Florida The nearest River of Florida to Virginia of any note falling into the Ocean is the River Iordaine which lyeth 32 degrees from the Equinoctiall from whence about 20 leagues downeward to the South towards the West lyeth the Promonntory of S. Hellen neare Port Royall which the French chose for the best and surest place to begin their Plantations between which Oristanum Ostanum and Cayagna whereof the first is distant from S. Hellen six leagues the second from the first four leaguesthe third from the second eight leagues but how far Cayagua is from the River Iordaine is not yet determined From S. Hellen to Dos Baxos haven is five leagues from thence to the Bay De Asapo three leagues thence to Cafonusum three to Capula five to Saron nine to S. Alcany fourteen to S. Peter twenty leagues All Bayes and Rivers Westward falling down to the South from Peter Bay which lyeth about the 31 Degree to the South to S. Matthews Town is five leagues and from thence ten more to S. Austines directly Southward the land so falling in upon the Sea from the degree of 30 and a half to 25 where the comming up of thestrait of Bahama beginneth having to the west side those dangerous Rocks called Marteries to the East those called Roques betweene S. Austines Towne and the Bay de Mosquito is fifteen leagues From thence to the point Caâ—evarall is 16 leagues from thence to the River Ayz is full 20 leagues and from thence to Martyres neer as many more so as from Cape Francis neer S. Matthewes Towne where the land beginneth to turne directly Southward to Martires comming up from the Gulph of Mexico to the north-Northeast parts of Florida is neere six degrees downeward to the Line Not far from Martires Westward lie Tortugas dangerous Ilands where the Continent of Florida turneth againe almost directly North for near 5 degrees Betweene which and Tacobago which lyeth neer to the top of that great Reach lye the Bayes of Carlos Tampa Muspa S. Ioseph Muspa is distant from Carlos thirteen leagues to Tampa from Carlos as many more from thence to S. Ioseph are fifteen leagues and from S. Ioseph to Tacobago eighteene betweene which at S. Ioseph beginneth a great inlet of the Sea for more then twenty leagues to the North latitude and more then forty foure to the Westerne longitude in the middle of which lyeth Ante a safe haven and of great import for those who intend a more full discovery of Florida which as yet is bu slenderly discovered towards the West for betweene it and the most Northwest parts of Nova Hispania which are distant the one from the other four hundred leagues we reade but of one safe Bay called the Bay of the Holy Ghost neer Cape de Crus and some few Rivers for succour and supply of Navigators The first River from Ante one hundred leagues is Nieves from whence the River Flores is twenty from the Haven of the Holy Ghost which is of all the surest To the River Flores is seventy leagues from which to the River Piscadores is as many
Province of Xuruara and beyond that ten leagues more somewhat neare to the south-east is the Port of Guiacas of both which we read of nothing much worth noting but onely betwixt these and the rich Provincâ— of Tucuio 25 leagues distant a short passage may be had into the great Kingdome of Granado The south side of the Lake Maricabo is inhabited by the Pocabuyes and the Alcohalads two Nations of a milder temper and more traâ—table disposition then are most other Natives both are confidently reported to possesse great riches and a â—oyle every way well furnished for a comfortable sustentation of life Terra Firma ANd now having finished Venezuella we are to proceed with the next adjacent part called Terra Firma as being first â—ound after the Islands It is thought by Cieca who hath wrote of it that it extendeth it selfe from about Martha which is in the eleventh degree of the North latitude within a degree of the equinoctiall for the space of 400 leagues The bredth of it as it is taken according to the sea-coast from Cape Vela tâ—Panima directly West where it is widest doth not exceed three hundred leagues Betweene which not many leagues distant from sea though farre remote the one from the other arise foure high Mountaines running the length of this Region and all Peru and Chyly are usually knowne by the name of the Andion mountaines where they are narrowest they are two leagues over in most ten in some more then twenty but â—heâ— betweene these mountaines lye many large well levelled plaines which being continually watered from the many small brookes and wide Rivers issuing from them make many exceeding fruitfull Provinces except it be some places where over great abundance of waters tuâ—neth them into Mores and Fens The Climate in generall is very wholsome but in regard of heat and cold little can be said of it in generall the mountaines and the plaines differing so much these being for the greatest part of the yeere somewhat over hot those over cold yet so as having recourse to both according to the severall seasons of the yâ—ere they prove very