was to dye a Christian that whatever became of his mortal Body he might remain assured of an eternal inheritance in a far better life That if he were set a land among Infidels he much doubted whether he should be able to continue stedfast in the Faith considering his own frailty and the great contagion of leud custom And therefore he earnestly intreated the General That he would have a special regard to his Soul and not indanger it among Heathenish and Savage Infidels That if he should return to England he must have a Ship with Men and Victuals to conduct it and if he had these yet he thought none would willingly accompany him with so sad and base a Message and leave such honourable service as they were now in But if he could find such who would be perswaded to go back with him yet the very shame of his return would be grievous yea worse than death to him since he should dye so often and be so long a dying He therefore protested That freely and with all his heart he imbrac'd the Generals first proposal of being executed there desiring only the favour that they might receive the Holy Communion together once before his death and that he might dye the death of a Gentleman Though divers perswaded him to chuse any of the other waies yet he was resolute in his determination and his two last requests being granted he received the Communion from Mr. Francis Fletcher Preacher to the Fleet the General himself communicating with this condemned penitent Gentleman who gave great assurance of a contrite and repenting heart seeming more angry with his own act than any else After this the General and he dined together as cheerfully and soberly as ever in their lives comforting one another and drinking each to other as if going some Journey Dinner ended and all being prepared by him who acted as Provost Marshal he appeared very seriously and kneeling down at once prepared his Neck for the Axe and his Spirit for Heaven without disturbance as having already digested the whole Tragedy in his own mind desiring the Spectators to pray for him and bidding him do his Office without fear or favour Having thus by his Worthy demeanour at his death fully obliterated all the faults of his life he left to the rest a lamentable example of a Worthy Gentleman who in striving to rise before his time lost himself is a monument to Posterity of the common fate of such ambitious minds And one thing very remarkable may be added That 58 years before another Gentleman imployed in the like Service and entertained into great Trust was executed in the very same place for the English found a Gibbet on the Main Land made of a Spruce Mast fallen down with mens Bones underneath which they judged to be that erected by Magellane in 1520. for executing John Carthagena Cosen to the Bishop of Burgos who by the King of Spains Order was joined in Commission with Magellane and made his Vice-Admiral As they digged a Grave in the Island to bury this Gentleman they found a great grind-stone broken in the middle which they set in the ground one part at the head and the other at the feet whereon they graved the name of the Person there buried the time of their departure and their Generals name in Latin for a Memorial to those that should come thither after CHAP. V. General Drake in pursuance of his Voyage round the World passeth through the Streigths of Magellane into the South Sea where he meets with a terrible Tempest for 52 days together and loses company of two of his Ships Being left alone he proceeds toward the Coast of Peru and gets a Prodigious quantity of Gold and Silver and Jewels THis Tragedy thus ended the General broke up the Mary the Portugal Prize being leaky and troublesom leaving her Ribbs and Keel on the Island where for two months they pitched their Tents and having wooded watred and trimm'd their Ships which were now reduced to three besides the Pinnaces to keep the easier together and to be better provided and mann'd upon all occasions Aug. 17. they sailed out of this Port and with much hope directed their course for the Streights South-West Aug. 20. they fell with a Cape nigh the entrance called by the Spaniards Cape Virgin Maria appearing like Cape Vincent in Portugal with steep Cliffs and black Stars against which the Sea beating seems like the Spouting of Whales Here the General caused his Fleet to strike their topsails in honour of the Queen and to acknowledge her absolute right in this New Discovery Changing also the name of his Ship from the Pellican to the Golden Hind in remembrance of his honourable Friend Sir Chr. Hatton when after a Sermon and Prayers for the Queen and the whole Realm of England they entred the Streights having sight of Land on both sides which at length grew very narrow with many windings after which they seemed to come out of a River two Leagues broad into a large and open Sea and the night following saw a burning Island much like Fogo in height and flaming without intermission It was formerly thought that the current in this Streight ran always one way but they found the ebb and floud and the water rising five fathoms upright as on other Coasts Aug. 24. being Bartholomew day they fell with three Islands lying triangular one very large and fruitful where the weather being calm the General and some of his Company went ashoar and took possession thereof in the Queens name calling it Elizabeth Island And though the other two were not so large yet they were very useful to them for the great store of strange Birds found there they could not fly but ran so fast as sometimes to escape somewhat less than a Goose short and thick without Feathers but only had matted Down with Bills like Crows They lay their eggs and breed their young in the ground like Rabbits and live on what they catch in the Sea being very swift Swimmers both to get their prey and secure themselves from others They came thither in such vast numbers that they killed three thousand in one day and are wholsom food they named one of these Islands Bartholomew according to the day and the other St. George in honour of England wherein they found the body of a man almost rotten From hence to the entrance of the South-Sea the passage is very crooked so that they oft met with contrary Winds being many times forc't to alter their course and though as Magellane saith there be many good Harbors and store of fresh Water yet they had need be well furnished with Cables and Anchors to find ground in them The Land on both sides is very high and mountainous having on the North and West the Continent of America and on the South and East nothing but Islands among which lye innumerable passages into the South Sea The Mountains rise into the Air with
Tempest as the like is not recorded in any History since Noahs Floud The Storm being somewhat allayed they ran in again among those Islands from whence they were lately driven not far from their former anchoring hoping now at length for some peace and security there especially since they saw the Natives going from one Island to another in their Canoo's both Men Women and Young Infants hanging at their Mothers backs to get a livelyhood by trading with chains of certain Shells and other trifles Having had a breathing-time here for three days only which they imployed in providing what they wanted though with much trouble and danger from the tempest not quite stilled when behold it again recovered its former rage with much more violence driving them from their Anchors and assaulting them in all Quarters at once and at length chasing them to the utmost Land toward the South Pole even to 56 degrees beyond which no Continent nor Island is to be seen but the Atlantick Ocean and South Sea meet freely and openly Some have imagined these Islands were Main Land and called them Terra Incognita or The Unknown World wherein were many strange Monsters which they now saw to be altogether false as likewise the common opinion of the impossibility of returning out of the South into the West Ocean because of the strong Currents and Winds since they met with neither but were oft in danger of being driven back as well as in going forward and many times were forced to alter their course losing more sometimes in one afternoon than they could recover again in an whole day with a reasonable gale and since the narrowness of the Passage is reckoned the cause of this swift current they now observed that the Passages through were innumerable and Southward of these Islands there is a large and main Sea Coming to the utmost part of these Islands Oct. 28. the Storm ceased and all their calamities except the absence of their Friends were forgotten As if God had secretly intended they should make this discovery and did then stay his hand and refresh his Servants In these Southerly parts the night in the latter end of October was but two hours long There are few of these Islands but are inhabited and live after the same manner as those aforenamed The General gave one name to them all calling them Elizabethides After two days Oct. 30. they Sailed North-West along the Coasts of Peru hasting to the height of 30 degrees being the place appointed for the Fleet to reassemble and to seek for them in the mean time In this course they next day met with two Islands stored with Birds of which they made plentiful provision from whence Nov. 1. they steered North-West as formerly but soon found the mistake of the Maps in describing the Latitude of those Coasts This part of Peru to Lima 12 Degrees South is Mountainous and barren without either Water or Wood except in some few places inhabited by the Spaniards and not hearing of their Ships they Anchored Nov. 15. at a great Island called Mucho by the Spaniards for its largeness very fruitful of Sheep and other Cattle stored with Maiz Potatoes and other Roots and thought to be wonderful rich in Gold wanting nothing fit for the use of man The Inhabitants are those Indians who by the horrid severities of the Spaniards have been driven from the Continent to secure and fortifie themselves here With this People General Drake thought fit to Traffick for fresh Victuals and Water and therefore that very night some of the Company going ashore they very courteously came and brought the best Victuals and Provisions they had presenting the General with two very fat Sheep who returned them many necessary things assuring them that he came only to exchange such Goods with them as he wanted and they could well spare and chiefly such as they had already brought them except fresh water which they desired them to bring whereat they seemed very well pleased and extream joyful at their coming promising to direct them where to have fresh water next morning and that they would bring any thing else they wanted Next morning early the General having prepared all things ready for Traffick and Vessels to bring the water set two of his men ashore to go to the watering place assigned the night before who passed quietly half the way but were then violently assaulted and slain by these treacherous people and in hope to surprize the General with the rest about five hundred of them prepared for mischief lay in ambush behind the Rocks who suddenly falling on them the Rocks being very dangerous for Boats and the passage very open to the Sea they wounded every man of the Company with their Arrows Drake himself being shot in the Face under his right Eye very deep and in his Head to the great indangering of his Life The rest there being nine Persons in the Boat were grievously wounded and the Chief Surgeon being dead and his Mate absent in the Vice-Admiral none but a Boy being left their case was very desperate yet by the help of God and the assistance of the rest they all escaped The cause of this injury from these Islanders proceeded from their hatred to the Spaniards for their cruelties toward them and some of the English using the Spanish word aqua in requiring water they supposed them of that Nation and therefore used this outrage toward them The General left the revenge of this wrong to Heaven wishing only they might be sensible whom they had abused not an Enemy but those who would rather have defended them from the injuries of the Spaniards and sailed thence that Afternoon approaching now the place appointed for meeting the rest of their Ships and to find a conveniency for reposing their wounded men and supplying them with necessaries and at length Novem. 