Forts on the Townes sides besides the great Fort of Saint Philip on the other when I might haue speedily haue consumed it all with fire I willingly abstained from the same knowing that though I could haue done the King of Spaine exceeding great hurt and haue vndone a number of the Inhabitants yet the good that I should haue done my selfe and mine thereby should haue beene very small in comparison of their damage Only certaine out houses wherein their Negros dwelt I caused to be burned to amaze and put them in feare I also tooke two Frigats of theirs which roade far vp within the Riuer the one of them hauing in her three pieces of Ordnance the which I likewise tooke and brought away from thence with mee with the which Ordnance we beate vpon the enemy marching vnto vs from the Wester Fort. The day being spent at the beginning of the night I embarked my men enriched with the chiefe spoile of the Towne and set saile to depart with my owne two Pinnasses and two shallops and the foresaid two Spanish Frigats which I had wonne but in going out I was shot in at the elbow and out at the wrist with a Musket shot which came from the Wester shoare whereof there were many shot ouer vs besides eight and twentie great shot from the chiefe and Easter Fort which did endanger vs often But God so wrought for vs that we safely got forth againe contrarie to all our enemies expectation who made full account to sinke vs in going forth Being safely come forth wee rode with our Pinnasses and shallops behind a small Iland which lay betwixt vs and the Wester most Fort of Saint Iago vntill my Vice-admirall Captaine Rawlins brought two ships thither which rode somewhat to the Eastward of the Castile of Saint Philip vnder the Rocke where Sir Francis Drake his Coffin was throwne ouer-boord all the while that we were busied in gaining sacking and possessing the Towne Our whole fleet beeing assembled together in the place aforesaid I set the Kings Scriuanâ— and the rest of my prisoners on shore suffering them to depart without paying any kind of ransome And the next day being the ninth of February I set saile and stood off to Sea leauing the goodly Hauen and beautifull Towne of Porto bello which standeth in ten degrees of Northerly latitude and directed my course backe againe toward Cartagena and about twelue leagues to the Eastward thereof I came into a good Bay called Sambo where I watered and staied some twelue or thirteene daies and riding there tooke certaine Frigats which were bound for Cartagena Whereupon the Gouernour Don Pedro de Coronna armed out two Gallies and a Brigandine with some two or three Frigats with a purpose to assault vs but beeing better aduised they would neuer come neere vs. When he heard that I had taken Porto bello one of the chiefest places of the West Indies with so small forces he pulled his beard and sware that he would giue his Mules lade of siluer but to haue a sight of mee and my companie From this Bay of Sambo wee stood ouer for the Iland of Iamaica and so doubled the Cape of Saint Antonio beeing the most Westerly part of Cuba and disimboked through the Gulfe of Bahama the last of March 1602 and came with good weather to the Iles of the Açores where victualling my Vice-admirall and two Pinnasses ouâ— of mine owne ship for two moneths and leauing them at Sea to take some farther purchase with mine owne ship I tooke my course for â—limmouth and arriued there in safetie the sixt of May 1602. CHAP. X. Certaine Notes of a Voyage made by mee DAVID MIDDLETON into the West Indies with Captaine MICHAEL GEARE An. Dom. 1601. THe fiue and twentieth day of May wee set saile from the Lyzard and the tenth day of Iune we fell with the Grand Canarie the Towne standeth on the North-east point of the Iland and the Road is one league to the Northward of it That night we stood of South South-west And the fiue and twentieth day of Iune we were in the latitude of twentie two degrees thirtie minutes The sixe and twentieth day of Iune wee came in companie of seuen saile of Hollanders that were bound for the West Indies to Punta delaraya to lode Salt and the seuen and twentieth day we lost sight of them The second day of Iulie we fell with Saint Vincent When you came from Saint Uincent to the Testogos you must make the way South-west by West or else you shall not fetch it for the Current sets North and by West from them Being to leeward from Caracus two leagues we stood ouer North North-west the wind being at East North-east we fell twelue leagues to the Eastward of Boinara beeing the twelfth of Iulie If you stand ouer from Boinara to Qurasao minded to goe to the South ward of the Iland you must stand South and by West or else you cannot get about because there is a Current that sets North-west and may set you vpon the Iland The three and twentieth day of Iulie wee anchored to the Westward of Qurasao and there the Land lies North and South The nine and twentieth of Iulie we landed vpon Aruba for to get fresh water and there we had seuen men slaine by the Indians of the Iland and we rid with our ship in fiue fathomes water halfe a mile from the shoare One point of the Land bare North the other South-east and by South and there is an high Hill in the midâ—le of the Iland and that bare East and by South Betwixt Coque and the Maine the course is East and West The shoale of Puntall lieth two leagues off the best of the Channell betwixt that Point and Coque is in eight nine and ten fathomes From Bracheo to the Parretaes is fiue leagues course West and by South From the Parretaes to Cape Caldera is twentie fiue leagues course North-west and by West and betwixt the Parretaes and the Maine you shall haue foure fiue six and seuen fathoms water The Road of Morecapana lieth betwixt the Maine and Boracheo within the Ilands The eight day of August we set saile from Aruba and we stood ouer South for the Maine the wind being at East and by South wee fell with Mecola being nine leagues from Aruba Saine Ann is an high Hill vpon the Maine neere vnto Mecola The seuen and twentieth day of August we came to anchor at Portete that is to the Eastward of Cape La uela foure leagues The Cape bare West a little to the Southwards at the going to Portete And on your Larboord side going into Portete there is a round Hill being in the offing it sheweth verie blacke The going into this Harbour is verie narrow but within it is a verie broad Sound and two thousand saile of ships may ride there in verie good ground
point South-west it riseth in three Mounts or round Hillockes bringing it more Westerly they shoot themselues all into one and bringing it Easterly it riseth in two Hillockes This we called Point Tremountaine Some twelue or fourteene leagues from this point to the Eastwards faire by the shoare lyeth a low flat Iland of some two leagues long we named it Faire Iland for it was all ouer as greene and smooth as any Meddow in the Sping of the yeare Some three or foure leagues Easterly from this Iland is a goodly opening as of a great Riuer or an arme of the Sea with a goodly low Countrey adjacent And eight or tenne leagues from this opening some three leagues from the shoare lyeth a bigge Rocke which at the first we had thought to be a ship vnder all her sayles but after as we came neere it discouered it selfe to bee a Rocke which we called Conduit-head for that howsoeuer a man commeth with it it is like to the Conduit-heads about the Citie of London All this Coast so farre as we discouered lyeth next of any thing East and by North and West and by South The Land for that it was discouered in the Reigne of Qâ—eene Elizabeth my Souereigne Lady and Mistris and a Mayden Queene and at my cost and aduenture in a perpetuall memory of her chastitie and remembrance of my endeuours I gaue it the name of Hawkins Maiden-land Before a man fall with this Land some twenâ—y or thirty leagues he shall meet with beds of Oreweed driuing to and fro in that Sea with white flowres growing vpon them and sometimes farther off which is a good shew and signe the Land is neere whereof the Westermost part lyeth some threescore leagues from the neerest Land of America With our faire and large wind wee shaped our course for the Straits and the tenth of February wee had sight of Land and it was the head-land of the Straits to the Northwards which agreed with our height wherein wee found our selues to bee which was in 52. degrees and 40. minutes Within a few houres we had the mouth of the Straits open which lieth in 52. degrees and 50. minutes It riseth like the North foreland in Kent and is much like the Land of Margates It is not good to borrow neere the shoare but to giue it a faire birth within a few houres we entred the mouth of the Straits which is some sixe leagues broad and lieth in 52. degrees and 50. minutes doubling the Point on the starbood which is also flat of a good birth we opened a faire Bay in which we might descry the Hull of a ship beaten vpon the Beach It was of the Spanish Fleet that went to inhabit there in Anno 1582. vnder the charge of Pedro Sarmiento who at his returne was taken Prisoner and brought into England In this Bay the Spaniards made their principall habitation and called it the Citie of Saint Philip and left it peopled But the cold barrennesse of the Countrey and the malice of the Indians with whom they badly agreed made speedy end of them as also of those whom they left in the middle of the Straits three leagues from Cape Forward to the Eastwards in another habitation We continued our course alongst this Reaâ—h for all the Straits is as a Riuer altering his course sometimes vpon one point sometimes vpon another which is some eight leagues long and lieth West North-west From this we entred into a goodly Bay which runneth vp into the Land Northerly many leagues and at first entrance a man may see no other thing but as it were a maine Sea From the end of this first Reach you must direct your course West South-west and some fourteene or fifteene leagues lyeth one of the narrowest places of all the Straits This leadeth vnto another Reach that lyeth West and by North some six leagues Here in the middle of the Reach the wind tooke vs by the North-west and so we were forced to anchor some two or three dayes In which time we went ashoare with our Boats and found neere the middle of this Reach on the starboord side a reasonable good place to ground and trimme a small ship where it higheth some nine or ten foot water Here we saw certaine Hogs but they were so farre from vs that we could not discerne whether they were of those of the Countrey or brought by the Spaniards these were all the beasts which we saw in all the time we were in the Straits In two tides we turned through this reach and so recouered the Ilands of Pengwins they lye from this reach foure leagues South-west and by West Till you come to this place care is to be taken of not comming too neere to any point of the land for being for the most part sandy they haue sholding off them and are somewhat dangerous These Ilands haue beene set forth by some to be three we could discouer but two And they are no more except that part of the Mayne which lyeth ouer against them be an Iland which carrieth little likelihood and I cannot determine it A man may saile betwixt the two Ilands or betwixt them and the Land on the Larboord side from which Land to the bigger Iland is as it were a bridge or ledge on which is foure or fiue fathom water and to him that commeth neere it not knowing thereof may justly cause feare for it sheweth to be shold water with his ripling like vnto a Race Betwixt the former Reach and these Ilands runneth vp a goodly Bay into the Countrey to the North-wards It causeth a great Indraughty and aboue these Ilands runneth a great tide from the mouth of the Straits to these Ilands the Land on the Larboord-side is low Land and sandy for the most part and without doubt Ilands for it hath many openings into the Sea and forcible Indraughts by them and that on the Starboord side is all high Mountaynous Land from end to end but no wood on either side Before we passed these Ilands vnder the Lee of the bigger Iland we anchored the winde beeing at North-east with intent to refresh our selues with the Fowles of these Ilands they are of diuers sorts and in great plentie as Pengwins wild Ducks Guls and Gannets of the principall we purposed to make prouision and those were the Pengwins The Pengwin is in all proportion like a Goose and hath no feathers but a certaine downe vpon all parts of his bodie and therefore canot flee but auayleth himselfe in all occasions with his feet running as fast as most men He liueth in the Sea and on the Land feedeth on fish in the Sea and as a Goose on the shore vpon grasse They harbour themselues vnder the ground in Burrowes as the Conies and in them hatch their young All parts of the Iland where they haunted were vndermined saue onely one Valley which it seemeth they reserued for their food for it
best in all those Ilands and it hath the sauorest pleasantest Oranges that are throughout all Portugall so that they are brought into Tercera for a present as being there very much esteemed and in my iudgement they are the best that euer I tasted in any place Angra in the Iland of Tercera is the chiefe Towne and Ruler ouer all the Flemish Ilands From Tercera Westward to the Iland named Flores are seuenty miles it is about seuen miles compasse it is also inhabited by Portugals hath no speciall merchandise but onely some wood it is full of Cattle and other necessary prouisions and lyeth open to all the world to whosoeuer will come thither as well Englishmen as others for that the inhabitants haue not the power to resist them A mile from thence Northward lyeth a little Iland of two or three miles in compasse called DeCoruo The inhabitants are of the same people that dwell in Flores Between those two Ilands and round about them the Englishmen doe commonly stay to watch the Ships that come out of the West for those are the first Ilands that the Ships looke out for and descry when they saile vnto Tercera wherby the inhabitants dobut little prosper because they are at the pleasure commandment of all that will come vnto them and take their goods from them as oftentimes it hapneth Yet for all their pouerty not to loose both lands and goods they must content themselues and saile with euery winde The I le of Tercera lyeth vnder thirty nine degrees in the same height that Lisbone lyeth and is distant from Lisbone lying right East and West two hundred and fifty Spanish miles Of certaine notable and memorable accidents that happened during my continuance in Tercera in which are related many English fleetes Sea-fights and Prizes THe second of October Anno 1589. at the Towne of Villa daâ— Praya in the Iland of Tercera two men being in a field hard without the towne were killed with lightning The ninth of the same month there arriued in Tercera 14. Ships that came from the Spanish Indies laden with Cochenile Hides Gold Siluer Pearles and other rich wares They were fifty in company when they departed out of the Iland of Hauana whereof in their comming out of the Channell eleuen sunk in the same Channell by foule weather the rest by a storme were scattered seperated one from the other The next day there came another Ship of the same company that sailed close vnder the Iland so to get into the Road where she met with an English Ship that had not aboue three cast Peeces the Spaniard twelue They sought a long time together which we being in the Iland might stand behold wherupon the Gouernor of Tercera sent two Boats of Musketiers to helpe the Ship but before they could come at her the English Ship had shot her vnder water and we saw her sinke into the Sea with all her sailes vp and not any thing seene of her about the water The Englishmen with their Boate saued the Captaine and about thirty others with him but not one peny worth of the goods yet in the Ship there was at the least to the value of 200000. Ducats in Gold Siluer and Pearles the rest of the men were drowned which might be about 50. persons among the which were some Friers and women which the Englishmen would not saue Those that they had saued they set on land then they sailed away The 27. of the same month the said 14. Ships hauing refreshed theselues in the Iland departed from Tercera towards Siuil and comming vpon the coast of Spaine they were taken by the English Ships that lay there to watch for them two onely excepted which escaped away the rest were wholly carried into England About the same time the Earle of Cumberland with one of the Queenes Ships and fiue or six more kept about those Ilands and came oftentimes so close vnder the Iland and to the Road of Angra that the people on land might easily tell all his men that he had aboord and knew such as walked on the Hatches they of the Iland not once shooting at them although they might easily haue done it for they were within Musket shot both of the Towne and Fort. In these places he continued for the space of two Moneths and sailed round about the Ilands and landed in Gratiosa and Fayael as in the description of those Ilands I haue already declared Here he tooke diuers Ships and Caruels which he sent into England so that those of the Iland durst not once put forth their heads At the same time about three or foure dayes after the Earle of Cumberland had beene in the Iland of Fayael and was departed from thence there arriued in the said Iland of Fayael six Indian Ships whose Generall was one Iuan Doryâ—s and there they discharged in the Iland fortie Millions of Gold and Siluer And hauing with all speede refreshed their Ships fearing the comming of the Englishmen they set saile and arriued safely in Saint Lucas not meeting with the enemy to the great good lucke of the Spaniards and hard fortune of the Englishmen for that within lesse then two daies after the Gold and Siluer was laden again into the Spanish Ships the Earle of Cumberland sailed againe by that Iland so that it appeared that God would not let them haue it for if they had once had fight thereof without doubt it had beene theirs as the Spaniards themselues confessed In the moneth of Nouember there arriued in Tercera two great Ships which were the Admirall and Viceadmirall of the Fleete laden with Siluer who with stormy weather were seperated from the Fleete and had beene in great torment and distresse and ready to sinke for they were forced to vse all their Pumps so that they wished a thousand times to haue met with the Englishmen to whom they would willingly haue giuen their Siluer and all that euer they brought with them onely to saue their liues And although the Earle of Cumberland lay still about those Ilands yet they met not with him so that after much paine and labor they got into the Road before Angra where with all speed they vnladed discharged aboue 5. Millions of Siluer all in peeces of 8. and 10. pound great so that the whole Ray lay couered with plates Chests of Siluer full of Ryals of eight most wonderfull to behold each Million being ten hundred thousand Ducats besides Pearles Gold and other stones which were not registred The Admiral chief commander of those Ships and Fleete called Aluuro Flores de Quiniones was sicke of the Neapolitan disease and was brought to land whereof not long after he dyed in Syuilia He brought with him the Kings broad Seale and full authority to be Generall chiefe commander vpon the Seas and of all Fleets or Ships and of all places Ilands or Lands wheresoeuer
General was very vnwilling told them of diuers inconueniences but all would not suffice them they were so importunate that the Generall chose out one hundred and twentie men of the best that were in both the ships and sent Captaine Morgan a singular good Land-souldier and Lieutenant Royden for choise Commanders in this action They landed before a small Fort with one of the Boats and draue the Portugals out of it the other Boate went higher when they had a very hot skirmish and their liues were quickly shortned for they landed on a Rocke that stood before the Fort as they leaped out of the Boate they slid all armed into the Sea and so most of them were drowned To be short wee lost eightie men at this place and of the fortie that returned there came not one without an Arrow or two in his body and some had fiue or sixe When we saw we could doe no good at this place wee determined to come againe for the Iland of San Sebastian and there we meant to burne one of our ships and from thence we determined to goe for the Straits againe the company that was in the Roe-bucke hearing of it in the night runne away from vs and we were left alone againe well we came to San Sebastian Iland all this while I lay vnder Hatches lame sicke and almost starued I was not able to stirre I was so weake After we came to this Iland the first thing that was done the sicke men were set on shoare to shift for themselues twentie of vs were set on shoare all were able to go vp and downe although very weakly but I alas my toes were raw my body was blacke I could not speake nor stirre In this case I was layed by the shoare side and thus I remayned from fiue of the clock in the morning till it was betweene eleuen and twelue of the clocke that the Sunne came to his highest and the extreme heate of the Sunne pierced through my bodie whereby I came to my selfe as a man awaked from sleepe and I saw them that were set on shore with me lye dead and a dying round about me these men had eaten a kind of Pease that did grow by the Sea side which did poyson them When I saw all these men dead I praysed God that had rid them out of their miserable estate and cursed my hard fortune that Death it selfe did refuse to end my tormented and most miserable life I looked towardes the shoare and saw nothing but these Pease and if I did eate them I was sure of death if I did not eate them I saw no remedie but to starue Seeing in this manner I looked towards the ship to see if the Boate came ashoare but alas all my hopes were with speed to end my life but that it was the will of God I saw things stirre by the Sea side and it was a great ebbe then I went creeping on my hands and my feete like a childe and when I had gotten to the Sea side I saw many Crabs lye in the holes of the mudde I pulled off one of my stockins and filled it with Crabs and as well as I could I carried them to a hollow figge tree where I found a great fire made so casting them on the coles I did eat them and so I lay downe to sleepe till the next day and then I watched for the ebbe to get some more meate Thus I liued eight or nine dayes without sight of any man the stinke of some of the dead men that the Sea came not to was so noysome that I was faine to remooue from that place and as I went along the shoare to seeke some place to abide in I passed by a faire Riuer that went into the Sea where I thought it good to make my abode because of the fresh water I had not beene there scarce the space of halfe a quarter of an houre but I saw a great thing come out of the water with great scales on the backe with great vgly clawes and a long tayl this beast came towards me and I had not the power to shun it but as it came towards me I went and â—et it when I came neere it I stood still amazed to see so monstrous a thing before me Hereupon this beast stood still and opened his mouth and thrust out a long tongue like a Harping-Iron I commended my selfe to God and thought there to haue bin torne in pieces but this beast turned againe and went into the Riuer and I followed to the Riuers â—ide The next day I went farther into the Iland fearing to tarrie in this place and I found a great Whale lying on the shoare like a ship with the keele vpwards all couered with a kinde of short mosse with the long lying there At this place I made a little house and fed on the Whale for the space of a fortnight In this time the Generall set forty men more ashoare at the place where I was set first on land likewise the Generall trimmed his Boate at this place and had a Net continually a fiâ—hing of which Iohn Chambers his Cooke had charge who is this day liuing in London After that these men came ashoare I left the place where I was with the Whale and came to our men and liued with them beeing at this time reasonable well and able to goe very well for the vse of going into the Sea did heale my toes After these men had beene on shoare seuen or eight dayes we had taken wood and water for the ship the Portugals of the Riuer of Ianuary landed on the North point of the Iland hard by the Whale they took two of our men and one escaped who came to vs in the night and told vs that the Portugals and the Sauages were landed That day wee had taken a great Tortois ashaore and wee did bid the Sayler to bee of good cheere for if it were true it was the better for vs for wee were sure that the Generall would not take vs againe into the ship with that we all commended our selues to God and dranke to our friends in faire water and so we determined to march along the shoare with a white shirt instead of a flagge of truce but the Sea was so high that we could not then we determined to watch quarterly till such time as we could espie them I had the first watch and watched till I was wearie so called one of my fellowes to watch and lie answered angerly Tut t is a lye with that I lay downe by the fire as well as the rest Before I was asleepe the Portugals were at our doore then I started vp and one of them tooke me by the legge presently wee were all led to the shoare side there all that were taken with me were knocked on the heads with fire-brands the Indian that had hold of me strooke twice or thrice at me with a
bigger then their middle others brake in the sides with a draught of water O if you did know the intollerable heate of the Countrie you would thinke your selfe better a thousand times dead then to liue there a weeke There you shall see poore Souldiers lie in troupes gaping like Camelians for a puffe of winde Here liued I three moneths not as the Portugals did taking of Physicke and euerie weeke letting of bloud and keeping close in their houses when they had any raine obseruing houres and times to goe abroad morning and Euening and neuer to to eate but at such and such times I was glad when I had got any thing at morning noone or night I thanke God I did worke all day from morning till night had it beene raine or neuer so great heate I had alwaies my health as well as I haue in England This Countrie is verie rich the King had great store of Gold sent him from this place the time that I was there the King of Angica had a great Citie at Masangana which Citie Paulas Dias gouernour of Angola tooke and scituated there and finding hard by it great store of Gold fortified it with foure Forts and walled a great circuit of ground round about it and within that wall now the Portugals doe build a Citie and from this Citie euerie day they doe warre against the King of Angica and haue burnt a great part of his Kingdome The Angicaâ— are men of goodly stature they file their teeth before on their vpper Iawe and on their vnder Iawe making a distance betweene them like the teeth of a Dogge they doe eate mans flesh they are the stubbornest Nation that liues vnder the Sunne and the resolutest in the field that euer man saw for they will rather kill themselues then yeelde to the Portugals they inhabit right vnder the line and of all kinde of Moores these are the blackest they doe liue in the Law of the Turkes and honour Mahomet they keepe manie Concubines as the Turkes doe they wash themselues euerie morning vpwards falling flat on their faces towards the East They weare their haire all made in plaits on their heads as well men as women they haue good store of Wheate and a kinde of graine like Fetches of the which they make Bread they haue great store of Hennes like Partridges and Turkies and all their feathers curle on their backes their houses are like the other houses of the Kingdomes aforenamed And thus I end shewing you as briefe as I can all the Nations and Kingdomes that with great danger of my life I trauelled through in twelue yeares of my best age getting no more then my trauell for my paine From this Kingdome Angica was I brought in Irons againe to my Master Saluador Corea de sa sa to the Citie of Saint Sebastian in Brasil as you haue heard Now you haue seene the discourse of my trauels and the fashions of all the Countries and Nations where I haue beene I will by the helpe of God make you a short discourse in the language of the Petiwares which language all the Inhabitants of Brasil doe vnderstand especially all the coast from Fernambucquo to the Riuer of Plate the which I hope will be profitable to all trauellers and of them I trust my paines shall be well accepted of First you must tell them of what Nation you are and that you come not as the Portugals doe for their wiues and children to make them bondslaues We are Englishmen as you all know that in times past had peace with you Now knowing the neede and want that you haue of all such things as before your Fathers had for the loue that both your ancestours and ours did beare one to another and for the loue and pittie that we haue of your want we are come to renew our ancieÌ„t amity Ore aqureiuua que se neering peramoya werisco Catadoro wareuy orenysbe beresoy Coeu pecoteue Cowauere pipope pewseua baresey opacatu baye berua oweryco coen pecoteue sou se-Core mandoare peramoya waysouba ore ranoya waysonua reseij eteguena rescij pecoteue pararaua oro in ibewith ore ramoya pereri socatumoyn go pacum §. V. The description of diuers Riuers Ports Harbours Ilands of Brasil for instruction of Nauigators RIo Grande is called by vs the great Riuer lately was conquered by a Portugall called Manuell Masquarenhas It is aboue two leagues broad in the mouth and on the South-east side standeth a great Fort made by the foresaid Manuell Masquarenhas that Countrie is plaine and sandy in many places especially neere the Sea and yeeldeth Sugar Canes in abundance On the coast are many great Bayes where the Indians doe oftentimes finde great store of Ambergreese within this place there is also store of Wood Pepper Ginger and Waxe Here inhabit a kinde of Canibals called Petywares these Canibals haue had trafficke a long time with France and amongst them there are many that can speake French which are Bastards begotten of Frenchmen On the coast of Brasil there are three Riuers of Paraeyua one is this that lieth next to Rio Gande the other is a great Riuer that runneth through the Countrie almost as farre as Lymo and commeth out betweene Cape Frio and Spirito Sancto the third is a faire Riuer that lieth betweene the Riuer of Plate and Saint Vincents This Pareyua whereof we speake is a faire great Bay where shipping being neuer so great may enter within this Bay vpon a hill you shall see a faire Citie and on the Sea side standeth two small Forts You may anker neere the shoare at the entrie of this Bay you shall see three hils of red earth on either side of the harbour which the Portugals call Barer as Mermethâ—es Guyana is a small Riuer that lieth by Paracua it belongeth to Iasper Desiquerd who was chiefe Iustice of all Brasil In the mouth of this Riuer standeth a great rocke which is continually couered with Sea Foules This Riuer hath two fadome water in the mouth a quarter of a mile within this Riuer on the South-west side you may take fresh water and great store of Cattell vpon this Riuer there are great store of Sugar Mils and continually you shall haue in this Riuer small Caruels that fish and carry Sugar from thence to Fernambuquo likewise here is great store of Brasil Pepper Ginger and Cotten Cocos Indian Nuts here likewise inhabit Petywares Etamariqua in the Indian language is a bed it is a point of the land like a Cape the point runneth halfe a mile into the Sea and vpon it the Portugals haue built a Towne you may anker very neere the shoare both on the South-west and on the North-east side of the Towne in seuen and eight fadome water All the Countrie till you come to Cape Augustin is low land and to saile from thence to Fernambuquo is no danger but the clifts which lye along the coast as
Indies vnder my Fathers charge and the principall cause of taking the great Carack brought to Dartmouth by Sir Iohn Borrow and the Earle of Cumberlands ships Anno 1592. with others of moment in her other Voyages To vs shee neuer brought but cost trouble and care Hauing made an estimate of the charge of Victuals Munition Imprests Sea-store and necessaries for the said ship consorting another of an hundred tunnes which I waited for daily from the Straites of Giberalter with a Pinnace of sixtie tunnes all mine owne And for a competent number of men for them as also of all sorts of merchandises for trade and traffâ—cke in all places where we should come I began to wage men to buy all manner of victuals prouisions and to lade her with them and with all sorts of commodities which I could call to minde fitting and dispatched order to my seruant in Pilmouth to put in a readinesse my Pinnace as also to take vp certaine prouisions which are better cheape in those parts then in London as Beefe Porke Bisket and Sider The eight of Aprill 1593. I caused the Pilot to set sayle from Black-wall and to vaile downe to Graues-end whither that night I purposed to come And for that shee was very deepe loden and her Ports open the water beganne to enter in at them which no bodie hauing regard vnto thinking themselues safe in the Riuer it augmented in such manner as the weight of the water began to presse downe the side more then the winde At length when it was seene and the sheete flowne she could hardly be brought vpright But God was pleased that with the diligence and trauell of the Companie shee was freed of that danger whiâ—h may be a gentle warning to all such as take charge of shipping euen before they set sayle either in Riuer or Harbour or other part to haue an eye to their Ports and to see those shut and calked which may cause danger for auoiding the many mishaps which daily chance for the neglect thereof and haue beene most lamentable spectacles and examples vnto vs Experiments in the Great Harrie Admirall of England which was ouer-set and sunke at Portsmouth with her Captaine Carew and the most part of his companie drowned in a goodly Summers day with a little flaw of winde for that her Ports were all open and making a small hele by them entred their destruction where if they had beene shut no winde could â—aue hurt her especially in that place In the Riuer of Thames Master Thomas Candish had a small ship ouer-set through the same negligence And one of the Fleet of Sir Francis Drake in Santo Domingo Harbour turned her keele vpward likewise vpon the same occasion with many others which we neuer haue knowledge of Comming neere the South fore-land the winde began to vere to the South-east and by South so as we could not double the point of the Land and being close aboord the shoare and putting our ship to stay what with the chapping Sea and what with the Tide vpon the Bowe she mist staying and put vs in some danger before we could flat about therefore for doubling the Point of any Land better is euer a short boord then to put all in perill Being cleere of the race of Portland the winde began to suffle with fogge and misling raine and forced vs to a short sayle which continued with vs three dayes the winde neuer vering one point nor the fogge suffering vs to see the Coast. The third day in the fogge we met with a Barke of Dartmouth which came from Rochell and demanding of them if they had made any land answered that they had onely seene the Ediestone that morning which lieth thwart of the Sound of Plimouth and that Dartmouth as they thought bare off vs North North-east which seemed strange vnto vs for we made account that wee were thwart of Exmouth within two houres after the weather beganne to cleere vp and wee found our selues thwart of the Berry and might see the small Barque bearing into Torbay hauing ouer-shot her Port which errour often happeneth to those that make the land in foggie weather and vse not good diligence by sound by lying off the land and other circumstances to search the truth and is cause of the losse of many a ship and the sweete liues of multitudes of men That euening wee anchored in the range of Dartmouth till the floud was spent and the ebbe come wee set sayle againe And the next morning early being the sixe and twentieth of Aprill we harboured our selues in Plimouth And in this occasion I found by experience that one of the principall parts required in a Mariner that frequenteth our coastes of England is to cast his Tides and to knowe how they set from point to point with the difference of those in the Channell from those of the shoare After the hurts by a cruell storme in which the Pinnace was sunke and the Daiaties Mast cut ouer-boord repaired I beganne to gather my companie aboord which occupied my good friends and the Iustices of the Towne two dayes and forced vs to search all lodgings Tauerns and Ale-houses For some would euer bee taking their leaue and neuer depart some drinke themselues so drunke that except they were carried aboord they of themselues were not able to goe one steppe others knowing the necessitie of the time faigned themselues sicke others to bee indebted to their Hosts and forced mee to ransome them one his Chest another his Sword another his Shirts another his Carde and Instruments for Sea And others to benefit themselues of the Imprest giuen them absented themselues making a lewd liuing in deceiuing all whose money they could lay hold of which is a scandall too rife amongst our Sea-men by it they committing three great offences First Robberie of the goods of another person Secondly Breach of their faith and promise Thirdly Hinderance with losse of time vnto the Voyage all being a common iniurie to the owners victuallers and companie which many times hath beene an vtter ouerthrow and vndoing to all in generall An abuse in our Common-wealth necessarily to be reformed Master Thomas Candish in his last Voyage in the Sound of Plimouth being readie to set sayle complained vnto mee that persons which had absented themselues in Imprests had cost him aboue a thousand and fiue hundred pounds These Varlets within a few dayes after his departure I saw walking the streetes of Plimouth whom the Iustice had before sought for with great diligence and without punishment And therefore it is no wonder that others presume to doe the like Impunitas peccandi illecebra The like complaint made Master George Reymond and in what sort they dealt with mee is notorious and was such that if I had not beene prouident to haue had a third part more of men then I had need of I had beene forced to goe to the Sea vnmanned or to giue ouer my
