Seas which is some 25 miles from Panama In the North seas where I say are the best the principall fishing for them is at the River of Haca which runneth between the Province of Sancta Martha and Carthagena and also at the Islands of Margreata and Cumana They are found in Oyster-shels of the colour of heaven fastned to gravell or Rocks six nine and twelve fathome under water and brought from thence by Negro slaves which are so expert in diving that some of them will continue half an hour under water CHAP. 4. Of the Island of New found Land IN order to a perticular description of this new World I shall first speak of the Islands of which the most Septentrionall is New-found land which stretcheth north and south from 46 degrees and a half to 50 and a half of latitude The Natives of this place are few and savage neither is there any thing in this Countrey to invite a Plantation it is so Rockie and barren But for the commoditie of fish which are taken on the Coast in great plenty there are some men that do endure the heat of Summer and cold in Winter both which come in extreams some are French but the most English in whose hand lieth the supream power the plenty of fish wch sort is wel known in England by the name of New-found land fish inviteth many ships thither whose lading is procured sometimes by themselves but for the most part by the dwellers in the place This Island lyeth at the mouth of the River Canida distant from the Continent at the North end neer half a league and the South west point is about a league from Cape Briton and by the one of these ways you passe to the River Canida CHAP. 5. Martins Vineyard THe next Island that is seated is Martins Vineyard It is a small Island on the coast of New England and the Governour is appointed by the Councill of Boston the chief government in New England It is 20 miles long and 10 broad And upon it are forty English families with divers peaceable Indians that live by hunting and fishing The soil is rocky but affordeth some English grain and Virginia Corn They have no Commerce but with the Indians of the Mayn for skins of Bever c. And some little Corn they send to Boston There is great plenty of Fish on the Coast which they procure the Indians to catch them at an easie rate CHAP. 6. Long Island SOuth west of Martins Vineyard lieth Long Island It is in length sixty English miles and fifteen in breadth The North east end is seated by some English which have been thrust from New England for their Judgement The most of them holding the Christian tenent of confession before Baptisme At the South West end there are some few Dutch and English This Island is a fruitfull soil for English grain and Milet and of a good air The Seas about it are well stored with Fish and the woods with Deer and Turkeys and it hath many quiet Indians that live by hunting and fishing The Dutch Plantation layeth claim to this Island so doth the South Government of New England but at present the Inhabitants live without duty to either There are divers other Islands on this Coast but not any seated or considerable to a Plantation The principall on the Coast of New England are in the Naraganset and Masyâ—â—sis Bayes and neer the Swedes Plantation Some few in Delaware Bay And Smiths Island at the North Cape of Virginia and from the Cape Charls which is the South Cape of the Chesapeaâ—k Bay in Virginia till you come to Cape Hatrask are no Islands This Cape is a point of an Iland in 36 degrees and from thence till you come to the point of St. Helena which is in 32 degrees all the coast along are broken Islands uninhabited the best is within Cape Hatrask in the same height It is called Roanock and is of 18 miles compasse to the South-ward of the mouth of the River Occam in old Virginia It is bad coming to it by reason of the shelves of Cape Hatrask which lyeth far out at Sea by which Cape he that will go to the said Island must passe CHAP. 7. The Bermudas or Somers Islands THis Island lyeth distant from the Main 200 leagues in 33 degrees and 20 minutes It is 20 miles long and something more then two miles in breadth And temperate in relation to heat and cold but violent in the blustring winds which often haunteth their coasts but a most wholsome place to live in and wel replenished with our Nation that live there without want for there is store of Milet or Virginia Corn and Potatoes divers sorts of fruits as Muskmelons Water-melons Figs Plants Papans Limons Oranges Limes Plenty of flesh as Turkeys Hens Pork and Beef and on the Coast much Fish The Commodity they yearly export is some Tobacco of the worst sort Beef and Pork The Spanish wracks that often happens on their Coast furnisheth them with pieces of eight And the best sort have their Negro Slaves to work for them This Iland is almost surrounded with rocks and shelves but on the South-side is an open road and toward the East end a good harbour hard to hit without an Islande for Pilot. When you first markâ— the Island it appears as a Rock in the Sea going almost right up aâ— a great way from the water and iâ— hath a delightfull aspect but ' tiâ— little better then a Rock there being but two foot of mould on the greatest part of it under which there is a kind of hard substance much like pumistone CHAP. 8. Of the Islands of Lucaos or Bahama THese Islands are South-west from the Barmuda's and to the North of Portorico Hispaniola and Cuba the most eminent is Lucayoneque in 27 degrees It hath almost to the West the Island of Bahama From whence the channell of Bahama between Florida and the Sholdes de los Mimbres taketh name The current of this channell seateth so hard to the North that although Winds be prosperous the Ships cannot enter it and if it be crosse they will go with the current Next to Bahama is a small Isle surrounded with the shelves of Bimny There is like wise the Island of Abacoa of 12 Leagues long another called Yuma of 20 Leagues and eight in breadth in 24 degrees and a halfe Yuemeata is in 23 degrees and a half 15 Leagues in length and North from Hispaniola lieth Samana 7 Leagues each way And between Yuemeata and Guanema lieth Yabaque of 10 Leagues in 22 degrees and a half The Miara Parvos are three smal Islands that by triangle and are compassed with shelves South from Yuemeata is Magaguana of 20 leagues in length and the halfe in breadth in 23 degrees Quaqua of 10 leagues in 20 degrees and a half North from Quaqua are the Cacos of five leagues in 21 degrees The Island of Mackre stands in 20 degrees and is compassed