30. they fell in with a place called Philips Bay in about 32 degrees and instantly sent out a Boat for discovery who after diligent search could find no appearance of relief discovering only the heads of wild Beasts but no sign of any Inhabitant thereabout Yet in their return they perceived an Indian Fishing in a Canoe within the Bay whom they brought aboard the General he was a proper comely Person clothed in a white Garment reaching almost to his Knees his Arms and Head were bare his Hair very long but without a Beard as most Indians are seeming to be of a mild temper apprehensive to learn every thing and very thankful for what the General bestowed on him and discovering in his carriage the harmless disposition of the Natives and how unjustly they have been abused by the Spaniards After he had been kindly treated and furnisht with what they had giving what he thought convenient in exchange he was freely dismist in their Boat with his own Canoo made of Reeds and when landed desired the English to stay till his return who being met by two or three of his
danger they met with in their whole Voyage though not the last as by the sequel appears For a month after they were in continual fear of these Shoals and Islands among which they were tost and which lye in vast numbers round the South of the Celebes Jan. 12. not being able to bear their Sails for fear of Tempests and Sands they anchored upon a Shoal and two days after on an Island where they staid a day Wooding and Watering After which they met with foul weather Westerly Winds and dangerous Shoals for many days so that being weary of this Coast they sailed for Timor But could not so easily clear themselves of the Celebes which lye in five degrees South Latitude for Jan. 20. being forced toward a small Island not far thence and sending their Boat a good distance before to search out a place where to Anchor there suddenly rose a most violent Storm out of the Southwest driving them among the perilous and hidden Shoals so that they again counted themselves lost or that they must spend their days among Infidels if they should escape with their lives but that God who had hitherto preserved them was pleased once again to deliver them by unexpectedly stilling the tempest whereby both their Men and Boat were likewise restored to them Getting off hence as well as they could they continued their course till Jan. 26. when they were again assaulted with a very strong West Wind so that they could use no Sail till the end of that month Feb. 1. they saw a very high Land which seemed well inhabited and would fain have got to it to procure some relief but the weather being so bad that they could discover no Harbor they were fearful of venturing too near the shoar Two days after they saw another little Island but could not reach it Feb. 6. they had sight of 6 Islands one East and the other 5 Westward of â—â—em at the largest of which they Anchored Watered and Wooded next day Going thence Feb. 8. two Canoo's came up and talked with them alluring and conducting them to their Town not far off named Barativa in 7 degrees 13 Minutes South Latitude The People are Gentiles or Heathens very comely of body and civil just and courteous to strangers seeming very glad of their coming and readily releiving their wants with whatever their Countrey afforded The men go naked except their Heads and Secrets every one having some thing hanging at their Ears the Women are clothed from the Wast to the Feet wearing abundance of Bracelets some nine and more upon their naked arms made of horn of brass the lightest weighing near two Ounces They much value Linnen cloth to make Rolls for their Heads and Girdles about their middles and delight in Stones and the like trifles Their Island is rich in Gold Silver Copper Tin and Sulphur which they work very artificially into divers forms and shapes They have plenty of Nutmegs Ginger long Pepper Lemmons Cucumbers Coco's Figo's Sagu and several other Fruits whereof they provided themselves of one like a Bay berry but pleasant in tast and being boyld is very soft and nourishing meat They continued here two days not having found more comfort and refreshment in all their Voyage except at Terenate as in this place Feb. 12. Coming to the height of eight degrees four minutes they spied a green Island to the South and soon after two more that way with a large one toward the North appearing well inhabited but they had no occasion to visit them and therefore past them by together with several others Feb. 18. they Anchored under a little Island but found nothing but Wood and two Turtles After which they Sailed on Westward without stay or any thing observable till March 9. when they spied Land and Anchored that night Next Morning they bore farther North and came to an Anchor the second time near the shoar March 11. they took in Water and sending their Boat again ashoar they traded with the People and coming nearer the Town the General sent his man ashoar next day to present the King with some Silks and Cloth both Woollen and Linnen which he thankfully received returning Rice Cocoes Hens and other Provisions in recompence They found it to be Java Island in 7 degrees 30 minutes South Latitude March 13. the General with many of his Gentlemen went ashoar and presented the King with their Musick by whom they were very generously entertained They shewed him the English Military Discipline training their Pikes and Muskets before him They were treated according to their desire and at length dismist with a promise to have more Victuals sent them In this Island there is one Principal but many petty Kings whom they call Raja's that live in much friendship with each other March 14. they received Victuals from two of them and next day three of these Kings came aboard in Person to visit the General and to view their Ship and Amunition being much pleased with their entertainment and what they saw After they had been with them and related what they found Raja Donan the Chief Monarch of the whole Isle came aboard them next day bringing Victuals for their relief And few days past but one or other of them came whom the General treated with the best cheer he could make and shewed them all the rarities of their Ship with their great Guns Arms and all the furniture thereto belonging and how they were used Never failing to give them Musick wherewith they were equally filled with delight and admiration March 1. Raja Donan coming again aboard in requital of theirs presented the General with his Countrey Musick which though strange yet seemed very pleasant The same day he sent an Ox to the Water side which he was willing to exchange for divers sorts of costly Silks which he much esteemed Their Kings as well as the People are kind true and exact in their dealings they traffickt with them for Hens Goats Cocoes Plantanes and other Provisions whereof they offered them such plenty that if there had been occasion they might have laden their Ship with them Though these Visits and Entertainments were some hindrance to them yet having at length washt and trim'd their Ship and freed her from a kind of Shell Fish sticking fast wherewith she was overgrown in this large Voyage and much hindred her Sailing they took their leaves and departed from Java March 26. sailing West South West directly for the Cape of Good Hope or Bon Esperance and continued without seeing any thing but Air and Water till May 21. when they had sight of the Main Land of Africa very high in some places under 31 degrees and an half Latitude They coasted along till June 15. when having very fair Weather and the Wind at South East they past the said Cape so near that they could easily have shot to Land July 15. they saw Rio de Cesto and many Negroes fishing in their Boats two of which came
and wholesom dryed Beef dryed Fish live Sheep Hogs and Hens in abundance with vast store of dainty Fish easily taken every day So that they were forced to build four several Store-houses ten or twenty Leagues asunder both in Islands and on the Main Land that so if the Enemy should surprize one they might have another to furnish them till they had finished their desired Voyage in building which the Negro's were very skilful and speedy With this Store they not only releived themselves and the Symerons while they joined with them but likewise two French Ships in much distress In Drakes absence Captain John Drake his Brother who was left here with one Pinnace sailed into the Ocean and rowing not far from the shoar by direction of Diego the Moore who freely came to them at Nombre de Dios he spied certain Symerons with whom he treated so effectually that at length leaving two English with their Leader they brought two of theirs aboard the Pinnace concluding to meet again next day at a River about mid-way between the Cabezas and their Ships which they named the River Diego These two Symerons being very intelligent men chosen out by their Commander declared with much respect to Captain Drake upon their arrival hither That their Nation were very joyful at his coming knowing him an Enemy to the Spaniards not only by his late attempt at Nombre de Dios but in his former Voyages and they were therefore ready to assist him in all his designs against his and their inveterate adversarys to which end their Captain and Company did now attend at the mouth of Rio Diego expecting what answer should be return'd them that they would willingly have marched by land even to this very place had not the way been very long and troublesom