convenient for habitation and are for the most part as well stored with gold and precious stones as any part of Aâ—erica whatsoever When I have set forth so much of this Sea-coast as shall be requisite at once I shall then by an orderly falling downe with the continent within a degree or two of the equinoctiall particularly acquaint you with the places where the foresaid treasure and many other usefull commodities are to be had Cape Vela the most Easterne Province of Terâ—a Firma is distant from â—oro in Venezuella sixty leagues from whence to Rio de la Hacha are eighteene thence to Martha thirty thence to Cartagena five and thirty more These three are the onely Haven Townes of note belonging to the East part of this Country though yet there be many other Ports and Rivers which may and doe afforâ— safe harbour for shipping Short of deâ—la Hacha to the East is River Ranceria beyond it to the West foure leagues is Port Ramada then follow the mouth of the five great Rivers Buhio Pera Palamino Don Diego and Anchon de Quagâ—câ—icho remote the one from the other a league or two Betweene these and Martha Port doe intervene Concha and Los Anchones two convenient Havens though nothing comparable to that of Martâ—a which in the yeere 1587 was certified to the King of Spaine by Baptista Antonella his owne Geographer to be moâ—e safe and convenient for the Spanish Fleets yeerly passage into those parts then Cathagena if any considerable cost were bestowed upon it and that meerly for want thereof it hath beene twice taken by the English with small forces Betweene Martha Towne and the falling of the great River Martha which is neare about the mid-way Cape Agnia and the navigable Rivers of Gayra and Ciennagoy places of note doo intervene So on the other side betweene it and the Port of Carthagena the sandy Island of Zamba and other shelvy places by avoyding the coast and striking to Sea are carefully to be avoyded untill ships maâ— more safely put in from Sea to Canoa but two leagues from Carthagena As for the Port of Carthagena it self were it as well provided as the foresaid Baptista adviseth his Majesty of Spaine to have it done it might upon better ground be esteemed impregnable But for ought I can read or heare a strong Navy which can spare to land but 2000 or 3000 men where they shall find opportunity may take the Towne and all the rich treasure in it as well as it hath beene formerly taken by our Countrymen with farre lesse strength when it was lessâ— fortified but of this strong Port more hereafter From Cartagena where the Sea beginneth to decline from the North to the south-west for the space of 35 leagues untill we come to the gulfe of Uraba into which falleth the great River Darion we read only of some small Islands as Caramari Bara Tortaga to be observed to avoyd for the dangerous accesse unto them rather then for any good to be gain'd from them yet there are two safe and convenient Havenâ— betweene them Hitherto of the sea coast of Terra Firma to the said gulfe where on the West siâ—e the Islands of Panima a narrow neck of the Land continueth and yet seperateth it from Nova Hispania where the North continent beginneth to arise some degrees to the North Let us now pierce into the continent of Terra Firma and view it according to its severall governments with as neere a relation as we may to the foresaid Ports whether more neere adjoyning or further remote The fâ—â—st government taketh its name from Rio de Hacha the first Port towne to us-ward it is but of small extent for it reacheth not above eight leagues into the continent but stored with Spanish fruits golden mines and precious stones of divers sorts and were it not withall over-stored with wild beasts in the field and Crocodils in the Rivers it might well be reckoned one of the best habitations of Terra Firma Besides Rancheria and Ramada which as Haven townes I mentioned before we read of one Spanish towne called Tappia well furnished with Cattell This Province is seperated by the mountaines of Buritaca from the government of Martha of farre greater extent somewhat more then 110 leagues in length from East to West and not few lesse in bredth from North to south The particular Provinces belonging to this spacious government doe much differ in divers respeâ—ts The Valley of Tayrona seven leagues distant to the East of Martha and the Province of Buritaca â—ight moâ—e are fertill and very rich in gold and precious stones neither are they â—â—oubled with over-much heat or cold But the Valley of Upar wherein standeth Cuidad at the head of the River Pompâ—tao remote from Martha fifty leagues seperated from Buritaâ—a though it be somewhat fertill yet is it