new Authors may teach beating off and on sometimes to the Westwards sometimes to the Eastwards with a fairegale of winde Being betwixt three and foure degrees of the Equinoctiall line my Company within a few daies began to fall sicke of a disease which Sea-men are wont to call the Scuruie and seemeth to be a kinde of dropsie and raigneth most in this climate of any that I haue heard or read of in the world though in all Seas it is wont to helpe and increase the miserie of man it possesseth all those of which it taketh hold with a loathsome sloathfulnesse that euen to eate they would be content to change with sleepe and rest which is the most pernicious enemie in this sicknesse that is knowne It bringeth with it a great desire to drinke and causeth a generall swelling of all parts of the body especially of the legges and gummes and many times the teeth fall out of the iawes without paine The signes to know this disease in the beginning are diuers by the swelling of the gummes by denting of the flesh of the legges with a mans finger the pit remaining without filling vp in a good space others show it with their lasinesse others complaine of the cricke of the backe c. all which are for the most part certaine tokens of infection The cause is thought to be the stomacks feeblenesse by change of aire in vntemperate climates of diet in salt meates boiled also in Salt water and corrupted sometimes the want of exercise also either in persons or elements as in calmes And were it not for the mouing of the Sea by the force of windes tydes and currants it would corrupt all the world The experience I saw in Anno 1590. lying with a Fleete of her Maiesties Ships about the Ilands of the Azores almost six moneths the greatest part of the time we were becalmed with which all the Sea became so replenished with seuerall sorts of gellyes and formes of Serpents Adders and Snakes as seemed wonderfull some greene some blacke some yellow some white some of diuers colours and many of them had life and some there were a yard and halfe and two yards long which had I not seene I could hardly haue beleeued And hereof are witnesses all the Companies of the Shippes which were then present so that hardly a man could draw a Bucket of water cleere of some corruption In which Voyage towards the end thereof many of euery Ship sauing of the Nonpereli which was vnder my charge and had onely one man sicke in all the Voyage fell sicke of this disease and began to die apace but that the speedie passage into our Countrie was remedy to the crazed and a preseruatiue for those that were not touched The best preuention for this disease in my iudgement is to keepe cleane the Shippe to besprinkle her ordinarily with Uinegar or to burne Tarre and some sweet sauours to feede vpon as few salt Meats in the hot Country as may be and especially to shun all kindes of salt Fish and to reserue them for the cold Climates and not to dresse any meate with salt water nor to suffer the companie to wash their Shirts nor Cloathes in it nor to sleepe in their Cloathes when they are wet For this cause it is necessarily required that prouision be made of apparell for the Company that they may haue wherewith to shift themselues Being a common calamitie amongst the ordinary sort of Mariners to spend their thrift on the shore and to bring to Sea no more Cloathes then they haue backes for the body of man is not refreshed with any thing more then with shifting cleane Cloathes a great preseruatine of health in hot Countries The second Antidote is to keepe the company occupied in some bodily exercise of worke of agilitie of pastimes of dancing of vse of Armes these helpe much to banish this infirmitie Thirdly In the morning at discharge of the watch to giue euery man a bit of bread and a draught of drinke either Beere or Wine mingled with water at the least the one halfe or a quantitie mingled with Beere that the poores of the bodie may be full when the vapours of the Sea ascend vp The morning draught should bee euer of the best and choisest of that in the ship Pure wine I hold to be more hurtfull then the other is profitable In this others will be of a contrary opinion but I thinke partiall If not then leaue I the remedies thereof to those Phisicions and Surgeons who haue experience And I wish that some learned man would write of it for it is the plague of the Sea and the spoyle of Mariners doubtlesse it would bee a Worke worthy of a worthy man and most beneficiall for our Countrie for in twentie yeeres since I haue vsed the Sea I dare take vpon me to giue account of ten thousand men consumed with this disease That which I haue seene most fruitfull for this sicknesse is sowre Oranges and Lemmons and a water which amongst others for my particular prouision I carried to the Sea called Doctor Steuens water of which for that his vertue was not then well knowne vnto me I carried but little and it took end quickly but gaue health to those that vsed it The Oyle of Vitry is beneficiall for this disease taking two drops of it and mingled in a draught of water with a little Sugar It taketh away the thirst and helpeth to clense and comfort the stomacke But the principall of all is the Ayre of the Land for the Sea is naturall for Fishes and the Land for men And the oftner a man can haue his people to Land not hindering his Voyage the better it is and the profitablest course that he can take to refresh them Hauing stood to the Westwards some hundred leagues and more the winde continuing with vs contrary and the sicknesse so feruent that euery day there died more or lesse my company in generall began to be dismayed and to desire to returne homewards which I hindered by good reasons and perswasions As that to the West Indies we had not aboue eight hundred leagues to the Ilands of Azores little lesse and before wee come to the Ilands of Cape de Verde that wee should meete with the Breze for euery night we might see the reach goe contrary to the winde which we sayled by verifying the old Prouerbe amongst Mariners That hee hath need of a long Mast that will sayle by the Reach and that the neerest Land and speediest refreshing wee could looke for was the Coast of Brasill c. As wee approached neerer and neerer the Coast of Brasill the winde beganne to vere to the Eastwardes and about the middle of October to bee large and good for vs and about the eighteenth of October wee were thwart of Cape Saint Augustine which lieth in sixe degrees to the Southwards of the Line and the one
For any man that putteth himselfe into the enemies Port had neede of Argus eyes and the winde in a bagge especially where the enemy is strong and the tydes of any force For with either ebbe or flood those who are on the shore may thrust vpon him inuentions of fire and with swimming or other deuises may cut his cables A common practise in all hot Countries The like may be effected with Raffes Canoas Boates or Pinnaces to annoy and assault him and if this had beene practised against vs or taken effect our Ships must of force haue yeelded themselues for they had no other people in them but sick men many times opinion feare preserueth the Ships and not the people in them Wherefore it is the part of a prouident Gouernor to consider well the dangers that may befall him before he put himself into such places so shall he euer be prouided for preuention In Saint Iohn de Vlua in the New-Spain when the Spaniards dishonoured their Nation with that foule act of periury and breach of faith giuen to my Father Sir Iohn Hawkins notorious to the whole world the Spâ—niards fired two great Ships with intention to burne my Fathers Admirall which he preuented by towing them with his Boates another way The great Armado of Spaine sent to conquer England Anno 1588. was with that selfe-same industry ouerthrowne for the setting on fire six or seuen Ships whereof two were mine and letting them driue with the floud forced them to cut their Cables and to put to Sea to seeke a new way to Spain In which the greatest part of their best Ships and men were lost and perished The next night the winde comming off the shore we set saile and with our Boates and Barkes sounded as we went It flowed vpon the Barre not aboue foure foote water and once in foure and twenty houres as in some parts of the West Indies at full Sea there is not vpon the barre aboue seuenteene or eighteene foote water The harbour runneth to the South-westwards he that will come into it is to open the harbours mouth a good quarter of a league before he beare with it and be bolder of the Wester-side for of the Easterland lyeth a great ledge of Rockes for the most part vnder water which sometimes breake not but with small shipping a man may goe betwixt them and the point Comming aboord of our Ships there was great ioy amongst my company and many with 〈◊〉 sight of the Oranges and Lemmons seemed to recouer heart This is a wonderfull secret of the power and wisedome of God that hath hidden so great and vnknowne vertue in this fruit to be a certaine remedy for this infirmity I presently caused them all to be reparted amongst our sicke men which were so many that there came not aboue three or foure to a share but God was pleased to send vs a prosperous winde the next day so much to our comfort that not any one died before we came to the Ilands where we pretended to refresh our selues And although our fresh water had failed vs many dayes before we saw the shore by reason of our long Nauigation without touching any land and the excessiue drinking of the sicke and diseased which could not be excused yet with an inuention I had in my Ship I easily drew out of the water of the Sea sufficient quantitie of fresh water to sustaine my people with little expence of fewell for with foure billets I stilled a hogshead of water and therewith dressed the meate for the sicke and whole The water so distilled we found to be wholesome and nourishing The coast from Santos to Cape Frio lyeth West and by South Southerly So wee directed our course West South-west The night comming on and directions giuen to our other Ships wee set the waâ—ch hauing a faire fresh gale of winde and large My selfe with the Master of our Ship hauing watched the night past thought now to gâ—ue nature that which she had beene depriued of and so commended the care of Steeridge to one of his Mates who with the like trauell past being drowsie or with the confidence which he had of him at the Helme had not that watchfull care which was required he at the Helme steered West and West by South brought vs in a little time close vpon the shore doubtlesse he had cast vs all away had not God extraordinarily deliuered vs for the Master being in his dead sleepe was suddenly awaked and with such a fright that he could not be in quiet whereupon waking his youth which ordinarily 〈…〉 pt in his Cabin by him asked him how the watch went on who answered that it could not be an houre since he laid himselfe to rest He replyed that his heart was so vnquiet that he could not by any meanes sleepe and so taking his Gowne came forth vpon the Decke and presently discouered the land hard by vs. And for that it was sandie and low those who had their eyes continually fixed on it were dazeled with the reflection of the Starres being a faire night and so was hindered from the true discouery thereof But he comming out of the drake had his sight more forcible to discerne the difference of the Sea and the shoare So that forthwith hee commanded him at the Helme to put it close a starbourd and taking our Ship we edged off and sounding found scant three fathome water whereby we saw euidently the miraculous mercy of God that if hee watched ouer vs as he doth continually ouer his doubtlesse wee had perished without remedie to whom be all glory and praise euerlasting world without end In this point of Steeridge the Spaniards Portugals doe exceede all that I haue seene I meane for their care which is chiefest in Nauigation And I wish in this and in all their workes of Discipline and reformation we should follow their examples as also those of any other Nation In euery Shippe of moment vpon the halfe decke or quarter decke they haue a chaire or feate out of which whilst they Nauigate the Pilot or his Adiutants which are the same officers which in our Ships wee terme the Master and his Mates neuer depart day nor night from the sight of the Compasse and haue another before them whereby they see what they doe and are euer witnesses of the good or bad Steeridge of all men that take the Helme The next day about ten of the clocke we were thwart of Cape Blanco which is low sandie land and perilous for foure leagues into the Sea thwart it lye bankes of sand which haue little water on them on a sudden we found our selues amongst them in lesse then three fathome water but with our Boate and Shallop we went sounding and so got cleare of them The next day following we discouered the Ilands where we purposed to refresh our selues they are two and some call them Saint
beginning of the Straits Here our ship being well moored we began to supplie our wood and water that we had spent Which being a dayes worke and the winde during many dayes contrary I endeauored to keep my people occupied to diuert them from the imagination which some had conceiued that it behoued we should returne to Brasill and winter there and so shoot the Straits in the Spring of the yeere One day wee rowed vp the Riuer with our Boate and Light-horseman to discouer it and the Inland where hauing spent a good part of the day and finding shoald water and many Trees fallen thwart it and little fruit of our labour nor any thing worth the noting wee returned Another day wee trained our people ashoare being a goodly sandy Bay another wee had a hurling of Batchelors against married men this day we were busied in wrestling the other in shooting so we were neuer idle neither thought we the time long After wee had past here some seuen or eight dayes one euening with a flaw from the shoare our ship droue off into the channell and before wee could get vp our Anchor and set our Sayles we were driuen so farre to lee-wards that wee could not recouer into the Bay and night comming on with a short sayle we beate off and on till the morning At the breake of the day conferring with the Captaine and Master of my ship what was best to bee done wee resolued to seeke out Tobias Coue which lieth ouer against Cape Fryo on the Southerne part of the Straits because in all the Reaches of the Straits for the most part the winde bloweth trade and therefore little profit to be made by turning to winde-wards And from the Ilands of the Pengwins to the end of the Straites towards the South-sea there is no anchoring in the channell and if we should be put to lee-wards of this Coue we had no succour till we came to the Ilands of Pengwins and some of our companie which had been with M. Th. Candish in the Voyage in which he died and in the same Coue many weekes vndertooke to be our Pilots thither Whereupon wee bare vp being some two leagues thither hauing so much winde as we could scarce lie by it with our course and bonnet of each but bearing vp before the winde we put out our Topsayles and Spritsayle and within a little while the winde began to fayle vs and immediatly our ship gaue a mightie blowe vpon a Rocke and stucke fast vpon it And had wee had but the fourth part of the winde which we had in all the night past but a moment before wee strucke the Rocke our ship doubtlesse with the blowe had broken her selfe all to pieces All our labour was fruitlesse till God was pleased that the floud came and then wee had her off with great ioy and comfort when finding the current fauourable with vs wee stood ouer to English Bay and fetching it we anchored there hauing beene some three houres vpon the Rock and with the blowe as after we saw when our ship was brought a ground in Perico which is the Port of Panama a great part of her sheathing was beaten off on both sides of her Bulges and some foure foot long and a foot square of her false stemme ioyning to the Keele wrested acrosse like vnto a Hogs yoake which hindered her sayling very much They founded a Coue some sixteene leagues from the mouth of the Straite which after wee called Crabby Coue. It brooked his name well for two causes the one for that all the water was full of a small kinde of red Crabbes the other for the crabbed Mountaines which ouer-topped it a third wee might adde for the crabbed entertainment it gaue vs. In this Coue wee anchored but the winde freshing in and three or foure Hills ouer-topping like Sugar-loaues altered and straightned the passage of the wind in such manner as forced it downe with such violence in flawes and furious bluâ—trings as was like to ouerset our ship at Anchor and caused her to driue and vs to weigh but before we could weigh it she was so neere the Rocks and the puffes and gusts of wind so sudden and vncertain sometimes scant somtimes large that it forced vs to cut our Cable and yet dangerous if our ship did not cast the right way Here necessitie not being subiect to any law forced vs to put our selues into the hands of him that was able to deliuer vs. Wee cut our Cable and Sayle all in one instant And God to shew his power and gracious bountie towards vs was pleased that our ship cast the contrarie way towards the shoare seeming that hee with his owne hand did wend her about for in lesse then her length she flatted and in all the Voyage but at that instant shee flatted with difficultie for that shee was long the worst propertie shee had On either side we might see the Rockes vnder vs and were not halfe a ships length from the shoare and if shee had once touched it had beene impossible to haue escaped From hence wee returned to Blanches Bay and there anchored expecting Gods good will and pleasure Here beganne the bitternesse of the time to encrease with blustering and sharpe windes accompanied with raine and fleeting snowe and my people to bee dismayed againe in manifesting a desire to returne to Brasill which I would neuer consent vnto no not so much as to heare of And all men are to take care that they goe not one foote backe more then is of meere force for I haue not seene that any who haue yeelded thereunto but presently they haue returned home As in the Voyuge of Master Edward Fenton in that which the Earle of Cumberland set forth to his great charge as also in that of Master Thomas Candish in which he died All which pretended to shoote the Straites of Magelan and by perswasion of some ignorant persons being in good possibilitie were brought to consent to returne to Brasill to winter and after in the Spring to attempt the passing of the Straite againe None of them made any abode in Brasill for presently as soone as they looked homeward one with a little blustering winde taketh occasion to lose companie another complaineth that he wanteth victuals another that his ship is leake another that his masts sayles cordidge fayleth him So the willing neuer want probable reasons to further their pretences As I saw once being but young and more bold then experimented in the yeere 1582. in a Voyage vnder the clarge of my Uncle William Hawkins of Plimouth Esquire in the Indies at the Wester end of the Iland of San Iuan de Portorico One of the ships called the Barke bonner being somewhat leake the Captaine complayned that shee was not able to endure to England whereupon a Counsell was called and his reasons heard and allowed So it was concluded that the Victuall Munition and what was seruiceable
yet rich of Gold The nineteenth of Aprill being Easter-euen we anchored vnder the Iland Mocha It lyeth in thirty nine degrees it may bee some foure leagues ouer and is a high mountaynous Hill but round about the foot thereof some halfe league from the Sea-shore it is Champaine ground wel inhabited and manured From the Straits to this Iland we found that either the Coast is set out more Westerâ—y then it is or that we had a great current which put vs to the Westwards for wee had not sight of Land in three dayes after our reckoning was to see it but for that wee coasted not the Land I cannot determine whether it was caused by the current or lying of the Land But Spaniards which haue sayled alongst it haue told me that it is a bold and safe Coast and reasonable sounding of it In this Iland of Mocha we had communication and contractation with the Inhabitants but with great vigilancie and care for they and all the people of Chily are mortall enemies to the Spaniards and held vs to bee of them and so esteemed Sir Francis Drake when hee was in this Iland whâ—ch was the first Land also that hee touched on this Coast. They vsed him with so fine a treachery that they possessed themselues of all the Oares in his Boat sauing two and in striuing to get them also they slue and hurt all his men himselfe who had fewest wounds had three and two of them in the head Two of his company which liued long after had the one seuenteene his name was Iohn Bruer who afterward was Pilot with Master Candish and the other aboue twentie a Negro Seruant to Sir Francis Drake And with me they vsed a policie which amongst barbarous people was not to be imagined although I wrought sure for I suffered none to treate with me nor with my people with Armes Wee were armed and met vpon a Rocke compassed with water whether they came to parley and negotiate Beeing in communication with the Casiques and others many of the Indians came to the heads of our Boates and some went into them Certaine of my people standing to defend the Boats with their Oares for that there went a bad sege were forced to lay downe their Muskets which the Indians perceiuing endeauoured to fill the barrels with water taking it out of the Sea in the hollow of their hands By chance casting mine eye aside I discouered their flynesse and with a Truncheon which I had in mine hand gaue the Indians three or foure good Lambeskinnes The sheepe of this Iland are great good and fat I haue not tasted better Mutton any where They were as ours and doubtlesse of the breed of those which the Spaniards brought into the Countrey Of the sheepe of the Countrey wee could by no meanes procure any one although we saw of them and vsed meanes to haue had of them This Iland is situate in the Prouince of Arawea and is held to bee peopled with the most valiant Nation in all Chily though generally the Inhabitants of that Kingdome are very couragious They are clothed after the manner of antiquitie all of woollen their Cassockes made like a Sacke square with two holes for the two armes and one for the head all open below without lining or other art but of them some are most curiously wouen and in colours and on both sides alike Their houses are made round in fashion like vnto our Pidgeon houses with a louer in the top to euacuate the smoake when they make fire They brought vs a strange kinde of Tobacco made into little cakes like Pitch of a bad smell with holes through the middle and so laced many vpon a string The people of this Iland as of all Chily are of good stature and well made and of better countenance then those Indians which I haue seene in many parts They are of good vnderstanding and agilitie and of great strength Their weapons are Bowes and Arrowes and Macanas their Bowes short and strong and their Arrowes of a small Reed or Cane three quarters of a yard long with two Feathers and headed with a flint-stone which is loose and hurting the head remaineth in the wound some are headed with bone and some with hard wood halfe burnt in the fire We came betwixt the Iland and the Mayne On the South-west part of the Iland lieth a great ledge of Rockes which are dangerous and it is good to be carefull how to come too neere the Iland on all parts Immediatly when they discouered vs both vpon the Iland and the Mayne wee might see them make sundry great fires which were to giue aduice to the rest of the people to bee in a readinesse for they haue continuall and mortall warre with the Spaniards and the shippes they see they beleeue to be their Enemies The Citie Imperiall lyeth ouer against this Iland but eight or ten leagues into the Countrey for all the Sea-coast from Baldiuia till thirtie sixe Degrees the Indians haue now in a manner in their hands free from any Spaniards Hauing refreshed our selues well in this Iland for that little time we stayed which was some three dayes we set sayle with great ioy and with a faire winde sayled alongst the Coast and some eight leagues to the North-wards wee anchored againe in a goodly Bay and sent our Boats ashoare with desire to speake with some of the Indians of Arawca and to see if they would be content to entertaine amitie or to chop and change with vs. But all that night and the next morning appeared not one person and so we set saile againe and towards the Euening the wind began to change and to blow contrary and that so much and the Sea to rise so suddenly that wee could not take in our Boats without spoyling of them This storme continued with vs tenne dayes beyond expectation for that wee thought our selues out of the Climate of fowle weather but truely it was one of the sharpest stormes that euer I felt to endure so long The storme tooke end and we shaped our course for the Iland of Saint Maries which lyeth in thirtie seuen degrees and fortie minutes and before you come vnto the Iland some two leagues in the Trade way lieth a Rocke which afarre off seemeth to be a ship vnder sayle This Iland is little and low but fertill and well peopled with Indians and some few Spaniards in it Some ten leagues to the Northwards of this Iland lieth the Citie Conception with a good Port from this wee coasted alongst till wee came in thirtie three degrees and forty minutes In which height lay the Ilands of Iuan Fernandes betwixt threescore and fourescore leagues from the shoare plentifull of fiâ—h and good for refreshing I purposed for many reasons not to discouer my selfe vpon this Coast till we were past Lyma otherwise called Ciuidad de los Reyes for that it
stand off to Sea close by The Admirall of the Spaniards with the other two were a sterne of vs some foure leagues the Vice-admirall a mile right to lee-wards of vs the Reare-admirall in a manner right a head some culuering shot and one vpon our loofe within shot also the Moone was to rise within two houres After much debating it was concluded that we should beare vp before the winde and seeke to escape betwixt the Admirall and the Vice-admirall which we put in execution not knowing of any other disgrace befallen them but that of the Reare-admirall till after our surrender when they recounted vnto vs all that had past In the morning at breake of day we were cleare of all our Enemies and so shaped our course alongst the Coast for the Bay of Atacames where we purposed to trim our Pinnace and to renew our wood and water and so to depart vpon our Voyage with all possible speede The Spanish Armado returned presently to Callao which is the Port of Lyma or of the Citie of the Kings It was first named Lyma and retaineth also that name of the Riuer which passeth by the Citie called Lyma the Spanish Armado being entred the Port the people began to goe ashore where they were so mocked and scorned by the women as scarce any one by day would shew his face they reuiled them with the name of cowards and golnias and craued licence of the Vice-roy to be admitted into their roomes and to vndertake the surrendry of the English Shippe I haue beene certified for truth that some of them affronted their Souldiers with Daggers and Pistols by their sides This wrought such effects in the hearts of the disgraced as they vowed either to recouer their reputation lost or to follow vs into England and so with expedition the Vice-roy commanded two Shippes and a Pinnace to be put in order and in them placed the chiefe Souldiers and Marriners of the rest and furnished them with victuals and munition The foresaid Generall is once againe dispatched to seeke vs who ranged the Coasts and Ports enforming himselfe what he could Some fiftie leagues to the North-wards of Lyma in sight of Mongon we tooke a Ship halfe loaden with Wheate Sugar Miell de Canas and Cordouan skins which for that she was leake and sailed badly and tackled in such manner as the Marriners would not willingly put themselues into her we tooke what was necessary for our prouision and fired her Thwart of Truxillo wee set the company of her ashoare with the Pilot which we had taken in Balparizo reseruing the Pilot of the burnt Shippe and a Greeke who chose rather to continue with vs then to hazard their liues in going ashore for that they had departed out of the Port of Santa which is in eight degrees being required by the Iustice not to weigh anchor before the Coast was knowne to be cleare It is a thing worthy to be noted and almost incredible with how few men they vse to saile a Shippe in the South Sea for in this prise which was aboue an hundred tunnes were but eight persons and in a Ship of three hundreth tuns they vse not to put aboue foureteene or fifteene persons yea I haue beene credibly enformed that with foureteene persons a Ship of fiue hundred tuns hath beene carried from Guayaquil to Lyma deepe loaden which is aboue two hundred leagues They are forced euer to gaine their Voyage by turning to wind-wards which is the greatest toyle and labour that the Marriners haue and slow sometimes in this Voyage foure or fiue moneths which is generall in all the Nauigations of this coast but the security from stormes and certainty of the Brese with the desire to make their gaine the greater is the cause that euery man forceth himselfe to the vttermost to doe the labour of two men In the height of the Port of Santa some seuen hundred and fiftie leagues to the West-wards lye the Ilands of Salomon of late yeares discouered At my being in Lyma a Fleete of foure saile was sent from thence to people them which through the emulation and discord that arose amongst them being landed and setled in the Countrey was vtterly ouerthrowne onely one Shippe with some few of the people after much misery got to the Philippines This I came to the knowledge of by a large relation written from a person of credit and sent from the Philippines to Panama I saw it at my being there in my voyage towards Spaine Hauing edged neere the coast to put the Spaniards on shore a thicke fogge tooke vs so that we could not see the land but recouering our Pinnace and Boate we sailed on our course till wee came thwart of the Port called Malabrigo It lieth in seuen degrees In all this Coast the currant runneth with great force but neuer keepeth any certaine course sauing that it runneth alongst the coast sometimes to the South-wards sometimes to the North-wards which now runneth to the North-wards forced vs so farre into the Bay which a point of the land causeth that they call Punta de Augussa as thinking to cleare our selues by rouing North-west we could not double this point making our way North North-west Therefore speciall care is euer to be had of the current and doubtlesse if the prouidence of Almighty God had not Freede vs we had runne ashore vpon the Land without seeing or suspecting any such danger his name be euer exalted and magnified for deliuering vs from the vnknowne danger by calming the winde all night the Suns rising manifested vnto vs our errour and perill by discouering vnto vs the land within two leagues right a head The current had carried vs without any winde at the least foure leagues which seene and the winde beginning to blow we brought our tackes aboord and in short time cleared our selues Thwart of this point of Angussa lye two desert Ilands they call them Illas de Lobos for the multitude of Seales which accustome to haunt the shore In the bigger is very good harbour and secure they lye in six degrees and thirty minutes The next day after we lost sight of those Ilands being thwart of Payta which lyeth in fiue degrees and hauing manned our Pinnace and Boate to search the Port we had sight of a tall Ship which hauing knowledge of our being on the coast and thinking her selfe to be more safe at Sea then in the harbour put her selfe then vnder saile to her we gaue chase all that night and the next day but in fine being better of saile then we she freed her selfe Thus being to lee-ward of the Harbour and discouered we continued our course alongst the shore That euening wee were thwart of the Riuer of Guyayaquill which hath in the mouth of it two Ilands the Souther-most and biggest called Puma in three degrees and the other to the North-wards Santa clara Puma is inhabited and is the place where they
of March which is the latter end of Summer so that the Countrey was full of snow and withall a sudden storme came that he could not see Sarmiento and his men ashoare but returned the second time to the Coast of Brasill to the Riuer of Ienero where he heard newes of the English ships by the two ships that escaped from the Englishmen whereupon hee left his Lieutenant Diego de Ribera and Sarmiento that they might the next yeere returne for the Straits So Diego de Flores with foure ships which hee had left and other foure which the King had sent to succour him went all along the Coast to seeke for the Englishmen but could not find them for they were gone directly for England so he went vnto a Port called Parayna where he found fiue French ships and burnt three and tooke two and also the Fort that the Frenchmen had and put in Spaniards and the Frenchmen runne into the Mountaynes to the Sauages this done he returned for Spaine And his Lieutenant Diego de Ribera and Sarmiento had the next yeere such good fortune that they arriued safely into the Straits with all their ships and so set ashore foure hundred men and because the ships Boat could not land being once laden the ship that had all the victuals and munition that ship they runne ashoare in a Bay and as the water did ebbe they tooke all things out of her this beeing done Diego de Ribera left Sarmiento with foure hundred men thirtie women and a ship with victuals for eight moneths and with the other three returned being in the Straits but eight dayes Now Pedro Sarmiento made a Towne at the mouth of the Straits on the Northside and put therein a hundred and fiftie men and from hence hee went by Land and sent the ship further into the Straits and fiftie leagues within the Straits at the narrowest place of all where is a very good Port here he made another Towne which he named the Towne of King Philip and also would haue made a Fort and planted Ordnance for the defence of the Straits but the Snow and the Winter was so great that hee could not proceed in it but hee tooke aboue fiue and twentie Mariners into the ship with him and said hee would goe see how the other people did and so came to the Straits mouth to the Towne and after hee had beene there a day or two with them he said that a storme put him from the Straits by force and broke his Cables but his men said to the contrary that he himselfe cut his Cables God knoweth the truth and so he came to the Riuer of Ienero and not finding any succour there came from the King hee went to Fernambocke asking aide of the Captaine for victuals the Captaine incontinent laded his ship with victuals and clothes for the men so that hauing these things hee tooke his way for the Straites but betweene the Cape of Saint Augustine and the Baya the wind came out of the Sea with such violence that it forced the ship to runne ashore where Sarmiento had three of his men drowned and he with the rest hardly escaped the ship was lost and all that was in her And then he came by Land to the Baya and the Gouernour of Brasill bought a Barke that was there in the Harbour and lading her with victuals and clothes for the men hee hauing this prouision with diuers other more that were needfull for his men he tooke his Voyage for the Straits and comming as high as fortie foure degrees he met with a sudden storme and was forced to throw all ouer-boord that he carried and was yet in the end compelled to returne for the Riuer of Ienero where hee stayed for succour from the King a whole yeere but there came not so much as a Letter for him for the King was sore grieued at Pedro Sarmiento because he told him that in the narrowest place of the Straits it was but a mile ouer but Diego de Ribera and others told the King that it was aboue a league broad that if a ship came with wind and current all the Ordnance in the World could not hurt them whereby the King thought that Pedro Sarmiento had deceiued him in making him to lose so many men and to be at so great a charges to no effect Also the Gouernour of Baya seeing the King wrote not to him would giue Sarmiento no more succour wherefore Sarmiento went in his ship for Spaine which he came last in from the Straits and it is said that he was taken by Englishmen and so carried for England It is reported that this Sarmiento is the best Manner in all Spainè and hath say led farthest After all this the Captaine of the Riuer Ienero â—ent a small ship with victuals for the Straits but was also put backe in fortie degrees This is all the Discouery that hath beene of the Straits of Magelanes as well by the Spaniards as other Nations vnto this yeere 1586. It is fâ—ure yeeres since these poore and miserable Spaniards were 〈◊〉 in the Straits from which time there hath no succour gone vnto them so God he knoweth whether they be dead or aliue The Land that heth from the Straits to the Coast of Chili no man hath trauelled it by land because of the great Mountaines of Snow that lye in that Countrey as also I may well say that it hath not often beene done by Sea for that all the ships that haue passed that way haue at the least gone thirtie leagues of the shore because of the shoalds and many little Ilands that lie of the mayne land and therefore there is nothing knowne what is in that Countrey The first Inhabitance that you haue after you passe the Straits is on the Coast of Chili and is called Castro it is the worst place of all the Coast for that in it there is small store of Gold and little victuall and very cold this place is compassed with many shoalds so that it is a Port but for small Barkes The next to this is Baldiuia but before I passe any further I will declare vnto you the situation of Chili This Coast lieth North and South and is in length aboue a hundred leagues and it is not in breadth aboue fiue and twentie leagues at the most there runne from the great Mountaines into the Sea great store of Riuers which maketh many Valleyes and is the fruitfullest land in the World for that it hath bread wine and other victuals great store These Riuers bee very rich of Gold and for to shew you in few words all that this Prouince hath I say that this land lacketh nothing but might be called Paradise but for that it lacketh only one thing and that is peace This land was first discouered in this order after the Spaniards had conquered the Kingdome of Peru as hereafter I will shew vnto you they found in this Kingdome