with many steep Mountains deep Rivers and thick Woods and Bushes they therefore desired Drake to take some speedy and convenient Order on this behalf Who comparing the discourse of these Persons with his former Intelligence both from the Negro's and Spaniards together with his Brothers information of their great kindness to him when lately among them he with the advice of the rest resolved to go with his brother and the two Symerons that Evening to the said River ordering the rest of the fleet to follow next morning his Brother having found out a place thereabout of much safety and conveniency it being a very good and plentiful Countrey for above sixty Leagues and not inhabited by one Spaniard or any on their behalf and lying among a great many excellent Islands full of Trees where though there be Channels yet they are so full of Rocks and Shoals as makes it very dangerous to enter by night whereas a Ship may there lye hid among the Trees Next day Sept. 14. arriving at the appointed River they found some of the Symerons according to promise the rest of them being a mile upward in a Wood by the Rivers side After they had given them Entertainment and were satisfied of their fidelity they took two more into their Pinnaces leaving two Englishmen with them to go by Land to another River called Rio Guana to meet another Company of Symerons then in the Mountains They went that day from Rio Diego in their Pinnaces toward their Ship which they wondred did not follow them according to Order Two days after Sept. 16. they found her in the place where they left her but very much damaged and indangered by a Tempest in their absence which having refitted they sent one Pinnace to discover the Channel at the bottom of the Bay to bring their Ship nearer the Land Sept. 19. they followed and with much wariness sail'd safe into the best Channel About five Leagues from Cativaas between the Island the Main they moared their Ship the Island being near the Continent flat and full of Trees and Bushes Sept. 22. the two English men and the Troop of Symerons with twelve others they met in the Mountains came in sight of the Ship on which they were brought aboard to their great joy hoping now to be quit with their old Spanish Enemies and the English expecting better success by their assistance At their first meeting when Drake moved them to inform him how he might be furnisht with Gold and Silver they plainly answered That if they had known he had desired that they could have given him enough but at present were uncapable because the Rivers wherein they had sunk a great quantity which they had taken from the Spaniards rather to vex their Foes than for any love they had for it were now so high that they could not get it out of such depths for them neither could they take any more from their Enemies because the Spaniards in these Rainy Months are not used to carry their Treasure by Land This unexpected answer did not discontent Drake but rather confirmed their faithfulness and therefore the Captain to wear out the five months they designed to spend in those Seas commanded all his great Guns and Ammunition ashoar sending his Pinnaces to the Main Land to fetch over great Trees to make a Fort upon the Island to plant his Ordnance thereon and for securing them against any attempt of the Enemy The Symerons cut down Palmeto Boughs and Branches and with strange celerity raised up two Houses large enough for all the Company The Fort was made Triangular with Timber and Earth and thirteen foot high Having continued here fourteen days Octob. 7. the Captain resolved to go with three Pinnaces to Carthagena leaving his Brother John Drake to govern those who remained with the Symerons to finish the Fort and to fetch boards and planks from the prize he left at Cativaas where she was drove ashoar and broken in their absence but might now be of use to this purpose That night Captain Drake came to an Island he called the Spurkite Island because they found store of Birds like Kites but very delicate meat Next day Octob. 8. they recovered a large Island where they got great quantity of Fish especially of a great Shell Fish two foot long which they called Whelks Next morning being clear of these Islands and Shoals they haled off to Sea and four days after Octob. 14. chased two Frigots ashoar near the Island of St. Bernards from whence they proceeded to Tolou and landed Octob. 16. near the Town in a Garden where certain Indians gave them Bows and Arrows and presented them with the dainty Fruits and Roots therein for which they went not unrewarded hoping to learn intelligence of the Country and Fleets from them They quickly went hence to Caresha the Island of Carthagena and with a full gale sailed towards the City casting anchor between the Island and the Continent right against the goodly Garden Island in which the Captain would not suffer them to Land because he knew the Spaniards sent Souldiers thither when they heard any Men of War were on the Coast which happened
or none remained with the Preacher all running out to observe the blessing of God upon the dangerous labours and endeavours of Captain Drake CHAP. IV. Captain Drake with five Ships undertakes a Voyage round about the Word in 1577. and in prosecution thereof arrives at Port St. Julian where he discovers a Conspiracy for which a Gentleman of his Company was beheaded CAptain Drake having in his former Voyage had a View and only a View of the South Atlantick Ocean from the high Tree aforementioned and from that very time being very ambitious of sailing thereon in an English Ship he retained this Noble resolution within himself for some years being partly prevented by secret envy at home and partly by applying himself to the publick service of his Prince and Countrey in Ireland under the Earl of Essex and otherwhere But in 1577. having a gracious Commission from his Soveraign and assisted with divers of his Friends who were Adventurers with him he fitted up five Ships 1. The Pellican Admiral of a hundred Tuns Francis Drake Captain General 2. The Elizabeth Vice-Admiral eighty Tuns John Winter Captain 3. The Marigold a Bark of eighty Tun John Thomas Captain 4. The Swan a Flyboat of fifty Tuns John Chester Captain 5. The Christopher a Pinnace of fifteen Tuns Thomas Moon Captain Having mann'd this little Fleet with a hundred and sixty four able men and furnisht them with all necessary Provisions for so long and dangerous a Voyage and stowing certain Pinnaces aboard in pieces to be set up on occasion as in his former Voyage yea carrying with him several Musicians for delight and rich furniture of Silver for his Table and Cook-room with all sorts of curious Workmanship for Ornament and to raise admiration of the Civility and Magnificence of his Native Countrey in other Nations where he came Thus appointed they sailed out of Plymouth Sound Novem. 15. 1577. about five in the afternoon and next morning came to the Lizzard where meeting contrary Winds they were all compell'd to put into Falmouth Next day a great storm arose so that though they were in a good Harbor yet the Admiral wherein Drake was and the Marigold were forc't to cut their Main Masts by the board and oblig'd to return to Plymouth to repair thirteen days after their departure thence where having quickly supplied all defects they Decem. 13. once more put to Sea with better hopes Being out of sight of Land Drake gave some intimation of his design which he had hitherto concealed both by the course he saild and appointing their Randezvouz if separated by any accident to be the Isle of Mogadore Sailing then with a favourable Wind Decem. 25. being Christmas day they had sight of Cape Cantin in Barbary and of the high in-land Countrey in thirty two degrees and thirteen minutes North latitude and coasting thence Southward about eighteen Leagues they arrived that day at the Isle of Mogadore which is under the King of Fesse and a good Harbor being about a Mile from the main Land uninhabited and a League in circuit overgrown with shrubs and full of Pigeons and therefore much frequented by Goshawks and other Brids of Prey with plenty of several sorts of Sea-Fowl At the South side are three hollow Rocks under which are great store of very ugly yet very wholesom Fish Sending a Boat to sound the Harbor all their Fleet came in Decemb. 27. and staid about four days setting up one of their four Pinnaces brought from home in pieces The Inhabitants of the Countrey soon perceived them and made signs on the Shoar to come aboard to whom the General sent a Boat wherein two Chief Moors were received and one of theirs left in exchange till their return Drake treated them very civilly aboard his Ship presenting them with what they seem'd most to value to shew they came in Peace and Friendship to Trade for such Traffick as their Countrey afforded according to their own content wherewith they seem'd much pleased promising to return again the next day to exchange their Goods for others By their Law they ought to drink no Wine being Turks in Religion yet they will drink it very plentifully by stealth as it now appeared Being carried ashoar they freely restored the Person left as a pledge returning with Camels next day at the hour appointed as if loaden with Goods for Exchange and calling hastily for a Boat had one sent by the Generals Order before he went from the Island The Boat coming to a place of Landing among the Rocks one John Fry suspecting no treachery readily stept out of the Boat to be a pledge as the day before when those on the Shoar instantly seizing him and others in ambush coming to their assistance they speedily carried him away the rest being glad to shift for themselves The cause of this violence was to inform the King of Fesse whither this Fleet was bound or come from the King of Portugal or what Intelligence they could give him Fry being brought into the Kings presence and declaring they were Englishmen bound for the Straights under General Drake he was sent back with a Present to his Captain and offers of all Kindness and Friendship in that Countrey Drake much disturbed at this injury landed his men in his Pinnace and marcht pretty far up into the Countrey without resistance the Moors declining any ingagement with him so that making provision of Wood and visiting an old Fort formerly built by the Portugals but ruined by the King of Fesse he departed Decemb. 31. toward Cape Blank so that when Fry came back he to his great grief found the Fleet gone yet by the Kings favour he was after sent home in an English Merchants Ship Meeting with foul weather they were detained sometime and the third day after fell with Cape de Guerre in 30 degrees where they took three Spanish Fisher-boats called Caunters whom they carried to Rio del Oro under the Tropick of Cancer and there took a Carvel From hence Jan. 15. they sailed to Cape Barbas where the Marygold took another Carvel it lyes in 20 degrees 30 minutes low and sandy where they first observed the South Stars called the Crosiers 19 degrees 30 minutes above the Horizon In the Cape they took another Spanish Ship riding at Anchor all her men but two being fled ashoar in the Boat whom with all the rest formerly taken they carried into the Harbor three Leagues within the Cape Here General Drake resolved to stay some time to refresh his men with the plenty of fresh Victuals in this place and to supply them at Sea there being great store of Fish easily taken even within the Harbor and as good as any in the World During their abode here the General being ashoar was visited by the People of the Countrey who brought down a Moorish Woman with her little Babe hanging at her dry Breast being scarce alive her self and therefore unlike to nourish that whom they would have sold as