over cold The Land for three leagues compasse adjoyning to the Towne of Martha from which the whole government taketh denomination is very healthfull and pleasant but withall very ill provided with victuall unlesse Oranges and Lemons and such like Spanish fruits or that the native fruits which the Pine and Guiavah trees there plentifully affoâ—d may suffice The Provinces to the West of Martha toward Carthagena namely Bonda and Poziguica are much of the same condition healthfull but not fruitfull The rest of this government downe to the South is invironed with two great Rivers with Martha to the West and Pompatao to the South-east which being remote the one from the other more then forty leagues for the space of two degrees of latitude North and South untill the River â—ompatao turning directly to the West at length falleth into the greater River Madalena for so it is here stiled though it selfe also be but an arme of Martha Now for that in so large a tract of ground which the long continued distance of the foresaid Rivers sufficiently prove no mention is made of any other Spanish Towne but onely of Tenerifae which is within forty leagues of Martha where Madalena falleth into it and Tamalameque fifteene leagues belowe more to the South bordering neere thereunto it may and is probably conjectured that here may be found â—ood habitation A third government adjoyning to the sea-coast is Cartagâ—na so called from the chiefe Port towne of all Terra Firma This government is more spacious and populous then either of the former but withall it is in the generall lesse healthfull and lesse profitable as being for the most part either taken up with waste unusefull Mountaines or being pestered with many fennes and bogges by reason of the continuall overflowing of Martha and and other smaller Rivers of their Valleys that otherwise might be much more beneficiall for the grazing of Cattell From the falling of that great River into the sea where this government beginneth to the East no mention is made of any Spanish towne toward the sea-coast untill we come to â—artagena it selfe which City is inferiour to very few or none in all America It is reported not onely by Spanish Authors Herea Bapâ—ista and others but also by the Dutch who have lately more exactly viewed the scituation of it to be very strong it standeth in a kind of Peninsula two miles from the maine sea which upon that coast unlesse in some â—ew chanels 〈◊〉 dangerous by reason of many shallowes sands and shelves the comming up to it though no farther remote is likewise difficult both by water and land The water passages are three all narrow and shallow serving onely for small Vessels and withall strongly fortified The land passages that are as many are very narrow made cawâ—y-wise so as but few can goe a brest to force their way being opposed by severall strong Forts and â—o make their way on either side the cawceys is impossible being all of them so compassed with deep ditches and unpassable bogges And yet for want of fresh water they continually fetch from Galeera where the great ships ride a great Navy may easily keepe them from thence and so inforce them in a short time to yeeld for want of water Nor is it impossible but that this City may be taken by the water passages if good store of small Vessels well manned and otherwise provided shall be imployed therein The next towne distant from Cartagena to the south-west is Toku where great store of precious balsome either by distilling of it selfe or by incission of certaine trees is yeerly gathered and conveyed into Europe It is confidentâ—y reported by Monardes to be no way inferiour but rather more soveraigne for the curing of many diseases then was the balsome of Aegypt and the East Countryes in all Authors so highly commended The Climate is much more healthfull the soyle more fertill and usefull to feed Cattell as being six leagues from sea not mountainous and yet not taken up with flagges and bulrushes and other such like increase of Marish grounds as are Carthagena and the more neere confines thereof Now to looke yet further into the continent just opposite to the government of Martha directly to the South from the eighth degree of the North latitude beginneth the Kingdome of new Granada which extendeth it selfe unto the second degree upon both sides of Madalena more especially from the rising of the said River to the mid-way before it commeth into Martha it is said to be 130 leagues â—ong and betweene thirty and twenty broad The Land is not onely pleasant and healthfuâ—l but generaly very rich abounding with much treasure and ample provision for livelyhood The most unusefull parts of this great Kingdome is the next adjoyning to the government of Martha that is taken up with the waste Opion mountaines that permit not without great difficulty and many dayes travail entrance to Merida Pamplona Saint â—hristoâ—hers and other the Nortâ—erne parts thereof no lesse wealthy then pleasant But then this difficult passage may be avoyded by making use of the constant flowing of Sea into the wide mouth of Martha which conveniently conveyeth ships of great bulke for forty leaguâ—s unto Tenerifâ— where Magdalena falleth into Martha and then in small Vessels of fifty or sixty foot long and foure or five foot broad they may with ample provision of men victuall and ammunition passe up the River Magdalena untill they come to the rich