established to bring in the whole Commerce of the Whale-fishing into England and with much honesty might they have barred others from comming thither in regard the English were the first Discoverers of it but instead of going before others we come behinde them and far-short of the Dutch which appoint us their leavings instead of taking ours The Dutch which is a second hinderance to us in our Commerce overtop us very strangely if wee seriously consider the people and their Country which is comprehended within the title of the United Provinces In which lyeth only Zealand Holland Frisland Utrick and these Provinces they have entirely the biggest of them no greater then Kent They have a little part of East Flanders Brabant and a good part of Gelderland which places doth not afford them common necessaries for they have most of their flesh from Emden Holsten and Westphalia their Corn from the Countreys on the Baltick seas for their housing and shipping their Timber and Iron from Norway Germany and Lukeland their Hemp Pitch and Tar as we from Muscovia or the Baltick Seas And for commodities of exportation to maintain the great trade they have at Sea their land is as barren and deficient so that their trade consists meerly in what they get from one Nation and sell to another And upon a true examination it wil be found what they have gotten from us in the East Indies and in or about our Country is the foundation of all their staple manufacture And to come to some perticulars we find that the Spices of the East Indies the Herrings they have on our Coasts and our white Cloth which they dresse and die is the very ground of all their Commerce all which comes to them for little or at least no visible payment For we get nothing for our Herrings nor for the Spices they have from those places which formerly were ours and though they speak of their paying for them to some of our Nation yet it is not visible to us And the white Cloth they have at the third part they make of it And although with these and the other Commodities of our Countrey as Stockings course Cloth Stuffs c. they make the most of their trades yet for those they buy from us they have without any just exception Although it were necessary we did make the best use of our native Commodities which we misse as much of as if we had never known the way of adventuring from our own Countrey And now I have said this it is likely that there are many will affirm that they knew as much before as I relate but the remedy is not amply proposed But I to excuse my self say that I have been often in discourse of this subject and have not heard as much as I here shew to you And the great Physicians say it is harder to finde out the disease then to prescribe a remedy And since I have done that I conceive I ought to be silent yet with an intent to shew my self as forward in prescribing a remedy as I have been in informing of this subtle disease And in order to that if it shal be required by those who sit at the helme of our Affairs I shall undoubtedly bring to their knowledg a man that will shew himself most expert in serving his Country this way And when the trade of our Nation shall be regulated to such exactnesse as may procure a generall profit and honour to our Nation it will peradventure appear as small and ordinary a matter as the Navigation of America which is now a thing of little difficulty but was formerly accompted an impossibility to the disparagement of former ages and amazement of the present CHAP. 2. The generall description of America or the new World THis great part of the globe was unknown unto the Europeans untill the year of our Redemption 1492. At which time it was discovered by Christopher Columbus a Genowes in the behalf of Ferdinand King of Castel and Leon in Spain that to this day enjoys the greatest and richest part of it And especially those golden and fruitfull Regions that are between the Tropicks which is commonly called the West Indies And what there is unpossest of him and the Natives and in the hands of English Dutch or French is not considerable to the rest This title of America comprehends as well Islands as Continents the Islands for the most part lieth in the Seas on this side the Continent The other of the West side are few and small the Seas that compasse this Continent on the East side are commonly called the North Seas On the West side the South Seas which lieth between it and Asia and on the North end it hideth it selfe under the Pole and to the South of the straight of Magellan the North and South Seas meet together and divide it from the South Pole The Continent of America in seven degrees of North Latitude is very narrow from sea to sea that is to say from Porto Bello to Panama eight leagues a rough rocky passage from whence both North and South the Land groweth exceeding broad to the North beyond knowledg and to the South one thousand leagues as 't is guest It containeth divers Regions and Provinces in which are comprehended some good and wholsome places other bad and unwholsome and as there is indifferents so there is extreams And as the best places are within the Tropicks so the more north or south you goe the more barren and cold you finde the Climates even to unsufferable extremities The passage and course of sayling to the most parts of America is by the wind that bloweth a gentle gale constantly between the Tropicks east or east South-east not much wavering unlesse by a Tornado or Hericano The Natives of America at this day are of three sorts The first that live the most civilly are them that live within the government of the Spaniards after the same manner that they do in apparell building trades and Religion The second sort are those that live under the contribution of the English Portugals Dutch French c. And these keep still their ancient Customes Religions and Manners and these I say are divided under severall Governours or Kings and live in Towns some of which are paled round conteining houses covered with Mats their frames of Arbour works the best are made more substantiall of great Poles and mats covered with the bark of trees their food is what the Woods Seas and Rivers affords naturally and their bread of that grain we call Virginia wheat and of this their wives plant about their Towns whom they accustome also to do their other household work the men spending their time in hunting and fishing being attended by the boys whom they breed up to this kind of life with themselves And this way of living runs throughout all America North and South for this sort of people The third kind of Indians which are on the land they call