a Horse or Cow which Merchandize Drake not dealing in they produced Amber-greese and some curious Gums to exchange with the English for fresh water of which they have great want and were willing to quench their thirst at any price whatever and to carry the rest in their Leathern Bags for that purpose Drake compassionating their unhappiness gave them freely what water they desired and fed them with Victuals which they devoured in an inhumane and loathsom manner Their Ships washt and trimm'd and all their Spanish Prizes discharged except one Caunter for which they gave the Fisherman the Christopher one of their own Ships And a Carvel bound for St. Jago being here freed also after six days stay they sailed for the Islands of Cape Verde Jan 22. where they were obliged to furnish themselves plentifully with water since the General intended to run a long course from thence even to the Coast of Brasil without touching land And having the Wind generally North-East Jan. 27. they coasted Bonavista and next day anchored at the Isle of May in fifteen degrees high land and inhabited by the Portugals where landing and expecting to traffick with the Inhabitants for fresh water they found in the Town near the Shore only a great many ruinous houses and a poor Chappel but no people nor Water though within the Land there is enough The Springs and Wells here being stopt up and no quantity of water to be found they marched forward to seek for a supply finding the Soil fruitful and plenty of Fig-trees with fruit thereon and in the Valleys were little low Cottages with pleasant Vineyards yeilding excellent Grapes also Coco Trees Plantains and other Fruits some ripe some rotten and others blossoming and this in January because the Sun never withdraws its heat from them nor have they ever any great cold or frost They found good Water in divers places but so far from the Shore they could not convey it to their Ships the people refusing any conference with them securing themselves in the sweet Vallies among the Hills where their Towns were and suffering them freely to survey the Island since they were like to receive more damage than profit to offer violence to those who came peaceably among them The Island yeilds vast numbers of Goats and Wild Hens and Salt made without labour by the flowing of the Sea and the heat of the Sun which naturally produceth a great quantity thereof lying openly upon the Sands for all that come and wherewith the people drive a great trade with the adjacent Islands Sailing hence Jan. 30. they passed next day by the Isle of St. Jago ten Leagues West of May in the same latitude inhabited both by Moores and Portuguess occasioned by the cruelty of the Portugals toward the slaves which was so intollerable that many fled from their Masters to the hilly parts of the Island and their number increasing by the escapes they dayly made grew at length so formidable that they are now a terror to their Oppressors from whom they receive dayly injuries either in their Goods or Cattel and have lost a great part of that large and fruitful Isle which is a relief to all Ships bound for Brasil Guinea or the East-Indies being also of great strength were it not for the cause aforesaid which hath much abated the pride of the Portugals who under pretence of Trade and Friendship excluded the first Planters thereof both from Government Liberty and almost Life South-west of this Isle they took a Portugal Ship loaden with Wine store of Linnen and Woollen Cloth and other Goods bound for Brasile with many Merchants and Gentlemen aboard As they went hence three Towns in sight of them shot off two great Guns into the Sea either for joy of their departure or to shew they were provided to entertain them and were answered with one from the Fleet. South-west about twelve Leagues hence yet for its height not seeming above three lies Fogo a burning Island or Fiery Furnace wherein rises a steep Hill thought at least eighteen English Miles high belching out great and dreadful Flames of Fire from the top almost every quarter of an hour that in the night it gives light like the Moon and seems to reach the very Heavens It throws out great Stones which falling into the Sea are used as Pumice Stones The rest of the Island is peopled with Portugals who live happily therein Two Leagues hence lyes another Sweet and Pleasant Island called Brava the Trees always green and is almost planted all over with Trees and Fruits as Figs Coco's Plantains Oranges Lemmons Cotton and the like with Streams of fresh water running into the Sea and easily taken up by Boats and Pinnaces but there is no Road nor Anchoring for Ships no ground being to be found by the longest Line so that the Sea is thought as deep as Fogo is high They found only one Hermit inhabiting this Island nor saw any House but his who delighted so much in solitariness that he fled from them leaving behind the Relicks of his Worship that is a Cross a Crucifix an Altar with another above it and certain Images of Wood of rude Workmanship They here discharg'd the Portugals taken near St. Jago giving them a new Pinnace built at Mogadore instead of their old Ship with Victuals and Provision Furnisht with fresh Water at Cape Verde Feb. 2. they derected their course toward the Streights of Magellane to go through into the South Sea sailing sixty three days without sight of Land passing the Equinoctial Line Feb. 17. and fell with the Coast of Brasil April 5. During which long passage on the vast Ocean having nothing but Sea below and Heaven above they saw and experienced the goodness of Divine Providence in making ample Provision for all their wants and though they oft met with contrary Winds and Storms unwelcom calms and burning heats in this Torrid Zone with the terrors of dreadful Thunder and Lightning yet they could not but take notice that not having been throughly furnished with Water since they came from England till they arrived at the River of Plate long after yet for 17 days together their necessities were constantly supplyed by Rain-Water neither was their Fleet now six in number ever disperst nor lost company except the Portugal Prize for one day only which yet much discouraged them having the greatest part of their drink aboard her and was therefore found again with much joy since her miscarriage might have defeated the whole Voyage Among many strange Creatures they particularly observed the Flying Fish as big as a Pilchard whose Fins are as long as his Body and serve for wings when he is chased by the Boneto or great Mackrell whom the Dolphin likewise pursues for when weary of Swiming be lifts up himself above Water and Flyes pretty high falling sometimes into Vessels that Sail by The Fins are so curiously placed as might serve for a longer and higher flight did not their dryness
Island nigh the Main Land and from whence at low water they might go over a foot the Inhabitants appeared leaping dancing holding up their hands and making out-cryes after their manner but it being then high water the General sent them by a Boat some Knives Bells Bugles and other things he thought would please them Upon which getting together on a Hill half a Mile from the Shoar two of their Company came down swiftly though with a great grace such as they use in time of Wars but drawing nigh they made a stand upon which the English tying the things to a Staff stuck it in the ground that they might see it and retired a reasonable distance Being departed they came and took the things leaving instead thereof such Feathers as they wore on their heads a bone carved like a tooth-pick six inches long and neatly burnished Whereupon the General with divers Gentlemen went over to them they still remaining on the Hill placed in a rank one of them running from one end to the other East and West with his hands over his head and his body inclining toward the rising and setting Sun and at every third turn he erected himself vaulting in the Air against the middle of the rank toward the Moon signifying as they thought That they called the Sun and Moon whom they worship as Gods to witness they meant nothing toward them but peace But perceiving the English came apace forward they seemed fearful to prevent which the General and his Company retired which so confirmed them they were no enemies that divers came down after them without fear and traded with them but would receive nothing from them till it was first cast on the ground the word they used for exchange was Zussus and Toyt to throw it on the ground if they disliked any thing they cryed Coroh Coroh with ratling in their throat their goods were Arrows made of Reeds Feathers and the Bones aforementioned They go naked except only a Furr about their Shoulders when they sit or lye in the Gold but at other times it is a girdle about their Loyns Their Hair is very long which to prevent trouble thy knit up with a Roll of Ostrich Feathers and serves them for a Quiver for their Arrows and a Store-house for what they carry about them Those of Quality wear a large plain Feather on each side their heads seeming afar off like Horns so that a head thus trim'd upon a naked body resembles a Devil with horns Their chief bravery consists in painting their Bodys with divers Colours with such works as they fancy Some wash their faces with Sulphur or the like others paint their whole Bodys Black leaving only their necks round about White and shew like Ladys with black Gowns and naked Necks Some paint one Shoulder black and another white and likewise their Legs setting white Moons on the black part and black on the white being the marks of the Gods they adore By this continual painting the pores of their Bodys are so closed they never feel any cold they are strong comely swift and active and are much to be lamented that being of tractable natures and in an excellent soyl they are ignorant of the worship of the true God for though they never knew any Christians before yet they soon became so familiar that they seem'd rather willing to serve and do them all good Offices than offer any injury The General bestowing a Cap off his head on one of their Chiefs he going at a distance suddenly pierced his Leg deeply