inhabited places of Granada Of which the Provinces of Musâ—â— and â—olyma on the East side the Province of Arbi on the West side of Magdalena are neerest to the Opiâ—n mountaines The Provinces to the Easterfide in which stand foure Spanish Townes Placentta Trinidad Tudela and Palma are somewhat too hot by reason that the Sun-beams doe very strongly reflect upon them by a continuation of exceeding high mountaines yet more to the East And yet withall they are over moysty the water falling for six moneths in the yeer â—oo fiercely from those mountaines and the River Magdalena to which they border being so subject to overflowing The soyle neverthelesse doth affâ—râ— two plettifull Crops and feedeth much Cattell Neither are the mountaines adioyning to these Provinces thought to be utterly destiâ—ute of treasure but certaine it is they abound with Emmeâ—ald and Berril stones In the Province of Arbi on the West side of Magdalena over against â—lacentia in the sixth degree of latitude lyeth Senora constantly reported to be richly furnished with golden Mines as is Maraquita with silver Mines standing in the fifth degree over against Trinidad Neere upon the same dâ—gree of latitude fifteene leagues to the East of Trinidad is Tunia a healthy wealthy and well provided Province for all kind of sustentation necessary â—ot onely for life but even for the abundance of many delights in which respect it is so well inhabited by the Spanish as that it is able to bring 200 horse into the field And
River Cauca or hath brought into miserable slavery Twelve leagues on the West of Cauca from Cali lyeth Carapa a hilly Province but every way convenient for habitation As many more downe the said River on the East side beginneth a farre greater Province fifteene leagues in length and ten in bredth in which standâ—th Cartago betweene two very pleasant Rivers wâ—erein are found many small peeces of gold continually washed from the mountainâ—s adjoâ—ning Those parts of this Prâ—vince neere bordering upon the loâ—est banks of Cauca are very fenny oâ—ergrowne with reeds and bulrushes and yet Cartago seven leagues remote from that River and many other places are constantly reported to be exceeding rich and healthfull though yet for the greater part of the yeere they are usually subject to extraordinary raine and thundering Betweene Carthago and Ancerma twenty leagues distant almost 〈◊〉 North upon Cauca beginning here to be better knowne by the name of the great River Martha doe intervene three other Provinces on the West Copia in which staâ—deth Acerma of greatest note next to Popaian distant to the North 50 leagues This Province in generall is mountainous except the Valley of Ancerma pleasant and fruitfull and the adjoyning Rivers falling fâ—om the mountaines afford much gold in little grains mingled with the sand thereof Picera Pozo and Pancura Provinces on the East of Martha are of lesse extent but more levell and more inhabited and no lesse pleasant or profitable To these Provinces yet more North towards the City of Aâ—tioch the most noble part of all Popaian and neerest to us-ward towards the mouth of Martha on either side the River doe intervene to the West Cartamma and the spaâ—ious Valley of Nore wherein standeth the City Antiochia invironed with high hils but withall sweetly watered with many little Rivers falling fâ—om them To the East are Arma and Cartamma of which foure last recited Provinces it may suffice briefly to know that they on either side the River are of at least thirty leagues in length and in most places ten in bredth no way inferiour if not exceeding the forenamed Provinces of Popaian either for their temperature of Ayre or fertility of soyle or the store of treasure that their mâ—untaines and Rivers afford Panima THus have we passed over all Terra Firma both by sea and land except Panima the most Westerne part which is very narrow in every place and serveth as a necke to continue the continent of America betweene the North and South sea I shall briefly finish it having but few places or things of any great consideration to write of it The length of this last government of Panima may be taken either according to the North Sea-coast from the aforementioned gulfe of Uraba to the closing of it with the River Viragua from which the most Easterne Province of Nova Hispania taketh denomination or else Southward as it is extended from the River Dariâ—n that falleth into the said gulfe and the South sea the length in either respect is upon due computation found not to exceed ninety leagues the bredth where it is widest doth not exceed thirty where narrowest as from Port Belâ— to Panima would mouâ—taines and Rivers and overgrowne Woods permit the shortest cut it would be found fully 8. leagues from sea to sea My greatest care in perusing this government is to take speciall notice of the Sea-coasts for besides the famous Ports Rivers Islands Promontories both on the North and South side of this necke of ground nothing is much worth the noting for three parts of it lying betweene