want of refreshing must of force put into those Ilands although at this time many Ships doe auoide those Ilands to the great discommodity of the Ilands and the Ships From Tercera Southeast about seuen and twenty or eight and twenty miles lyeth the Iland of Saint Michael which is about twenty miles long and is likewise full of Townes and Villages inhabited by Portugals for ayre and all other things like vnto Tercera The chiefe Towne is called Punta del Gada where there is great traffique of English Scots and Frenchmen onely as in Tercera because of the woad which is more abundant in that Iland then in all the rest of them for that euery yeare there is made aboue two hundreth thousand Quintals of Wood. It hath likewise great abundance of Corne so that they helpe to victuall all the Ilands that are round about them It hath neither Hauens nor Riuers but onely the broad Sea and haue lesse safegard and defence then those which are of Tercera but there they lye not vnder the commandement of any Fort so that many set sayle with all the windes and put to Sea which in the road of Tercera they may not doe and therefore the strangers Ships had rather sayle to Saint Michaels for there they can not be constrained to doe any thing but what they will themselues to doe There is also a company of Spaniards in a Castle that standeth by the Towne of Punta del Gada which is made by the Spaniards for the defence and maintenance of the same towne From the Iland of Saint Michaels Southwards twelue miles lyeth the Island Santa Maria which is about ten or twelue miles compasse hath no traffique but onely of pot earth which the other Ilands fetch from thence It hath no Woad but is full of all victuals like Tercera and inhabited by the Portugals There are no Spaniards in it because it is a stony Country like Tercera and hard to boord whereby the inhabitants themselues are sufficient and able enough to defend it While I remained in Tercera the Earle of Cumberland came thither to take in fresh water and some other victuals but the inhabitants would not suffer him to haue it but wounded both himselfe and diuers of his men whereby they were forced to depart without hauing any thing there From Tercera North Northwest about seuen or eight miles lyeth a little Iland called Gratiosa and is but fiue or sixe miles in compasse a very pleasant and fine Iland full of all fruits and all other victuals so that it not onely feedeth it selfe but also Tercera and the other Ilands about it and hath no other kinde of Merchandise it is well built and inhabited by Portugals and hath no Soldiers in it because it is not able to beare the charge The Earle of Cumberland while I lay in Tercera came vnto that Iland where himselfe in person with seuen or eight in his company went on land asking certaine Beasts Hens and other Victuals with Wine and fresh water which they willingly gaue him and therewith he departed from thence without doing them any hurt for the which the inhabitants thanked him and commended him for his curtesie and keeping of his promise From Tercera West North-west eight or nine miles lyeth the Iland of Saint George It is about twelue miles long but not aboue two or three miles at the furthest in breadth it is wooddy and full of hils it hath no speciall traffique but onely some Woad and yet very little of it The inhabitants liue most by Cattell and tilling of the Land and bring much victuals to sell in Tercera it hath likewise many Cedar trees and other kindes of wood that from thence are brought vnto Tercera and sold vnto the Ioyners which for that occasion dwell onely in Tercera From Saint George West South-west seuen miles lyeth the Iland called Fayael which is seuenteene or eighteene miles in compasse it is one of the best Ilands next vnto Tercera and Saint Michaels it aboundeth in all sorts of victuals both flesh and fish so that from this Iland the most part of victuals and necessaries commeth by whole Caruels vnto Tercera it hath likewise much Woad so that many English Ships doe traffique thither The principall road and place is the Towne called Uitta dorta there the Ships likewise doe lye in the open Sea vnder the Land as they doe before all the other Ilands by this Towne there lyeth a fortresse but of small importance and because the inhabitants of themselues doe offer to defend the Iland against all enemies the Soldiers discharged from thence which before that time lay in the Fort complaining that they were not able to maintaine nor lodge them The same time that the Earle of Cumberland was in the Iland of Gratiosa he came likewise to Fayael where at the first time that hee came they began to resist him but by reason of some controuersie among them they let him land where he rased the Castle to the ground and sunke all their Ordnance in the Sea taking with him certaine Caruels and Ships that lay in the road with prouision of all things that hee wanted and therewith departed againe to Sea Whereupon the King caused the principall actors therein to be punished and sent a company of Souldiers thither againe which went out of Tercera with all kinde of warlike munition and great shot making the Fortresse vp againe the better to defend the Iland trusting no more in the Portugals In that Iland are the most part of the Netherlanders off-spring yet they vse the Portugals language by reason they haue beene so long conuersant among them and those that vsed the Dutch tongue are all dead they are greatly affected to the Netherlanders and strangers From Fayael Southeast three miles and from Saint George South-west foure miles and from Tercera South-west and by West twelue miles lyeth the Iland called Pico which is more then fifteene miles in length It is so named of a high Mountaine that standeth therein called Pico which is so high that some thinke it is higher then the Pico of Canaria When it is cleare weather it may as perfectly be seene in Tercera as if it were not halfe a mile from thence and yet it lyeth aboue twenty fiue miles from it for it is at the furthest end of the Iland towards Fayael The top of it is seene cleare and bright but the nether part is couered with clouds and with the Horizon whereby the Iland is much spoken of It is very fruitfull of all kindes of victuals like Fayael and hath great store of wood as Cedars all other kindes and also the costly wood Teixo There they build many Caruels and small Ships and from thence by reason of the abundance of wood they serue the other Ilands with wood It is also inhabited as the rest are their chiefe traffique being Cattle husbandry It hath much Wine the
he came whereupon the Gouernor of Tercera did him great honor and betweene them it was concluded perceiuing the weaknesse of their Ships and the danger of the Englishmen that they would send the Ships empty with Soldiers to conuey them either to Siuil or Lisbone where they could first arriue with aduise vnto his Maiesty of all that had past and that he would giue order to fetch the Siluer with good and safe conuoy Wherepuon the said Aluaro Flores staied there vnder colour of keeping the Siluer but specially because of his disease and for that they were afraid of the Englishmen This Aluaro Flores had alone for his owne part aboue fifty thousand Ducats in Pearles which he shewed vnto vs and sought to sell them or barter them with vs for Spices or bils of exchange The said two Ships set saile with three or foure hundred men as well Soldiers as others that came with them and not one man saued Tke Vice-admirall cut downe her Mast and ranne the Ship on ground out of India and being at Sea had a storme wherewith the Admirall burst and sunke in thâ— Sea hard by Sentuual where it burst in peeces some of the men sauing themselues by swimming that brought the newes but the rest were drowned In the same moneth there came two great ships out of the Spanish Indies and being within halfe a mile of the Road of Tercera they met with an English shippe that after they had fought long together tooke them both About seuen or eight moneths before there had beene an English ship in Tercera that vnder the name of a Frenchman came to traffique in the Iland there to lade wood and being discouered was both ship and goods confiscated to the Kings vse and all the men kept prisoners yet went they vp and downe the streets to get their liuings by labouring like slaues being in deed as safe in that Iland as if they had beene in prison But in the end vpon a Sunday all the Sailers went downe behind the Hils called Bresill where they found a Fisher-boat whereinto they got and rowed into the Sea to the Earle of Cumberlands ship which to their great fortune chanced at that time to come by the Iland and anchored with his ships about halfe a mile from the Road of Angra hard by two small Ilands which lye about a Bases shot from the Iland and are full of Goats Buckes and Sheepe belonging to the Inhabitants of the Iland of Tercera Those Saylers knew it well and thereupon they rowed vnto them with their Boats and lying at Anchor that day they fetched as many Goats and Sheepe as they had neede of which those of the Towne and of the Iland well saw and beheld yet durst not once go forth so there remayned no more on Land but the Master and the Merchant of the said English ship This Master had a Brother in Law dwelling in England who hauing newes of his brothers imprisonment in Tercera got licence of the Queene of England to set forth a ship therewith to see if he could recouer his losses of the Spaniards by taking some of them and so to redeeme his brother that lay prisoner in Tercera and he it was that tooke the two Spanish shippes before the Towne The Master of the ship aforesaid standing on the shore by me and looking vpon them for he was my great acquaintance the shipss being taken that were worth three hundred thousand Duckets he sent all the men on Land sauing only two of the principall Gentlemen which he kept aboord thereby to ransome his brother and sent the Pilot of one of the Indian ships that were taken with a Letter to the Gouernour of Tercera wherein he wrote that hee should deliuer him his brother and he would send the two Gentlemen on Land if not he would saile with them into England as indeed he did because the Gouernour would not doe it saying that the Gentleman might make that suite to the King of Spaine him selfe This Spanish Pilot we bid to supper with vs and the Englishmen likewise where hee shewed vs all the manner of their fight much commending the order and manner of the Englishmens fighting as also for their courteous vsing of him but in the end the English Pilot likewise stole away in a French ship without paying any ransome as yet In the moneth of Ianuary 1590 there arriued one ship alone in Tercera that came from the Spanish Indies and brought newes that there was a fleet of a hundred ships which put out from the Firme Land of the Spanish Indies and by a storme were driuen vpon the Coast called Florida where they were all cast away she hauing only escaped wherein there were great riches and many men lost as it may well be thought so that they made their account that of two hundred and twentie ships that for certaine were knowne to haue put out of Noua Spaigna Santo Domingo Hauana Capo verde Brasilia Guinea c. In the yeere 1989. to sayle for Spaine in Portugall there were not aboue fourteene or fifteene of them arriued there in safetie all the rest being either drowned burst or taken In the same Moneth of Ianuary there arriued in Tercera fifteen or sixteene ships that came from Siuilia which were most Flie-boats of the low Countries and some Brittons that were arrested in Spaine these came full of Souldiers and well appointed with munition to lade the siluer that lay in Tercera and to fetch Aluares de Flores by the Kings commandement into Spaine And because that time of the yeere there is alwayes stormes about those Ilands therefore they durst not enter into the Road of Tercera for that as then it blew so great a storme that some of their ships that had anchored were forced to cut downe their Masts and were in danger to bee lost and among the rest a ship of Biscay ranne against the Land and was stricken in pieces but all the men saued themselues The other ships were forced to keepe the Sea and separate themselues one from the other where winde and weather would driue them vntill the fifteenth of March for that in all that time they could not haue one day of faire weather to anchor in whereby they indured much miserie cursing both the siluer and the Iland This storme being past they chanced to meete with small English ship of about fortie tunnes in bignesse which by reason of the great wind could not beare all her sailes so they set vpon her and tooke her and with the English flagge in their Admirals sterne they came as proudly into the Hauen as if they had conquered all the Realme of England but as the Admirall that bare the English flagge vpon her sterne was entring into the Road there came by chance two English ships by the Iland that paid her so well for her paines that they were forced to cry Misericordia and without all doubt had taken her if she had beene but a mile further
intelligence They came purposely to watch for the fleet of the Spanish Indies and for the Indian ships and the shippes of the Countries in the West which put the Ilanders in great feare specially those of Fayael for that the Englishmen sent a Trumpet to the Gouernour to aske certaine wine flesh and other victuals for their money and good friendship They of Fayael did not onely refuse to giue eare vnto them but with a shot killed their Messenger or Trumpetter which the Englishmen tooke in euill part sending them word that they were best to looke to themselues and stand vpon their guard for they meant to come and visit them whether they would or no. The Gouernour made them answere that he was there in the behalfe of his Maiestie of Spaine and that he would doe his best to keepe them out as he was bound but no thing was done although they of Fayael were in no little feare sending to Tercera for aide from whence they had certaine Barkes with Powder and Munition for warre with some Bisket and other necessary prouision The thirtieth of August we receiued very certaine newes out of Portugall that there were eightie ships put out of the Carunho laden with Victuals Munition Money and Souldiers to goe for Britaine to aide the Catholikes and Leaguers of France against the King of Nauarre At the same time two Netherland Hulkes comming out of Portugall to Tercera beeing halfe the Seas ouer met with foure of the Queenes shippes their Generall beeing Sir Iohn Hawkins that stayed them but let them goe againe without doing them any harme The Netherlanders reported that each of the Queenes ships had eightie Peeces of Ordnance and that Captaine Drake lay with fortie ships in the English Channell watching for the Armie of Carunho and likewise that there lay at the Cape Saint Vincent tenne other English ships that if any ships escaped from the Ilands they might take them Those tidings put the Ilanders in great feare lest if they failed of the Spanish fleete and got nothing by them that then they would fall vpon the Ilands because they would not returne emptie home whereupon they held straight watch sending aduise vnto the King what newes they heard The first of September there came to the Iland of Saint Michael a Portugall ship out of the Hauen of Pernanbuco in Brasilia which brought newes that the Admirall of the Portugall fleet that came from India hauing missed the Iland of Saint Helena was of necessitie constrained to put in at Pernanbuco although the King had expresly vnder a great penaltie forbidden him so to doe because of the Wormes that there doe spoile the ships The same ship wherein Bernaldine Rybero was Admirall the yeere before 1589. sayled out of Lisbone into the Indies with fiue ships in her company whereof but foure got into India the fift was neuer heard of so that it was thought to be cast away The other foure returned safe againe into Portugall though the Admirall was much spoiled because he met with two English ships that fought long with him and slue many of his men but yet he escaped from them The fift of the same moneth there arriued in Tercera a Caruell of the Iland of Coruo and brought with her fiftie men that had beene spoyled by the Englishmen who had set them on shore in the Iland of Coruo being taken out of a shippe that came from the Spanish Indies they brought tydings that the Englishmen had taken foure more of the Indian ships and a Caruell with the King of Spaines Letters of aduise for the ships comming out of the Portugall Indies and that with those which they had taken they were at the least forty English ships together so that not one Barke escaped them but fell into their hands and that therefore the Portugall ships comming out of India durst not put into the Ilands but tooke their course vnder fortie and fortie two degrees and from thence sailed to Lisbon shunning likewise the Cape Saint Vincent otherwise they could not haue had a prosperous iourney of it for that as then the Sea was full of English ships Wherupon the King aduised the fleet lying in Hauana in the Spanish Indies ready to come for Spaine that they should stay there all that yeere till the next yeere because of the great danger they might fall into by the Englishmen which was no small charge and hinderance to the fleet for that the ships that lie there doe consume themselues and in a manner eate vp one another by reason of the great number of people together with the scarcitie of all things so that many ships chose rather one by one to aduenture themselues alone to get home then to stay there all which fell into the Englishmens hands whereof diuers of the men were brought into Tercera for that a whole day we could see nothing else but spoyled men set on shore some out of one ship some out of another that pittie it was to see all of them cursing the Englishmen and their owne fortunes with those that had beene the causes to prouoke the Englishmen to fight and complayning of the small remedie and order taken therein by the King of Spaines Officers The nineteenth of the same moneth there came to Tercera a Caruel of Lisbon with one of the Kings Officers to cause the goods that were saued out of the ship which came from Malacca for the which we stayed there to be laden and sent to Lisbon And at the same time there put out of the Carunha one Don Alonso de Bassan with fortie great ships of warre to come vnto the Ilands there to watch for the fleet of the Spanish and Portugall Indies and the goods of the Malacca ship being laden they were to conuoy them all together into the Riuer of Lisbon but being certaine dayes at Sea alwayes hauing a contrary wind they could not get vnto the Ilands only two of them that were scattered from the fleet they presently returned backe to seeke them in the meane time the King changed his minde and caused the fleet to stay in India as I said before and therefore he sent word vnto Don Alonso de Bassan that hee should returne againe to the Carunha which he presently did without doing any thing nor once approching neere the Ilands sauing only the two foresaid ships for he well knew that the Englishmen lay by the Iland of Coruo but he would not visit them and so he returned to the Hauen of Carunha whereby our goods that came from Malacca were yet to ship and crussed vp againe forced to stay a more fortunate time with patience perforce The three and twentieth of October there arriued in Tercera a Caruell with aduise out of Portingall that of fiue ships which in the yeere 1590. were laden in Lisbon for the Indies foure of them were turned againe to Portingall after they had beene foure moneths abroad and that the Admirall wherein the Vice-roy
of his Crowne His body was painted all with Crimson with a Chaine of Beads about his necke his face painted blew besprinkled with siluer Ore as wee thought his eares all behung with Braslets of Pearle and in either eare a Birds Claw through it beset with fine Copper or Gold he entertained vs in so modest a proud fashion as though he had beene a Prince of ciuill gouernment holding his countenance without laughter or any such ill behauiour he caused his Mat to be spred on the ground where hee sate downe with a great Maiestie taking a pipe of Tabacco the rest of his company standing about him After he had rested a while he rose and made signes to vs to come to his Towne Hee went formost and all the rest of his people and ourselues followed him vp a steepe Hill where his Palace was settled Wee passed through the Woods in fine paths hauing most pleasant Springs which issued from the Mountaines Wee also went through the goodliest Corne fieldes that euer was seene in any Countrey When wee came to Rapahannos Towne hee entertained vs in good humanitie The eight day of May we discouered vp the Riuer We landed in the Countrey of Apamatica at our landing there came many stout and able Sauages to resist vs with their Bowes and Arrowes in a most warlike manner with the swords at their backes beset with sharpe stones and pieces of yron able to cleaue a man in sunder Amongst the rest one of the chiefest standing before them crosse-legged with his Arrow readie in his Bow in one hand and taking a Pipe of Tobacco in the other with a bold vttering of his speech demanded of vs our being there willing vs to bee gone Wee made signes of peace which they perceiued in the end and let vs land in quietnesse The twelfth day we went backe to our ships and discouered a point of Land called Archers Hope which was sufficient with a little labour to defend our selues against any Enemy The soile was good and fruitfull with excellent good Timber There are also great store of Vines in bignesse of a mans thigh running vp to the tops of the Trees in great abundance We also did see many Squirels Conies Black Birds with crimson wings and diuers other Fowles and Birds of diuers and sundrie collours of crimson Watchet Yellow Greene Murry and of diuers other hewes naturally without any art vsing We found store of Turkie nests and many Egges if it had not beene disliked because the ship could not ride neere the shoare we had setled there to all the Collonies contentment The thirteenth day we came to our seating place in Paspihas Countrey some eight miles from the point of Land which I made mention before where our shippes doe lie so neere the shoare that they are moored to the Trees in six fathom water The fourteenth day we landed all our men which were set to worke about the fortification and others some to watch and ward as it was conuenient The first night of our landing about midnight there came some Sauages sayling close to our quarter presently there was an alarum giuen vpon that the Sauages ran away and we not troubled any more by them that night Not long after there came two Sauages that seemed to be Commanders brauely drest with Crownes of coloured haire vpon their heads which came as Messengers from the Werowance of Paspihae telling vs that their Werowance was comming and would be merry with vs with a fat Deare The eighteenth day the Werowance of Paspihae came himselfe to our quarter with one hundred Sauages armed which garded him in a very warlike manner with Bowes and Arrowes thinking at that time to execute their villany Paspihae made great signes to vs to lay our Armes away But we would not trust him so far he seeing he could not haue conuenient time to worke his will at length made signes that he would giue vs as much land as we would desire to take As the Sauages were in a throng in the Fort one of them stole a Hatcket from one of our company which spied him doing the deed whereupon he tooke it from him by force and also strooke him ouer the arme presently another Sauage seeing that came fiercely at our man with a wooden sword thinking to beat out his braines The Werowance of Paspiha saw vs take to our Armes weat suddenly away with all his company in great anger The nineteenth day my selfe and three or foure more walking into the Woods by chance wee espied a path-way like to an Irish pace wee were desirous to knowe whither it would bring vs wee traced along some foure miles all the way as wee went hauing the pleasantest Suckles the ground all flowing ouer with faire flowers of sundry colours and kindes as though it had beene in any Garden or Orchard in England There be many Strawberries and other fruits vnknowne wee saw the Woods full of Cedar and Cypresse trees with other trees which issues out sweet Gummes like to Balsam wee kept on our way in this Paradise at length wee came to a Sauage Towne where wee found but few people they told vs the rest were gone a hunting with the Werowance of Paspiha we stayed there a while and had of them Strawberries and other things in the meane time one of the Sauages came running out of his house with a Bowe and Arrowes and ranne mainly through the Woods then I beganne to mistrust some villanie that he went to call some companie and so betray vs wee made all the haste away wee could one of the Sauages brought vs on the way to the Wood side where there was a Garden of Tobacco and other fruits and herbes he gathered Tobacco and distributed to euery one of vs so wee departed The twentieth day the Werowance of Paspiha sent fortie of his men with a Deere to our quarter but they came more in villanie than any loue they bare vs they faine would haue layne in our Fort all night but wee would not suffer them for feare of their treachery One of our Gentlemen hauing a Target which hee trusted in thinking it would beare out a slight shot hee set it vp against a tree willing one of the Sauages to shoot who tooke from his backe an Arrow of an elle long drew it strongly in his Bowe shoots the Target a foote thorow or better which was strange being that a Pistoll could not pierce it Wee seeing the force of his Bowe afterwards set him vp a steele Target he shot again and burst his arrow all to pieces he presently pulled out another Arrow and bit it in his teeth and seemed to bee in a great rage so hee went away in great anger Their Bowes are made of tough Hasell their strings of Leather their Arrowes of Canes or Hasell headed with very sharpe stones and are made artificially like a broad Arrow other some of their Arrowes are headed with the ends of Deeres
made three or foure thousand pounds worth of Oyle they preferred it before Greenland Whale-fishing and purpose the next winter to fish for Whale here for Cod we assaied but found none there is good store no doubt in their season Neither got we anie fish all the time we lay there but some few little ones on the shoare We found great Mussles and verie fat and full of Sea Pearle but we could not eate them for they made vs all sicke that did eate as well sailers as passengers they caused to cast and scoure but they were soone well againe The Baie is so round and circling that before we could come to anchor we went round all the points of the Compasse We could not come neere the shoare by three quarters of an English mile because of shallow water which was a great preiudice to vs for our people going on shoare were forced to wade a Bow shoote or two in going aland which caused manie to get colds and coughs for it was manie times freezing cold weather This day before we came to harbour obseruing some not well affected to vnitie and concord but gaue some appearance of faction it was thought good there should be an association and agreement that we should combine together in one bodie and to submit to such gouernment and Gouernours as we should by common consent agree to make and choose and set our hands to this that followes word for word IN the name of God Amen We whose names are vnderwritten the loyall Subiects of our dread Soueraigne Lord King Iames by the grace of God of Great Britaine France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith c. Hauing vndertaken for the glorie of God and aduancement of the Christian faith and honor of our King and Countrie a Voiage to plant the first Colonie in the Northerne parts of Virginia doe by these presents solemnely and matually in the presence of GOD and one of another couenant and combine our selues together in a ciuill bodie politike for our better ordering and preseruation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid and by vertue hereof to enact constitute and frame such iust and equall Lawes Ordinances acts constitutions offices from time to time as shall be thought most meete and conuenient for the generall good of the Colonie vnto which wee promise all due submission and obedience In witnesse whereof we haue here vnder suscribed our names Cape Cod eleuenth of Nouember in the yeare of the raigne of our Soueraigne Lord King IAMES of England France and Ireland 18. and of Scotland 54. Anno Domino 1620. The same day so soone as we could we set ashoare fifteene or sixteene men well armed with some to fetch Wood for we had none left as also to see what the Land was and what Inhabitants they could meete with they found it to be a small necke of Land on this side where we lay is the Bay and the furthest side the Sea the ground or earth sand hils much like the Downes in Holland but much better the crust of the earth a Spits depth excellent blacke earth all woodded with Oakes Pines Saffafras Iuniper Birch Holly Vines some Ash Walnut the Wood for the most part open and without vnder-wood fit either to goe or ride in at night our people returned but found not anie person nor habitation and laded their Boate with Iuniper which smelled verie sweete and strong and of which wee burnt the most part of the time we lay there Munday the thirteenth of Nouember we vnshipped our Shallop and drew her on land to mend and repaire her hauing bin forced to cut her downe in bestowing her betwixt the decks and she was much opened with the peoples lying in her which kept vs long ther for it was sixteene or seuenteene daies before the Carpenter had finished her our people went on shoare to refresh themselues and our women to wash as they had great neede but whilest wee lay thus still hoping our Shallop would be readie in fiue or six daies at the furthest but our Carpenter made slow worke of it so that some of our people impatient of delay desired for our better furtherance to trauaile by Land into the Countrie which was not without appearance of danger not hauing the Shallop with them nor meanes to carrie prouision but on their backes to see whether it might be fit for vs to seate in or no and the rather because as we sailed into the Harbour there seemed to be a Riuer opening it selfe into the maine Land the willingnesse of the persons was liked but the thing it selfe in regard of the danger was rather permitted then approued and so with cautions directions and instructions sixteene men were set out with euery man his Musket Sword and Corslet vnder the conduct of Captaine Miles Standish vnto whom was adioyned for counsell and aduise William Bradford Stephen Hopkins and Edward Tilley Wednesday the fifteenth of Nouember they were set a shoare and when they had ordered themselues in order of a single File and marched about the space of a mile by the Sea they espied fiue or six people with a Dogge comming towards them who were Sauages who when they saw them ran into the Woods and whistled the Dogge after them c. First they supposed them to be Master Iones the Master and some of his men for they were a shoare and knew of their comming but after they knew them to be Indians they marched after them into the Woods least other of the Indians should lye in Ambush but when the Indians saw our men following them they ran away with might and maine and our men turned out of the Wood after them for it was the way they intended to goe but they could not come neere them They followed them that night about ten miles by the trace of their footings saw how they had come the same way they went and at a turning perceiued how they raune vp an hill to see whether they followed them At length night came vpon them and they were constrained to take vp their lodging so they set forth three Sentinels and the rest some kindled a fire and others fetched Woods there held our Randeuous that night In the morning so soone as we could see the trace we proceeded on our iournie and had the tracke vntill wee had compassed the head of a long creake and there they tooke into another Wood and we after them supposing to finde some of their dwellings but we marched thorow Boughes and Bushes and vnder Hils and Vallies which tore our verie Armour in peeces and yet could meete with none of them nor their houses nor finde any fresh water which we greatly desired and stood in neede off for we brought neither Beere nor Water with vs and our victuals was onely Bisket and Holland Cheese and a little Bottell of Aquauite so as we were sore a thirst About ten a clocke we came into a deepe Valley full of