in 18 degrees and a half built round and of a marvellous scituation sixty leagues from the north sea and as far from the south CHAP. 55. Verapas THis also is an In-land province of Gutemalia and is Mediterranean to Chiapa Youcatan Honduras and Gutamalia of 30 leagues over it is a moist countrey and hath plenty of Millet and Wheat Cotton-wool Coco and much of that sort of fowls whose feathers make the rare coloured Indian pictures and this is a great Merchandize amongst them The Spaniards have onely one small town with a Monastery of Friars and one school to instruct the Indian children The Governour is a chief Justice Between this province and the south America is the Provinces of Costarica Honduras Varagua and Mearagua which joyneth to Gutemalia on the coast of the South-sea And thus have you the northern America Here a Map CHAP. 56 Of Panama PAnama hath a Council that hath for Jurisdiction no more than the province of Panama the election of the Governour of Varagua â—n regard they are appointed principals of the Navigation for the dispatch of Peru ordering the King of Spains treasure which is yearly transported to Porto Belio over the strait of Darion and from thence to Spain It adjoyneth on Carthagena and Popian to the south east and south-west The chief City is Panama seated on the south sea in 9 degrees north Latitude consisting of 700 housholds the most part of the inhabitants are Merchants Here is also resident the Councill and Officers of the royall treasure Monasteries of Dominican Franciscan and Lamersed and Augustine Friars with two of Nuns and a Cathedrall The Haven is indifferent good but the ships come not within a league of the town the biggest ships not further than Perua three leagues of the town at which place they lie dry at low water The air at Panama is extream unwholsome and the place very sickly but it is mended and made durable for the profit is brought in by the vast summes yearly brought there to carry to Spain of which the Inhabitants get part The Village of Nata lyeth on the south sea west from Panama 30 leagues it hath a reasonable port On the North sea there is the â—own of Nombred ' Dios it hath a good port but the place is so unwholsome that the trade of Merâ—handize is removed from thence â—o the City of Saint â—hilip the â—arbour is called the port Obelo in which the Spanish ships do unlade â—hose Merchandizes that are to be â—â—aÌ„sported to Panama so to Peru â—nd receiveth in such goods as are return'd to be transported to Spian To secure the entrance into this â—arbour are two strong Castles between the City and the sea and third neer the town And on this coast are reckoned first the bay of â—arabaco neer the confines of Vaâ—qua to the east of it the River of Trinity the Conception and Bethelem an Island and the riveâ— of Caugre up which river froâ— Saint Chilip they transport theâ—â— Merchandize bound for Peru unto the house of the Croses which is at the head of the said River and from thence to Panama which iâ— distant from the said house five leagues And 12 leagues to the west from Nombre d'Dios is the port of Longâ— gote and in 9 degrees the port â—Hians the port of the Aventure iâ— six Porto Belio in five and againâ— it the Island of the Lookings anâ— the Bastemontos And two leaguâ— from Nombre d'Dios the river â—Sardinilia and the Isle of Sardiniâ— and the river of Millet and the riveâ— of Snakes and in the gulf of Curaâ— the town of Saint Mary On the south coast the Cape of Saint Marâ— and point of war And towarâ—Panama the gulf of Paris when stands Nata the point of Chiamâ— the river of Chepo and the Balsa â— the inward part of the gulf of Saint Michael north from the â—sâ—and of pearl CHAP. 57 Carthegna Province THis Countrey lyeth on the north sea and is parted from the province of Panama by the river of Darian from whence unto the river Magdalen is 80 leagues The land is mountainous and hilly full of high trees this Region is fruitfull in some places and in other some as barren The seed of England will grow but in few parts of this Countrey but here are many cattle horses and swine The temperature of this Countrey is hot and very rainy neither is there mines worked either of gold or silver but much rozen and liquors which they have from trees and Sanguis Dragâ—nis The City of Cartagena standeth neer the sea two leagues west from point Canta in ten degrees of height It hath more then six hundred housholds and in it is resident the Governour the King of Spains officers of the royall treasure and the Cathedrall Suffragan to the Archbishop of Granado with Monasteries of Dominick and Franciscan Friars The scituation is plain and almost an Island on the north side compasseth it and to the land an arm of the sea which reacheth to the Lake of Canapote At the entrance of the Haven there is an Island without Inhabitants The village of Saint James of Tolu is two leagues from Cartagena south-west the village of Saint Margito and 30 leagues from Cartagena to the south the village of Sancta Crux is 70 leagues from Cartagena by the sea and great river of Magdalen and twenty from Sancta Martha six from the sea where the Marchandizes that are bound to the Kingdome of Granado are delivered out of the ships and from thence are transported up the River in Canowes CHAP 58. The Kingdome of Granado THis Kingdome lyeth from the sea adjoyning on the south part of Cartagena It is a very rich Countey in Mines of Emraulds gold steel and copper store of pastures with all sorts of cattle wheat Millet fruits and hearbs The Indians are great traders and able men of body ingenious in the sciences of the Spaniards The Merchandize commeth up the the river Magdalen on which this land lyeth Their chief City is Sancta Fee seated on the bottome of a hill in four degrees to the North of the Equinoctiall Line of more than six hundred housholds In which is resident in behalf of the King of Spain a Councill for managing of the affaires of the Kingdome the Officers of the royall treasure a melting house and a Cathedrall Metropolitan two Monasteries of Friars and in her borders more than fifty thousand tributary Indians The City of Tocampa standeth on the river Cati which runneth into Magdalen This City hath also many Indians tributary so hath all the other Spanish towns which are first Saint Michael then the City of Trinity 20 leagues from Sancta Fee north-west the town of Palms fifteen leagues from Sancta Fee west north-west And the City of Tunis north-east from Sancta Fee 22 leagues it stands upon a hill of an extraordinary scituation Here is a great garrison of souldiers and the best market in all the