the River Darien and the South-sea are taken up with exceeding high mountaines and those unfruitfull and unfit for habitation being overrunne with wild beasts besides the plains and Valleys adjoyning to either though they be more fruitfull yet very unhealthfull insomuch as though formerly they were well inhabited by Spaniards yet now they are for the most part deserted On the North from the gulfe of Uraba where I left my description of that Sea-coast unto the River Chagre the most Westerne belonging to Panima government not above forty leagues distant the one from the other there are found many safe and convenient Ports beside other places worthy consideration Within the narrow Uraban sea five leagues to the South-west of it standeth Darien a Towne after it was first raised in the yeere 1510. well inhabited but it continued not so above ten yeers for the Inhabitants in regard of the unhealthfulnesse thereof betooke themselves to Panima the chiefe Towne of all the government upon the mouth of the gulfe Where the sea beginneth to turne againe to the North lyeth Port My and then ten leagues further Port Acla both convenient Havens within but somewhat dangerous to put into by reason of the small Islands Gorde de Pinas and others neere adjoyning From Acla to Nombre de Dios sometime a famous Port Towne still a safe Haven are reckoned twelve leagues betweene which fall the Ports of Comagra and Cativa the Rivers Sanquo Mays Sardina and Sardinula But of all the Ports Port Belo which is by the procurement Baptista Antonellus was raised out of the ruins and dispeopling of Nombre de Dios five leagues distant from thence is the greatest safest and every way most convenient for the mutuall trading of the North and South Sea by the River Chagre many rich and necessary commodities of Europe being from hence continually transported to Panima whence the gold and silver of Peru and Chily are returned hither twice every yeere It was taken by Sir Francis Drake before the Towne and Fortifications thereunto belonging were one quarter finished And since in the yeere 1601 when it was fully finished it was surprised with two ships and a pinnace by Captaine Parker who found there in respect of the place but a very small booty not above 10000 dollers for that within a few dayes before 120000 were from thence conveyed to Carthagena The passage from this port Towne to Panima upon the South sea is not above eighteene leagues and in summer time not hindred by Creekes of sea not eight so that as there is no great difficulty with a considerable Navy to take Porto Belo and to secure the Navy there so would it prove no long march nor any hard enterprise to take Panima consisting but of 600 Families little experienced in martiall affaires and with it if the attempt be seasonably made five or six millions of money if we may give credit to the foresaid Antonellus the Spanish Kings Geographer or to our owne Countryman Master Harcourt This City for so it is usually stiled being the seat of a Bishop and the common residing place of the Governour and his chiefe Officers standeth in a very unhealthfull Ayre and no lesse barren soyle being almost destitute of corne grasse and other provisions necessary for life unlesse it be with Oranges and Lemans and divers other wholsome and well pleasing Indian Fruit And
only Saint Hieromes Port to the south it hath foure convenient Havens Borica Saint Lazaro Para Nicora The inland Spanish Townes of this Province are Carthago standing much about the middle of it â—0 leagues from either sea Arames iâ— within five leagues Eastward to the South sea and Nicora one of the aforesaid Havens A third Province belonging to Guatimala is Nicuragua this as the two former taketh its bredth from sea to sea but in a double pâ—oportion in some places eighty leagues over though in length Westward to Guaâ—â—mala Province it exceedeth not fifty The Climate in summer is â—ver hot in winter over cold the soyle is levell fit to feed Catteâ—l but not to beare Corn Hogs Fish Cotten Salt and goodly timber it yeelds great store Herea maketh mention here of a kind of Trees called Zeybis so mighty big about that five men joyning hand in hand can hardly fathome one of them The Inhabitants of this Province are much civilized by the Spaniard can speak their language have learned their trades and are very subject unto them the Contalles onely accepted who keep themselves in Woods and mountaines The most observable thing here is the lake Nicuragua whence the Province taketh name both in regard of its large circumference being as it is reported no lesse then 130 miles it hath a constant ebbing and flowing and though the head of it be not above foure leagues from the South sea yet in hath intercourse onely with the North sea that is in distance fifteen times further the falling of this great lake in no small streames is in the midst between the eleventh and twelfth degree of the North latitude where the continent againe beginneth to extend it selfe for five degrees at least more to the North not