and reuerend Diuine Doctor LAYFIELD his Lordships Chaplaine and Attendant in that expedition very much abbreuiated §. I. The Shippes emploied in the Voyage and accidents on the Coasts of Spaine in the Canaries and the Nauigation thence to Dominica HIs Lordship being authorised by Letters Patents giuen at Westminster the foureteenth of Ianuary to leuie Forces seruiceable by Sea and Land came downe to Portesmouth the eight of February wherein nothing memorable happened till Munday being the thirteenth of March. While we were at Morning Prayer his Lordship happened to see a Gallant of the company purposely I name him not reading of Orlando Furioso to whom himselfe in person went presently after Seruice all the Company being by and hauing told him that we might looke that God would serue vs accordingly if we serued not him better bad him be sure that if againe he tooks him in the like manner he would cast his Booke ouer-boâ—â—d and turne himselfe out of the Ship The next day by obseruation it was found that towards the euening we had runne within fiue or sixe and twenty leagues of the North Cape whereupon his Lordship gaue direction to the Vice-admirall that he should carry his Flagge in the Maine-top and with a peece of Ordnance should hale in the rest of the Fleete to his Lee and that they all with him as their Admirall for the time should this night winde South and by West and there they should ride off and on scattering themselues to the North and South in the height of the Burlings till his Lordshippe should come to them In the meane season himselfe attended onely with the Guiana and the Scourges scoâ—t run to fall in with the North Cape meaning by the taking of some Caruell or some Fisherman to haue some certaine intelligence in what forwardnesse the fiue Carracks were which at this very time his Lordship knew were outwards bound The defect of his maine Maste caused him to stand in for the Burlings The Burlings is an Iland something longer then broad and by the violent beating of the Sea it selfe almost made two Ilands and within few yeares it will be so exceeding rockie it is and barren aboue measure We found no liuing thing in it but Lysards and some few Conies Vpon thursday being the thirteenth of Aprill we had sight of the Ilands The first that was within kenning was Alegrança the most Northerly of the Canaries we left it on the star-boord side as also three little hils rather then the Islands hauing all one name of the Grange In the afternoone we had Lancerota one of the six great Canaries in cleere kenning The next morning twixt fiue and six we were come to an anchor in the Roade which beareth East South-east of the Iland His Lordship had taken colde with watching the last night whereupon he found himselfe so ill the next morning being good Friday that he kept his Cabbin and was glad to take some strong Physicke He sent therefore for Sir Iohn Barkley his Lieutenant generall and gaue him order to land with certaine Companies to the number of betweene fiue and six hundred men They were in their March by ten that morning and marched the next way as they thought to the chiefe Towne of the Iland but their foremost desire was if they might to haue surprised the Marquesse who commandeth both that and the next Iland called Fortenentura as his owne possession The Towne is from the place they landed at as they coniecture some ten miles at the least By fiue in the afternoone they entered the Towne which besides the expectation they found clearely quitted of the enemy and nothing in a manner left sauing good store of very excellent Wine and Cheese After the Towne was assured Sir Iohn sent a troope to a strong Hold some halfe a mile of from the Towne called the Castle a place which the Marquesse had fortified with good store of Munition and Ordnance When our Troopes were come vp the Hill they found twixt 80 and 100. Ilanders and Spaniards within and about the house but without fight they quitted the place so that our men entered it without losse or danger They found in it a dozen or more cast Peeces of Brasse the least Bases the most whole Culuering and Demiculuering and an innumerable company of Stones laid in places of greatest aduantage The House it selfe built of squared stone flanked very strongly and cunningly both for defence and offence the entrance thereunto not as in our Forts of equall height with the foundation and ground but raised about a Pikes length in height so that without the vse of a Ladder there could be no entrance there I haue heard sundry of our wisest Commanders say that if they had drawne in their Ladder and onely shut the doore twenty men victualled might haue kept it against fiue hundred The Towne consisteth of somewhat more then a hundred houses whose building is rude being commonly but of one Storie their Roofes flat and something sloping to cast of raine couered onely with Canes or Straw laid vpon a few rafters and very dirt cast vpon all which being hardned by the Sunne becommeth of showre-proofe The Inhabitants are of very able and actiue bodies their stature commonly tall of swiftnesse in that Mountainous Countrie not farre behinde their Horses and Cammels their Armes are Pikes and Stones when a Peece is presented to them so soone as they perceiue the cocke or match to fall they cast themselues flat to the ground and the report is no sooner heard but they are vpon their feete their stones out of their hands and withall they charge with their Pikes and this in scattered incounters or single fight for either they know not or neglect orderly baâ—talion oftner giueth then receiueth hurt The Iland it is not round but stretched somewhat in length to the North-east and South-west parted by a ridge of Hils from end to end as Italie is by the Mountaines Apennine These hils are barren otherwise then that in prettie store they feede flocks of Sâ—eepe and Goates Their Vallies promise no fruitfulnesse being very sandy and dry something like Rye-fields in England and yet they yeelde passing good Barley and Wheate Their beasts be Sheepe and Goates few Neate many Asses fewer Camels but fewest Gennets and these of no great stature The Iland is thought to exceede the Wight both in breadth and length of the Temper a man may iudge besides that it lyeth in 28. degâ—ees and some minutes by the complexion of the Inhabitants which is blackish and by their Haruest-time which was past before the middest of Aprill and looke for a second about Michaelmas their landing there was vpon good Friday The next day the fifteenth of Aprill Sir Iohn Barkeley being out of hope to finde the Marquesse not knowing where to seeke him whom feare had taught to hide himselfe closely marched backe to the Nauie without farther
the ninteenth of May the colour of the Sea began sensibly to alter that whereas before it was of a cleere azure it then began to incline to a deepe blacke We were that day a hundreth and sixtie leagues or thereabouts from the West Indies and held our selues so certainly in the height of Dominica that wee runne a due Westerly course It is not vnlikely but this colour will be found in the same place at another time And in such a course wherein besides the great difference of Cardes a man must bee forced to trust to a dead reckoning this may bee some helpe to a heedfull man Vpon Sunday in the euening his Lordship directed the Master to runne that night with an easie saile because he tooke himselfe neerer land then most of the Mariners would consent to being himselfe the first that both spyed and cryed land they were but few that did assent at the first some desired it so much that they durst not let themselues be ouer credulous others happily would haue had themselues the first discryers but his Lordship still made it land Wee set saile for the land and within two houres it was made to bee Matinino Leauing it therefore on the larboard side wee stood for Dominica and within an houre or thereabouts had it in kenning §. II. Description of Dominica and the Virgines Their landing on Port Ricco march fights and taking the Towne BY two in the afternoone wee were come so neere aboard the shoare that wee were met with many Canoes manned with men wholly naked sauing that they had chaines and bracelets and some bodkins in their eares or some strap in their nostrils or lips the cause of their comming was to exchange their Tabacco Pinos Plantins Potatoes and Pepper with any trifle if it were gawdie They were at the first suspicious that wee were Spaniards or Frenchmen but being assured that wee were English they came willingly aboard They are men of good proportion strong and straight limmed but few of them tall their wits able to direct them to things bodily profitable Their Canoes are of one Tree commonly in breadth but containing one man yet in some are seene two yonkers sit shoulder to shoulder They are of diuers length some for three or foure men that sit in reasonable distance and in some of them eight or nine persons a rowe Besides their Merchandise for exchange euery one hath commonly his Bowe and Arrowes they speake some Spanish words they haue Wickers platted something like a broad shield to defend the raine they that want these vse a very broad leafe to that purpose they prouide shelter against the raine because it washeth of their red painting laid so on that if you touch it you shall finde it on your fingers That night hauing with much a doe found land within a quarter of a mile of the shore we ankored for that night onely for though there were a good watering place and a very sweete riueret fast by vs yet his Lordship ment to way ankor the next morning and to beare in to another watering place wherewithall we certainly looked for a hot Bathe Their Oares wherewith they rowe are not laid in bankes as Ship-boates haue but are made like a long Battledoore sauing that their palmes are much longer then broade growing into a sharpe point with a rising in the middest of them a good way very like they are to blades of bigge Westerne Daggers that are now made with grauing The shankes of these Oares are of equall bignesse and at the top crosset like a lame mans crutch These they vse alwayes with both their hands but indifferently as they finde cause to steere this way or that way The next morning wee bore in to the North-west end of the Iland where we found a goodly Bay able to receiue a greater Nauie then hath beene together in the memorie of this age There his Lordship found the hote Bathe fast by the side of a very fine Riuer The Bathe is as hot as either the Crosse-bathe or Kingsbathe at the Citie of Bathe in England and within three or foure yards runneth into the Riuer which within a stones cast disburdeneth it selfe into the Sea Here our sicke men specially found good refreshing In this place his Lordship staied some six dayes in watering the whole Fleete which in that time was all come sauing the Frigat one of the blacke Pinnaces and one of the Flemmings which we hoped to be before vs for they haue directions It was held conuenient here to take a Muster of our companies and something better to acqâ—aint euery one with his owne colours but the weather was so extreamely foule that in three or foure dayes spent to this purpose there could be nothing done Vpon Wednesday therefore being the last of May it was resolued to stay no longer there but to come againe to ankor at the Uirgines and there bestow one day in training our men For that was our way to Saint Iohn de Puertorico whether his Lordship now declared it was his purpose to goe first of all By this time for his Lordship would not haue any thing done in that foule weather the other blacke Pinnace was taken down for a long Boate to serue for the more conuenient landing of our men That euening and the next morning all our men were brought aboord and on thursday night our sailes were cut for the Virgines To describe this Iland it heth North-west and South-east the soile is very fat euen in the most neglected places matching the Garden-plats in England for a rich blacke molde so Mountainous certaine in the places where we came neere the Sea-coasts that the Vallies may better be called Pits then Plaines and withall so vnpassably wooddie that it is maruailous how those naked soules can be able to pull themselues through them without renting their naturall cloathes Some speake of more easie passages in the Inland of the Iland which make it probable that they leaue those skirts and edges of their Countrie thus of purpose for a wall of defence These Hils are apparelled with very goodly greene Trees of many sorts The tallnesse of these vnrequested Trees make the hils seeme more hilly then of themselues happily they are for they grow so like good children of some happy ciuill body without enuie or oppression as that they looke like a proud meddow about Oxford when after some irruption Tems is againe cooched low within his owne banks leauing the earths Mantle more ruggie and flakie then otherwise it would haue bin yea so much seeme these natural children delighted with equalitie and withall with multiplication that hauing growne to a definite stature without desire of ouertopping others they willingly let downe their boughes which being come to the earth againe take roote as it were to continue the succession of their decaying progenitors and yet they doe continually maintaine themselues in a greene-good liking
looke into their present abilitie and accordingly would send his Lordship assurance that within seuen dayes it should be sent to him to be receiued at the Point where hee held continuall guard Concluding that in these sendings they sought nothing but delaies his Lordship determined not to send them any more but withall speed to make himselfe and the fleet readie for a happy and by many much desired returne since it was cleere that it was not Gods pleasure that yet this Iland should bee inhabited by the English All the Hides therefore and Ginger and Sugar which either was alreadie readie or in time could be gotten was forthwith shipped and so was all the munition in the Towne all the Ordnance in any place of that Iland which amounted in all and of all sorts very neere the full number of fourscore cast peeces some of them the goodliest that euer I saw But when they saw his Lordship resolute to send no more to them for negotiating touching the ransome of their Citie they now begin to send againe and againe to him His Lordship neuer meant to deface their Citie or to make it vnfit to be inhabited But withall he tooke the likeliest wayes to conceale this from the knowledge of the enemie whom hee could not so well rule with any other bit our owne strength being now growne so weake His Lordship therefore entertayned their offers and so farre granted their desires that some in the name of them all might with his Lordships Passe come to the Citie to goe through with his Excellencie There came two Immaâ—â—el Corderâ— and Don Pedro de Pantoia who without the Bishops consent they said offered fiue hundred kintals of Ginger at whose returne which should bee within three or foure dayes they did thinke that thrice so much would be giuen The fleet was not yet altogether readie and Sir Iohn Barkley not yet so well recouered of his the common disease as that it was deemed fit hee should presently commit himselfe to the Sea being to bee so long without a bayting place and hee by his Lordships directions left him might dispatch the matter These two therefore were licensed to returne to Luisa to their friends vpon Saturday being the twelfth of August with promise to be againe with vs on the Tuesday following But before their appointed day his Lordship set saile yet it is not vnlikely his returne was something hastened by an accident that fell out The old man Pedro Suarez had a countenance that promised an honest minde and in regard of his age and weaknesse he was not so narrowly looked to as for sometime hee had beene This old sicke man found a meanes to escape the Sunday-night after they were gone to Luisa certainly not without practice with his Countrimen and it is thought with the priuitie of his Keeper Now this mans departure onely therefore misliked because it was traiterous and without leaue did more and more confirme his Lordship in his opinion that the Spaniards dealing with vs was traiterous and for some other end then was pretended And therefore seeing his owne stay should not be needfull for he knew Sir Iohn very sufficient to dispatch any thing that was to bee done he presently commanded that his owne ship should weigh and with her of great ships onely the Samson of the lesser the Royall Defence the Frigat the Scout the Elizabeth the Guiana and two little ones that were found in the Harbour one a Frenchman and the other a Spanish Frigat which were rigged during our aboad there So that his Lordship left with Sir Iohn the strength of the Nauie the Ascention the Gallion the Alcedo the Consent the Pegasus the Centurion two strong flie-boats and the Anthonie The true reason of his Lordships desire to be gone from Puerto Rico quickly was indeed a longing he had to be quickly at the Ilands For hee had so plotted the voyage that still hee would haue a string left in store for his Bow And now hee had intelligence that the fleet of Mexico which hee knew was to goe this yeere was euen now vpon their dispatch For vpon very good aduertisements he was giuen to vnderstand that the fleet meant to disimbogge the first light Moone in their September which falleth out to bee the seuen and twentieth of our August and his desire was to be at the Ilands before them which he might well hope for being in the height of the Bermuda by that time they should put forth of the Bay Besides this he had reason to looke for the meeting of a Carack if by the middest of September hee were at the Ilands For though they which are homewards bound hauing made their voyage in the East Indies ordinarily haue timelier passage and are at home by August yet if any of them which this yeere were to goe from Lisbon should be put backe againe September is the moneth wherein they were to bee expected at the Açores And for their more certaine meeting againe with his Lordship that so all the fleet might come home together his Lordship left them this direction which was giuen to euery ship vnder his hand You shall steere in with the Southward part of Flores if you finde me not in that course then seeke me betwixt ten and fourteene leâ—gues of Fayal West South-west If there you finde mee not then come through betwixt Fayal and the Pike and seeke me in the Road at Graâ—iosa if you finde me in none of these places you may be assured I am gone from the Ilands for England And for the Towne Sir Iohn had order giuen to leaue it vndefaced sauing that the Fort Mora should bee razed to the landward Thus wee left Puerto Rico and steered as directly to the Ilands as the windes would suffer vs which are there continually Easterly yet serued vs so fauourably that blowing much at East South-east wee tooke our selues to hold a North North-east course allowing our ships to driue one point to the leeward which course it we could hold we hoped to weather the infamous Iland of Bermuda notorious with vnmercifull and incredible stormes of fearfull thunder and lightning It was the sixt day after our departure from Puerto Rico being Saturday the nineteenth of August when I writ out this note then were wee a great way from the height of the Bermuda which lyeth in thirtie three degrees Now we are in the way from Puerto Rico to the Ilands of Açores which must needes be found a long passage and the way being not much beaten with resort of the Passengers puts me in hope that this may be a leisurefull place to pay a piece of a promise that I made before to say something more of the nature and qualitie and largenesse of the mayne Iland of Puerto Rico. The meanes which I did most wish and hope for to enable mee the better for the payment of this debt I could neuer with conueniency come by For I alwayes waited if
and rage as none could say it stole vpon vs vnawares For I am out of doubt that I had neuer heard any winde so high One of our Bonnets had beene taken in in the euening and the other was rent off with the furie of the storme And thus for our mayne-top saile was taken in and the top-mast taken downe bearing onely a bare corse of each if the ship had not beene exceeding strongly sided shee could not haue indured so rough weather For oftentimes the Sea would ship in waues into her of three or foure Tunne of water which the ship being leakie within board falling often was as much as both the pumps were able to cast out againe though they went continually all night and till noone the next day were neuer throughly suckt so that if any leake had sprung vpon vs vnder water it could not haue beene chosen but shee must haue foundered seeing the pumpes were hardly able to rid the water that was cast in aboue hatches The Missen-saile had beene in the euening well furled for the winde came vpon the starboard quarter and yet the storme had caught it and with such violence and furie rent it that with much adoe the Misseâ— yard was halled downe and so the quarter decke and poope saued from danger of renting vp All this was in the night which made it much more hidious specially in the fore-end of the night before the Moone got vp The winde continued in this excesse of violence till midnight and then abated hee something but then began the effect of his blowing to shew it selfe for then the Sea began to worke and swell farre higher then before His Lordships ship is a very goodly one and yet would shee bee as it were in a pit and round about vast mountaines of water so that a man might leaue out the rest of the verse and say onely vndique pontus For I protest besides that which was ouer our heads our prospect any other way was quickly determined with waues in my conscience higher then our mayne-top And that which is strangest round about vs for the Sea came vpon euery point of the Compasse so that the poore ship nor they that directed and cunned her could not tell how to cunne her to bee safe from the breaking of these vast waues vpon her This continued all night and though the winde fell by little and little yet the Sea was so light that all Saturday it was not quieted so that though out of a storme yet were wee still in a stormy Sea insomuch that our mayne-top mast was broken By Sanday we were come to haue reasonable weather and rather too little then too much wind And vpon Monday being the eleuenth of September wee were not much from a new calme which wee could not with much more patience haue endured then a good storme for then wee began to looke out for land and now to come so neere what so long wee had longed for After the storme the Admirall found himselfe all alone and so were we the most part of the next day but towards euening came the new Frigat to vs. And a sterne her there was a ship seene which within a day or two afterward the Samson came and told vs was her selfe With day the fifteenth of September we had the South-west side of it in sight and bore in therewith till noone His Lordship had no meaning to make any forcible attempt against it nor to stay longer then to take in some fresh victuals for which purpose hee sent the Boat off with an old Portugall and an African of Mozambique who bearing a flagge of truce should giue the Ilanders to vnderstand what his Lordships pleasure was that if they would let him haue things for his money he would not vse them worse then in former times they had had experience of him Withall he gaue the Boat commandement that shee should bring him answere to the East North-east side of the Iland where he meant to come to anchor and tarry for the newes they could learne either English or Spanish This stay in hoysing the Boat out gaue the Samson time to get a head vs and within awhile shee was at anchor When behold at the opening of the Point first there came one saile then two and then three sailes and within a little the fourth was seene it was not at first knowne what these might be yet because the Samson being much neerer made no haste to weigh we thought shee made them to be friends And within awhile we perceiued them to haue pendents in their fore-top-mast heads this put vs out of doubt that they were of our owne fleet For his Lordship at his departure from Puerto Rico had giuen them direction that euery ship should so beare a pendent for a marke to be knowne of their friends and which would make straâ—gers neuer a whit the wiâ—er These foure were the Merchant the Ascention the Consent and the Pegasus which by and by came to an anchor with vs. Now were wee growne a prettie strong fleet againe either part receiuing new strength of other each hauing formerly lost their owne For the storme had scattered Sir Iohns companie as well as ours though it should seeme not to haue beene altogether so great with them as vs. Of Sir Iohns we had not yet the Gallion the Alcedo the Centurion the Anthonie the Kesar and the Doue which were the Flemmings The first newes that the Boat brought vs made these though friends yet more welcome if that might be For the Boat hauing told his Lordship that they could not be suffered to land yet had promise that his Lordship should haue any thing that the Iland would affoord Mary said they we are ill prouided by reason of the Kings men of warre nine and twentie of them haue within these few dayes beene here and taken almost all our prouisions for they were great ships and full of gallants fiue of them being the fiue Caracks that should this yeere haue gone for the East Indies but being by the Condes lying on the Coast kept in till it was too late for them to haue any hopefull passage they were of Merchants made men of Warre and with the rest or rather the rest with them were sent to these Ilands to waft the Caracks which were looked for at home this yeere But the Caracks said they of Flores were gone by before their comming hither for the safetie whereof they had commandement to stay if need were till the end of this moneth Whither this Armada was gone they said they knew not nor whither it would returne but the very last day a great Gallion was within kenning These newes as they gaue great cause of circumspection and care not to meet with them whom we could not doubt to be too strong for vs and therefore made vs wish they were finally gone from the Ilands so on the other side if knowing that the Caracks were passed if yet
aide 5000. foote and 1000. horse at her owne charge to be by them after repayed the first yeares charges in the first yeare of peace the rest in the foure following Flushing and the Ramekins and Brill to remaine â—ers in caution c. Her Maiestie set forth a Booke also for her iustification by the ancient leagues with the Belgian Prouinces for mutuall defence the Spanish crueltie on the poore Belgians and their nefarious deuises against her neither had she any intent in administring these aides but that the Low-Countries might enioy their ancient liberty she and her subiects their securitie and both Nations peaceable commerce And to the end that warre might not first be brought home to her owne doores she set forth a Fleete to finde the Spaniard worke abroad Hereupon Anâ—o 1585. Sir Francis Drake with a Fleete of fiue and twenty saile and 2300. Souldiers and Sailers was set forth from Plimmouth Sep. 12. Christopher Carlile his Lieutenent Generall Anthonie Powell Sergeant Maior Captaine Matthew Morgan and Iohn Samson Corporall of the field Land Captaines Anthonie Plat Edward Winter Iohn Goring Robert Pen George Barton Iohn Merchant William Ceuill Walter Bigs Iohn Haman Richard Stanton Captaine Martin Frobisher Viceadmirall in the Primrose Captaine Francis Knolles Rereadmirall in the Gallion Leicester Captaine Thomas Vennâ—r in the Eliz. Bonaduenture vnder the Generall Captaine Edward Winter in the Aide Christopher Carlile in the Tigre Henry White Captain of the Sea Dragon Thomas Drake Captaine of the Thomas Thomas Seely Captaine of the Minion Captaine Bayly of the Barke Talbot Robert Crosse of the Barke Bond George Fortescue of the Barke Boner Edward Carelesse of the Hope Iames Erizo of the White Lyon Thomas Moone of the Fancis Iohn Riuers of the Vantage Iohn Vaughan of the Drake Iohn Varney of the George Iohn Martin of the Beniamin Richard Gilman of the Scout Richard Hawkins of the Ducke Captaine Bitfield of the Swallow They tooke a Shippe of Saint Sebastians laden with fish entred the Iles of Bayon and sent to the Citie to know whether there were warres betwixt England and Spaine and why the English Merchants and their goods in Spaine were embarged or arrested The Gouernour professed his ignorance in both and that this later was the Kings pleasure After some spoiles done about Vigo they fell with Hierro but the Iland being poore departed without harme Thence they went to the Iles of Cape Verde and at Saint Iago entred betwixt the Towne called Playa or Praya and Saint Iago landed 1000. men and the men being fled entred the Towne and shot off all their Ordnance being 50. peeces answered from the Ships to honour the Queenes day the 17. of Nouember No Treasure was found but Wine Oyle Meale c. They possessed it foureteene dayes Nouember the foure and twentieth they marched to Saint Domingo twelue miles within land and found the people fled After foureteene dayes they departed hauing burned the Towne of Playa none of the inhabitants hauing offered to intercede which seemed to happen from their guiltinesse towards old Master William Hawkins whose men perfidiously they had murthered foure or fiue yeares before against their promise putting off to the West Indies they could not put off the effects of the aire of that Iland which by a Calentura killed two or three hundred of their men The first Iland which they fell with was Dominica the next Saint Christophers and hauing there spent their Christmas they resolued for Hispaniola and hauing receiued intelligence by a Frigot which they tooke in the way they landed nine or ten miles to the Westward of Saint Domingo on New yeares day About noone they approached the Towne vnder the conduct of Master Carlile and 150. horsemen presenting themselues from the Citie being retired they diuided their forces to assault both the Westerne gates at once The Ordnance being discharged on them they ran in to preuent a second charge and entred with them pell mell into the Gates the enemy altering their fight into flight which they made by the North gate Both troopes met in the Market-place and there barricadoed themselues The Castle was abandoned the next night They held the Towne a whole moneth They burned many houses before they could bring the Spaniards to a price for the ransome of the rest for which at last they paid after much spoile 25000. Duckets The pray was not much In the Towne-house were the Kings armes and in the lower part of the scutchion was painted a globe of the Sea and Land a horse standing thereon with his hinder legges the forepart without the globe with this motto ascribed to his mouth Non sufficit Orbis From Saint Domingo they set saile for Carthagena on the Continent landing some Companies with Captaine Carlile fiue miles of which were led on by night the Generall with this Fleete presenting themselues before the chained Port and hauing gotten the Citie held the same six weekes They tooke Alonso Brauo the Gouernour After many houses burned 11000. Duckets were paid for ransome of the rest from burning The Calentura continued killing some being a pestilent spotted Feuer and spoyling others of their strength and memory for a long time The Serena or Euening ayre is said to cause it to them which are then abroad if not of that Countrey so that by holding their watch the English were thus infected This forced them to giue ouer their intended voyage to Nombre de Dios and Panama sailing therefore alongst the coast of Florida they tooke and fired two garrison Townes of the Spaniards Saint Anthonie and Saint Helena and the Fort of Saint Iohn Then passing alongst the Virginian shore they tooke home the English Colonie there remaining with Master Lane their Gouernour sent by Sir Walter Raleigh These are said by Master Camden to haue beene the first bringers in of the vse of Tobacco since so frequently abused by our Nation They arriued at Portsmouth the 28. of Iuly 1586. They got Ordnance of Brasse aboue 200. peeces and about 40. of Iron They prey was valued at 60000. li. English There dyed most of the Calentura 700. persons The industry of the Generall in all places is remakeable whose vigilance and bodily presence and labour in all businesse was much that had he beene in the meanest he had merited the highest place To this is fittest in next place to adde his Cadiz exploit Anno 1587. and the taking of the rich Caracke called Saint Philip. HEr Maiestie being informed of that inuincible Armadas preparing in Spaine which did come and was ouercome the yeare after sent a fleete of 30. saile vnder the command of Sir Francis Drake the Bonaduenture the Lyon the Dread-naught and the Rainbow were out of her Nauy Royall chosen to this seruice The 16. of Aprill two Shippes of Midleborough which came from Cadiz with whom we met in 40. degrees gaue him to vnderstand that there was great
this Riuer dwelleth a very rich Mamalucke Iohn de Recho at this Riuer we rested three dayes The Gouernour Generall fraughted a small fisher Boate at this place and determined to goe to Fernambuquo in it The same day that wee made sayle in the smal Barke from the Riuer of Saint Michell there arose a great storme from that North-east and we were faine to take the Riuer of Saint Michels againe with great hazard of our liues for the winde being very great wee were driuen vpon a Rocke that lyeth South-west from the mouth of the Riuer very neere the shore all those that could swimme leaped into the Sea and so the Barke was lighter and swamme off the Cliffe then the Gouernour and his Wife said that they would goe by Land so the day after we departed from the Riuer of Saint Michels to another great Riuer called Vno this Riuer is three leagues from Saint Michel heere my small ship may enter and take fresh water and kill great store of fresh fish from thence we went to another Riuer called Iaquareaficke from this place the Gouernour sent me and Antonio Fernandes before to a small Village to prouide some prouision against his comming there was in our company a Portugall called Rafiel Penera that perforce would go with vs we told him that we had many great Riuers to passe and that it were better for him to tarrie with the Gouernour and his Wife he not regarding our words went with vs so we departed all three of vs the next day after wee had departed from the Gouernour wee came to a very faire Riuer called Saint Antonio that which we passed vpon a Iangarie made of Canes from thence wee went to a place called by the Indians Amrecuua Prisema this is the Harbour of Frenchmen from thence wee came to a great faire Riuer called Camarijiuua wee went on to the Riuer of Stones We departed from thence vp the Riuer on a Mangada made of three dry posts pinde together the next morning we landed in a faire Champaine Countrey where we saw great store of Cattle and a Sugar-mill grinding of Canes to which wee went the Owner of the Mill was a high Dutchman to whom we deliuered the Gouernours Letter the which as soone as hee had read presently he commanded two Beeues to be killed and sent away with tenne bushels of Cassaui meale and many Hens and Turkeyes and wee two were very honourably vsed for the space of a weeke that we were there from thence wee departed to a place called Porto do Caluâ— three leagues from the Areseeâ—e this is an excellent Hauen for all weathers and all the yeere long there is at the least two thousand chists of Sugar At this place Manuell Masquerennas met vs with two hundred Horse and then after two dayes rest we came to Fernambuquo Twentie dayes after we had beene in the Towne Ielisiano Cuello sent word to Manuell Masquerennas how that he was beseeched in Rio Grande by the Putewaras and that if he were not presently ayded by him he should be forced to lose the Kings Towne with the losse of all their liues Masquerennas presently determined to goe himselfe and left the Towne of Fernambuquo in charge to my Master Saluador Corea de Saa and thus we departed from Fernambuquo with foure hundred Portugalls and three thousand Indians and in seuen dayes iourney we came to Rio Grande hauing many a braue skirmish with diuers Canibals in the way As soone as wee were come before the Towne our Captaine made a long speech to all the Portugals and Indians incouraging them against those Infidels whose Armie was at the least fortie thousand strong and desired them all to confesse to their Ghostly Fathers and to take the Communion for the next morning he was resolued to giue the onset on his enemies the which was very brauely performed for the Canibals the â—ay before in a skirmish that they had did take two hundred prisoners and hauing killed many of them to eate not expecting our comming in the chiefest of their feast and their drinking we set vpon them the people of the Towne on the other side hearing the rumour issued forâ—h thus taking them on the sudden wee made such slaughter among them that they were forced to remooue their siege with the losse of three thousand prisoners and fiue thousand that were slaine The King of these Canibals was called Piraiâ—wath that is to say the â—inne of a fish when this Heathen Prince saw himselfe ouerthrowne with so small a number as wee were in comparison of his multitudes he sent certayne of his men to Manuell Masquarennas to treate of peace vpon these conditions that if he would release all those prisoners and admit him and all his Nation to liue as free men that then hee and all his would submit themselues as subiects vnto him and be baptized which offer indeed was accepted of by Masquarennas and thus one of the greatest Prouinces of all the North part of Brasilia became subiect to the King of Spaine This conquest beeing ended our Captaine Generall Masquarennas presently built two strong Forts hard by the Towne on the Riuer side and sent to Fernambuquo for forty cast Peeces of Iron placing twentie in either Fort many Souldiers got at this conquest very rich stones both Diamonds Rubies and great store of blue Saphires in some small Villages that stood by the Sea side We found great store of Ambergreece which the Indians call Piâ—apoun Arepâ—ty here fortune was somewhat fauourable vnto me for I got aboue fiue hundred Crownes in this iourney After this coâ—quest was ended Manuell Masquarennas returned againe to Fernambuquo where I found my Master Saluador Corea de Saa readie to ship himselfe for Portugall in the same ship that brought him from the Riuer Iâ—nero which by this time was come from Bâ—yeyâ— after wee were set ashore at the place called Ous Busshos de don Rodrigo where we had all like to haue beene cast away at my returne from Rio grandâ— to Fernambuquo I met with two Englishmen the one of them a Gentleman called Thomas Turner the other Musgraue Pilot of a Fly-boate of Master Newtons a Merchant of London Master Turner by my aduice went to the Riuer of Ianero and from thence to Angola where he made great profit of his Merchandize for which hee thanked me after we met in England Now to my storie The thirteenth of August 1596. Saluador Corea de Saa Lord Gouernour of the Riuer of Ianero Captaine Generall of Spirâ—to Santo Porta Segura Santos and San Vincent departed from Fernambuquo with fifteene Hulkes of Hamborough seuen Fly-boates of Omdâ—n and Hamborough and at the least twentie Caruels all of them being laden with Sugars The old Mary of Hamborough wherein the Gouernour came was Admirall a ship of seuen hundred tunnes the Owner whereof was called Hans Burgo the new Mary Vice-admirall a ship of fiue hundred tunnes the Owner called Adrian