with an Arrow so that the Bloud streaming out he thereby signifi'd his unfained love to him and was as a Covenant of peace between them they were about fifty persons who thus frequented their company In the South part of this Bay is a River of fresh Water and several Islands full of Seals Birds and Fowls sufficient to maintain a multitude of people of which they killed some with Shot and Staves and took many Birds with their hands they lighting upon their Heads and Shouldiers They saw no Boat or Canoo used by the Natives to come to these Isles their own provision seemed to be Raw Flesh and Fish they finding pieces of Seals all Bloudy which they had gnawn with their teeth like Dogs They are all armed with a Bow an Ell long and Arrows of Reeds headed with Flints very exactly This Bay they named Seal Bay for the plenty of them found here killing two hundred in an hours time Sufficiently provided with all necessaries they sailed hence June 12. South-ward and anchored two days in a little Bay where they discharged and laid up the Caunter or Christopher and June 14. arrived at another Bay in fifty degrees twenty minutes South-Latitude and within one degree of the mouth of the Streights through which lay their desired Passage to the South Sea Here the General turned his Course Northerly in hope of finding his Ship and Friends lost in the great storm since if they should pass the Streights without them both might be much discomforted So that June 18. putting again to Sea with hearty prayers to God for Success they ran back toward the Line and the next night near Port St. Julian had sight of their Ship and the day after the whole Fleet entred joyfully into that Port to refit and refresh this Ship and the wearied men St. Julian is in 49 degrees 30 minutes being a very convenient Harbor having many Islands within it Coming now to an Anchor and all things made safe the General with his Brother and five others according to his usual care and diligence on such occasions rowed further into the Bay in a Boat to find out some convenient place for fresh Water and Provisions during their stay and were no sooner landed when two of the Natives visited them called by Magellane Pentagoures for their huge Stature and Strength who seem'd much to rejoice at their Arrival familiarly receiving whatever the General gave them and much pleased to see Oliver the Master-Gunner shoot an English Arrow trying to out-shoot him but came nothing near him Soon after another arrived who seem'd angry at the Civility of his fellows and strove earnestly to make them become enemies which General Drake not suspecting used them as before when Mr. Winter thinking also to shoot an Arrow that he who came last might see it the string of his Bow broke which being before their terror did now incourage them to contrive treachery against them not imagining their Guns and Swords were Weapons of War and therefore as they were quietly returning to their Boat these Villains suddainly discharged their Arrows at their backs aiming chiefly at him who had the Bow and not suffering him to string it again by wounding him in the Shouldier who turning about was shot with an Arrow through the Lungs yet fell not but the Gummer being ready to shoot off his Musket which took not fire was slain outright In this extremity their expert
General gave order that no man should keep any certain ground but shifting places and defending themselves with their Targets should approach these Monsters and break all the Arrows shot at them knowing when they were spent they should subdue them at pleasure with this wise course and by shooting off the peice the Gunner could not fire the General killed the Author of the quarrel who slew the Gunner for the Musket being charged with a Bullet and Hail Shot tore out his Belly and Guts with much torment as it seemed by his roaring which was so Horrid and Hideous as if ten Bulls had bellowed at once This so discouraged his Companions that though divers others appeared out of the Woods to assist them yet they were glad to fly and suffer the English quietly to depart which they the rather did because of Mr. Oliver who was wounded and whom the General dearly loved and would rather have saved then slain an hundred enemies but being past recovery he died two days after he was brought aboard Next day the General in his Boat well armed went again ashour to bring off the Gunners body which they found lying where it was left only stript of its upper Garment with an English Arrow struck in his right Eye Both the dead Bodys were laid in one grave with such decency and reverence as becomes the Tabernacles of immortal Souls and such ceremonies as Souldiers in time of War deserve Magellane was not altogether deceived in calling them Giants since they differ so much from other men in stature strength and the hideousness of their voice yet are they not so Monstrous as the Spaniards reported some English men being full as tall as any they saw but not imagining any English would ever come there it incouraged them boldly to write such untruths Their name Pentagones or five Cubits that is seven foot and an half giving their true height yet many not so large But certainly the Cruelties used against them have made them more Monstrous in their Manners than Bodys which being told from Father to Son has created such an inveterate hatred in them against Strangers that upon all occasions they seek revenge upon them Yet they seemed to repent the wrong offered the English suffering them to continue there peaceably two months after may cause them to be kinder to others that happen into their Countrey To this mischief from Infidels another greater and of far worse consequence was like to have fallen out among themselves had not Divine providence timely discovered and prevented it whereby the innocent bloud of their General and his most faithful Friends might have been treacherously shed and the whole Action thereby overthrown The design was laid before their coming from England and of which General Drake had a full account in his Garden at Plymouth but he could never believe that a Person whom he so dearly affected and had so extreamly obliged would contrive any evil against him and therefore continued his favours to this suspected Person yea increased them so as to make him his most intimate and bosom Friend giving him the second place in his Company in his presence and leaving him the conduct of his whole affairs in his absence imparting to him all his secrets and allowing him free liberty in all reasonable things yea bearing with his many weaknesses and infirmities scorning that any private injury should break that firm friendship he had contracted with him and was therefore offended with those who from duty discovered his dayly contrivances to destroy the whole Enterprize But the General being at length convinc't of his falshood and that lenity would do no good since the heat of his ambition could not be allayed but by the murther and bloud of his Captain and Companions his practices growing dayly more dangerous he resolved to question him before it was too late Therefore first securing him he called all the Commanders and Gentlemen of his Company together to whom he gave an account of the good parts in this Gentleman and of the brotherly tenderness he had always shewed toward him ever since his first acquaintance And then delivered them the Letters he had received from several Persons who much doubted his fidelity and that not only at Sea but at Plymouth not only by bare words but writings under the Gentleman 's own hand yea several unworthy actions committed by him tending to the overthrow of the Voyage in hand and the Murdering the Generals Person For all which so many full and evident proofs were produced that the Gentleman himself struck with remorse for his inconsiderate and unkind dealings freely acknowledged himself worthy of death yea of many deaths since he had not only designed the ruin of the Action but of the principal Actor likewise not of a Stranger or Enemy to him but of a true and real freind and therefore openly besought the whole Assembly who had power to administer Justice to prevent him from being his own Executioner by condemning him to a deserved death This discourse raised admiration and astonishment in all present especially in his nearest Friends and dearest Acquaintance but none was so much affected as the General himself who unable to conceal his tender affection withdrew requiring them when they had throughly heard and considered the whole matter to give such Judgment as they would be answerable for to their Prince but especially to Almighty God the righteous Judg of all the Earth Whereupon all of them being 40 of the principal Persons in the whole Fleet after they had maturely discust the business and freely heard what any of his friends could alleage on his behalf gave this sentence under their Hands and Seals That this Gentleman had deserved Death and that it did by no means consist with their safety to let him live remitting the manner and circumstances thereof to the General himself This Tribunal was held in one of the Islands in the Port of St. Julian which was after in memory hereof called The Island of True Justice and Jugdment After this verdict was given to the General to whom the Queen had committed the Sword of Justice for the safety of himself and company with this expression We do account that he which strikes at thee Drake striketh at us He called the guilty Person to whom was read the aforesaid verdict which he acknowledged most just none giving a more severe sentence against him than himself the General then proposed to him this threefold Choice Whether he would be executed in this Island Or be set ashoar on the Main Land Or else return into England and answer his crimes before the Queen and her Council He gave hamble thanks to the General for this undeserved clemency and desired time till next day to consider what to chuse which granted on the morrow he gave this result That though in his heart he had conceived so great a sin and for which he was now justly condemn'd yet his chiefest care and concern