without some turnings and returnings from East to West from whence taking in againe with as many windings and turnings for 120 leagues to the North-west the Sea breakes in againe between the Province of Honduras and Yucatan another part of the continent which inlet of sea is called the gulfe of Honduras Now then keeping my selfe to my proposed method I am first to piscover the Ports Rivers and Islands of this North Sea-coast before I come to speak of this or any other of the Provinces contained in the circumference of the many long and large reaches thereof The first sea Port to the North of Nicuragua is called S. Iohns Port the middle streame where the said lake venteth it selfe A second is called Yaropo betweene which and Saint Iohns pâ—râ— being somewhat more then 20. leagues distant many little Islands doe intervene in which distance there is no safe putting in to land Upon the 13. degree of latitude falleth the river Yare affording a convenient haven and a little above that latitude though many leagues short of it in respect of longitude is Saint Catalina better knowne to us by the name of the Isle of Providence appearing in the Mappe no more then a small spot not above two miles broad nor five long yet so fertill and so well accommodated with all provision as for these many yeeres last â—ast it liberally sustained more then 1000. English men untill the Spaniard fearing their over neer approaching to these parts where the usuall passage and constant receipts of all their treasure was I meane Cartagena Panima and Porto Belo in Terrafirma and Havana in Cuba after many assaults displanted them which seemeth to me all things considered a great wonder they did not long before put their full strength upon it and it is no lesse to be wondred at that they should offer and performe such reasonable quarter not onely as is constantly reported of permitting them but also in supplying them with shipping to transport them into Virginia New England and other English plantations they neither feare nor regard as being farre remote Above Y are halfe a degree is the gulfe of Niâ—uesa a good harbour for shipping and ten leagues further somewhat about the 14. degree is the promontary of Gracias a Dios bending to the East from whence the Continent winding in againe to the West for neer 50. leagves many pernicious Islâ—nds very remarkeable for the shipwracke of many doe intervene the Islands called Viciosas lying upon the 15 the Isle of Baxos upon the 16 and Millan upon the 17 degree of the north latitude and that which maketh the passages to these parts more dangerous is that to the East and North-East they are beset with Roncador Serrana Seranilla Sancanilla and some other rocks besides many shallowes and sands that require expert Piâ—ots to avoid them yet by Gods providence and their care they may be safely passed Betweene the Islands Viciosas and Baxos are two Bayes Honda and Cartago to both which the comming up is sandy and shallow Neere adjoyning to Boxos is Cape Camoron then 20. leagues further to the west is Cape Honduras betweene which the land bending like a bow to South and then to north againe falleth the goodly river Guiapa whose streames by the small peeces of gold they bring with them evidently declare the Mountaines adjoyning to have store of such treasure To the North of Honduras where that gulfe beginneth begin many Islands knowne by the name of the first and chiefe 〈…〉 harbours and worse coming in unto them they are in most places ten leagues from the continent and follow one upon another for at lest 30. leagues to the south-west In the middle space whereof Xagua a good haven falleth into the sea from the continent from whence for full 30. leagues unto port Cavallos on the West of the pleasant River de Sal is found no safe harbour bâ—t Cavallos is an exceeding convenient and safe harbour against wind and tempest yet not so well fortified but that it was twice taken easily by our Countriman Master Newport Anno 1591. and by Sir Anthony Sherley 1616. This gulfe de Honduras or Guanios for it is knowne by both names doth yet run for forty leagues further though still narrowed more and more by reason that Yucatan another part of the continent being a very long and large Peninsula falleth in and joyneth with the Province of Honduras in the narrowing whereof lye the River Vlva Cape de Puntas and Port de Higueras just in the breaking off another smaller gulfe called Dulce I shall now from the discovery of the Sea-coast fall to describe so much of the continent as lyeth between Sea and Sea Upon the North sea for 150. leagues doth the Provice of Honduras extend it self in bredth here and there more or lesse then 80. leagues in the generall a very rich and goodly Country for the Valleyes thereof afford three crops of their Indian graine and two of our wheat besides a continuall supply of grasse so as it is ever green flourishing and affordeth great store of provision for man and beast The Spanish Townes belonging to this Province taking them as I proceed in my description