farre as the Riuer Saint Francis which are alwayes seene the Seas when there are any Spring tides doe ouerflow the land behinde moreouer if any winde blow from the East it beateth the Sea into hils of the Clifts that it maketh a great noise Wherefore the Indians call it the Land of the Bell. Here are reasonable store of Sugars and great store of Coco Nuts On the North side of Fernambuquo you shall see white Downes and when you are past all the Downes on the South you are by Capignramirinij which is a place where alwaies you shall see Fisher-men in small Boates or Iangades and from thence to Fernambuquo are fiue or six miles and so if you be vnder 8. degrees you shall see a flat land euen and bare called Capituya then you must take heede you runne not Southward for then you runne vpon a point of the land called by the Portugals Punto de Olynda which is foure leagues from the Cape and stretcheth into the Sea as farre as Cape Augustin As soone as you haue doubled this point you must take heede you put not in with the Towne of Olynda which you shall see for if you doe you will runne vpon the Sands called by the Portugals Bayhos de S. Antonio which lye at least foure or fiue miles into the Sea being neere the shoare you shall see the Shippes that lye at anker ouer the Clifts called by the Portugals Arecias this place is a league from Fernambuquo being the harbour where all the Shipping that goes from Fernambuquo doe arriue from this place to the Cape you shall see the Clifts as if it were a wall made by Bricklayers no higher in one place then in another but all euen The Towne of Fernambuquo is scituated vpon a hill and very strongly entrenched round about on the Sea side euery twelue score standeth a small Fort or defence for Soldiers with foure cast Peeces and so they scowre all the shoare from the Arecias where the Shippes lye to the point of Olynda which is the farthest part of the Towne Northwards from the Arecias where the Ships lye commeth a Riuer through the land a Harquebusse shot from the Sea coast and runneth right behinde the Towne from the South to the West and East which maketh the Towne almost an Iland all but a little part of the North side The Cape of Saint Augustin is a Point of land that runneth into the Sea two or three miles from the Sea you shall see three hils called by the Petiwares Aquare Wason Remitum they will seeme vnto you like the backe of a Camell and now you may easily know it for you may see a Church that the Portugals haue built and halfe a league towards the South you shall see the Iland of Saint Aleyxo The Iland of Saint Aleyxo is long and narrow it lieth within a league of the shore and stretcheth North-east and South-west you may anker betweene the shoare and it all weathers for the Iland hath very faire Baies where you may lye in ten or twelue fadome water Vpon this Iland you may take wood or fresh water Porto Docalno lyeth Southward of the Iland of Saint Alyyxo it is a flat land you neede not feare the comming in by the rockes for hard by them you shall haue foureteene fathome weater Here you shall haue great store of Cattell and Sugars This Countrie is plaine low land and all planted with Sugar Canes you shall know this harbor very easily from the Southerne point of the Iland Saint Aleyxo for when it ebbeth you shall see a faire Bay and all the shore bare almost to the Cape being blacke ground Eight leagues Southward from the Porto de calno is the Riuer of stones Southward of it you shall see three great red Hills which stand ouer the Riuer of Camarysuâ—a which is a league from this Riuer you shall see from Sea a great Bay run within the Land and before the mouth of it many great Rocks to come to this Bay you must come close to the shoare on the South-west side and after you bee in the Bay keepe full West and it will bring you to a Riuer that runneth into the Land at the least twentie leagues In the mouth of this Riuer dwell sixe or seuen Portugals that keepe Cattell for Iohn Pays but they are of no strength Here you may take water at pleasure and alwayes in those houses that stand in the mouth of the Riuer you shall haue good store of Cassaui meale If you be of any strength that you dare goe ten or twelue miles vp the Riuer you shall take good store of Sugars for there standeth three or foure Sugar mills onely an other on the Riuer side likewise here is good store of Brasill and Pepper Cotton and many other merchandise Camaryiâ—â—â— as I haue said lyeth a league Southward from the Riuer of stones to know it you shall see three Hills of red ground called by the Portugals Bareâ—s Vernellios this place is not inhabited the mouth of this place is narrow and hath not aboue fiue foot water but you may anchor in the Bay hard by the Riuer and send your Boat safely for fresh water without danger or to fish with your Net for there is great store of fresh fish of all kindes The Riuer of Saint Antonio lyeth seuen leagues from Camaryiâ—â—a it is a faire great Riuer lyeth some fiftie leagues within the Land hath foure fathom water at the comming in but is so narrow that no ship can come in It is a very good place for you if you stand in neede hauing salt to make your prouision for there you shall haue great store of all kinde of fish especially of a kinde of fish called by the Indians Varaâ—â— which is as bigge as an Oxe After you are within this Riuer you shall haue high land on both sides and you must be carefull and keep good watch for vp this Riuer dwelleth a kinde of people called Carayâ—â— these people if they see you vnprouided will fight with you but if they see you able to defend your selues then will they bring such things as they haue to traffick The Harbour of French-men called by the Indians A 〈…〉 piâ—sâ—â—e lyeth two leagues Southward from the Riuer of Saint Antonio It is a small Bay that may be knowne by a high Hill that standeth ouer it which is all full of Brasill trees To enter into this Harbour you must marke the Cliffes and when you are to the North of them all but one you may safely come within a stones cast to the shoare When you haue landed if you want fresh water you must seeke on the South side of the Hill and you shall finde a streame that runneth out of the Hill into a great Cisterne of stone which is made out of a Rocke you cannot misse of this place if you seeke for it for all the way you shall see small Rocks
call Topaâ—uayaperâ— before the mouth of this Rocke towardes the Sea standeth another flat Rocke that reacheth somewhat into the Sea vpon it you shall see the prints of bare feet here if you fish with Lines you may quickly lade your shippe A little behind this stone house you shall see a fine Riuer of water where you shall finde many pretie greene stones that Indians doe vse to weare in their lips You may anchor within a Musket shoâ— of the shore but it is verie dangerous if the wind be in the East Pirateningâ— is fiue leagues to the Southward of Etioca right before it standeth a small Iland it is inhabited by the Portugâ—ls It is a Bay that runneth betweene two Mountaines a mile and more within the Land There I haue seene a Mermaid and many other strange fishes You may lie with your shipping at the Iland and send your Boates ashore where you shall find great store of Cattle and you may take good 〈…〉 ore of all kind of fishes iâ— you will either with Hook or Net Here you may haue Oranges Lemmons and Cassaui Meale and all other such things that the Countrey yeeldeth but you must be alwaies sure to keepe good watch for feare of the Portugals of the Riuer of Ianuary which are hard by you The Riuer of Ianuary lieth three leagues from Pirateâ—inga it is a great Arme of the Sea that runneth into the Land at the least fourteene miles on the mouth of this place stand foure Ilands and now the best marke that it hath to be knowne is a Fort that standeth on the North side of the comming in of the Harbour vpon a Rock On the South side standeth a Hill that reacheth into the Sea which the Portugals call Câ—â—o that is The top of a ship for it seemeth like the maine top-saile of a ship from Sea Hard by the Sea side on the foote of this Hill on the North side of the Hill as you saile into the Harbour standeth a Rocke of great height made like a Sugar-loafe and is called by the Portugals the Sugar-loafe In the midst of the going in in the mouth of this Riuer lieth a Rocke plainly to bee seene to goe in you must keepe betweene the Rocke and the Fort that standeth on the North side of you When you are entred the mouth of the Riuer and are past the Fort you shall see an Iland lie right before you and euen with a Church called Santa Lucia this Iland is called the Iland of Brigalion You must be sure to passe on the North side of this Iland and assoone as you haue passed it you shall see all the Citie both on the Hill and on â—he Sea side Then you must take heed that you goe not right to the Towne for you shall run vpon certaine shelues of sand that lie right before the Towne all along to a small Iland called the Iland of Saint Bent this Iland lâ—eth a quarter of a mile from the Iland of Bragalion and Eastward of this Iland of Saint Bent standeth a great Rocke you may saile betweene the Rocke and the Iland and assoone as you haue entred betweene them you may anchor hard by the Iland and then you shall see a Church standing vpon a Hill which is called Saint Bent then you need not feare to goe right before the Towne within a Caleeuer shot of the shore from the Towne you shal see on the North-east shore a towne of Canibals called Saint Lorenzo which is in peace with the Portugals and within the Bay you shall finde many Riuers and Sugar-mils where there is great profit to be made Waratiua lieth three leagues from the Riuer of Ianuary you may know it by two Ilands that lie right before the mouth of the aforesaid Riuer At the mouth of the Riuer likewise standeth a high Hill and on either side both on the South-west and North-east is low Land in this place you cannot enter with any ship but you may anchor betweene the Ilands and send your Boats ashore If you goe vp you shall find good store of Potatoe Roots Plantons great store of Oranges and Lemmons and many other kind of fâ—uits which are very good to releeue sicke men If you will fish with youâ— Net heere you shall kill all kinde of good fishes but alwayes bee sure to keepe good watch for the Portugals are very neere you From the Riuer of Waratiâ—â— for the space of foure leagues is all sâ—ndy low Land you shall see a high Hill which the Indiaâ—s call Mâ—rambayapâ—â—â— that is in our Language the end of Warre right ouer against this point you shall see a great Iland at the comming in of this Harbour you need not feare for hard by the shore you shall haue twâ—ntâ—â— fathome wateâ— When you are in the mouth of this Harbour right before you shall see a whiâ—e Rocke which will lie full West from you you must leaue the Iland Southward from you then shall you descrie another great Iland called Epâ—oya at a point of this Iland that lieth full West towards the firme Land you shall see two small Ilands and when you are right against those two Ilands you shall see a faire Bay where you may anchor at pleasure to come into this Bay you must enter between those two Ilands that I haue spoken of I doe describe this Harbour vnto you aboue many good Harbours that you may find because you may depart from hence with any wind for the mouth of Marambaya lieth Soâ—th-eaâ—â—â—rom you when you are in this Harbour then you haue another going out that lieth North-east from you from this Port where you shall anchor called Epeoya If you want victuals for your ships you may take your Boat or your Pâ—nnâ—sse and goe out betweene the two Ilands that you entred and when you are betweene those Ilands you shall see a flat broad Iland which will lye fâ—â—t South-west from you this Iland the Indians called Sâ—peawera that is the morning and this is the Iland that I was driuen vpon when I runne away to Master Hawkins as I haue told you in the discourse of my troubles you must come with your Boat to this Iland and you must be sure to passe betweene the West shore and the Iland and assoone as you haue passed the point of this Iland you shall see three Hils of red Earth one hard by another You must leaue one of them West from you then may you land your men at pleasure when you haue landed you must goe through a little Copps for the spâ—â—e of a Harquebusse shot then shall you come into a faire Lawne where you shall find great store of Cattle and a house or two that standeth vpon a Hiâ—l where you shall haue alwayes good store of Câ—ssaâ—i meale if you will haue Rootes and Plantonâ— vpon the Iland where you anchor there are good store but there is an Iland called the Long Iland where you shall
haue of all these things in abundance To know this Hand â—ow with your Boate to the Iland of Epeoya that lieth full South from your ship and then you shall see a long Iland hard by the firme Land which is this whereof wee speake and because you shall bee sure not to misse it be attentiue When you come neere the shore beholding a Rocke that lieth a quarter of a mile from the shore vpon which Rocke standeth a Crosse this is the place where a Portugall called Manuell Antones dwelleth but now there is no bodie but a kinde of Canibals that come and goe therefore be sure alwaies in those parts to keepe good watch and be carefull if you can speake their language you may haue many things From this Iland Southwards you shall see two small Ilands halfe a league from you these Ilands are called Amâ—â—buqâ—â—â—o right against them lieth a faire Riuer where you shall haue alwaies great store of fish and by the Riuer side you shall see the Mandioca plainly and many other Roots very good to refresh your companie Southward from this place some two leagues you shall see a faire Bay called Pâ—ratâ—â—y there dwelleth a kind of Canibals called Vâ—â—â—asses of them you may buy skins of diuers wilde beasts and sometimes they haue good store of Amber which they call Pira pâ—niâ— ergaty Saint Sebastian lieth some three leagues from Great Iland It is a long and a faire Iland you may anchor betweene it and the shore After you haue entred at the North point of this Iland you shall see a great white Rocke right ouer against this Rocke you shall see a point of the fiâ—me Land runne into the Sea and right before this point lie three Rockes where commonly you shall see Indians shooting fishes with their Bowes and Arrowes if you goe with your Boate to that point you shall see a great Bay called by the Indians Iequerequere There likewise standeth a great Towne of Canibals such as those that dwell at Great Iland halfe a league from Saint Sebastians standeth a small Iland right into the Sea called by the Indians Uraritan and by the Portugals Alquatrasses heere you shall finde great store of Sea-foules and Seales Alegators that liue on the Land called by the Indians Fisewâ—soâ— Right ouer against the South point of the Iland of Saint Sebastian standeth a great white Rocke called by the Portugals Paidemilio that is the life of Ginnie Wheate then shall you see an Iland hard by the shoare callâ—d by the Indians Boâ—souconga that is the Whales head this Iland standeth in the mouth of Pertioqua which is the Riuer that goeth to Saint Vincents as you goe to this place after you haue passed the Iland you shall see North-east from you certaine houses where there dwell a kind of Canibals called Caâ—â—oses there you may haue good store of Cattle Orenges Lemmons and many kinds of Râ—ots and Fruits Right against this Towne of Canibals called Caryhos standeth the Towne of Saint Uincents called by the Indians Warapiuâ—ama as you goe farther vp the Riuer you shall see a small Iland Southward where you shall see a Sugar-mill of the Captaines of Santos called Ieronimo Letâ—â— where our Gentlemen were slaine Farther vp the Riuer you shall see a Castle stand at the foote of the Hill then you come to the Towne of Santos which standeth haâ—d by the water side Right behind the Towne of Saâ—â—os standeth a Hill wher Brascubas had a house from the top of this Hill did Iohn Dauies make a Plate of the Countrey Now the Portugals haue found Mynes of siluer in this place The third Pariena is a good Harbour for ships and here are great store of Canibals and Carijâ—os which very lately are inleagued with the Portugals you may buy of them great store of Pepper and Ginger very rich Furres and Cotton-wooll and Waxe this is the place that I came vnto after I had beene taken by the Tâ—mâ—yâ—s within the Land Here the Tamoyes were taken by the Portugals and I was giuen againe to be my Masters slaue when 10000. of the â—â—â—oyes were slaine and 20000. of them parted among the Portugals for slaues The mouth of the Riuer of Plate is wide and within it there are many Downes of sand you must bee sure to keepe very neere the North shoare till you shall see a high Mountayne white at the top then must you saile Southward at least foure leagues and shall you see another small Hill on the Northside you must saile right with it then shall you come into a faire Bay where you must be sure to keepe still along the shoare and after you haue passed the Westerne point of this Bay you shall haue the Riuer Maroer then you need not feare any shallowes till you come before the Towne of Bonâ—s Ayres There the Riuer runneth full Southward and along the Riuer side from Bonos Ayres is a small Village built by the Spaniards of Lime and stone that they brought from Brasill for all the Countrey is sandie the Indians doe make their houses all couered with earth Here are great store of wilde Horses and Cattle sheepe and Goats but for siluer and gold there is none but that which commeth from Cordiâ—a and Potasin Here likewise the Indians haue great store of Wheate twentie leagues within Land lyeth a Prouince called Tocoman now it is a Bishopricke this Countrey is the diuision of Brasill and all the Prouinces of Noâ—a Hispania Here the Indians haue Wheate and Cassaâ—i Apples Peares Nuts and all other fruites of Spaine likewise they haue all the fruites of Brasill But after you trauell Southward of this Countrey you shall not find any thing that groweth in Brasill nor any wild beasts as Leopards or Câ—piâ—â—ras Iawasenings Cat of Mountaines Aqâ—eqâ—es Wari 〈…〉 s Mâ—râ—qâ—ies Ioboyas Surâ—câ—oâ—s â—â—rarcas Boyâ—eâ—a Boyseninga Boybeua Brasill is full of all these wilde and dangerous beasts and diuers others But the Prouinces of Peru are cleere of them except it bee some chance From Tâ—coman to Saint Iâ—go is eightie leagues and you shall trauell it as you doe by Sea with a Compasse for the Countrey is all sand and as the wing bloweth so shall you haue the Mountaynes of sand to day on one side of you to morrow on the other in this passage you shall passe through many Riuers which to your thinking are not aboue a foote deepe but if you haue not good guides and great experience your waggons and horses will quickly be cast away in them and at an instant be couered with quicke sand After you haue passed this Countrey you shall come to Saint Iago then till you come to Potosin you shall trauell through great Mountaines and Valleyes and all the way as you goe you shall haue great Townes of Indians who are all in peace with the Spaniards you shall haue fiue hundred of these Indians by the way as you trauell readie with Nets to carrie you tyed
and you may ride from fiue fathomes to twentie but wee ridde in three a little within the point on our Larboord side going in The eighteenth of Ianuary wee parted from our Man of Warre at Cape Saint Anthony and set saile for England in a Prize a ship of some one hundred and fortie tunnes laden with Campeche Wood and Hides the Master of the Prize was William Goobreath and from Cape Saint Anthony we stood off North-west and by North. The nine and twentieth day at noone we had sight of the Westermost Land of the Organes being East South-east from vs and then we stood North-east and the twentieth day we were in latitude 23. degrees 15. minutes the winde being at East North-east we stood off North and from the twentieth day to the one and twentieth day wee made our way West and by North and this day we were in latitude 23. degrees 20. minutes then we stood to the Eastward The two and twentieth day we were North-west and by North from the Crowne in Cuba fourteene leagues then we stood to the North-ward these fourteene leagues we turned vp and downe with the winde Easterly The three and twentieth day wee were in laâ—itude of 24. degrees no minutes the wind being at East North-east and we lay North with the stemme and this night we came in twelue fathomes being then in latitude of 24. degrees 35. minutes the winde being at East and by South we stood to the Southward The fiue and twentieth day wee fell with Cobey twelue leagues to the Eastward of the Hauana and this day about foure of the clocke in the afternoone we had the Pam of the Matanças South-east and by South from vs some sixe leagues the winde being at East and we stood North North-east three Watches and brought the Pan vpon the Matanzas South of vs the winde being at East North-east we stood to the Northward for so we made the ships way The seuen and twentieth day at foure of the clocke in the afternoone wee fell with the South-east part of the Martyrs then wee stood off South-east and by South three watches with a low saile and so cast about and stood North-east and by North three watches and then obserued and found the ship to bee in the latitude of 24. degrees and 55. minuts being then South-west and by South of the Cape of Florida about three leagues the winde being at South-east and by East we stood off South and by West three watches and then cast about and stood North-east two watches and then obserued and found the ship to be in 25. degrees 36. minutes being the nine and twentieth day of Ianuarie 1602. and then two watches North and by East and foure North North-east and the thirtieth day at noone wee had the Cape Canaueral West and by North from vs sixe and twentie leagues by supposition being now in latitude 28. degrees 14. minutes the winde being at South wee stood North-east and by East into the Sea The eighteenth day of March at noone being Thursday wee fell with Silley and wee were South from it three leagues or ten miles the winde being at West South-west wee stood for the Lizzard and the twentieth day of this moneth we came to winde being at anchor in Dartmouth this was my first voyage which I haue to the West Indies CHAP. XI The description of the I le of Trinidad the rich Countrie of Guiana and the mightie Riuer of Orenoco written by FRANCIS SPARREY left there by Sir WALTER RALEIGH 1595. and in the end taken by the Spaniards and sent prisoner into Spaine and after long captiuitie got into England by great sute 1602. The description of the I le of Trinidad POrta la Spaniola lyeth North-east The Spaniards name themselues Conquerabians Anapâ—rima is the name of the Riuer which goeth to Corona the Spanish Towne The North part is very mountainous The Indians of Trinidad haue foure names 1. Those of Parico are called Iaios 2. Those of Punta Carao Aruacas 3. Those of Curiadan are called Saluages 4. Those betweene Punta Carao and Punta de la Galera Nepoios But those which are seruants to the Spaniards name themselues Carinapagâ—tos The chiefest of the Indians I meane the Kings and Lords of the Ilands in times past named themselues Acarewanas but now Captaines The description of Guiana and of the great Riuer Orenoco GViana beareth directly East from Peru and lyeth almost vnder the Equinoctiall Line The entrance to the Riuer Orenoco through the Riuer Capuri at the mouth at a full Sea hath nine foot water and at the ebbe but fiue foot The water floweth but a small time but increaseth much and the ebbe goeth but slowly for it continueth sixe houres In the bottome of the Gulfe of Guanipa there is the Riuer of Amana which leadeth into Orenoco also In this Riuer which wee named the Riuer of the Red Crosse wee tooke an old Tinitiuan for our Pilot to Orenoco The Riuer of Orenoco or Barequan hath nine mouthes which lye on the North-side of the mayne land but I could heare but of seuen mouthes vpon the South-side So that betweene Ilands and broken Lands it hath some sixteene mouthes in all The Ilands are somewhat bigge so as I can hardly ghesse how many leagues it is from the North-side to the South-side At the entrance of this Riuer are two great Lords Tiuitiuans which hold warre one with the other continually The one Nation are called the Tiuitiuans of Pallamos and the other of Hororotomaca He that entreth the Riuer of Amana from Curiapan cannot possibly returne the same way hee came by reason of the Easterly windes and the great Currents but must of force goe in a Riuer within the Land which is called Macurio To goe from the I le of Trinidad to the great Riuer Orenoco the Riuer of Amana beareth South But parting from that Riuer by a branch which beareth to the West we entred Orenoco Toparimaca is the chiefe Gouernour vnder Topiawari of the entrance of the Eastermost part of the Riuer Orenoco The Towne of this Gouernour is called Arwacan These are friends to the Carapanans Tiuitiuans and all Nations the Caribes excepted Carapana lyeth in the Prouince of Emeria and the Eastermost part of Dorado is called Emeria Assapana is the first Iland in Orenoco it is but small The second Iland is called Iwana There is another entrance into Orenoco which I discouered not but the Indians name it Arraroopana Europa is a Riuer which commeth into Orenoco but the head of it I know not In the middest of Orenoco there is a pretie bigge Iland which is somewhat mountainous and the name of it is Ocawita One Putima commandeth vnder Topiawari in the Confines of Morrequito which lyeth in the Prouince of Arromaia The Iland of Putapaima is farre vp within the Riuer of Orenoco and standeth right against the high Mountaine called Oecope Ouer this
Mountaine lye the Playnes of Samia Through these Playnes you may goe to Cumana or to the Caracaâ— which are at least one hundred and twentie leagues iust North. In these Playnes are foure Nations which are held for great men The Samias the Assawais the Wikeries and the Arroras These Nations are something blacke On the left side of this Riuer Orenoco are two small Ilands a small distance the one from the other The one is called Aroami the other Aio In the morning before the Sunne bee high the winde is still Easterly in this place Manoripano lyeth in the middle of Orenoco Aromaio is the name of Morrequito Orenoco reacheth to the Mountaines of Wacarimoc which is to the East in the Prouince of Emeria or Carapana The Vallies are called Amariocapana and the people by that name also Vpon this Riuer Orenoco there is a pleasant Riuer for many kindes of victuals which is called Caroli and the people Cassipagotos This Countrie of Morrequito lyeth in some fiue or sixe degrees to the North of the Equinoctiall Line At the Point of the Riuer Caroli is the small Iland called Caiama The Inhabitants of this Iland Caiama are enemies to the Epuremi Here is a very great fall of Land water Canuri lyeth in the Prouince of Morrequito The Gouernour is called Wanuretona The Epuremians are richest in gold onely These people called Epuremi haue many enemies but three especially which are very strong which are these the Cassipagotos Eparigotos and Arawagotos Hee that will passe the Mountaines of Curaa shall finde store of gold which is farre to the West The Riuer Arni runneth continually North and so to the Riuer Cassipa and from thence into Orenoco neere vnto the Riuer Arui are two Riuers the one is called Atoica the other Caera and also one branch which is called Caora To the Westward of Caroli is a fourth Riuer which is called Casnero it falleth into Orenoco on the side of Amapaia The first Riuer that falleth into Orenoco from the North is called Cari. Beyond it on the same side is the Riuer Limo to the West of it is the Riuer Paoo and beyond that are the Riuers Caturi and Voari and another called Capuri which is dangerous to enter To the Westward of Capuri in the Prouince of Amapaia is most vile vnwholsome and bad water to drinke it is of a bad tawnie colour it hath killed many a man both Indians and others They say this water commeth from Anebas On the North part of Peru is a way to enter into Orenoco as I haue heard by the Indians The first place whereby they are to passe is called Guicar the second Goanâ—â— and so to the Riuer of Papemena which is the Riuer that runneth toward the Iland of the Amazones Neere vnto the Iland of the Amazones is the famous Iland of Athul The Riuer Ubra beating to the West of Carthagena beareth to the Southward of the Iland of the Amazones This Riuer Vbra if you stand to the South-west leadeth to a part of Aromaijo which is called Eregoodawe This Countrie of Eregoodawe is very Mountainous and nothing fruitfull it is inhabited by the Coman Ibes They haue Ginny wheat but no store and very little Cassaui Venison Hogs and Conies they haue in great abundance The King or chiefe Gouernour of this Prouince or part of Aromaijo which is called Eregoodawe is one which beareth great sway in those parts whose name is Oromona But all are chiefly commanded by Tapuawary King of Morrequito In mine vndertaking the discouerie of the North part of Orenoco I was aduertised by certaine Indian Pilots that I should finde a perfect and readie way to goe to Peru. In which my trauell I fell by reason of a great storme into a Riuer which is called by the Indians Salma This Riuer is not great in three dayes I passed through this Riuer and entred into the Riuer of Papemena This Riuer of Papemena is more in my iudgement then fiue or sixe Leagues broad North North-west of this Riuer is the Iland of the Amazones But leauing that course I came to the most sweete pleasant and temperate Iland which is called Athul If I had had companie to my liking I could haue found in mine heart to haue stayed there and spent my life Athul is not rich in mettals but some stones I found in the fresh-water Riuers for there are great store of fresh-water Riuers and no want neither of Fish Tortoyses which the Indians name Catsepames Foules nor other good things It hath Wood great store Fruites all the yeere in abundance many good places to make a Towne if you will Cotton and Balsamum Brasill Lignum vitae Cypresses and many other sweete trees The earth of this Iland doth promise to the eye to be good it is very sad and much like to Oare which I found in diuers places I cannot report of the goodnesse of the stones because my knowledge in them is nothing Athul is not inhabited by any The Iland is small and for feare of the Caribes there is no body I returned from this good Iland Athul toward the Riuer of Orenoco because I found my labour was lost For to finde the way to Peru that way was impossible And to make my iourney the shorter I returned by the Riuer Papemena but left the Riuer of Salma cleane and came my directest way to Orenoco which mine Indian Pilots held to bee through the Riuer of Limo and so I came into the Riuer of Orenoco Then I went from Orenoco and held my course altogether Westerly because I found the West most rich although it was most dangerous to trauaile thither I meane farre into the Countrie by reason of the Epuremi which liue continually in armes and hold warres against many Nations but against three Nations especially These are as I wrote before the Cassipagotos the Eparigotos and the Arawagotos My desire was to goe to Curaa and from Orenoco I first entred into the Riuer of Cosnero and so coasted to Amapaia where is the bad tawnie water which before I mentioned from thence I went to the Riuer Paoo and within sixe weekes after I departed out of the Riuer of Orenoco I came to the rich Countrie of Curaa The Countrie of Curaa is in the Prouince of Guiana or Manoa where are the mynes of white stone in which mynes is much naturall and fine gold which the Indians call Callicurij The gold in this place I say in Manoa or Guiana runneth betweene the stones like veines of which gold I had some store but now the Spaniard is the better for it In Curaa is also gold in small graines which lye in the sands in the little Riuers or Brookes I alwayes tooke those graines for the finest gold In these Riuers where gold lyeth are many Aligattos or Crocodiles I heard by the Nation of the Tiuitiuans that a place called Tulahe had many good things in it but I
we first crept into the world my chiefe companion both in Armes and trauels I tooke also with mee his Brother Unton Fisher Master Cradle the Masters mate of my ship and about sixe more I followed the Coast to the Westward steering during West and passing by the Riuer of Meccooria I lodged that night in the mouth of the Riuer Courwo which hath a narrow deepe entrance and within affoordeth a good Harbour which may in time to come for some speciall purpose be of great vse The next day and the night following I proceeded Westward with full saile and passing the Riuers of Manmanury Sâ—nammara Oorassowini Coonannonia Vracco and Amanna I arriued the twentie fiue day at the Riuer of Marrawini which openeth a faire Riuer but is shoale vpon the Barre which lieth two or three leagues off at Sea hauing but two fathome water within the Barre the Channell is three foure fiue and sixe fathome deepe Fiue leagues within the riuer we passed by certaine Ilands called Curowapory not inhabited for at the rising of the waters they are alwayes ouer-flowne of which sort the Riuer hath very many we lodged that night a little beyond these first Ilands at a Village called Moyemon on the left hand the Captaine thereof is called Maperitaka of the Nation of the Paragotos a man very louing and faithull to our Nation whereof we haue had good proofe The next day wee proceeded vp the Riuer three leagues and stayedat a Towne called Coewynay on the right hand at the house of Minapa the chiefe Charib of that Signiorie to pouide two Canoes to prosecute our iourney for the Discouerie of this Riuer The twentie eight day we went forward passing many Villages any Townes which I forbeare to name and hauing gone about twentie leagues from the Sea wee found the Riuer in a manner barred vp with Rockes ouer which the water falleth with great violence yet notwithstanding we aduentured to proceed and the further wee went the more dangerous wee found the ouer-fals and more in number but when wee had passed the first Mountaine towards the high Countrey of Guiana called Sapparow and discouered farre off before vs other high Mountaines called Matawere Moupanana and had proceeded sixe dayes iourney vp the Riuer which was more then fortie leagues we met with such shoale rockie streame and great ouer-fals that there to our griefe our iourney ended Being thus for that time debarred from our intended Discouerie we prepared our selues with patience to returne towards our ships and the third day of September we turned downe the Riuer shooting the ouer-fals with more celeritie then when we came vp dispatching three dayes iourney in one and the fifth day returned safe to Moyemon but before I departed thence Captaine Fisher told me of certaine Plants which hee had then found much like vnto Rose-trees growing about halfe a yard in height whereof for the strangenesse of them I cannot forbeare to adde a word or two These Plants or little trees had assuredly the sence of feeling as plainly appeared by touching them for if you did but touch a leafe of the tree with your finger that leafe would presently shrinke and close vp it selfe and hang downe as if it were dead and if you did cut off a leafe with a paire of Cizzers then all the other leaues growing vpon the same tree would instantly shrinke and close vp themselues and hang downe as if they were dead and withered and within halfe a quarter of an houre would by degrees open themselues againe and flourish as before and as often as you did either touch or cut off any of them they would doe the like which did euidently shew a restriction of the Spirits inuincibly arguing a Sense Howsoeuer this may seeme strange and incredible to your Highnesse and to them that haue not seene it yet forasmuch as Scaliger and Bartas make mention of the like I dare be bold to affirme it vpon my credit hauing seene and shewed it to fortie others I gathered two of the Plants and did set them in pots in their owne earth and carried them aboord my ship where I kept them fairely growing almost a fortnight vntill they were destroyed by certaine Monkeyes that brake loose and pulled them in pieces which might haue beene preuented but that I was constrained to set them in the open aire the better to preserue them The seuenth day I went to Wiawia a great Towne of Paragotos and Yaios foure leagues to the West of Marrawini whereof Maperitaka aboue mentioned and Arapawaka are chiefe Captaines At this Towne I left my Cousin Vnton Fisher and Humfrey Croxton an Apothecary to beare him company and one seruant to attend him called Christopher Fisher hauing first taken order with Maperitaka for their diet and other necessaries both for trauell and other wise who euer since according to his promise hath performed the part of an honest man and faithfull friend I gaue directions to my Cousin Fisher to prosecute the Discouerie of Marrawini and the inland parts bordering vpon it when the time of the yeere and the waters better serued and if it were possible to goe vp into the high Countrey of Guiana and to finde out the Citie of Manoa mentioned by Sir Walter Raleigh in his Discouerie He followed my directions to the vttermost of his abilitie being of a good wit and very industrious and enabled to vndergoe those imployments by obtaining the loue and gaining the Languages of the people without which helpes there is little or no good to be done in those parts When the waters of Marrawini were risen and the Riuer passable much differing from the Riuer of Wiapoco which is not to be trauelled but in the lowest waters Hee began his iourney for the Discouerie thereof in company of the Apothecarie his seruant Fisher the Indian Maperitaka and eighteene others and proceeded eleuen dayes iourney vp the Riuer to a Towne of Charibes called Taupuramune distant from the Sea aboue an hundred leagues but was foure dayes iourney short of Moreshego which is also a Towne of Charibes situate vpon the Riuer side in the Prouince of Moreshegoro the chiefe Captaine thereof is called Areminta who is a proud and bold Indian much feared of all those that dwell within his Territories hauing a rough skin like vnto Buffe Leather of which kind there be many in those parts and I suppose proceedeth of some infirmitie of the bodie He vnderstood by relation of the Indians of Taupuramune and also of Areminta that six dayes iourney beyond Moreshego there are diuers mightie Nations of Indians hauing holes through their Eares Cheekes Nostrils and neather Lips which were called Craweanna Pawmeeanna Quikeanna Peewattere Arameeso Acawreanno Acooreo Tareepeeanna Corecorickado Peeauncado Cocoanno Itsura and Waremisso and were of strength and stature farre exceeding other Indians hauing Bowes and Arrowes foure times as bigge what the Indians also report of the greatnesse of