Realm Here is also the City of Meridia the City of Victorey the village of Saint Christopher the City Bales and the City of Marequeata all Spanish Cities with many hundred large towns and villages of Indians Through this Region they passe from Cartagena by land to Peru commonly by post but not otherwise by reason that it is fifteen hundred leagues from Cartagena to Cosco This Region cannot be entred by land from Cartagena by reason of the great waters and mountains that are in the way wherefore they passe up the river Magdalen with Merchandize from the Custome-house of Malamba on the said River from whence to the first landing in the Kingdome of Granada is one hundred and fifty miles CHAP. 59. The Province of Sancta Martha THis Province of Martha lyeth between Cartagena and the River Hacha on the North sea It is a plentifull Countrey of Millet Potatoes much gold Emraulds and other rich stones and copper and hath five Spanish towns the City of Sancta Martha in ten degrees of North latitude where is resident the Spanish Governour the King of Spains Officers of his treasure and a Cathedral Suffragan to that of Granado The City of Tenerif standeth on the river Magdalen which parteth this Province from Cartagena The village of Palms is two leagues from this river twenty to the south of Tenerif the City of Losreas is 30 leagues from the river Hacha On the coast of this Government is the river Biaba Piaras Aguamur and Sancta Martha The Indians of this province are commonly in war which is a hinderance to the Spaniards quiet enjoying the riches It exceedeth in stones of such value and quantity as is not elswhere to be found in India CHAP. 60. Venesiula THe Province of Venesiula lyeth on the North Sea parted from Sancta Martha by the River of Hacha on the east is the province of Suava or New Andelosia as the Spaniards call it The coast of the sea is neer 130 leagues of length In this land are veins of gold of more than two and twenty Carracts and a half It is plentifull of wheat and other seeds for there are two harvests in a year It hath abundance of all kind of cattle great and small Cotton and Sasaprila The City of Coro standeth in 11 degrees in a good air the Governour for the King of Spain resideth here It hath also a melting-house and Cathedrall with Monasteries The City of the Lady of Carvalteda on the sea coast 8 leagues from Coro with a bad haven Saint James is within the land three leagues to the south of Carvelteda The new Valentia is sixty leagues from Coro and seven from the Port of Brubufa Xeres 15 leagues south from Valentia The new Sigonia is 20 leagues to the south of Xeres The City of Tacuio standeth ten leagues from Segavia south-west Truxcillio eight leagues from Coro south and by east On this coast the principall river is the river Hacha which parts this province from Sancta Martha neer the mouth is a rich Town and Beads of pearl of the best in India CHAP. 61. Guana THis Region comprehendeth all the land that lyeth between the province of Venesula and Brazil which beginneth at twodegrees of south latitude this land is more famous for report than for any certain knowledge of the riches thereof for at this day there is no more than one Spanish Town called Codoa which lyeth on the sea coast from Trinidado The Spaniards are neer it and have better opportunities to know the riches of it than any other But the Indians which are in great part fled from the Spanish Countreys are so much their enemies as not to permit them to come amongst them without wars which is a great hinderance to the Spaniards undertakings But although this Countrey promiseth much in truth to this day there are no mines found and worked either of gold or silver although it is very probable by the Latitude that it doth abound in both The rivers are many and great that issue into the sea froÌ„ this coast of which the most famous are the rivers Orinoque or Orileania which entreth into the sea with sixteen mouths The best enterance is by the Branch du West from Trinidado The river of Amasions is more southerly and issueth into the sea under the line The mouth or entrance of this river is more shallow then Orinoque neither is it so well known although the English and Dutch have traded up them both with the Indians for these commodities naturall to the Countrey Bees wax Cotton-wool Cassia Fistula Bolearmoniack Teralemna and divers other drugs and wood fit for Dyers and some Balsomes The people love our Nation above any other and would be glad to assist us on any design The air in this Countrey is in some places extream hot and moist in other places constantly hot and dry and in other some very temperate all the year long CHAP. 62. The Land of Brazil THis Province beginneth where Guana endeth at two degrees of south latitude where there is a point called the Cape of Snakes from whence it lyeth along the Coast of the north sea to 25 degrees and on the back side west lyeth the provinces of the river of Plate The air is the whole year through very hot the winter which is our summer distinguished only with the rain that falleth at that season Here are many venemous worms and great serpents t is plentifull of pastures cattle and horses little Millet and no English grain wherefore their bread is Casabi or Potatoes which are in good Plenty There are great shews of silver and gold but none gotten nor mines certainly known The chief commodity is Sugar Cotton-wool Bombast and Brazil-wood It hath neer the sea coast about 20 Portugall towns many Ingeniowes or Sugar works the first town of the Countrey is called Tamerico and 5 leagues to the south of that Farnambuck or Rescif then All Saints 100 leagues from Farnambuck in 14 degrees 40 minutes The town of the Sure haven in 16 degrees and a half the Holy Ghost in 20 There is another town on the riveâ—Generio in 23 degrees neer which they cut much Brasel-wood There are on the coast eight or ten ports more principall than the rest which are the river Saint Dominick north-east off Farnambuck by the Capâ— of Saint Augustine which standeth in 9 degres The Island of Tamericâ— before rehearsed the river of Saint Francis in 10 degrees and a half It is very great The bay of All Saints is 3 leagues and 13 up into the land The river of Trinidado and the river of Canamon in 13 degreees and a half The river of Beads in 14 degrees and a half and the river of the Virgins in 16 and Portesceurae in 17. The river of Parague in 20 neer the town of Sanctus Spiritus and in 23 degrees Cold Cape beyond Saint Vincent This province hath been in difference between the Portugeses and West India Company of Holland and as