vast lofty Spires invironed with Clouds Snow which still increaseth their height the Sun having little power to diminish them so that they may be reckoned among the Wonders of the World Yet there are many low fruitful Valleys full of Grass and Heards of very strange creatures feeding therein The Trees are almost always Green the Air temperate the Water pleasant and the Soil agreeable to any Grain of our Countrey and indeed wanting nothing to make it an happy Region but the Peoples knowing and worshiping the true God They made Fires as they passed in divers places Drawing nigh the entrance of the South Sea they had such shuttings up North-ward and such open passages to the South that lying at anchor under an Island the General went in a Boat to make further discovery and having found a convenient way toward the North in their return they met a Canoo with divers Persons in her she was made of the Barks of Trees with a Prow and Stern standing up and bending inward like an half Moon of excellent Shape and Workmanship and built with so much judgment and Art that she seemed fit for the pleasure of a Prince rather than the use of such a rude and barbarous People the seams were not closed nor caulked but only sticht with thongs of Seal Skin so very close that they received little or no water The People are of a well set mean Stature delighting much in painting their faces like the other and had a House within the Island built with Poles and covered with Skins of Beasts wherein there was fire water and such Victuals as they can get as Seals Mussels and the like the Vessels wherein they keep their Water and Drink are of Wood like their Canoos and very neat which they cut with Knives made of huge Mussel Shells the Fish being good savoury meat which after they have broken off the thin edge they grind and temper so hard upon Stones that it will easily cut the hardest Wood and whereof they make Fisgigs to kill Fish with admirable dexterity Sept. 6. They left these troublesom Islands and entred the South Sea or Maredel Zur the General designing to have gone ashoar at the Cape and after a Sermon to have left a perpetual Monument of the Queen which he had prepared thereon but they could find no anchoring neither would the wind permit them to stay They found the Streight was in about 53 degrees a hundred and fifty Leagues long and 10 broad at the entrance after not above a League and then larger again and at the end no Streight at all but only Islands The General perceiving that the cold Winter had impaired some of his men resolved to have hastned toward the Line and the warm Sun but it pleased God to disappoint him For Sept. 7. the second day after their entrance into this Peacable but to them now Furious Sea a terrible Tempest arose with such violence that they had little hope of escaping and though Sept 15. the Moon was eclipsed in Aries and 3 parts darkened which might seem to promise some change of Weather yet it brought them no relief but they continued in a miserable condition full 52 days together and these furious and extraordinary flaws continuing or rather increasing caused the sorrowful Separation of Captain John Thomas in the Marygold from the Fleet Sept. 30. at night whom they never met again though they still hoped to have found them on the Coasts of Peru toward the Equinoctial the randezvouz appointed by the General she being well provided with necessaries and an able Captain with skilful and sufficient Marriners From Sept. 7. when the storm began to Octob. 7. they could not possibly recover Land being driven to 37 degrees of South Latitude when entring with a sorry Sail into an Harbor somewhat Northward of that Cape of America aforenamed in hope to enjoy some quiet till the storm was ended they were again assaulted with so cruel a flaw that the Admiral with the fury thereof left her Anchor behind and in departing lost sight of the Elizabeth their Vice-Admiral either through negligence or the earnestness of some within her to be eased of these troubles and at home again as they after understood For the very next day Octob. 8. recovering the mouth of the Streights again they returned the same way and coasting Brasile arrived in England June 2. the year following So that now the Admirals Ship might well have retained her former name being like a Pellican alone in this Wilderness of Waters And though the General diligently sought the rest of his Fleet yet he could not gain the least Intelligence of them From this Bay of parting Friends they were forcibly driven back to 55 degrees and ran in among the Islands aforementioned on the South of America where the passage was very large and continued here quietly two days finding divers wholsom Herbs and fresh Water whereby the men before weak and impaired began to recover especially by drinking of an Herb like Penny-leaf which gently purging much refresht their wearied sickly Bodys But the Winds then again returned to their former fury it seeming as if the Bowels of the Earth had been set at liberty and all the Clouds under Heaven summoned together into one place the Seas by nature heavy being now rouled up from the depths of the Rocks like a Parchment and carried aloft into the Air like Snow by the violence of the Winds to the tops of those lofty Mountains their Anchors like false Friends forsaking their hold-fast and seeming to hide themselves and shrink to the Bottom to avoid the horror of this woful Tempest leaving the distressed Ship and Men to the uncertain rouling Seas which tossed them even like a Tennis-Ball In this extremity it signified nothing to let fall more Anchors since the depth was so immensurable that five hundred fathom would reach no ground so that the inveterate and continual rage of the Sea the impossibility of anchoring or of spreading a Sail the dangerous Rocks and Shelves the difficulty of continuing there the inevitable peril of getting out in short the woful calamitys wherewith they were incompassed on every side afforded them very little hope of escaping utter destruction had not Divine providence supported their sinking Spirits it seeming as likely that the Mountains should have been rent in sunder from the Top to the Bottom and thrown head-long into the Sea by these prodigious Winds as that the help of all the men in the World could have saved any of their lives Yet that God of mercy who delivered Jonah out of the Whales Belly whom not only Winds and Seas but even Devils themselves and the powers of Hell obey who hearkens to the Prayers and Tears of all that sincerely call upon him in distress even he lookt down and delivered them so that except the fear and astonishment at their danger they received no damage in any thing that belonged to them in such a dreadful
Friends shewed them the Gifts he had received wherewith they were so pleased that in a few hours he with several others whereof one seemed of Quality came and brought them Hens Eggs and a fat Hog all which they sent in a Canoo to their Boat then at some distance from shore and to assure them of their faithful meaning the Captain having sent back his Horse resolv'd to commit himself to their fidelity of these strangers and to go with them alone to their General By whom they understood that there was no relief to be had here but offered to be there Pilot to a good Harbor Southward where by way of traffick they might have fresh Water and all other conveniencies This offer was readily accepted by the General the place described being near that where he had appointed his Fleet to randezvouz Omitting therefore their design of Hunting and Killing some of the Buffolo they by the conduct of this New Indian Pilot came Decem. 5. into the desired Port. This Harbor is called by the Spaniards Valpevizo and the Town adjoining is St. James of Chinly in 35 degrees 40 minutes where though they heard nothing of their Ships yet were fully supplyed with all necessarys in abundance and amongst others they found in the Town divers Store-houses of Chily Wines and a Ship in the Harbor called The Grand Captain of the South and Admiral to the Islands of Solomon loaden with the same liquors together with a quantity of fine Gold of Baldivia and a great Crucifix of Gold beset with Emeralds They spent some time in refreshing themselves and easing this Ship of so heavy a burthen and being sufficiently stored with Wine Bread Bacon and the like for a long season Decem. 8. they sailed back again toward the Equinoctial Line with their Indian Pilot whom the General bountifully rewarded and landed at the place he desired Having thus supplyed their wants their next care was to regain if possible the company of their Ships so long separated from them to which the General applyed his utmost endeavour and since it was inconvenient to search every Creek and Harbor with their little Boat which might happen to fall into the Spaniards hands who would shew them no mercy he therefore sought out some safe Harbor to erect a Pinnace wherein without indangering their Ship they might leave no place unsought to find out their Countrymen again Hereupon Decem. 19. they entred a Bay South of the Town of Cyppo inhabited by Spaniards in 29 degrees where having landed fourteen men to search for a conveniency they were discovered by the Town who instantly sent out three hundred Spaniards on Horse back against them and about 200 Indians running all naked and in miserable slavery like Dogs at their heels but the English perceiving their danger escaped first to a Rock in the Sea and from thence to their Boat where they were received and conveyed out of the reach of the Spaniards fury without hurt to any but only one John Minevy who careless of his safety would not be perswaded to save himself but resolved singly to defy and terrify three hundred men or else dye on the place which accordingly happened for being quickly slain his â—â—ad Body was drawn by the Indians from the Rock to the shoar and there valiantly beheaded by the Spaniards his right hand cut off and his heart pluckt out which they carried away in their sight causing the Indians to shoot his Body full of Arrows made the same day of green Wood and so left it to be devoured of beasts had not the English again gone ashoar and buried it This sufficiently discovers the barbarity of the Spaniards and their continual dread of a forreign invasion or to have their throats cut by the wretched unfortunate Natives whom they never suffer to keep any arms but just for present service as appears by their Arrows made that very day and the report of others who knew it to be true Yea they think themselves very kind if they do not dayly whip these Wretches with Cords only for pleasure or drop scalding Bacon on their naked Bodys which is the least torture they usually inflict upon these unhappy Indians This not being the place they looked for nor the entertainment they desired Decem. 