of London THe Riuer of the Amazons lieth in the highest part of the West Indies beyond the Equinoctial Line to fall with this Riuer fortie leagues from Land you shal haue 8. 6. 7. fathomes water you shal see the Sea change to a ruddie colour the water shall grow fresh by these signes you may run boldly in your course and comming neere the Riuers mouth the depth of your water shal increase then you shal make Discouerie of the Trees before the Land by reason the Land is very low and not higher in one place then another three foote being at a Spring tide almost all ouerflowne God knowes how many hundred leagues It flowes much water there with a verie forcible tide In this Riuer I continued tenne weekes seeing the fashion of the people and Countrie there This Countrie is altogether full of Woods with all sorts of wilde Beasts as Lions Beares Woolues Leopards Baboones strange Boores Apes Monkeies Martins Sanguines Marmosets with diuers other strange beasts also these Woods are full of Wild-fowle of all sorts and Parrats more plentifull then Pidgeons in England and as good meate for I haue often eaten of them Also this Countrey is very full of Riuers hauing a King ouer euerie Riuer In this place is continuall Tempests as Lightning Thunder and Raine and so extreame that it continues most commonly sixteene or eighteene houres in foure and twentie There are many standing waters in this Countrie which bee full of Aligators Guianes with many other seuerall water Serpents and great store of fresh fish of strange fashions This Countrie is full of Muskitas which is a small Flie which much offends a Stranger comming newly into the Countrie The manner fashion and nature of the people is this They are altogether naked both men and women hauing not so much as one threed about them to couer any part of their nakednesse the man taketh a round Cane as bigge as a pennie Candle and two inches in length through the which hee puls the fore-skinne of his yard tying the skinne with a piece of the rinde of a Tree about the bignesse of a small pack-threed then making of it fast about his middle hee continueth thus till hee haue occasion to vse him In each Eare hee weareth a Reede or Cane which hee bores through it about the bignesse of a Swannes Quill and in length halfe an inch and the like through the midst of the lower lippe also at the bridge of the Nose hee hangs in a Reede a small glâ—sse Beade or Button which hanging directly afore his Mouth flies too and fro still as hee speakes wherein hee takes great pride and pleasure Hee weares his Haire long being rounded below to the neather part of his Eare and cut short or rather as I iudged pluckt bald on the câ—owne like a â—rier But their women vse no fashion at all to set forth themselues but starke naked as they were borne with haire long of their Heads also their Breasts hang verie low by reason they are neuer laced or braced vp they doe vse to anoint their Bodies both Men and Women with a kind of redde Earth because the Muskitas or Flies shall not offend them These people are verie ingenious craftie and treacherous verie light of foot and good Bowemen whose like I haue neuer seene for they doe ordinarily kill their owne food as Beasts Fowle and Fish the manner of their Bow and Arrowes is this The Bow is about two yards in length the Arrow seuen foote His Bow is made of Brasill-wood verie curious his string of the rinde of a Tree lying close to the Boâ— without any bent his Arrow made of Reede and the head of it is a fish bone 〈◊〉 a Beast in this manner standing behinde a Tree hee takes his marke at the Beast and wo 〈…〉 〈◊〉 he followes him like a Bloud-hound till he fall oftentimes seconding his shoot then for any Fowle be he neuer so little he neuer misses him as for the first hee walkes by the water side and when hee hath spied a fish in the water hee presently strikes him with his Arrow and suddenly throwing downe his Bow hee leapes into the water swimming to his Arrow which hee drawes aland with the fish fastened to it then hauing each kild his owne food as well flesh and fowle as fish they meete together to the number of fiftie or sixtie in a company then make a fire after this fashion They take two stickes of Wood rubbing one hard against another till such time as they bee fired then making of a great fire euery man is his owne Cooke to broile that which he hath gotten and thus they feed without Bread or Salt or any kind of drinke but Water and Tobacco neither doe they know what it meanes In these Countries we could find neither Gold nor Siluer Oare but great store of Hennes For I haue bought a couple for a Iewes Harpe when they would refuse tenne shillings in money This Countrie is full of delicious fruite as Pines Plantines Guaues and Potato Rootes of which Fruits and Roots I would haue bought a mans burthen for a glasse Button or Bead. The manner of their Lodging is this they haue a kinde of Net made of the rinde of a Tree which they call Haemac being three fathome in length and two in breadth and gathered at both ends at length then fastning either end to a Tree to the full length about a yard and halfe from the ground when hee hath desire to sleepe hee creepes vnto it The King of euerie Riuer is knowne by this manner He weares vpon his head a Crowne of Parrats feathers of seuerall colours hauing either about his middle or about his Necke a Chaine of Lions teeth or clawes or of some other strange beast hauing a woodden Sword in his hand and hereby is he knowne to be the King Oftentimes one King warres against another in their Canowes which are Boats cut out of a whole Tree sometimes taking one another the Conquerours eates the Captiues By this time ten weekes were spent and being homewards bound but not the same way that we came for we sailed vnto the Riuer before the winde because it blowes there continually one way which forces all shippes that come thither to returne by a contrarie way The end of the sixth Booke VOYAGES TO AND ABOVT THE SOVTHERNE AMERICA WITH MANY MARINE OBSERVATIONS AND DISCOVRSES OF THOSE SEAS AND LANDS BY ENGLISHMEN AND OTHERS THE SEAVENTH BOOKE REader I here present thee the exactest Treatise of Brasil which I haue seene written by any man especially in the Historie of the multiplied and diuersified Nations and customes of men as also in the naturall Historie of Beasts Serpents Fowles Fishes Trees Plants with diuers other remarkeable rarities of those Regions It was written it seemeth by a Portugall Frier or Iesuite which had liued thirtie yeares in those parts from whom much against his will the written Booke was taken by one
Cap a Hatchet and certaine other things Which presents beeing receiued the said Zchara Wassu brought vs into their Towne setting before vs fish and flesh plentifully and sufficient food so that we were exceeding well contented For if this Voyage of ours had continued yet but ten daies longer we should all haue died with famine as euen now in this Voyage of foure hundred men who came together in the ships fiftie were dead These people of Tiembus weare on either nostrill a blue starre artificially made of a white and blue stone they are large men and of a tall stature but the women aswell young as old are very deformed with torne faces and alwaies bloudie from the Nauell to the knees they are couered with Cotton-cloth the rest is naked This people hath no other meate saue fish and flesh nor euer liued with any other thing The strength of this Nation is thought to be fifâ—eene thousand men or more The Skiffes or Boates which they vse are made of a Tree eightie foote long and three broad which as the Fishermens Boats of Germanie are rowed with Oares saue that their Oares are not bound with Iron 14. We abode foure whole yeeres in the foresaid Village or Towne but our Generall or Admirall Petro Mendoza by reason of his extreame and continuall sicknesse in that hee was able neither to stirre hand nor foote and had spent in this iourney of his owne about fortie thousand Ducates of ready money would no longer stay with vs in this Towne but returneth in two Brigantines to Buenos Aeres to the foure greater Shippes and there taking two of them and fiftie Souldiers he intended to returne into Spaine but scarce halfe the iourney performed the hand of almightie God so smote him that he miserably died But before his departure he certainly promised vs that he would doe his best as soone as he or the Ships returned into Spaine that two other Shippes should be sent backe to the Riuer of Plate which by his will he had so ordained and was faithfully also performed furnished with Souldiers prouision of victuals Merchandise and other things necessary for such a voyage 15. The name of the Commander of these two Shippes was Alfonso Gabrero who also brought with him two hundred Spaniards and prouision for two yeares He arriued at the Towne of Buenas Aeres in the yeare 1539. where we left the other two Shippes when wee departed together with one hundred and sixtie men They presently sent away a Shippe into Spaine prouided for this purpose for so the Counsell of the Emperours Maiestie commanded and deliuered orderly and at large to the said Counsell the state and condition of these Countries and people and other circumstances After this our Generall Iohn Eyollas consulting with Alfonso Gabrero Martino Don Eyollas and the rest of the Captaines iudgeth it to be most conuenient to muster the Souldiers which being done together with ours and those who came first from Spaine fiue hundred and fiftie men were found of these they choose vnto them foure hundred men leauing one hundred and fiftie in Tiembus 16. By this order of the Captains we saile vp the riuer Parana with these foure hundred men shipped in eight Brigantines seeking another Riuer whereof we were told called Parabol at the which the Carios dwell for these were reported to abound with Turkish graine and roots of the which they make wine and also fish and flesh and Sheepe as bigge as Mules and Harts Hogges Estridges Hennes and Geese Departing therefore from the Hauen of Bona Speranza with our eight Brigantines sailing foure leagues the first day we came to a Nation called Curenda which liue with flesh and fish This Iland is 12000. strong of men fit for warre and hath great store of Canoes This Nation is like the former Tiembus with little stones hanging dangling in their noses The men also are of a tall stature but the women as well yong as old deformed with rugged and bloudy faces And are no otherwise apparelled then they of Tiembus to wit couered with a Cotten cloath from the nauell to the knees as is before said These Indians haue great plenty of other skinnes These men did liberally communicate vnto vs of their pouerty or of that little they had Fish Flesh Skinnes to whom contrariwise wee gaue Glasses Beades Looking-glasses Combes Kniues and Fish-hookes and abode with them two dayes They gaue vs also two men of Carios who were their captiues to be our Guides and Interpreters 17. Sailing further hence we came to another Nation called Gulgaisi which is able to bring 40000. men for warre into the field This Nation also hath two stones at their nose it was thirty leagues distant from the Island Curenda and they and the inhabitants of Tiembus haue the same language They dwell vpon a Lake sixe leagues long and foure broaâ— situate on the left side of the Riuer Parana We staied here foure daies and these men imparted to vs of their pouertie and we did the like to them proceeding further thence for the whole space of eighteene daies we light on no men but afterward we came to a Riuer flowing into the Countrie it selfe In that Country we found a great number of men come together which they call Macuerendas These haue nothing to eate saue fish and a little flesh and are 18000. strong of warlike men and haue a great number of Boates. These men after their manner intertained vs courteously enough they dwell on the other side of the Riuer Parana towards the right hand haue a differing tongue from the former and are tall men and of a good proportion but their women also are very deformed They are distant from those whom they call Gulgaisi sixtie foure leagues While we remained idell among these people foure daies we found an huge monstrous Serpent fiue and twenty foote long lying on the land not farre from the shoare which was as bigge as a man of a blacke colour spotted with a deepe yellow This Serpent we killed with a Gunne which when the Indians saw they wondered thereat with great astonishment for they themselues had neuer seene any so great before This Serpent as the Indians themselues said had done much hurt vnto them for when they washed themselues in the water the Serpents finding men there wound their tailes about them and hauing drawne them vnder water deuoured them so that the Indians knew not oftentimes what became of many of them Idiligently measured the length and thicknesse of this Serpent which the Indians cutting in peeces euery one carried part home vnto their houses and being sod and roasted did after eate thereof 18. From hence sailing further vp the Riuer of Parana in foure daies iourney we came to a Nation called Zemais Saluaisco The men of this Countrie are of a short stature and of a grosse body They liue with nothing else saue fish flesh and hony Both men
when the Christians began to fall to their meate their friends and consorts and other Tiembus gathered together amongst them with those also who hide themselues in the field and houses fall vpon these fiftie men and so consecate the Banquet with them that no man escaped aliue except one Boy only called Caldero who got out of their hands Afterwards they set vpon vs with 10000. strong and besieged the Village which we held continually for fourteene daies intending wholly this that being brought vnder they might vtterly destroy vs but God in mercie defeated their purposes and ouerthrew their enterprizes They had made themselues long Speares or Iauelings of the Swords which they had gotten from the slaine Christians wherewith they fought against 〈◊〉 〈…〉 th with the edge and point 〈…〉 ting our Village day and night Our Captaine Anthony Mendoza armed with a two hand Sword went out of the Port neere which some Indians lay in ambush so that they could not bee seene Being gone therefore out of the Port the Indians thrust him through with their Iauelings so that hee presently fell downe dead vpon the ground But because the Indians wanted victuals they could sustaine themselues no longer heere but were compelled to leaue the siege and bee gone After this two Brigantines laden with prouision of victuall and other necessaries arriued at our Port which our Generall sent vnto vs from the Towne of Buenas Aeres to maintaine our selues therewith till his comming As therefore wee were cheered at the comming of them so they who arriued with the Brigantines incredibly sorrowed and lamented for the slaughter of the Christians Wee therefore determined by a common Councell which thing also seemed to bee best for vs to stay no longer in this Village of Corpus Christi abiding with these Tiembus but that being carried downe the Riuer gathering all our forces together we returne to Buenas Acres to our Generall Martin Dominicke Eyollas Who beeing frighted at our comming was vehemently grieued for the slaughter of the people doubtfull how to consult what he should first doe seeing also victuall and other necessarie things failed vs. 29. While therefore we continued fiue dayes at Buenas Aeres a Carauell came to vs out of Spaine and brought vs newes that a ship was arriued at Saint Katharine whose Captaine Allunzo Gabrero brought with him 200. Souldiers out of Spaine which when our Captaine certainly knew he commanded one of the lesser ships which they call a Galley to bee made readie that he might send her as soone as possibly he could to Saint Katharines into Brasill which was 300. leagues distant from Buenas Aeres making Gonzallo Mendoza Captaine thereof to gouerne the ship giuing him charge also that if arriuing at Saint Katharines he found the ship there they should lade one of the ships with Rice Mandeoch and other victuals as seemed good vnto him Gonzallus Mendoza therefore receiuing this commandement requested the Generall Martin D. Eyollas to giue him seuen of the Souldiers whom hee might trust for this Voyage which hee promised Hee therefore chose mee and sixe Spaniards to himselfe with twentie other Souldiers Setting saile from Buenas Aeres in the space of a moneth we arriued at Saint Katharines and finding the ship there which came out of Spaine together with Captaine Allunzo Gabrero and all the Souldiers wee greatly reioyced Abiding with them two moneths wee laded our ship with Rice Mandeoch and Turkish Corne as full as it could hold so that no more could bee put in both the ships to carrie with vs. And the day before All Saints wee arriued at the Riuer Parana twentie leagues yet distant from Buenas Aeres Both the ships met together that night whose Pilots asked one another whether wee were now in the Riuer of Parana when our Pilot affirmed we were the other said the contrarie that we were yet almost twentie leagues of For when twentie or more ships saile together in the Euening at the going downe of the Sunne they meete together and one of the Masters asketh the other what way he had made that day and with what wind hee would saile by night lest they should bee diuided one from the other The Riuer of Parana Vuassu at the Bay or mouth thereof is thirtie leagues broad which breadth continueth for fiftie whole leagues together vnto the Port of Saint Gabriell where the Riuer Parana is eighteene leagues broad After this our Pilot asketh the Master of the other ship whether hee would saile after to him the other made answere that night was now at hand and therefore he would continue still at Sea till the rising of the Sunne and that he would not make to the Land in the vnseasonable night And this Pilot in guiding his ship was more circumspect then ours was as the euent afterward declared Therefore our Master held on his intended course leauing the other 30. Sayling by night a mighty storme troubled the Sea so that about twelue or one of the clocke before Sunne rising before we had cast our Anchors in the Sea we descried Land and our ship was much bruised when wee were yet a league or more from the Land Wee could finde no other remedie for this mischiefe then making our Prayers vnto God to intreate him to be mercifull vnto vs. The same houre our ship being split was broken in more then a thousand pieces and fifteene of our men and sixe of the Indians perished being drowned in the waters Some taking hold of great pieces of Timber swamme out I with fiue of my companions escaped by the helpe of a Mast. But of fifteene persons we found not so much as one carkasse Afterward we were to trauell fiftie leagues on foot when we had lost all our clothes with all the victuals in the ship so that we were constrained to sustaine our selues only with Rootes and other Fruites which we could find heere and there in the fields while wee came to the Port of Saint Gabriell where we found the foresaid ship with her Captaine who arriued there thirtie dayes before vs. But our Generall Martin D. Eyollas had heard before by intelligence of this our mishap and thinking that we were all dead commanded some Masses to be read for our soules health When we were brought to Buenas Acres our Generall commandeth the Captaine of our ship and the Master thereof to be cited an◠stand to their triall who without doubt had hanged the Pilot if so great and earnest intreaties had not beene vsed yet hee was condemned for foure yeeres to the Gally Gathering together all our companies to Buenas Aeres our Generall commandeth the Brigantines to be made ready and all the Souldiers to bee shipped therein and commandeth the rest of the shippes to be burned yet preseruing the Iron Vessels and Instruments Wee therefore once more saile vp the Riuer of Parana againe and arriuing at our foresaid Citie of the Assumption of Marie
which ouer-top it and as it seemeth were planted by the Diuine prouidence to preserue it from Sunne and winde Out of this Valley ordinarily rise euery day great vapours and exhalations which by reason that the Sunne is hindered to worke his operation with the height of the Mountaine towards the South-east conuert themselues into moisture and so bedew all the trees of the Valley and from those which ouer-top this Tree drops downe the dew vpon his leaues and so from his leaues into a round Well of stone which the Naturals of the Land haue made to receiue the water of which the people and cattell haue great reliefe but sometimes it raineth and then the Inhabitants doe reserue water for many dayes to come in their Cisternes and Tynaxes which is that they drinke of and wherewith they principally sustaine themselues The Citie of the Grand Canaria and chiefe Port is on the West side of the Iland the head Towne and Port of Tenerifa is towards the South part and the Port and Towne of the Palma and Gomera on the East side In Gomera some three leagues Southward from the Towne is a great Riuer of water but all these Ilands are perilous to land in for the siege caused by the Ocean Sea which alwaies is forcible and requireth great circumspection whosoeuer hath not vrgent cause is either to goe to the Eastwards or to the Westwards of all these Ilands as well to auoide the calmes which hinder some times eight or ten dayes sayling as the contagion which their distemperature is wont to cause and with it to breede Calenturas which wee call burning Feuers These Ilands are said to be first discouered by a Frenchman called Iohn de Betancourt about the yeere 1405. They are now a Kingdome subiect to Spaine Being cleare of the Ilands and seeing my selfe past hope of returning backe without some extraordinarie accident I began to set order in my Companie and victuals And for that to the Southwards of the Canaries is for the most part an idle Nauigation I deuised to keepe my people occupied as well to continue them in health for that too much ease in hot Countries is neither profitable nor healthful as also to diuert them from remembrance of their home from play which breedeth many inconueniences and other bad thoughts and workes which idlenesse is cause of and so shifting my companie as the custome is into Starboord and Larboord men the halfe to watch and worke whilest the others slept and take rest I limited the three dayes of the weeke which appertained to each to be employed in this manner the one for the vse and cleansing of their Armes the other for roomaging making of Sayles Nettings Decking and defenses of our Ships and the third for cleansing their bodies mending and making their apparell and necessaries which though it came to be practised but once in seuen dayes for that the Sabboth is euer to be reserued for God alone with the ordinarie obligation which each person had besides was many times of force to be omitted and thus wee directed our course betwixt the Ilands of Cape de Verde and the Maine These Ilands are held to bee scituate in one of the most vnhealthiest Climates of the world and therefore it is wisedome to shunne the sight of them how much more to make abode in them In two times that I haue beene in them either cost vs the one halfe of our people with Feuers and Fluxes of sundrie kindes some shaking some burning some partaking of both some possest with frensie others with slouth and in one of them it cost mee sixe moneths sicknesse with no small hazard of life which I attribute to the distemperature of the aire for being within fourteene degrees of the Equinoctiall Line the Sunne hath great force all the yeere and the more for that often they passe two three and foure yeeres without raine and many times the earth burneth in that manner as a man well shod cannot indure to goe where the Sunne shineth With which extreme heate the bodie fatigated greedily desireth refreshing and longeth for the comming of the Breze which is the North-east winde that seldome fayleth in the afternoone at foure of the clocke or sooner which comming cold and fresh and finding the pores of the bodie open and for the most part naked penetrateth the very bones and so causeth sudden distemperature and sundrie manners of sicknesse as the Subiects are diuers whereupon they worke Departing out of the Calmes of the Ilands and comming into the fresh Breze it causeth the like and I haue seene within two dayes after that wee haue partaked of the fresh aire of two thousand men aboue an hundred and fiftie haue beene crazed in their health The Inhabitants of these Ilands vse a remedie for this which at my first being amongst them seemed vnto mee ridiculous but since time and experience hath taught to bee grounded vpon reason And is that vpon their heads they weare a Night-cap vpon it a Moutero and a Hat ouer that and on their bodies a sute of thicke Cloth and vpon it a Gowne furr'd or lined with Cotton or Bayes to defend them from the heate in that manner as the Inhabitants of cold Countries to guard themselues from the extremitie of the cold Which doubtlesse is the best diligence that any man can vse and whosoeuer proueth it shall finde himselfe lesse annoyed with the heate then if he were thinly cloathed for that where the cold aire commeth it pierceth not so subtilly The Moone also in this climate as in the coast of Guynne and in all hot Countries hath forcible operation in the body of man and therefore as the Plannet most preiudiciall to his health is to he shunned as also not to sleepe in the open Ayre or with any Scuttle or Window open whereby the one or the other may enter to hurt For a person of credit told me that one night in a Riuer of Guynne leauing his window open in the side of his Cabin the Moone shining vpon his shoulder left him with such an extraordinary paine and furious burning in it as in aboue twenty houres he was like to run mad but in fine with force of Medicines and cures after long torment he was eased Of these Ilands are two pyles the one of them lyeth out of the way of Trade more Westerly and so little frequented the other lyeth some fourescore leagues from the Maine and containeth sixe in number to wit Saint Iago Fuego Mayo Bonavisto Sal and Brano They are belonging to the Kingdome of Portugall and inhabited by people of that Nation and are of great trade by reason of the neighbourhood they haue with Guynne and Bynne but the principall is the buying and selling of Negros They haue store of Sugar Salt Rice Cotten-wooll and Cotton-cloth Ambergreece Cyuit Olyphants teeth Brimstone Pummy stone Spunge and some Gold but little and that from the mayne Saint Iago is the head
and twentieth in the height of Farnambuca but some fourescore leagues from the Coast the twentie foure in the height of Bayea de Todos Santos neere the end of October betwixt seuenteene and eighteene degrees wee were in sixteene fathomes sounding of the great Scoles which lye alongst the Coast betwixt the Bay of Todos Santos and the Port of Santos alias nuestra sâ—nora de Vitoria which are very perillous But the diuine Prouidence hath ordained great flockes of small Birds like Snites to liue vpon the Rockes and broken lands of these Sholes which are met with ordinarily twentie leagues before a man come in danger of them It shall not be amisse here to recount the Accidents which befell vs during this contrary wind and the curiosities to be obserued in all this time Day and night we had continually a faire gale of wind and a smooth Sea without any alteration one day the Carpenters hauing Calked the Decke of our ship which the Sunne with his extreame heate had opened craued license to heate a little Pitch in the Cooke roome which I would not consent vnto by any meanes for that my Cooke roomes were vnder the Decke knowing the danger vntill the Master vndertooke that no danger should come thereof But hee recommended the charge to another who had a better name then experience He suffered the Pitch to rise and to runne into the fire which caused so furious a flame as amazed him and forced all to flee his heate one of my company with a double paire of Gloues tooke off the Pitch-pot but the fire forced him to let flip his hold-fast before he could set it on the Hearth and so ouerturned it and as the Pitch began to runne so the fire to enlarge it selfe that in a moment a great part of the ship was on a light fire I being in my Cabbin presently imagined what the matter was and for all the haste I could make before I came the fire was aboue the Decke for remedie whereof I commanded all my company to cast their Rugge Gownes into the Sea with Ropes fastened vnto them These I had prouided for my people to watch in for in many hot Countreyes the nights are fresh and cold and deuided one Gowne to two men a Starboord and a Larboord man so that hee which watched had euer the Gowne for they which watched not were either in their Cabbins or vnder the Decke and so needed them not The Gownes being well soaked euery man that could took one and assaulted the fire and although some were sindged others scalded and many burned God was pleased that the fire was quenched which I thought impossible and doubtlesse I neuer saw my selfe in greater perill in all the dayes of my life Let all men take example by vs not to suffer in any case Pitch to be heate in the ship except it be with a shot heate in the fire which cannot breed danger nor to permit fire to be kindled but vpon meere necessitie for the inconuenience thereof is for the most part remedilesse Great care is to be had also in cleaning of Wood in Hooping or Scutling of Caske and in any businesse where violence is to be vsed with Instruments of Iron Steele or Stone and especially in opening of Powder these are not to be vsed but Mallets of Wood for many mischances happen beyond all expectation I haue beene credibly enformed by diuers persons that comming out of the Indies with Scutling a But of water the water hath taken fire and flamed vp and put all in hazard And a Seruant of mine Thomas Gray told me that in the ship wherein he came out of the Indies Anno 1600. there happened the like and that if with Mantles they had not smoothered the fire they had beene all burned with a Pipe of Water which in Scutling tooke fire Master Iohn Hazlelocke reported that in the Arsenall of Venice happened the like he being present For mine owne part I am of opinion that some waters haue this propertie and especially such as haue their passage by Mines of Brimstone or other Minerals which as all men know giue extraordinary properties vnto the waters which runne by them Or it may be that the water being in Wine Caske and kept close may retaine an extraordinary propertie of the Wine Yea I haue drunke Fountaine and Riuer waters many times which haue had a fauour as that of B 〈…〉 stone Three leagues from Bayon in France I haue prooued of a Fountaine that hath this sauour and 〈◊〉 medicinable for many Diseases In the South Sea in a Riuer some fiue leagues from Cape 〈◊〉 Francisco in one degree and an halfe to the Northwards of the Line in the Bay of Atacames is a Riuer of fresh water which hath the like sauour We had no small cause to giue God thankes and tooke an occasion hereby to banish swearing out of our ships which amongst the common sort of Mariners and Sea-faring men is too ordinarily abused So with a generall consent of all our company it was ordained that in euery shippe there should be a Palmer or Ferula which should be in the keeping of him who was taken with an Oath and that hee who had the Palmer should giue to euery other that hee tooke swearing in the Palme of the hand a Palmada with it and the Ferula And whosoeuer at the time of Euening or Morning Prayer was found to haue the Palmer should haue three blowes giuen him by the Captaine or Master and that he should be still bound to free himselfe by taking another or else to runne in danger of continuing the penaltie which executed few dayes reformed the Vice so that in three dayes together was not one Oath heard to be sworne This brought both Ferulaes and swearing out of vse Ordinarily such ships as Nauigate betweene the Tropickes are accompanied with three sorts of fish The Dolphin which the Spaniards call Dozado the Bonito or Spanish Makeâ—ill and the Sharke alias Tiberune The Dolphin I hold to be one of the swiftest fishes in the Sea He is like vnto a Breame but that he is longer and thinner and his scales very small Hee is of the colour of the Rain-bow and his head different to other fishes for from his mouth halfe a span it goeth straite vpright as the head of a Wherry or the Cut-water of a ship He is very good meate if he be in season but the best part of him is his head which is great They are some bigger some lesser the greatest that I haue seene might be some foure foot long I hold it not without some ground that the ancient Philosophers write that they bee enamoured of a man for in meeting with shipping they accompany them till they approach to cold Climates this I haue noted diners times For disembarking out of the West Indies Anno 1583. within three or foure dayes after we met a Scole of them which
powder with which if the ship be pitched it is said the worme that toucheth it dieth but I haue not heard that it hath been vsefull But the most approued of all is the manner of sheathing vsed now adayes in England with thinne boords halfe inch thicke the thinner the better and Elme better then Oake for it riueth not it indureth better vnder water and yeeldeth better to the ships side The inuention of the materials incorporated betwixt the planke and the sheathing is that indeed which anayleth for without it many plankes were not sufficient to hinder the entrance of this worme this manner is thus Before the sheathing boord is nayled on vpon the innner side of it they smere it ouer with Tarre halfe a finger thicke and vpon the Tarre another halfe thicke of haire such as the whitelymers vse and so nayle it on the nayles not aboue a spanne distance one from another the thicker they are driuen the better some hold opinion that the Tarre killeth the worme others that the worme passing the sheathing and seeking a way through the haire and the Tarre so innolue that bee is choaked therewith which mee thinkes is most probable this manner of sheathing was innented by my Father and experience hath taught it to be the best and of least cost Such was the diligence we vsed for our dispatch to shoot the Straits that at foure dayes end we had our water and wood stowed in our ship all our Copper-worke finished and our ship calked from Post to Stemme the first day in the morning the winde being faire we brought our selues into the channell and sayled towards the mouth of the Straites praising God and beginning our course with little winde wee described a fire vpon the shoare made by the Indians for a signe to call vs which seene I caused a Boat to bee man'd and wee rowed ashoare to see what their meaning was and approaching neere the shoare we saw a Canoa made fast vnder a Rocke with a Wyth most artificially made with the rindes of trees and sewed together with the finnes of Whales at both ends sharpe and turning vp with a greene bough in either end and ribbes for strengthening it After a little while we might discerne on the fall of the Mountaine which was full of trees and shrubs two or three Indians naked which came out of certaine Caues or Cotes They spake vnto vs and made diuers signes now pointing to the Harbour out of which we were come and then to the mouth of the Straites but we vnderstood nothing of their meaning Yet left they vs with many imaginations suspecting it might bee to aduise vs of our Pinnace or some other thing of moment but for that they were vnder couert and might worke vs some treacherie for all the people of the Straits and the Land neere them vse all the villanie they can towards white people taking them for Spaniards in reuenge of the deceit that Nation hath vsed towards them vpon sundry occasions as also for that by our stay wee could reape nothing but hinderance of our Nauigation wee hasted to our ship and sayled on our course From Blanches Bay to long Reach which is some foure leagues the course lieth West South-west entring into the long Reach which is the last of the Straits and longest For it is some thirtie two leagues and the course lieth next of any thing North-west Before the setting of the Sunne wee had the mouth of the Straites open and were in great hope the next day to be in the South Sea but about seuen of the clocke that night we saw a great cloude arise out of the North-east which began to cast forth great flashes of lightnings and suddenly sayling with a fresh gale of winde at North-east another more forcible tooke vs astayes which put vs in danger for all our sayles being a taut it had like to haue ouerset our ship before we could take in our sayles And therefore in all such semblances it is great wisedome to carrie a short sayle or to take in all sayles Here we found what the Indians fore-warned vs of for they haue great insight in the change of weather and besides haue secret dealing with the Prince of Darknesse who many times declareth vnto them things to come By this meanes and other witch-crafts which he teacheth them he possesseth them and causeth them to doe what pleaseth him Within halfe an houre it began to thunder and raine with so much winde as wee were forced to lie a hull and so darke that we saw nothing but when the lightning came This being one of the narrowest Reaches of all the Straites we were forced euery glasse to open a little of our fore-sayle to cast about our ships head any man may conceiue if the night seemed long vnto vs what desire we had to see the day In fine Phabus with his beautifull face lightned our Hemisphere and reioyced our hearts hauing driuen aboue twentie foure leagues in twelue houres lying a hull whereby is to be imagined the force of the winde and current Wee set our fore-sayle and returned to our former Harbour from whence within three or foure dayes we set sayle againe with a faire winde which continued with vs till we came within a league of the mouth of the Strait here the winde tooke vs againe contrarie and forced vs to returne againe to our former Port where being ready to anchor the winde scanted with vs in such manner as we were forced to make aboord In which time the winde and tide put vs so farre to lee-wards that we could by no meanes seize it So wee determined to goe to Elizabeth Bay but before we came at it the night ouertooke vs and this Reach being dangerous and narrow we durst neither hull nor trie or turne to and againe with a short sayle and therefore bare alongst in the middest of the channell till we were come into the broad Reach then lay a hull till the morning When we set sayle and ran alongst the coast seeking with our Boate some place to anchor in some foure leagues to the West wards of Cape Forward we found a goodly Bay which we named English Bay where anchored wee presently went ashoare and found a goodly Riuer of fresh water and an old Canoa broken to pieces and some two or three of the houses of the Indians with pieces of Seale stinking ripe These houses are made in fashion of an Ouen seuen or eight foot broad with boughs of trees and couered with other boughes as our Summer houses and doubtlesse doe serue them but for the Summer time when they come to fish and profite themselues of the Sea For they retire themselues in the Winter into the Countrie where it is more temperate and yeeldeth better sustenance for on the Mayne of tht Straites we neither saw beast nor fowle Sea-fowle excepted and a kinde of Black-bird and two Hogs towards the