the Dutch got great footing there without right so the Portugals since their falling from Spain have surprized them again and recovered them by the same slight they got the East Indies from us but not with such vile murthers as they committed on the English They have now the town of Resif onely which not long since was neer lost CHAP. 63. Of the Provinces of the River Plate THe provinces of Plate take name from the river on which they lye the passage to them is up the said river but they are almost on the back of Brazil They are large and far wholsomer then Brazil plenty of Sugar Ginger Wine Wheat Millet all sorts of English fruits store of Cattle Swine and Horses but no mines that are worked They are subjected by the Spaniards and united to the Councill of Peru on the south sea for neernesse of lying to that Kingdome there is a common passage from these provinces thither by land over the mountains the most of the land is indifferently inhabited This province hath three Spanish Cities the best is the City of Ascension It lyeth in 23 degrees and a half of south latitude west from Brazil and east from Peru 300 leagues up the River of Plate on the North-side In it is resident the Spanish Governour the Officers royall and a Cathedrall Suffragan to the Archbishop of Lima in Peru. The next is the City royall distant from the Ascension eighty leagues north-east The City of Bucnos ayres standeth on the River Plate one hundred leagues from the mouth of the same These provinces are full of Indians and Mistisos which are Spaniards children begotten on Indian women On this coast between the Brazil and the mouth of the River Plate is the port of Saint Vincent in 33 degrees against Becena Burgo a small Island and six leagues to the south the River Ubay the port and Island Dela Canana in 35 degrees and forward the river De la Barca And 20 leagues from thence the port of Roderico and in 29 degrees the Island of Catalina And five leagues to the south Close Haven And fifteen leagues further another river called Traquean And in 32 degrees the Bay of Saint George And in 35 degrees the Cape of Saint Mary at the entring into the River Plate The south Cape is called Cape Blanke and the mouth of this River of Plate is thirty over and a great way up it ten leagues in breadth with many Islands and divers great Rivers issuing into it CHAP. 64. Of the Coast between the River of Plate and the Strait of Magelan FRom the mouth of this River the strait lyeth southwest and is distant thence 400 leagues It hath on the said coast first the point of Saint Helena in 37 degrees the point of Francis in 38 the River of Canobi in 45. And to the south the Isle of Ducks And in 47 the River of Seriani and in 49 the Port of Saint Julian the River of Sancta Crux in 50. And 12 leagues before you come to the strait of Ilefonsus But the land possest with no other but the Natives which are a Gyantly people CHAP. 65. The Straight of Magellan THis straight is famous for the trouble some passage of Drake Candish and Haukins three English men Generals each in a severall Fleet Drake and Candish being the first that sailed along the coast of Peru and so to the East Indies and came home by the Cape of Bona Sperantia Circum-navigating the Globe The last being much over-matched was taken by the Spaniards on the coast of Peru and convayed from thence prisoner to Spain From whence with much difficulty he obtained his freedome although solemn Engagements passed from the Generall his taker for his freedome The entrance into this strait is in 52 degrees and the comming out into the south sea the same height It is an extream difficult passage by reason of the meeting of the north and south seas in the channell driving each other back prevailing as they are favoured by the wind which commonly bloweth there exceeding boysterously and cold There are divers caves and bays in it but no incouragement for a sea-man to adventure that way The Inhabitants on this strait are few and extream savage neither is this passage any more in use for those that will go by the south of America to the East Indies or into the south sea to any part of the west coast of America have a more convenient passage south of this strait in an open sea The entrance into it is called Lamear but the sea was discovered by Sir Francis Drake and Sir Richard Haukins both which were driven back by foul weather into those seas after they had passed the strait On the coast of the south sea which lyeth between the strait and Chilli there are no inhabitants save the wild Natives but it hath the Bay of horses in 52 degrees and the Bay of Saint John in 50. The Cape of Saint Francis in 51. And 18 leagues before you come to Port Hearnan the Bay of Galago in 48 degrees 40 minutes and north of it the Bay of Kings and the Isle of Catilina then the Cape of Saint Andrew in 42 degrees where Chilla beginneth CHAP. 66. Chillia THis coast reacheth to 28 degrees of south latitude This Region is wholsome above all other in the Indies being of an excellent temperature as neither too hot nor too cold It is abundantly rich in gold and silver mines and all sorts of cattle grain fruits excellent pleasant wine The Countrey men are strong and valiant beyond compare which the Spaniards know to their great cost for they could never totally subdue this Nation The Spaniards had formerly 12 Spanish towns in this Province the most south was the City of Chillon in an Island of fifty leagues long that almost joyneth to the firm land which beareth the name of this whole Countrey this town had in it a Monastery of Friars and to the north of this town 41 leagues the City of Osornio seven leagues from the sea with two Monasteries of Friars and one of Nuns The City of Valdiva two leagues within the mouth of the River Valdiva in 40 degrees It had three Monasteries of Friars and one of Nuns The City Imperiall in 39 degrees of height 3 leagues from the sea in it was resident the Cathedrall and two Monasteries of Friars The City of Conception lyeth in 37 degrees neer the sea And there did reside the Governour of the Countrey The harbour is good and made by an Island which lyeth before a nook in the land The Port of Quoquimbo is a good harbour and standeth in 32 degrees The town of Laserana is next to Peru. It lyeth pleasantly by the Valley of Quoquimbo In this place it rains but thrice a year this Countrey is neer 300 leagues by the sea but not above twenty into the land where lye the Andes which are mighty great mountains that run through the southern America