20. they fell into a more convenient Harbor North of Cyppo in 27 degrees 55 minutes South latitude where they staid some time to trim their Ship and build their Pinnace yet still reflecting on the absence of their Friends General Drake having fitted all to his mind and leaving his Ship at anchor in the Bay resolved to go in the Pinnace himself with some choice men toward the South if possible to find them out but after one days Sail the Wind forced him back again Within this Bay they had store of Fish like a Gurnet and never met with the like except at Cape Blank on the Coast of Barbary the Gentlemen with four or five Hooks and Lines taking in two or three hours four hundred of them Having dispatcht their business here Jan. 22. they came to an Island in the Province of Mormorena where they found Indians in Canoos who undertook to bring them to a watering place upon which the General according to his use to strangers treated them nobly and came where they directed and having travelled a long way on the land they indeed found fresh Water but hardly so much 〈◊〉 they had drunk Wine in their Passage thither Sailing along continually in search of fresh Water they came to a place called Tarapaca and landing lighted on a Souldier asleep who had lying by him thirteen Bars of Silver weighing about four thousand Spanish Duccats they would not willingly have disturb'd him but since they did him that injury they freed him of this charge which might otherwise have kept him waking leaving him if he pleased to take another nap more securely Continuing still their search for Water they again landed not far thence and met with a Spaniard and an Indian Boy driving eight Lambs or Peruvian Sheep each carrying two leather bags with fifty pound weight of refined Silver and not induring to see a Spanish Gentleman turn Carrier they without asking offered him their Service and became his Drovers only they mist his way for almost as soon as he parted from them they came into their Boats Beyond this lye certain Indian Towns from whence many people came in Boats made of Seals Skins and blown full of Wind which rows swiftly and carries a great Burthen These seeing their Ship brought store of divers sorts of Fish to traffick with them for Knives Stones Glasses and the like men of sixty or seventy years old being as fond of them as if they had purchased Jewels of great value They appeared a plain innocent people and resorted to them in great numbers in that short time Near this in 22 degrees 30 minutes lay Marmorena and another great Indian Town govern'd by two Spaniards whom desiring to deal
relieving their young or themselves when they are willing to stay at home They eat their bodies but preserve their Skins of which the Royal garments of their King are made This Countrey General Drake called Nova Albion both because it had white Cliffs toward the Sea and that its name might have some likeness to England which was formerly so called Before they went hence the General caused a Monument to be erected signifying that the English had been there and asserting the right of Queen Elizabeth and her Successors to that Kingdom all ingraven in a Plate of Brass and nail'd to a great firm Post with the time of their Arrival the Queens name and the free resignation of the Countrey by the King and People into her hands likewise her Picture and Arms and underneath the Generals Arms. The Spaniards had never any commerce nor ever set foot in this Countrey their utmost Acquisitions being many degrees Southward thereof and now the time of their departure being at hand the joy of the Natives was drowned in extream sorrow pouring out woful complaints and grievous sighs and tears for their leaving them yet since they could not have their presence they supposing them indeed to be Gods thought it their duty to intreat them to be mindful of them in their absence declaring by signs that they hoped hereafter to see them again and before the English were aware set fire to a Sacrifice which they offered to them burning therein a Chain and a bunch of Feathers The General endeavoured by all means to hinder their proceedings but could not prevail till they fell to Prayers and Singing of Psalms when allured thereby forgetting getting their folly and leaving their Sacrifice unconsumed and the fire to go out imitating the English in all their actions they lift up their Hands and Eyes to Heaven as they did July 23. They took a sorrowful leave of them but loth to part with them they went to the tops of the Hills to keep sight of them as long as possible making fires before behind and on each side of them wherein they supposed Sacrifices were offered to their happy Voyage A little without their Harbor lye certain Isles câ—lled by them the Islands of St. James wherein were plenty of Seals and Fowls and landing in one of them next day they supplyed themselves with competent Provision for some time The General now finding the extremity of the cold increase the Sun being gone further and the Winds constantly blowing Northerly giving no hope of finding a Passage through those Northern Seas He resolved with the general approbation of all to lose no more time but Sail directly to the Molucco Islands And having a sight of nothing but Sea and Sky for sixty eight days together they continued their course through the Main Ocean till Sept. 30. when they spied certain Islands about eight degrees North of the Line from whence there came instantly a great number of Canoo's having in some four in others six 14 or 15 men bringing Coco's Potatoes Fish and several fruits to sell Their Canoo's are made of one Tree hollowed within very artificially and as smooth as glass all over with a very curious prow and stern hung full of white glittering shells On each side were two peices of Timber about a yard and half long at the ends whereof a great Cane was fastened to prevent them from overturning The People had the lower parts of their Ears cut round and hanging very low on their cheeks wherein they put things of a reasonable weight the Nails of some of their Fingers were at least an inch long and their Teeth as black as Ink occasioned by eating an herb with a powder they always carry with them to that purpose The first company of Canoo's coming up to their Ship which Sailed slow for want of Wind seemed very fair dealers and exchang'd some goods with them very orderly making signs for them to come nearer the shoar but designing treacherously to seize both Men and Ship These gone others presently came who if they got any thing into their Hands would neither return it nor give any thing for it counting all their own which they once handled impudently expecting more but would give back nothing Upon which the English refusing to trade with them as Cheats they were so inraged that having Stones in their Canoo they let fly a great many at them The General scorning to revenge this injury yet to shew them he was able caused a great Gun to be discharged which had the desired effect for they instantly leapt out of their Canoo's into the Water and diving under the Keel of their Boats staid there till the Ship was gone a good distance from them and then nimbly recovering their Canoo's hastned to the Shoar However new Companys of them still resorted to the Ship and since violence would not prevail pretended now to traffick honestly yet stole whatever they could meet with One pluckt a Dagger and Knives from their mens Girdle which being again demanded 〈◊〉 endeavoured to catch at more neither could they be rid of this ungracious Company till they made some feel the smart of it and so they left this place which they named The Island of Theives Octob. 3. they got clear of these Rocks and Sailed without sight of Land till the 16. falling then with four Islands in 7 degrees 5 Minutes North Latitude Oct. 22. they Anchored and Watered on the biggest called Mindanao where they met with two Canoo's who would have talked with them but the Wind prevented it Oct. 25. they passed by the Isles of Talao Teda Ceylon Salan and Suaro so named to them by an Indian and Novem. 3. arrived at the Molucco's as they desired They are four high spired Islands called Terenate Tydore Matchan and Batchan all very fruitfull especially of Cloves wherewith they were cheaply furnisht Easterly lyes a very great Island called Gillola They designed for Tydore but coming Novem. 4. near an Island belonging to the King of Terenate his Vice-Roy came off to their Ship in a Canoo and without fear went boldly aboard who saluting their General earnestly intreated him to go to Terenate assuring him his King would be very joyful to see and accommodate him to whom that very night he would give notice of them with whom if he once dealt he should find him a King of his word whereas the Portugals of Tydore were altogether false and treacherous whom if they first visited their King would not treat with them accounting the Portugals their mortal Enemies With these perswasions the General was induced to go to Terenate and anchored there very early next Morning and presently sent a Menssenger to the King with a Velvet Cloak for a present to assure him they came in peace desiring nothing but Victuals which he was destitute of by his long Voyage and to exchange some Merchandizes with him which he did require with the more assurance being invited to come hither by
which they thought safest because uninhabited and anchoring found all necessarys but fresh Water which they fetcht from another Island farther South Here they staid twenty six days pitching their Tents and intrenching themselves the best they could to prevent any disturbance from the Natives of a great Island West of this Having secured themselves and goods they set up their Forge to make Iron work and their Sea-cole being spent were forced to use Char-coal The whole Isle is overgrown with very great high Trees and Woods the leaves like Broom in England among which appeared in the night a vast Swarm of Flyes like Glow-Worms which seemed as if a Candle had been lighted on every Twig and the whole had been the Starry Heavens There were also an innumerable company of Bats or Rere-Mice as big as a Hen who fly very swift but short and hang on the Trees with their Heads downwards Likewise they met with a great quantity of Crayfish so large that one would dine four hungry men being very healthful and restorative and a seasonable relief to them They seem to live always on Land breeding in the Earth like Rabbits and under the Roots of huge Trees in great Companies together and upon pursuit clime up the Trees to secure themselves whither those that would catch them must climb after They called this Crab Island Having trimmed their Ship and recovered their health and strength by the excellent plenty of all kind of refreshments in this place they only expected the Brize or Trade wind which blows only one way for some Months together and getting in fresh Water and Wood the day before Decem. 