the East for they are as well found in the West and no way inferiour to those of the East Indies Other fish besides Seales and Crabbes like Shrimpes and one Whale with two or three Porpusses we saw not in all the Seraits Heere wee made also a suruay of our victuals and opening certaine Barrels of Oatten meale wee found a great part of some of them as also of our Pipes and Fat 's of bread eaten and consumed by the Rats doubtlesse a fift part my company did not eate so much as these deuoured as we found daily in comming to spend any of our prouisions When I came to the Sea it was not suspected that I had a Rat in my ship but with the bread in Caske which wee transported out of the Hawke and the going to and againe of our Boats vnto our prize though wee had diuers Cats and vsed other preuentions in a small time they multiplyed in such a manner is incredible It is one of the generall calamities of all long Voyages and would bee carefully preuented as much as may be For besides that which they consume of the best victuals they eate the sayles and neither packe nor chest is free from their surprizes I haue knowne them to make a hole in a Pipe of water and seying the Pumpe haue put all in feare doubting lest some leak had bin sprung vpon the ship Moreouer I haue heard credible persons report that ships haue beene put in danger by them to be sunke by a hole made in the bulge All which is easily remedied at the first but if once they be somewhat increased with difficultie they are to be destroied And although I propounded a reward for euery Rat which was taken and sought meanes by poison and other inuentions to consume them yet their increase being so ordinary and many wee were not able to cleare our selues from them At the end of fourteene dayes one euening being calme and a goodly cleare in the Easter-boord I willed our Anchor to be weyed and determined to goe into the Channell being gotten into the Channell within an houre the wind came good and we failed merrily on our Voyage and by the breake of the day we had the mouth of the Straits open and about foure of the clock in the afternoone we were thwart of Cape Desire which is the Westermost part of the Land on the Souther side of the Straits §. IIII. Entrance into the South Sea discouery of the South parts of the Straits to bee but Ilands by Sir FRANCIS DRAKE which the Hollanders ascribe to MAIRE and SCHOVTEN Of the Iland Mocha and the parts adioyning FRom Cape Desire some foure leagues Northwest lie foure Ilands which are very small and the middlemost of them is of the fashion of a Sugar-loafe Wee were no sooner cleere of Cape Desire and his ledge of Rockes which lie a great way off into the Sea but the wind tooke vs contrary by the North-west and so wee stood off into the Sea two dayes and two nights to the Westwards In all the Straits it ebbeth and floweth more or lesse and in many places it hieth very little water but in some Bayes where are great Indraughts it higheth eight or ten foot and doubtlesse further in more If a man be furnished with wood and water and the winde good hee may keepe the Mayne Sea and goe round about the Straits to the Southwards and it is the shorter way for besides the experience which we made that all the South part of the Straits is but Ilands many times hauing the Sea open I remember that Sir Francis Dâ—â—ke told mee that hauing shot the Straits a storme tooke him first at North-west and â—â—â—er vered about to the South-west which continued with him many dayes with that â—xtremitie that he could not open any sayle and that at the end of the storme he found himselfe in fiftie degrees which was sufficient testimony and proofe that he was beaten round about the Straits for the least height of the Straits is in fiftie two degrees and fiftie minutes in which stand the two entrances or mouthes And moreouer hee said that standing about when the winde changed hee was not well able to double the Southermost Iland and so anchored vnder the lee of it and going ashoare carried a Compasse with him and seeking out the Southermost part of the Iland cast himselfe downe vpon the vttermost point groueling and so reached out his bodie ouer it Presently he imbarked and then recounted vnto his people that he had beene vpon the Southermost knowne Land in the World and more further to the Southwards vpon it then any of them yea or any man as yet knowne These testimonies may suffice for this truth vnto all but such as are incredulous and will beleeue nothing but what they see for my part I am of opinion that the Straite is nauigable all the yeere long although the best time bee in Nouember December and Ianuary and then the windes more fauourable which other times are variable as in all narrow Seas Being some fiftie leagues a Sea-boord the Straits the winde vering to the West-wards wee cast about to the Northwards and lying the Coast along shaped our course for the Iland Mocha About the fifteenth of Aprill we were thwart of Baldiuia which was then in the hands of the Spaniards but since the Indians in Anno 1599. dispossessed them of it and the Conception which are two of the most principall places they had in that Kingdome and both Ports Baldiuia had its name of a Spanish Captaine so called whom afterwards the Indians tooke Prisoner and it is said they required of him the reason why hee came to molest them and to take their Countrey from them hauing no title nor right thereunto he answered to get Gold which the barbarous vnderstanding caused Gold to bee molten and powred downe his throate saying Gold was thy thy desire glut thee with it It standeth in forty degrees hath a pleasant Riuer and Nauigable for a Ship of good burthen may goe as high vp as the Citie and is a goodly Wood Countrey Heere our Beefe began to take end and was then as good as the day wee departed from England it was preserued in Pickell which though it bee more chargeable yet the profit payeth the charge in that it is made durable contrary to the opinion of many which hold it impossible that Beefe should be kept good passing the Equinoctiall Line And of our Porke I eate in the house of Don Beltran de Castro in Lyma neere foure yeeres olde very good preserued after the same manner notwithstanding it had lost his Pickle long before Some degrees before a man come to Baldiuia to the Southwards as Spaniards haue told mee lyeth the Iland Chule not easily to be discerned from the Mayne for he that passeth by it cannot but thinke it to bee the Mayne It is said to bee inhabited by the Spaniards but badly
powder correspondent to the waight of the bullet and this being granted I see no reason why any man should require to proue his peece with more then is belonging to it of right for I haue seene many goodly peeces broken with such trials being cleane without hony combes cracke flawe or other perceauable blemish which no doubt wiâ—h their ordinary allowance would haue serued many yeares If I should make choice for my selfe I would not willingly that any peece should come into Fort or ship vnder my charge which had borne at any time more then his ordinary allowance misdoubting least through the violence of the double charge the Peece may be crased within or so forced as at another occasion with his ordinary allowance he might breake in peeces how many men so many mindes for to others this may seeme harsh for that the contrary custome hath so long time beene receiued and therefore I submit to better experience and contradict not but that in a demy culuering a man may put two Saker or Minion shots or many of smaller waight and so in a Musket two Calieuer shot or many smaller so they exceede not the ordinary waight prescribed by proportion art and experience Hauing visited our prizes and finding in them nothing but fish we tooke a small portion for our victualling and gaue the bigger Ship to the Spaniards againe and the lesser wee kept with purpose to make her our Pinnace The Indians which we tooke in her would by no meanes depart from vs but desired to goe with vs for England saying that the Indian and English were brothers and in all places where wee came they shewed them selues much affectionated vnto vs. These were Natiues of Moremoreno and the most brutish of all that euer I had seene and except it were in forme of men and speech they seemed altogether voide of that which appertained to reasonable men They were expert swimmers but after the manner of Spaniels they diue and abide vnder water a long time and swallow the water of the Sea as if it were of a fresh Riuer except a man see them he would hardly beleeue how they continue in the Sea as if they were Mermaides and the water their naturall Element Their Countrie is most barren and poore of foode if they take a fish aliue out of the Sea or meete with a peece of salted fish they will deuoure it without any dressing as sauourly as if it had beene most curiously sodden or dressed all which makes me beleeue that they sustaine themselues of that which they catch in the Sea The Spaniards profit themselues of their labour and trauell and recompence them badly they are in worse condition then their slaues for to those they giue sustenance house-roome and clothing and teach them the knowledge of God but the other they vse as beasts to doe their labour without wages or care of their bodies or soules §. V. The Viceroy sends an Armado against the English which vieweth them and returneth is againe set forth their fight the English yeelde vpon composition Diuers martiall discourses BY generall accord we eased our selues of a leake prise and continued our course alongst the coast till we came thwart of the Bay of Pisco which lyeth within 15. degrees and 15. minutes Presently after we were cleare of Cape Sangalean and his Ilands we ranged this Bay with our Boate and Pinnace It hath two small Ilands in it but without fruite and being becalmed we anchored two dayes thwart of Chilca By Sea and by Land those of Clyly had giuen aduise to Don Garcia Hurtado de Mendoca Marquis of Cauete Vice-roy of Peru resident in Lima of our being on the Coast. He presently with all possible diligence put out six Ships in warlike order with well neere two thousand men and dispatched them to seeke vs and to fight with vs vnder the conduct of Don Beâ—â—rian de Castro Ydelaluca his wiues brother who departing out of the Port of Callao turned to wind-ward in sight ouer the shore from whence they had daily intelligence where wee had beene discouered And the next day after our departure out of Chilca about the middle of May at breake of day we had sight each of other thwart of Cauete we being to wind-wards of the Spanish Armado some two leagues and all with little or no winde Our Pinnace or prize being furnished with Oares came vnto vs out of which we thought to haue taken our men and so to leaue her but being able to come vnto vs at all times it was held for better to keepe her till necessitie forced vs to leaue her and so it was determined that if we came to likelihood of boording she should lay our Boate aboord and enter all her men and from thence to enter our Ship and â—o to forsake her Although by the euent in that occasion this proued good notwithstanding I hold it to be reproued where the enemy is farre superiour in multitude and force and able to come and boord if he list and that the surest course is to fortifie the principall and the best that may be and to cut off all impediments where a man is forced to defence for that no man is assured to haue time answerable to his purpose and will and vpon doubt whether the others in hope to saue themselues will not leaue him in greatest extremitie We presently put our selues in the best order we could to fight and to defend our selues our prayers we made vnto the Lord God of battels for his helpe and our deliuerance putting our selues wholly into his hands About nine of the clocke the Brese began to blow and wee to stand off into the Sea the Spaniards cheeke by iole with vs euer getting to the wind-wards vpon vs for that the shipping of the South Sea is euer moulded sharpe vnder water and long all their voyages depending vpon turning to wind-wards and the Brese blowing euer Southerly As the Sunne began to mount aloft the winde began to fresh which together with the rowling Sea that euer beateth vpon this coast comming out of the westerne-bourd caused a chapping Sea wherewith the Admirall of the Spaniards snapt his maine Mast asunder and so began to lagge a sterne and with him other two Ships The Vice-admirall split her maine-saile being come within shot of vs vpon our broad side but to lee-wards the Reare-admirall cracked her maine-yard asunder in the middest being a head of vs one of the Armado which had gotten vpon the broad side of vs to wind-wards durst not assault vs. With these disgraces vpon them and the hand of God helping and deliuering vs night comming we began to consult what course was best to be taken to free our selues wherein were diuers opinions some said it was best to stand off to the Sea close by all the night others to lye it a hull others to cast about to the shoare-wards two glasses and after all the night to
build their principall shipping from this Riuer Lima and all the valleyes are furnished with Timber for they haue none but that which is brought from hence or from the Kingdome of Chile By this Riuer passeth the principall trade of the Kingdome of Quito it is Nauigable some leagues into the Land and hath great abundance of Timber Those of the Peru vse to ground and trim their Shippes in Puma or in Panama and in all other parts they are forced to carene their Shippes In Puma it higheth and falleth fifteene or sixteene foote water and from this Iland till a man come to Panama in all the coast it ebbeth and floweth more or lesse keeping the ordinary course which the Tides doe in all Seas The water of this Riuer by experience is medicinable for all aches of the bones for the stone and strangurie the reason which is giuen is because all the bankes and low land adioyning to this Riuer are replenished with Salsaperillia which lying for the most part soaking in the water it participateth of this vertue and giueth it this force In this Riuer and all the Riuers of this coast are great abundance of Alagartoes and it is said that this exceedeth the rest for persons of credit haue certified me that as small fishes in other Riuers abound in scoales so the Alagartoes in this they doe much hurt to the Indians and Spaniards and are dreadfull to all whom they catch within their clutches Some fiue or six leagues to the North-wards of Puma is la Punta de Santa Elena vnder which is good anchoring cleane ground and reasonable succour Being thwart of this point wee had sight of a Shippe which wee chased but being of better saile then wee and the night comming on we lost sight of her and so anchored vnder the Isla de Plata to recouer our Pinnace and Boate which had gone about the other point of the Iland which lyeth in two degrees and fortie minutes The next day we past in sight of Puerto Vicjo in two degrees ten minutes which lying without shipping we directed our course for Cape Passaos It lyeth directly vnder the Equinoctiall line some fourescore leagues to the West-wards of this Cape lyeth a heape of Ilands the Spaniards call Illas de los Galapagos they are desert and beare no fruite from Cape Passaos we directed our course to Cape Saint Francisco which lyeth in one degree to the North-wards of the line and being thwart of it we descried a small Shippe which we chased all that day and night and the next morning our Pinnace came to bourd her but being a Ship of aduise and full of passengers and our Ship not able to fetch her vp they entreated our people badly and freed themselues though the feare they conceiued caused them to cast all the dispatches of the King as also of particulars into the Sea with a great part of their loading to be lighter and better of saile for the Ships of the South Sea loade themselues like lighters or sand barges presuming vpon the securitie from stormes Being out of hope to fetch vp this Shippe we stood in with the Cape where the Land beginneth to trend about to the East-wards The Cape is high land and all couered ouer with trees and so is the land ouer the Cape and all the coast from this Cape to Panama is full of wood from the Straits of Magelan to this Cape of San Francisco In all the coast from head-land to head-land the courses lye betwixt the North and North and by West and sometimes more Westerly and that but seldome It is a bold coast and subiect to little foule weather or alteration of windes for the Brese which is the Southerly winde bloweth continually from Balparizo to Cape San Francisco except it be a great chance Trending about the Cape wee haled in East North-east to fetch the Bay of Atacames which lyeth some seuen leagues from the Cape In the mid way some three leagues from the shore lyeth a banke of sand whereof a man must haue a care for in some parts of it there is but little water The tenth of Iune we came to an anchor in the Bay of Atacames which on the Wester part hath a round hammock It seemeth an Iland in high Springs I iudge that the Sea goeth round about it To the Eastwards it hath a high sandie Cliffe and in the middest of the Bay a faire birth from the shoare lieth a bigge blacke Rocke aboue water from this Rocke to the sandy Cliffe is a drowned Marsh ground caused by his lownesse And a great Riuer which is broad but of no depth Manning our Boate and running to the shoare wee found presently in the Westerne bight of the Bay a deepe Riuer whose Indraught was so great that we could not benefit our selues of it being brackish except at a low water which hindred our dispatch yet in fiue dayes wee filled all our emptie Caske supplied ouâ— want of wood and grounded and put in order our Pinnasse Here for that our Indians serued vs to no other vse but to consume our victuals we eased our selues of them gaue them Hookes and Lines which they craued and some bread for a few dayes and replanted them in a rarre better Countrey then their owne which fell out luckily for the Spaniards of the Shippe which wee chased thwart of Cape San Francisco for victuals growing short with her hauing many mouthes shee was forced to put ashoare fifty of her passengers neere the Cape whereof more then the one halfe died with famine and continuall wading through Riuers and waters the rest by chance meeting with the Indians which we had put ashore with their fishing guide and industry were refreshed sustained and brought to habitation Our necessary businesse being ended we purposed the fifteenth day of May in the morning to setsaile but the foureteenth in the euâ—ning we had sight of a Shippe some three leagues to Sea-wards and through the importunitie of my Captaine and Companie I condiscended that our Pinnace should giue her chase which I should not haue done for it was our destruction I gaue them precise order that if they stood not in againe at night they should seeke me at Cape San Francisco for the next morning I purposed to set sayle without delay and so seeing that our Pinnace slowed her comming at nine of the clocke in the morning we waied our Anchors and stood for the Cape where we beate off and on two dayes and our Pinnace not appearing wee stood againe into the Bay where we descried heâ— turning in without a maine Mast which standing off to the Sea close by with much winde and a ch 〈…〉 ng Seâ— bearing a taut-sayle where a little was too much being to small purpose sodainely tâ—ey bare it by the bourd and standing in with the shore the winde or rather God blinding thâ—m for our punishment they knew not the
the Ministers in our behalfe Came wee into the South-sea to put out flags of truce And left we our pleasant England with all her contentments with intention or purpose to auaile our selues of white rags The Captaine and Company were perswaded to resolution and in accomplishment of this promise and determination they perseuered in sustaining the fight all this night with the day and night following and the third day after In which time the Enemy neuer left vs day nor night beating continually vpon vs with his great and small shot Sauing that euery morning an houre before breake of day hee edged a little from vs to breath and to remedie such defects as were amisse as also to consult what they should doe the day and night following This time of interdiction we imployed in repairing our Sayles and Tacklings in stopping our Leakes in fishing and woolling our Masts and Yards in mending our Pumpes and in fitting and prouiding our selues for the day to come though this was but little space for so many workes yet gaue it great reliefe and comfort vnto vs and made vs better able to endure the defence for otherwise our ship must of force haue suncke before our surrendrie hauing many shot vnder water and our Pumpes shot to pieces euery day In all this space not any man of either part tooke rest or sleepe and little sustenance besides Bread and Wine In the second dayes fight the Vice-admirall comming vpon our quarter William Blanch one of our Masters mates with a luckie hand made a shot vnto her with one of our sterne Peeces it carried away his maine Mast close by the deck wherewith the Admirall beare vp to her to see what harme shee had receiued and to giue her such succour as shee was able to spare which we seeing were in good hope that they would haue now left to molest vs any longer hauing wherewithall to entertaine themselues in redressing their owne harmes And so we stood away from them close by as wee could which wee should not haue done but prosecuted the occasion and brought our selues close vpon her weathergage and with our great and small shot hindered them from repairing their harmes if we had thus done they had beene forced to cut all by the boord and it may be lying a hull or to le-wards of vs with a few shot we might haue sunke her At the least it would haue declared to our enemies that we had them in little estimation when able to go from them we would not and perhaps beene a cause to haue made them to leaue vs. But this occasion was let slip as also that other to fight with them sayling quarter winds or before the wind for hauing stood off to Sea a day and a night we had scope to fight at our pleasure and no man hauing sea roome is bound to fight as his enemy will with disaduantage being able otherwise to deale with equalitie contrariwise euery man ought to seeke the meanes hee can for his defence and greatest aduantage to the anoyance of his contrary Now we might with our fore-saile low set haue borne vp before the winde and the enemy of force must haue done the like if he would fight with vs or keep vs company and then should we haue had the aduantage of them For although their Artillery were longer waightier and many more then ours and in truth did pierce with greater violence yet ours being of greater bore and carrying a waightier and greater shot was of more importance and of better effect for sinking and spoyling for the smaller shot passeth through and maketh but his hole and harmeth that which lyeth in his way but the greater shaketh and shiuereth all it meeteth and with the splinters or that which it encountreth many times doth more hurt then with his proper circumference as is plainely seene in the battery by land when the Saker and Demy-coluerin the Coluerin and Demi-canon being peeces that reach much further point blanke then the Canon are nothing of like importance for making the breach as is the Canon for that this shot being ponderous pierceth with difficultie yea worketh better effects tormenting shaking and ouerthrowing all whereas the others with their violence pierce better and make onely their hole and so hide themselues in the Wooll or Rampire Besides our ship being yare and good of steeridge no doubt but we should haue plaied better with our Ordnance and with more effect then did our enemies which was a greater terrour being able to fight with lesse disaduantage and yet to fight with the most that could be imagined which I knew not of neither was able to direct though I had knowne it being in a manner senslesse what with my wounds and what with the agony of the surrendry propounded for that had seldome knowne it spoken of but that it came afterwards to be put in execution The General not being able to succour his Vice-admiral except he should vtterly leaue vs gaue them order to shift as well as they could for the present and to beare with the next Port and there to repaire their harmes Himselfe presently followed the Chase and in short space fetched vs vp and began a fresh to batter vs with his great and small shot The Vice-admirall hauing saued what they could cut the rest by the boord and with Fore-sayle and Myson came after vs also and before the setting of the Sun were come vpon our broad side we bearing all our Sayles and after kept vs company lying vpon our weather quarter and anoying vs what shee could Here I hold it necessary to make mention of two things which were most preiudiciall vnto vs and the principall causes of our perdition the errours and faults of late dayes crept in amongst those who follow the Sea and learned from the Flemings and Easterlings I wish that by our misfortunes others would take warning and procure to redresse them as occasions shall be offered The one is to fight vâ—â—â—med where they may fight armed The other is in comming to fight to drinke themselues drunke Yea some are so mad that they mingle Powder with Wine to giue it the greater force imagining that it giueth spirit strength and courage and taketh away all feare and doubt The latter is for the most part true but the former is false and beastly and altogether against reason For though the nature of wine with moderation is to comfort and re 〈…〉 e the heart and to fortifie and strengthen the spirit yet the immoderate vse thereof worketh quite contrary effects In fights all receits which adde courage and spirit are of great regard to be allowed and vsed and so is a draught of wine to be giuen to euery man before he come to action but more then enough is pernicious for exceeding the meanes it offendeth and infeebleth the sences conuerting the strength which should resist the force of the enemy into weakenesse
would giue vs his word and oath as the Generall of the King and some pledge for confirmation to receiue vs a buena querra and to giue vs our liues and liberty and present passage into our owne Countrey that wee would surrender our selues and Ship into his hands Otherwise that he should neuer enioy of vs nor ours any thing but a resolution euery man to dye fighting With this Message I dispatched him and called vnto me all my Company and encouraged them to sacrifice their liues fighting and killing the enemy if hee gaue but a fillip to any of our companions The Spaniards willed vs to hoise out our boate which was shot all to peeces and so was theirs Seeing that he called to vs to amaine our sailes which wee could not well doe for that they were slung and we had not men enough to hand them In this parley the Vice-admirall comming vpon our quarter not knowing of what had past discharged her two chase peeces at vs and hurt our Captaine very sore in the thigh and maimed one of our Masters Mates called Hugh Maires in one of his Armes but after knowing vs to be rendred he secured vs And we satisfied them that we could not hoise out our boate nor strike our sayles the Admirall laid vs abourd but before any man entred Iohn Gomes went vnto the Generall who receiued him with great curtesie and asked him what we required whereunto hee made answere that my demand was that in the Kings name he should giue vs his faith and promise to giue vs our liues to keepe the Lawes of faire warres and quarter and to send vs presently into our Countrey and in confirmation hereof that I required some pledge whereunto the Generall made answere that in the Kings Maiesties name his Master he receiued vs a buena querra and swore by God Almighty and by the habit of Alcautara whereof he had receiued Knight hood and in token whereof he wore in his breast a greene crosse which is the ensigne of that Order that hee would giue vs our liues with good entreatie and send vs as speedily as he could into our owne Countrey In confirmation whereof he tooke off his gloue and sent it to me as a pledge With this message Iohn Gomes returned and the Spaniards entred and tooke possession of our Ship euery one crying buena querra buena querra â—y por immaniana por ti with which our Company began to secure themselues The Generall was a principall Gentleman of the ancient Nobilitie of Spaine and brother to the Conde de Lemos whose intention no doubt was according to his promise and therefore considering that some bad intreaty and insolency might be offered vnto me in my Ship by the common Souldiers who seldome haue respect to any person in such occasions especially in the case I was whereof he had enformed himselfe for preuention he sent a principall Captain brought vp long time in Flanders called Pedro Alueres de Pulgar to take care of me and whilest the Ship were one abourd the other to bring me into his Ship which he accomplished with great humanity and courtesie despising the barres of Gold which were shared before his face which hee might alone haue enioyed if he would And truely he was as after I found by triall a true Captaine a man worthy of any charge and of the noblest condition that I haue knowne any Spaniard The Generall receiued me with great courtesie and compassion euen with teares in his eyes and words of great consolation and commanded mee to bee accommodated in his owne Cabbine where hee sought to cure and comfort mee the best hee could the like hee vsed with all our hurt men sixe and thirtie at least And doubtlesse as true courage valour and resolution it requisite in a Generall in the time of battell So humanitie mildnesse and courtesie after victorie Whilest the ships were together the Maine-mast of the Daintie fell by the boord and the people being occupied in ransacking and seeking for spoile and pillage neglected the principall whereof ensued that within a short space the Daintie grew so deepe with water which increased for want of preuention that all who were in her desired to forsake her and weaued and cried for succour to be saued being out of hope of her recouerie Whereupon the Generall calling together the best experimented men hee had and consulting with them what was best to bee done it was resolued that Generall Michael Angel should goe aboord the Daintie and with him threescore Mariners as many Souldiers and with them the English men who were able to labour to free her from water and to put her in order if it were possible and then to recouer Perico the Port of Panama for that of those to wind-wards it was impossible to turne vp to any of them and neerer then to â—eward was not any that could supply our necessities and wants which lay from vs East North-east aboue two hundred leagues Michael Angel being a man of experience and care accomplished that hee tooke in hand although in cleering and bayling the water in placing a pumpe and in fitting and mending her Fore-saile he spent aboue six and thirtie houres During which time the Ships lay all a hull but this worke ended they set saile and directed their course for the Iles of Pearles And for that the Daintie sailed badly what for want of her Maine-saile and with the aduantage which all the South Sea ships haue of all those built in our North Sea The Admirall gaue her a taw which notwithstanding the wind calming with vs as wee approached neerer to the Land twelue daies were spent before wee could fetch sight of the Ilands which lie alongst the Coast beginning some eight leagues West South-west from Panama and run to the Southwards neere thirtie leagues They are many and most inhabited and those which haue people haue some Negros slaues vnto the Spaniards which occupie themselues in labour of the Land or in fishing for Pearles In times past many enriched themselues with that trade but now it is growne to decay The manner of fishing for Pearles is with certaine long Pinnasses or small Barkes in which there goe foure fiue six or eight Negros expert swimmers and great dieuers whom the Spaniards call Busos with tract of time vse and continuall practise hauing learned to hold their breath long vnder water for the better atchieuing their worke These throwing themselues into the Sea with certaine instruments of their Art goe to the bottome and seeke the Bankes of the Oysters in which the Pearles are ingendred and with their force and Art remoue from their foundation in which they spend more or lesse time according to the resistance the firmnesse of the ground affordeth Once losed they put them into a bag vnder their armes and after bring them vp into their Boats hauing loaden it they goe to the shoare there they open