even from the strait of Magellan to Sancta Martha Of the Spanish towns in Chilla there is recovered by the Natives and by them quite destroyed the City of Conception Chillon Osornio Valdivia and Imperiall CHAP. 67. The Councill of Charcas THe bounds of this Councill stretcheth from Chilia to Peru it hath abundance of cattle of all kinds great shag-haired sheep bigger then goats that carry great burthens on their backs store of corn of all sorts fruits and wine much gold and the greatest mines of silver in the world There are few Spanish towns and but one port in regard the Spaniards get neer the Hill of Potosi to the City Imperiall which lyeth in 19 degrees of latitude far from the sea and delivereth that which is exported and receiveth the Marchandize imported at the City of Arica The City of Imperiall is exceeding populous of Spaniards and Indians and it standeth neer the Hill of Potosi which is much to be admired for the great quantities of silver is drawn from thence and exceeding deep caves in the earth from whence they fetch it that are so intricate and far in the earth that those that go in take the Popish Sacraments the danger of death is so great This mountain is as it were pointed at by a black cloud that perpetually hangeth over it The land about it is most extream barren yet the great quantity of silver that is there causeth that all sorts of variety is there in great plenty although at a dear rate And towards the Port of Arica are the mines of Porco which are more ancient and very great but harder to work The Indians live in the best places for cattle corn wine and fruits being tributary to the Spaniards that in behalf of the King of Spain are Lords of these great riches CHAP. 68. The Kingdom of Peru. THis Kingdome is governed by a Councill and Viceroy It hath to the North the Councill of Quipo on the south Charcas and to the west the south sea and to the east without limits This Kingdome is well peopled with Civill orderly Indians that are in great subjection to the Spaniards Peru doth abound in all sorts of fruits seed cattle horses sheep swine rich mines of gold silver quick-silver plentifull of wine oil and sugar The Andes run through this Province within ten leagues of the sea In all which coasts it never raineth but on the said hils it raineth continually and beyond as in other Regions The plains between the sea and the said Hils have few or no rivers but the industrie of the Inhabitants draw in trenches which are artificially made the water either from those few rivers or from the side of the said Andes which maketh that the said plain is mightily populous fruitfull and pleasant even as a garden The City of Lema is neer the south sea in 12 degrees of south lalatitude on the side of a rich and pleasant valley It consisteth of 4000 houses On the east-side of it runneth a fair river by which the Citizens have Gardens with most excellent fruits And this is the sole place in the world that is without thunder and lightning which never happen here neither is there plague or pestilence but the inhabitants enjoy perpetually a clear and fair sky It is the seat of the Viceroy and Councill and Assembly of Chief Justices the Officers of the King of Spains revenue the chief seat of the Inquisition a University with schools of divers Indians languages five Monasteries of Friars and one of Jesuits â—…ao which is the Port of this City is two leagues from it It is great and good The village of Arneado is in the valley of Chianeai ten leagues from Lima neer a good Haven in 9 degrees The City of Truxcilo stands in seven degrees and a half neer the sea with Monasteries of Dominican Franciscan and Mercenaries and Officers royall for these bounds The port is two leagues of the City in a Bay not very good for ships The City of Saint John is seated in a most plentifull place and the Indian inhabitants are the fairest and most wel-favoured people in the Indies The City Guanang is to the south Lema It hath Monasteries of Dominican Franciscan and Mercenaries and one of Nuns and the best houses of any City in Peru of Brick and Stone It standeth in a temperate place and is very healthy The City of Cosco is the head City of Peru by a title that it hath from the Kings of Spain It lyeth in 13 degrees and a half south of the Equinoctiall It is a very great City and hath four great streets that go to the four parts of the world It hath many Monasteries and Nunneries with a Cathedrall and divers schools of Indian Children The City of Ariquipa is in 16 degrees on the sea side It is a rich â—nd flourishing place and in a wholesome Climate the other Cities of Spaniards are Inland but â—hese rehearsed are the most emiâ—ent The inconveniency of this Countrey is the great Earthquakes that often happen especially about Jâ—ma There are three wonderfull springs of water in this Countrey a water that turneth so soon as it is stopt to stone If a man or beast drink of it it turneth to a stone in his body and killeth him with this they make stones of what fashion they please and make their houses there is another water that springeth far within land that being setled turneth to pure white salt the other is two spouts of water by each other the one hot the other cold The remarkablest ports Ilands and points on this coast are the Ilands of Lobos in 7 degrees the one is four leagues from the coast the other more and forward to the south west the I le of Saint Rock and further the port of Abrago ten leagues to the north of Truxciliâ— in 7 degrees and a half the port oâ—Santa in nine degrees and five leagues more south port Farwell and six from it Casama and eight leagues further the port of Gurmay and twenty leagues to the south the Baranca and Potquaria where there is a great salt pit And a little more south the I le of Lema at the entry of the port of Cala and twenty leagues more south the point of Guareo And in 15 degrees the point Chuca and forward the point of Saint Laurence neer the River Ariquipa And then the River of Nombre d'Dios where Peru endeth and the Councill of Charchas beginneth CHAP. 69. Quito Kingdome THis Kingdome is governed by a Councill whole bounds lyeth between Peru and Panama It hath two mighty Countreys or Provinces within his circuit that is to say first Quito and then Popyan Quito lyeth between Peru and Popyan on the south sea and far into the land under the Equinoctiall line and contrary to the opinion of the Ancients it is a most wholesome temperate Countrey and rather cold than hot in most parts of it In those places where the snowes continue all the