12. they set sail Westward and in two days had sight of the Islands of Celebes but were in so much danger from the Shoals and Sands that they beat about till Jan. 9. When supposing they had attained a free passage the Land turning visibly Westward and the Wind reasonable fair failing with a full gale without suspition in the first Watch of the night their Ship suddenly fell upon a desperate Shoal and was in all probability on the point of perishing in a moment without saving the Lives of any or the Goods they had ventured such Perils to attain All now judging it more necessary to prepare for another World than imploy their thoughts about any thing in this Yet after hearty prayers to God for Deliverance the General earnestly exhorting them to take serious care of their Souls and to contemplate on the joys of another Life and not to be wanting to themselves he incouraged them by his own example to ply the Pump and free the Ship from Water and finding their leaks did not increase it gave them some hope that the Bulk was sound which they attributed alone to the mercy of God since no strength of Iron or Wood could possibly have endured such a violent shock as their Ship suffered if the extraordinary Providence of Heaven had not intervened Their hope was next to get good ground and anchor-hold and the General himself undertook to Sound but could find no bottom a Boats length from the Ship so that their growing hopes were hereby quite dasht again though this disappointment was concealed from the generality of the men in the Ship the General still cheering them up with the best incouragements he could think of The Ship being so fastened that she could not stir it seemed very probable that they must either remain on the place with her or else commit themselves to some miserable place of refuge which was a very hard choice and threatened them with a lingring death The Ship seemed to declare to them that she expected every minute to be destroyed by the Winds and Seas so that if they should escape out of her they were like to lead a miserable life among wild Beasts or People it may be more barbarous than they in intollerable Bondage both of Body and Mind And if the Ship should still continue undestroyed yet her Provisions could not last many days and there was no possibility of recruiting so that Famine might cause them to eat the very Flesh from their own Arms which was terrible to consider The hope of escaping by leaving her seemed yet more improbable the Boat not being capable of carrying above twenty Persons at once and they were in all fifty eight The nearest Land was six Leagues thence and the Wind directly against them and the first who had Landed while they were fetching the rest would certainly have fallen into the hand of the Enemy and gradually all the rest But if they should escape death yet the woful Captivity into which they must fall and be thereby deprived of the true Worship of God and continually grieved with the horrible Impieties and devilish Idolatries of the Natives would make death more elegible than life The night being spent in these melancholy thoughts they rejoyced to see the morning and it being then almost full Sea after humble thanks to the Almighty for preserving them thus long and hearty prayers and tears for a blessing upon their endeavours they again tryed to find anchor-hold but found this second attempt as fruitless as the former so that it seemed impossible their Ship should be ever delivered by any policy or power of man unless God himself should miraculously appear for their safety to whose omnipotent power and all-sufficiency they all concluded to refer themselves having a Sermon preached to them and receiving the Holy Communion together After this blessed repast not to be wanting in any lawful means for preserving themselves they concluded to unload the Ship which they had hitherto forborn wherein they were so willingly ingaged that they seemed to despise what was necessary for their defence yea for sustaining their lives throwing not only their Ammunition but their meal for bread into the Sea being assured that if it pleased the Lord of Heaven to save them he would fight for them against their Enemies and not suffer them to perish for want of bread And at length it was God alone that delivered them for having continued in this miserable condition firmly fixt in the cleft of a Rock they found that at low Water it was not above six foot deep on the star-board side though at a little distance there was no bottom to be found The Wind during the whole time blew somewhat stiff directly against their broad side and thereby forcibly kept their Ship upright In the beginning of the Tyde while the water was lowest it pleased God to calm the Wind whereby their Vessel which required 13 foot water to make her swim and had not then above seven on one side and wanting the Wind which had been her prop hitherto on the other she fell a heeling toward the deep water and thereby freed her keel and filled their hearts with joy This Shoal is three or four Leagues in length in two degrees South Latitude the day of their deliverance was Jan. 10. and was the greatest
innumeris Hispanus Classibus aequor Regnis juncturus Sceptra Brittanna suis c. Thus in English Spains King with Navys Great the Sea 's bestrew'd To join the English with his Spanish sway Ask you what caus'd this proud attempt 't was leud Ambition drove and Avarice led the way 2. 'T is well Ambitions Windy puff lyes drown'd By Winds And swelling hearâ—â—â—y swelling Waves T is Well Those Spaniards who the worlds vast round Devour'd devouring Sea most justly Craves Another In Eighty Eight Spain arm'd with potent might Against our peaceful Land came on to fight The Winds and Waves and Fire in one conspire To help the English frustrate Spains desire CHAP IX Sir Francis Drakes last Voyage to the West Indies in 1595. accompanied with Sir John Hawkins Sir Tho. Baskerfeild and Sir Nicholas Clifford and others with his Death Burial and Epithaph AS this valiant and heroick Worthy had for many years faithfully served his Prince and Countrey so he died in this honourable imployment and waâ— buried in that Vast Ocean wherein he had spent the greatest part of his life The last Voyage he made was to the West Indies in 1595. himself and Sir John Hawkins being Generals Sir Thomas Baskerfield and Sir Nicholas Clifford Lieutenant Generals with ten other Worthy Captains and divers Gentlemen who imbarquing at Plymouth Aug. 28. sailed toward the Grand Canaries and Sept. 6. in the height of the Northern Cape overtook a French Man of War and a Rocheller from Newfoundland whom they quietly let pass and after that two Biskayners bound for Barbary Sept. 9. they spied a Ship of Weymouth who coming to their General went with them to the Canaries Soon after they discovered 20 French Men of War who chased but could not reach them Sept. 19. they met one of the Earl of Cumberlands Frigots who told them the King's Men of War were going homeward Sept. 25. they discovered two Islands in 28 degrees one called Hanseroth and the other Forteventura inhabited only by Savage people and 10 Leagues distant from Grand Canary In the Port whereof Sept. 26. they imbarqued in Boats and Pinnaces endeavouring to land with all speed but the Enemy having notice of their coming had intrenched themselves in the landing-place and upon their approach plyed them so fast with great and small shot both from the Castle and Town that they were constrained with the loss of some Men to retire to their Ships the Spaniards being near 400 strong The same day they sailed thence to a place Northwest from the Town of S. John de Luz where was formerly a famous River running from the Rocks but now over-grown where they watered The people of this Island are barbarous and Moutaineers and Capt. Grimstone with four more were very much wounded and torn by Dogs kept for that purpose and some others that stragled into the Countrey slain It yeilds much Wine Wheat and other Grain with store of Rabbits Partridges and Tresses which have a Juice like Milk but rank poison It hath many large high Rocks in it and 20 Leagues distant is the Isle of Teneriff the Pyke whereof is of a vast height Sept. 28. they sailed hence directly West toward the West-Indies and Octob. 25. the Hope and Adventure Frigots fell foul of one another by the darkness of the night and a great Tempest of Hail and Rain so that they were forced to cut down the Missen Mast of the Adventure and throw it into the Sea October 27. They had fight of the Isle of Martinico inhabited by Cannibals or Man-Eaters they were thirty days Sailing from the Canarys to this Island from thence they went to the Isle of Dominica 12 English Miles thence and stored with Tobacco the people are not altogether so rude but would give them Tobacco for Knives and such other commodities they use Bows and Arrows made of reed and headed with a sharp peice of Brasile Wood their hair is very long and cut round the Shoulders Oct. 30. they reacht another Isle called Guadalowpa ten Leagues from Dominica and went into a River thereof many of which Issue out of the Mountains on the West side into the Sea it is wholly uninhabited and a meer Wilderness wherein are many wild Beasts and Serpents of Monstrous Shapes From hence they Sailed toward Rio de la Hacha and Novem. 7. discried three Islands between Guadalowpa and S. John de Porto Rico and next day the General landed his Men 〈◊〉 one of their Ports that every Captain might know his own Souldiers These Islands belong to Virginia and are many in number but are without Inhabitants having divers fair Harbors wherein a thousand Ships may ride at Anchor and full of very high Mountains Nov. 12. They arrived at Porto Rico and anchored within four miles of the Town under a great Fort from whence they oft received many furious shots The same day that worthy and vigilant Commander Sir John Hawkins dyed there and Sir Nicholas Clifford Captain Stratford and Mr. Brute Brown were wounded with a Cannon Bullet from the Fort all at once as they sate at Supper with Sir Thomas Baskerfield and Sir Francis Drake who had the stool struck from under him as he was drinking and yet received no further damage The same night Sir Nicholas Clifford dyed of his wound and that night they went and anchored against the Town Next day Nov. 13. the General calling a Council it was ordered that about nine next night some Muskets Gunners and Fireworks should be imbarqued in their Pinnaces and Boats And accordingly 500 men went into the Harbor to burn the five Spanish Men of War that lay there one being 400 Tun the rest less In this great ship were planted store of great Guns which together with abundance of small shot plaid furiously on the English who yet fought with so much gallantry that they burnt slew and drowned all the men in the great Ship wherein there were an hundred and sixty Ordnance besides small shot losing only the little Francis who being taken sometime before gave notice of their approach and much frustrated their design By the Prisoners taken the English understood that there was three Millions of Treasure in the Town belonging to the King of Spain which these five Men of War came to carry away and the General hearing that his men were Prisoners there sent the Governor word to use them well as he expected the like to the Spaniards their Prisoners They had notice there were 300 Souldiers in the Town which stands in a very small Island having the Sea on one side and a great River on the other built in a valley with a strong Fort to defend it and seems very large Nov. 15. Sir John Hawkins and Sir Nicholas Clifford were thrown overboard and the same day they spied a Spanish Carvel which they instantly pursued but being perceived by the Castle of Porto Rico they shot off a warning piece to them not to approach who thereupon ran themselves