the north-west passage it hath been so thorowly searched into by our Nation that can give no incouragemeÌ„t to a farther trial save that story men tel of a Manuscript in Portugall shewed to one of our Merchants of the passage that way of a Portugall ship of the Phiâ—â—ipinus droven from thence by foule weather through this straight to Portugall but to men that know the distance between that streight and those Ilands it would seem the most ridiculous story in the World beside the falsity of the Informers the Greeks relation being a far better story for he saith in regard he was taken by Squire Candis in the South-sea and lost all he had to procure some relief in his old age he would advise the English a speedier way to the East-Indies then they now took And this intelligence he giveth after he is retired to his Native Country to repose from his troublesome way of adventuring to Sea From whence we may easily guesse for the bad turn our Nation did him he would not wish us a good one but the scope of his intelligence being but to have a bill of exchange to receive money as he pretended to come into England But how likely it was that he would leave those rich parts of America which he lived in with the Spaniards to retire to his own Nation and from thence to undertake a Voyage for us to the worst place in the World a rationall man cannot apprehend But were there such a passage it would much more concern the Portugals and the Spaniards then it doth the English for their trade is to the north part of the East Indies and ours to the south theirs to the Moluccos Philipinaes Japan and China whereas we seldome passe beyond Bantam in Java but were there a passage that way yet it were not to be chosen before the other for could a man sail in a strait line first from England to the straight and then from the straight to the East Indies it would prove a farther way than the other by the Cape of Bonaspei But those that know any thing of those seas know that the sea course to any part of north America is as low as 23 24 25 or 30 the highest For the wind which bloweth in the south sea east and west as well as in the north that is to say for the most part west without the Tropicks and almost constantly East within them Wherefore you must go out of your way aswell from the north part of America to the East-Indies as from England to this supposed Straight and there is as much difference in relation to pleasantnesse in voyages as between summer and winter For when you are clean of the Bay of Biscai in all the voyage by the Cape you find no cold weather till you return to the same place again but to the contrary is so cold icy about the Straight in the middle of Summer that there is no making way without much difficulty and trouble And in the south sea where the Sun keeps the same course as in the north in June Sir Francis Drake in compassing the world found so much cold in thirty eight degrees north latitude that he was forced into a southerly course And this makes a strong probability that there is no sea to the north of America but that the land of this New world reacheth by the north parts even to the northwardly Provinces of the Empire of Japan or Tartaria For I finde that the winds that blow West and north-west in England being sea winds are not so cold as those that come east and north-east which are land-winds Which I apprehend the onely cause of difference in the temperature of the air with us and the north parts of America For New England that lyeth in 41 42 is much colder in the winter then the most northwardly parts of England which are in 56. And those parts of America that are in that height are cold almost the whole year through as the undertakers in the north passage plainly prove and this is caused certainly by the land-wind which that height for the most part bloweth west and northwardly which is so much more colder in regard it cometh from those vast Regions that are far thicker and untill'd uninhabited with wood swamps and such moist crudities as are not in Europe On the land of the north-side Hudsons Straight there hath been seen some of the wild Natives but how they live is a kind of miracle And from the south of this Strait till you come to New England is but one Plantation which is at the Fort of Kebeck on the north-west side the River Canada 100 leagues from the Island Antecostey that lieth at the mouth of the said River The French drive a great trade with the Natives for Bever-skins in exchange of hatchets knives penny looking-glasses bels beads and such toys There are good store of the Natives in these parts all alongst the Coast and are willing to exchange such Commodities as they have for such truck as the French bring them although it is to be done with much care to prevent their treachery CHAP. 26. New England THe Plantations of the North Government of New England beginneth about 44 degrees and the coast is indifferently seated with English almost as southwardly as 41. This Countrey at first was laid out in severall proportions to divers Noblemen and Gentlemen of England each having within his circuit a severall power But at this day it hath but three divisions onely that is to say the north and his bounds the middle and the south the north Government is the worst and hath fewest people the middle Government is that of Boston which is the best and hath most inhabitants The south is the Government of New Plimouth in which is the best ground the north Government hath scarce a Town worthy the name of a Village but the middle hath many Towns and Villages The principall is Boston fairly built the great street is neer half a mile long full of wel-furnished shops of Merchandize of all sorts Here is â—esident a Councill and the Governour which is yearly chosen from amongst them this town hath a good Port called the Bay of Boston with many ships which â—s secured with a Castle guarded with Souldiers and Ordnance Neer Boston lyeth Charles Town and five miles into the Countrey â—s the town of Cambridge that hath University with many Students The south Government is that of New Plimouth that hath the name from the town which is a indifferent Market town The land of all this Region generally barren and rocky but the care of the inhabitants supplyetâ— the naturall defects of the Country from the proceed of the Commodities it affordeth which is Piâ—staves Clabbord Fish Englisâ— grain and fruits with the buildinâ— of Ships which they often sell â— other parts and iron works wiâ— these they drive a trade to moâ— parts of Europe especially to Spaiâ— the Canary
and let it into the furnace But the violence of the fire soon consumed it and with all the Friars hopes This great lake of Nicaragua is full of Islands and by a kind of River hath an issue into the north Sea which river or passage it navigable for great vessels And the head of this lake is within five leagues of the South Sea and good ground to be cut by which it were easie if the Spaniard so pleased to have passage from the South Seas to the north Sea At the head of the said lake the village of Nalio standeth in 11 degrees and a half on the South coast and is the best Port on that coast On the north Seas for this province reacheth from the North to the South seas is first the river of Gare that divideth Nicvaragua from Honduras south of it the River Wipre next the Port of Saint John which is the voiding River that comes from the great lake that hath a great Island lying in the mouth of it In the south sea it hath the Nalio the Port of Saint James and the Port of Paria and Nicoya and on the coast the Island of Chora Saint Mary and Saint Mark CHAP. 41. The Province of Castorica THis Province lyeth between Nickuragua and Caragua between which it hath 90 leagues in length It is a good land and very fruitfull in Millet Wheat Flax and Sugar plenty of Mines both of gold and silver and it hath two Spanish Towns the first and best is Curtago the other Mendoco It hath two Ports one on the south sea the other on the North CHAP. 42. The Province of Varagua THis Province lyeth between Costarica and Panama adjoyning on the south part to the Strait of Dariana The northerliest is in 11 degrees it hath East and West 50 leagues and in breadth 25 and is washed as Costarica with the north and south seas It is a Mountainous Countrey full of bushes without pasture or cattle wheat or barley but it hath some Miller but full of rich mines of Gold The Indians are few and they be in continuall wars with the Spaniards It hath the City of Conception 40 leagues from Nombre Dd'ios where the Governour and Officers are resident The village of Trinity six leagues to the East of the Conception neer the River of Bethelem And three leagues from the North sea the City of Santey Fei standeth 12 leagues from the Conception to the south In it are Melting-houses and Deputy Officers The City of Charles neer the coast of the south sea 50 leagues from Santey Fei At the end of this Varagua beginneth the southern America And therefore I shall return back to the other parts of this north America which is not yet discovered CHAP. 43. Of the Province of Ciblioa THis Province of Ciblioa is the most northerly Province that the Spaniards possesse in America It hath but one Spanish Town but many well built Cities of Indians The Spanish town is called Saint John of Ciblioa It hath a strong Garrison of Spaniards and Mexican Indians The fairest Indian Town is Quibra that hath also a Spanish Garrison This Town is in 40 degrees and distant from Cibiloa 200 leagues from whence it lieth due north This Region is apt for English grain and produceth all sorts of our hearbs and fruits Here are store of all sorts of our Cattle and the Oxe of the Countrey which hath a bunch of flesh on his back of the bignesse of a mans head and his hair is shaggy and long his horns smaller than our Kines horns but his body much bigger this is an Inland Province and lyeth from the sea many leagues CHAP. 44. New Biskay THis Province lyeth on the south-west of Cibola it hath store of provision and cattle and divers mines of silver It hath two fair Spanish Towns that is to say Sancta Barbola and the Baro of Saint John with divers peaceable Indians It is an Inland Province but of much Commerce by reason of the silver-mines CHAP. 45. Chiamerla THis Province lyeth in more then two and twenty degrees of height It is ten leagues broad and something more in length it lyeth along the south sea but hath no Ports of name It hath a town of Spaniards call'd Saint Sebastian It hath many rich silver Mines and sufficient of Cattle and all sorts of Grain and Fruits CHAP. 46. Culiacan THis Province is the most northerly Province the Spaniards possesse on the coast of the south sea It is west of Chiametla there are much cattle seeds and fruits of England it hath two Spanish towns one is called the Virgins by which there are some silver mines the other the village of Saint Michael this is a small Province and hath no eminent port on the sea CHAP. 47. Sacetas SAcetas lyeth south-east from Biscai It is very wholsome in some parts of it and as sickly and unwholsome in other parts which causes that in some places there is much want and in other places as much plenty But to amend all defects there are in most places rich silver mines It hath three Spanish towns the best is Erena the second Nombre d'Dios and the worst Durangi the Chickmeacan Indians do much annoy these parts but there are great numbers of Civill Indians that live in peaceable manner CHAP. 48. Xalisco THis Province hath the City â— of Compostella neer the south in 21 degrees nineteen minutes â—re is the village of the Purificaâ—â— south-west from Gudâ—leria 30 â—gues this land is hot and sickly â—hath mines of gold and silver â—d store of provisions and exâ—ent horses that are well bred â—any service CHAP. 49. Guadalaiara â—Uadalaiara is the best of all the Provinces of the Kingdome of New Galisia and the most sâ—therly it hath all sorts of graâ— hearbs and fruits of New Spâ— and plenty of kine horses â— swine it is a wholsome good â— and hath many silver mines â— chief City and Head of the Kiâ—â—dome is Guadalaira in 20 degrâ— Heere resideth the Councell â— officers of the goods and roâ— treasure a Cathedrall two â—nasteriâ—s of Friars and one Nuns And 30 leagues from Guadalâ— is the village of Saint Mary and nother called the Holy Ghost â— Province is much troubled â— the Chickemecan Indians but â— many well governed Civill Indâ— that live orderly and very richlâ— CHAP. 50. Mechocan THis Province lyeth between the Province of Mexico and â—e Kingdome of the New Galisia â—hath in breadth by the coast of â—e south sea 80 leagues and 60 â—ithin land Here are many good â—ines and it is a fruitfull land and â—ath much Wheat Millet Coco â—l sorts of Spanish fruits Cotton-wool the rich drug of Cocheneel â—ore of cattle and fish and the Indians are industrious and given to â—abour the chief City is Mechoaâ—n it stands in 18 degrees 15 minutes and 47 leagues from Mexico The City of Pascurio standeth seven leagues to the east of Mechoâ—can it hath the Cathedrall and two Monasteries of