little to the Southwards of the Iland of Pearle betwixt seuen and eight degrees is the great Riuer of Saint Buena Ventura It falleth into the South Sea with three mouthes the head of which is but a little distant from the North Sea In the yeere 1575. or 1576. one Iohn Oxnam of Plimouth going into the West Indies ioyned with the Symarons These are fugitiue Negroes and for the bad intreatie which their Masters had giuen them were then retired into the Mountaines and liued vpon the spoyle of such Spaniards as they could master and could neuer bee brought into obedience till by composition they had a place limited them for their freedome where they should liue quietly by themselues At this day they haue a great habitation neere Panama called Saint Iago de los Negros well peopled with all their Officers and Commanders of their owne saue onely a Spanish Gouernour By the assistance of these Symarons hee brought to the head of this Riuer by piecemeale and in many Iourneyes a small Pinnace hee fitted it by time in warlike manner and with the choice of his Companie put himselfe into the South Sea where his good happe was to meete with a couple of shippes of trade and in the one of them a great quantitie of Gold And amongst other things two pieces of speciall estimation the one a Table of massy Gold with Emralds sent for a present to the King the other a Lady of singular beautie married and a mother of children The latter grew to bee his perdition for hee had capitulated with these Symarons that their part of the bootie should be onely the prisoners to the end to execute their malice vpon them such was the rancour they had conceiued against them for that they had beene the Tyrants of their libertie But the Spaniards not contented to haue them their slaues who lately had beene their Lords added to their seruitude cruell intreaties And they againe to feede their insatiable reuenges accustomed to roast and eate the hearts of all those Spaniards whom at any time they could lay hand vpon Iohn Oxnam I say was taken with the loue of this Lady and to winne her good will what through her teares and perswasions and what through feare and detestation of their barbarous inclinations breaking promise with the Symarons yeelded to her request which was to giue the prisoners libertie with their shippes for that they were not vsefull for him notwithstanding Oxnam kept the Lady who had in one of the restored shippes either a Sonne or a Nephew This Nephew with the rest of the Spaniards made all the haste they could to Pamana and they vsed such diligence as within few houres some were dispatched to seeke those who little thought so quickly to bee ouertaken The pursuers approaching the Riuer were doubtfull by which of the afore-remembred three mouthes they should take their way In this wauering one of the Souldiers espied certaine feathers c. Comming in sight of the Ilands of Pearles the winde beganne to fresh in with vs and wee profited our selues of it but comming thwart of a small Iland which they call La Pacheta that lieth within the Pearle Ilands close aboord the Mayne and some eight or tenne leagues South and by West from Panama the winde calmed againe This Iland belongeth to a priuate man it is a round humocke contayning not a league of ground but most fertile Insomuch that by the owners industrie and the labour of some few slaues who occupie themselues in maâ—uring it and two Barkes which he employeth in bringing the fruit it giueth to Panama it is said to be worth him euery weeke one with another a barre of siluer valued betwixt two hundreth and fiftie or three hundreth Pezos which in English money may amount to fiftie or threescore pound and for that which I saw at my being in Panama touching this I hold to be true In our course to fetch the Port of Panama we put our selues betwixt the Ilands and the Main which is a goodly Channell of three foure and fiue leagues broad and without danger except a man come too neere the shoare on any side and that is thought the better course then to goe a Sea-boord of the Ilands because of the swift running of the tides and the aduantage to stop the ebbe As also for succour if a man should happen to be becalmed at any time beyond expectation which happeneth sometimes The seuenth of Iuly wee had sight of Perico they are two little Ilands which cause the Port of Panama where all the shippes vse to ride It is some two Leagues West North-west of the Citie which hath also a Pere in it selfe for small Barkes at full Sea it may haue some sixe or seuen foot water but at lowe water it is drie The ninth of Iuly wee anchored vnder Perico and the Generall presently aduised the Audienoia of that which had succeeded in his Iourney which vnderstood by them caused Bonfires to be made and euery man to put Luminaries in their houses the fashion is much vsed amongst the Spaniards in their feasts of ioy or for glad tidings placing many lights in their Churches in their windowes and Galleries and corners of their houses which being in the beginning of the night and the Citie close by the Sea shoare shewed to vs being farre off as though the Citie had beene on a light fire About eight of the clocke all the Artilerie of the Citie was shot off which wee might discerne by the flash of fire but could not heare the report yet the Armado being aduised thereof and in a readinesse answered them likewise with all their Artilerie which taking end as all the vanities of this earth doe The Generall setled himselfe to dispatch aduice for the King for the Vice-roy of Peru and the Vice-roy of Noua Spana for hee also had beene certified of our being in that Sea and had fitted an Armado to seeke vs and to guard his coast But now for a farewell and note it Let mee relate vnto you this Secret How Don Beltran shewed mee a Letter from the King his Master directed to the Vice-roy wherein hee gaue him particular relation of my pretended Voyage of the shippes their burden their munition their number of men which I had in them as perfectly as if hee had seene all with his owne eyes Saying vnto mee Hereby you may discerne whether the King my Master haue friends in England and good and speedy aduice of all that passeth Whereunto I replyed It was no wonder for that hee had plenty of Gold and Siluer which worketh this and more strange effects for my Iourney was publique and notorious to all the Kingdome whereunto he replyed that if I thought it so conuenient leaue should be giuen me to write into England to the Queens Maiestie my Mistresse to my Father and to other personages as I thought good and leauing the Letters open that
hee would send some of them in the Kings Packet others to his Vncle Don Rodrigo de Castro Cardinall and Archbishop of Seuill and to other friends of his Not making any doubt but that they would bee speedily in England For which I thanked him and accepted his courtesie and although I was my selfe vnable to write yet by the hands of a seruant of mine I wrote three or foure copies of one Letter to my Father Sir Iohn Hawkins In which I briefly made relation of all that had succeeded in our Voyage The dispatches of Spaine and New Spaine went by ordinarie course in ships of aduice but that for the Peru was sent by a kinsman of the Generals called Don Francisco de la Cuena Which being dispatched Don Beltran hasted all that euer he could to put his ships in order to returne to Lyma Hee caused the Daintie to be grounded and trimmed for in those Ilands it higheth and falleth some fifteene or sixteene foot water And the Generall with his Captaines and some Religious men being aboord her and new naming her named her the Uisitation for that shee was rendred on the day on which they celebrate the Visitation of the Virgin Marie In that place the ground being plaine and without vantage whereby to helpe the tender sided and sharpe Ships they are forced to shoare them on either side In the middest of their solemnitie her props and shores of one side fayled and so shee fell ouer vpon that side suddenly intreating many of them which were in her very badly and doubtlesse had shee beene like the ships of the South Sea shee had broken out her bulge but being without Masts and emptie for in the South Sea when they bring aground a shippe they leaue neither Mast Balast nor any other thing aboord besides the bare Hull her strength was such as it made no great showe to haue receiued any dâ—mage but the feare shee put them all into was not little and caused them to runne out of her faster then a pace In these Ilands is no succour nor refreshing onely in the one of them is one house of straw and a little spring of small moment For the water which the Shippes vse for their prouision they fetch from another Iland two leagues West North-west of these which they call Tabaga hauing in it some fruit and refreshing and some few Indians to inhabite it What succeeded to mee and to the rest during our Imprisonment with the rarities and particularities of the Peru and Tierra firme my Voyage to Spaine and the successe with the time I spent in prison in the Peru in the Tercera in Seuill and in Madrid with the accidents which befell mee in them I leaue for a second part of this discourse if God giue life and conuenient place and rest necessarie for so tedious and troublesome a worke desiring God that is Almightie to giue his blessing to this and the rest of my intentions that it and they may be fruitfull to his glorie and to the good of all then shall my desires bee accomplished and I account my selfe most happie To whom be all glory and thankes from all eternitie CHAP. VI. A briefe Note written by Master IOHN ELLIS one of the Captaines with Sir RICHARD HAWKINS in his Voyage through the Strait of MACELAN begunne the ninth of Aprill 1593. concerning the said Straite and certaine places on the coast and Inland of Peru. THe second of Februarie 1593. wee fell with the Land of Terra Australis in 50 degrees fiftie fiue leagues off the Straite of Magelan which Land lay East and by North or East North-east from the Straite which is a part of Terra Australis from which Land wee entred the Straite vpon the West South-west course then we ran ten leagues West North-west other ten leagues West South-west then eight leagues South-west and came to an anchor on the starboord side in a hooke where you may moore any ship in twelue fathomes water From thence wee ranne South-west and by South seuen leagues where we came to an Iland called Penguin Iland and tooke in fiue or sixe tunnes of Penguins and flayed them and salted them Thence twelue leagues South South-west and found good riding in twelue fathoms fine sand from thence to Port Famine the new Towne of Pedro Sarmiento fiue leagues South-west Then West North-west sixteene leagues where we anchored in good riding Then North-west and by West till wee came to the Riuer of Geneuera on the starboord side eight leagues Then fiue leagues North-west Then North-west and by West thirtie leagues till wee came out of the Straite which is in length one hundred and eleuen leagues The mouth or entrance of the Straite is in thirtie two degrees and an halfe and the Out-let is in the same heigth The middle is in fiftie foure degrees and a terce After wee were come out of the Straite wee went away North-west and by North fortie leagues into the Sea then North vntill wee came to the Iland of Mocha which is in thirtie eight degrees and thirtie minutes where we had good trade with the People This I le is three leagues long where great reliefe of Mutton Mais and other things may bee had from the Indians This I le is twelue leagues from the mayne Land From thence wee went North and past by the I le of Saint Marie from thence vnto Valparaiso which standeth in thirtie three degrees into which Hauen I went with our Boate and tooke foure shippes in which wee had Wines and other good prouition and there wee remayned the space of twelue dayes And in this time I went on shoare and tooke fiue houses which were full of Wine and other good things And in this time there came a shippe by the Harbour which the Generall went to take but hee did not yet I with twelue men did take her and within one houre the Generall came to vs. The shippe had clothes of Cotton for men to weare of the Indian making and some Gold Valparaiso is a Port and a 〈◊〉 in the bottome of the Bay where they make excellent Wine From thence eighteene leagues into the Land is Saint Iago a great Towne of Spaniards From thence wee passed to Arica which is in twentie degrees as I take it All this Coast lieth North and South From thence wee passed to Pisco and Chincha where the Generall and the Master Hugh Cornish went to goe on shoare but they did not Heere wee met with sixe of the Kings shippes which came to seeke vs but at that time wee escaped them These places are in fourteene degrees and an halfe From thence wee passed by the Citie of Lima which is in twelue degrees and an halfe From thence by Paita which is an Hauen and a Towne and standeth in fiue degrees From thence wee passed by the Equinoctiall Line and went to Atacame where wee were taken the two and twentieth
these Rites they say they pray for the dead They neuer make an end till they haue spent all and then they returne to their labours They are very expert in the Arts which they learne although it be writing or reading which yet is not granted them to learne They pay yeerely to their Gouernours a certaine tribute of Siluer and other things after they are eighteene yeeres old till fiftie The Commendator receiueth these things conditionally to maintaine a Priest and a Corrigidor and to pay the tenths to the Church This and other places are there giuen for two liues the sonne or eldest daughter succeeding The Corrigidors amongst the Indians are prohibited merchandise A Visitor is appointed in euery Court to goe to the places of that Precinct to enquire of affaires and to decide controuersies The number of Mesticos is great which wander vp and downe poore and beggarly nor giue their minds to learne any handicrafts It were good they were forced to labour A Councell celebrated at Lima 1583. in the third Session Chap. 22. approued of the Pope and our King decreed that wheresoeuer one thousand Indians are found together a Teacher and Priest should be set ouer them The Indians Priests vse at the Kings charges to carrie with them many religious men and the Iesuites by the supreme Councell of India with aduise of the BB. are commanded to send many thither for the Bishops assistance The Rents and Tenths of Bishoprickes are deuided into foure parts one of which goeth to the Bishop a second to the Deane and Chapiter so as the Deanes proportion is 150. the dignities 130. the Canons 100. The third and fourth part are diuided into nine shares called Ninths of which two returne to the King and are bestowed on the buildings of Cathedrall Churches another ninth and halfe on the Fabrickes another ninth and halfe on the Hospitall buildings the fourth remayning are paid to the Vicars Singers Organists and other Church Officers What remayneth is spent on the Fabrickes All are laid out by the Bishops order In my iudgement it were very good if euery Bishoprick had Seminaries and Colledges wherein the children of their Caciques and chiefe men might be educated to be maintayned by the Caciques The Bishopricke of Cusco is 200. leagues long and 70. broad that of Lima is greater by the one halfe as is that also of Quito Whereupon the Bishops of the New World writ to the King that it were better to make them more Bishoprickes each of which shall yet retaine 20000. Pezos Euery seuenth yeere ordinarily is a Prouinciall Synod in Peru to which the Bishoppes come some by Sea some by Land 400. or 600. leagues the wayes not admitting Coaches Some haue sought for Vniuersities in some places to bee erected as those of Quito at least for Diuinitie and the liberall Arts and Indian Tongue the Professors to haue foure or 5000. Duckets a piece yeerely There is no question but of the Indians many learned men may adorne the Schooles and Pulpits The Kings Reuenue out of the West Indies is twelue Millions yeerely growing out of the fifth of Gold and Siluer great Meltings Customes of Ports Indian Tributes sale of Offices the Cruzada Tribute of Rents Quicksiluer Fines of Courts and the ninth part of Ecclesiasticall Rents Popes Buls and Collations of Benefices Ecclesiasticall and Secular are subiect to the King and ordered by his supreame Councell of the Indies CHAP. X. Relation of the new Discouerie in the South Sea made by PEDRO FERNANDEZ GIROS Portugez 1609. with his Petitions to the King one Englished another in Spanish THis man being a famous Pilot was sent with two ships from Peru to discouer the Ilands of Salomon After hee had taken his course in the height of the Straits of Magellanuâ— little more or lesse he did discouer a mayne Land and sayled eight hundred leagues vpon the Coast vntill he came to the height of fifteene degrees to the Southward of the Equinoctiall Line where hee found a very fruitfull and pleasant Countrey and well peopled abounding with Pearles Gold and Siluer great store of Limons Orenges and other Fruites excellent good and in great quantitie great store of Goats Hogges Geese Partridges Conies and Fowle Pepper and Spices The Countrey is very temperate and healthfull great store of fish of many different sorts full of wood and goodly high Trees for shipping very good pasture ground for Corne and Cattell The men of the Countrey are some tawnie and some white of good disposition more ciuill and politike then the Indians of Peru and Noua Hispania There is in the Coast a Bay of some twentie leagues into which there fals two great Riuers out of the Countrey which is the place where they purpose to settle their first Plantations There are many Ilands in the same Coast both great and little plentifull they are all and well inhabited This Captaine Giroz shall be presently sent vnto Peru with order and Commission to take vp twelue hundred men and shipping with other necessaries for the Voyage to inhabit and as many more shall be sent the yeere following from Noua Hispania and for the whole businesse he is to receiue fiue hundred thousand Duckets Walsingham Gresley The Copie of a Petition presented to the King of Spaine by Captaine PETER FERDINAND de Quir touching the Discouerie of the fourth part of the World called Terra Australis incognita and of the great riches and fertilite of the same Printed with license in Siuill An. 1610. SIR I Captaine Fernandez de Quiros shew vnto you that this is the eighth Petition which by mee hath beene presented to your Maiesties view to perswade the conduction of some Colonies vnto the Land which your Maiestie hath commanded to bee discouered in the parts of Australia incognita And yet to this houre no resolution is taken neither haue I receiued any answere or hope whereby I might rest assured to obtaine my dispatch although I haue attended fourteene moneths in your Court and haue imployed fourteene yeeres in this Discouery without any profit or other respect but the benefit thereof with which notwithstanding infinite contradictions I haue gone 20000. leagues by Land and by Sea and haue diminished and sunke my estate I haue trauelled with many afflictions in my person and suffered such strange and extraordinary crosses that they seeme almost incredible to my selfe and all that so Religious an vndertake should not vnworthily be abandoned In regard whereof I do most humbly beseech your Maiestie in the bowels of the diuine charitie that you would be pleased to take order that I be not depriued of the fruits of this Designe which with such instance I doe desire and which with so much iustice are due vnto my continuall paines and trauell nor that I bee debarred from the effects of so considerable and well grounded a request whose principall scope is the glory of God and of your Maiestie and from
whence infinite benefits are likely to issue forth which will liue as long as the fabrick of the World shall subsist and after the dissolution thereof will remaine to all Eternitie 1. Touching the extent of these Regions newly discouered grounding my iudgement on that which I haue seene with mine owne eyes and vpon that which Captaine Lewes Paez de Torres Admirall of my Fleet hath represented vnto your Maiestie the length thereof is as great as all Europe and Asia the lesse vnto the Sea of Bachu Persia and all the Iles aswell of the Ocean as of the Mediterranean Sea taking England and Island into this account This vnknowne Countrey is the fourth part of the Terrestriall Globe and extendeth it selfe to such length that in probabilitie it is twice greater in Kingdomes and Seignories then all that which at this day doth acknowledge subiection and obedience vnto your Maiestie and that without neighbourhood either of Turkes or Moores or of any other Nation which attempteth warre vpon confining Countreyes The Land which we haue discouered is all seated within the Torrid Zone and a great tract thereof reacheth vnto the Equinoctiall Circle the breath may be of 90. degrees and in some places a little lesse And if the successe proue answerable vnto the hopes they will be found Antipodes vnto the better part of Africke vnto all Europe and to the greater portion of Asia But you must obserue that as the Contreyes which we haue discouered in 15. degrees of latitude are better then Spaine so the other which are opposed to their eleuation must by proportion and analogie prooue some terrestriall Paradise 2. All those quarters swarme with an incredible multitude of Inhabitants whereof some are white others blacke and in colour like Mulatos or halfe Moores and others of a mingled complexion Some weare their haire long blacke and scattered others haue their haire cripsed and thicke and others very yellow and bright Which diuersitie is an apparant argmument that there is an apparant argument that there is commerce and communication amongst them And this consideration together with the bountie which Nature hath bestowed on the soile their inexperience of Artillery and Guns and their vnskilfulnesse in labouring in Mynes with other semblable circumstances doth induce mee to inferre that all the Countrey is well peopled They know little what belongeth to artificiall Trades for they haue neither fortifications nor walles and liue without the awe of Kings or Lawes They are a simple people cantoned into partialities and exercise much disagreement amongst themselues The Armes which they vse are Bowes and Arrowes which are not poisoned or steeped in the iuice of venemous herbes as the custome is of many other Countreyes They doe also carrie Clubs Truncheons Pikes Dartes to hurle with the arme all which are framed only of wood They doe couer themselues from the waste or girdling place down to the halfe of their thighs they are very studious of cleanlinesse tractable cheerefull and wonderously addicted to bee gratefull vnto those that doe them a courtesie as I haue experienced many times The which doth build in me a beliefe that with the assistance of God if they may be gently and amiably intreated they will bee found very docible and easie of mannage and that we shall without much worke accommodate our selues vnto them And it is most necessary to obserue this way of sweetnesse especially in the beginning that the Inhabitants may be drawne along to this so holy and sauing an end whereof we ought to take a particular care and zeale aswell in small things as in matters of more importance Their houses are built of wood couered with Palme-tree leaues they haue Pitchers and Vessels made of earth they are not without the mysterie of weauing and other curiosities of that kind They worke on Marble they haue Flutes Drummes and wooden Spoones they set apart certaine places for Oratories and Prayers and for buriall places Their Gardens are artificially seuered into beds bordered and paled Mother of Pearle and the shels which containe Pearle they haue in much vse and estimation of which they make Wedges Rasors Sawes Culters and such like Instruments They also doe make thereof Pearles and great Beads to weare about their neckes They that doe dwell in the Ilands haue Boats very artificially made and exceedingly commodious for sayling which is a certaine argument that they confine vpon other Nations that are of a more polished and elegant behauiour And this also they haue of our husbandry that they cut Cocks and geld Boares 3. Their bread is vsually made of three sorts of Roots which grow there in great abundance Neither doe they imploy much labour in making this bread for they do onely rost the Roots vntill they are soft and tender They are very pleasant to the taste wholsome and nourishing they are of a good lengâ—h there being of them of an Ell long and the halfe of that in bignesse There is great store of excellent fruits in these Countreyes There are sixe kinds of Plane Trees Almond Trees of foure sorts and other Trees called Obi resembling almost in fruit and greatnesse the Melacatones store of Nuts Orenges and Limonds They haue moreouer Sugar-canes large in size and in great plentie they haue knowledge of our ordinarie Apples they haue Palme-trees without number out of which there may easily bee drawne a iuyce which will make a liquor alluding much to Wine as also Whey Vineger and Honey the kernels thereof are exceeding sweet And they haue fruits which the Indians call Cocos which being greene doe make a kinde of twine and the pith is almost like in taste vnto the Creame of Milke When they are ripe they serue for meate and drinke both by Land and Sea And when they wither and fall from the Tree there sweateth out an Oyle from them which is very good to burne in Lampes and is medicinable for wounds and not vnpleasant to be eaten Of their rindes or barks there are made Bottles and other like Vessels and the inner skin doth serue for calking of ships Men doe make Cables and other Cordage of them which are of sufficient strength to draw a Canon and are fit for other domesticke vses But that which is more speciall they do there vse the leaues of Palme-trees which they a masse together to make sayles of them for Vessels of small bulke and burthen They make likewise fine thinne Mats of them and they do serue to couer the house without and for hangings within And of them they doe likewise make Pikes and other sorts of weapons as also Oares to row with and Vtensils for the house You are to note that these Palme-trees are their Vines from whence they gather their Wine all the yeere long which they make without much cost or labour Amongst their herbage and Garden fruites Wee haue seene Melons Peares great and little and sundry sorts of pot-herbes And they haue also Beanes For flesh they are stored
aforesaid Francis Drake came with a strong Fleet of about foure and twentie ships and did such harme as it is well knowne to all Christendome but God sparing the King of Spaines life he will sufficiently prouide to keepe his Subiects from the inuasions of other Nations Now to goe forward with our begunne worke the first People that is in this Coast being past Nombre de Dios is called Cartagena it is a healthfuller Countrie and a greater Towne then the other and a better Countrie with plentie of Victuals and a very good Port for shipping passing any of the rest and is called Cartagena for that it resembleth very much the Citie of Cartagena in Spaine there are in it about foure hundred fire houses in the Citie it is very rich by reason of the ships staying there when they goe or come from Spaine And if the ships chance to winter before they goe home then they lie at Cartagena also it is greatly enriched by the Merchandise that here they doe discharge for to carrie to the new Kingdome of Granada and much Gold commeth from the said Kingdome vnto Cartagena This new Kingdome of Granada is two hundred leagues within the Land From Cartagena to this Kingdome they cannot trauell by Land because of the Mountaines and standing waters which lie in their way so that they carrie their goods vp a Riuer called The great Riuer of Magdalene they can goe with their Barques vp this Riuer but twentie leagues yet the Riuer is both large and very deepe but there runneth a great current so that the Barques discharge the goods at a place in the Riuer called Branco de Malambo into small Canoas which rowe close by the shoare side There is a passage by the New Kingdome and Popayan from Cartagena to Peru by Land which is about fiue hundred leagues so that taking the two hundred leagues which they goe vp the Riuer the other three hundred leagues is a Countrie well inhabited and quiet trauelling so that oftentimes the Posts passe to and fro but because the way is long the Merchants doe not trauell that way but when they are forced thereunto if any forraine Nations should take and keepe the South Sea the King might haue his treasure brought to this place from Peru and so into Spaine For in times past there was a rebellion in Peru by the Spaniards against the King and thorow these Prouinces he sent his power to suppresse them Santa Marta is a very poore Towne because it bath beene often robbed of the Frenchmen and hath no trade but by a few Indians that dwell about them Here beginneth the great Mountaines couered all with snow which compasseth all the Countrie of India and Peru vntill you come to the further end of the Straites of Magelan these Mountaines are seene with the snowe vpon them aboue thirtie leagues into the Sea in the bottome of this Wildernesse or Mountains there is a Valley called Tagrona which is the richest place that is knowne but because the Land that is ioyning to it is full of Mountaines and the Inhabitants are very many and withall of a good courage and they vse to poison their Arrowes so that in striking of a man hee cannot escape death Therefore it lieth vncoâ—quered and many Spanish Captaines there haue beene slaine On this Coast of The Firme Land there are aboue seuentie Ilands of Sante Domingo and Cuba and Porto Rico although it be not very great yet it is inhabited by the Spaniard the rest of all the Ilands haue beene inhabited by Indians where was good store oâ— Gold and Pearles and Emeralds but the Spaniards haue destroyed all those Indians from off the Earth and in many of those Ilands is nothing of any value therefore I haue small cause to intreat of them but Santa Domâ—ngo is an Iland of great bignesse and hath beene very full of people and rich Mines of Gold and Peaâ—les but now all is wasted away for it was as full of people as any place of that bignesse in the world yet now are there none left for they were men of so hard a heart that they killed themselues rather then they would serue the Spaniards It happened on a time that a Spaniard called certaine Indians to goe to worke in the Mines which kinde of labour did most grieue them and would rather doe violence on themselues then to goe which the Spaniard perceiuing he said vnto them seeing you will rather hang your selues then to goe and worke I will likewise hang my selfe and goe with you because I will make you worke in the other world but the Indians hearing this said wee will willingly worke with you because you shall not goe with vs so vnwilling they were of the Spaniards companie so that of all the Inhabitants of this Iland there was none escaped death but onely these few which was by the meanes of this Spaniard or else they would haue hanged themselues also There is neere this Iland another Iland greater then Santa Domingo called Cuba it is like vnto Santa Domingo although there is not such store of Sugar the chiefest place in this Iland is called La hauana and is a very good Harbour these people are very rich by reason of the shipping that doth touch there which are bound for Noua Hispania and Peru therefore there is a Castle in this Harbour kept with Spanish Souldiers for there is no other Castle in all the Land nor Souldiers but onely here and in Florida There is also another Iland inhabited with Spaniards neere vnto this which is called Porto Rico it is but little and euery way as plentifull as the other two are I will follow my Discourse of the Port Townes along the Coast of the maine Land and passing once the Iland of Margareta there are no Townes inhabited by the Spaniards till you come to Fernanboke which is on the Coast of Brasill yet betweene the Iland and Fernanboke there is the great Riuer of Maranoyn This Riuer is one of the greatest in the world it was first found when as the Spaniards did seeke out the other Coast but none can goe into this Riuer because of the great current that commeth downe and withall there are many shelues of sand lying about the mouth of it whereby it was long before that the Riches which is in the Riuer was knowne vntill the time that the Land of Peru was conquered at which time a Captaine called Gonsalo Pizarro entring into the Countrie of Peru came into a Land which they named La Canela because there came from thence great store of Cinnamon but not altogether so good as that which commeth from the Indies Proceeding further into the Countrie he came to a great Riuer where he saw many of the Countrie people come vp in Canoas bringing Gold to buy and sell with the Spaniards The Captaine seeing this was desirous to see the
end of this Riuer but could not trauell by Land because of the Mountaines wherefore he made a small Pinnace to goe see from whence these Indians brought their Gold and he sent in this Pinnace a Captaine vnder him called Orillana with thirtie men the which went downe the Riuer but could not returne to their Captaine Pizarro because of the great current which was very strong against them and forced them to passe the Riuer and enter into the Sea and so came to the Iland of Margareta but as they passed the Riuer they found it well inhabited with Indians and to haue good store of Gold These men with their Pinnace were passing downe this Riuer a yeere and a halfe for the Riuer lieth very crooked which maketh a long way by water and the Spaniards neuer durst land because they saw the Countrie so full of people but tooke many Canoas where they had good store of Victuals and some Gold Now this Captaine Orillana comming vnto Margareta with this good newes and riches hee determined with himselfe not to returne againe vnto his Captaine Pizarro which sent him but tooke his way from hence to the King of Spaine and presented him with the Gold that he brought out of the Riuer Whereupon the King sent him with a Fleet of ships and sixe hundred men to inhabite the said Riuer but because of the great current and shoalds that are in this Riuer he left the most part of his men and ships and with those that remained hee went vnto certaine Ilands hard by the Riuer and built him Pinnaces but the Countrie being very vnhealthfull hee himselfe died and many of his men and the rest that remained went euery one the way that pleased him best The fame of this Riuer was straightway spred thorow Spaine and Portugall so that a Gentleman of Portugall called Leus de Melo which asked licence of Don Iuan the third then King of Portugall that he might goe and conquer this said Riuer for from the mouth of this Riuer to the mouth of this Riuer of Plate is that part of America which the Kings of Portugall doe hold according to the partition that the Kings of Spaine and Portugall both made betweene themselues so that the King of Portugall hauing this Riuer in his part hee gaue it to the said Leus de Melo to conquer who taking ten ships and eight hundred men among which there were many Gentlemen and comming to the mouth of this Riuer hee lost all the shippes sauing two sayle and in one of them that were saued was Leus de Melo also the most part of the men that were in the ships were saued and got to shoare and so went along vnto the Iland Margareta from whence they were dispersed throughout all the Indies Thus these two seuerall Fleets of ships being cast away by such euill fortune neuer any Captaine after would giue the attempt to conquer this said Riuer Yet from the new Kingdome of Granado before spoken of two or three Captaines haue gone by Land to discouer it None of all these came to any plaine discouerie till few yeeres past a Captaine of the Countrie of Nauarre called Pedro de Orzua who came into the Countrie of Peru neere the place where before Captaine Pizarro had first discouered and had with him about seuen hundred men all Spaniards which was maruell that he could haue so many and amongst them there were many Gentlemen and old Souldiers of Peru which caused many mutinies and insurrections With all these men he came to the head of this Riuer all the matters that come from the Mountaines of Peru and the Riuers which runne within the Land from sixteene degrees and the Line runne all into this Riuer which causeth it to be so great Now at the head of this Riuer the Captaine Pedro de Orzua made fifteene Pinnaces with many Canoas in which he carried aboue two thousand Indians to helpe him with many Horses and other prouision for to inhabite there for it was not possible for him to carrie all his prouision by Land for that the Mountaines bee very great and betweene them many small Riuers which issue out of this great Riuer aboue twentie leagues into the Land So this Captaine hauing all his things in good order went downe this Riuer with all his men and came to a plaine Countrie from the Mountaines where the Indians did dwell and there held a Counsell determining in that place to build a Towne and to fortifie it very strong because he would leaue all his stuffe there and such men as were not Souldiers So they began to make the said Towne and worke on it all the Winter where because it raineth much and is with all very hot whereby sicknesse did beginne to rise among them and also want of Victuals wherefore his men began to murmure These men came all out of the Land of Peru which is the fruitfullest Land in all the World and most richest therefore these men were the more giuen to haue their fill of Bread and Meat then to lay their bodies to labour which was the cause that although the Countrie in which they were was very fruitfull and also they saw with their eyes the Gold that was there as also how vp in the Countrie it seemed much better then the place in which they were notwithstanding they murmured and would needs returne for Peru from whence they came There was among these men a Souldier of Bisca called Lopez de Agira a very little man of body and was lame of one of his legs but very vauant and of good experience in the warres this man was one of the principall mutiners in Peru and therefore giuen vsually thereunto this fellow asked the Souldiers what they went to seeke in those Wildernesses where as they were brought for said he if you seeke riches there is enough in Peru and there is said hee Bread Wine Flesh and faire Women so that it were better to goe thither and conquer that and take it out of the hands of the Spaniards for that would easily be done for that all the Souldiers poore men of Peru would turne vnto them and that were a better way then to goe and conquer the sauage people in those Mountaines so that they once hauing the gouernment of Peru that then the King of Spaine should agree with them if not said he we shall not lacke them that will send vs succour for to haue the riches that is in the Land of Peru. By these perswasions hee brought many Souldiers to be of his minde and agreed with a young Gentleman of Siuill called Don Fernando de Gosman the which was in loue with a yong woman that the Captain Pedro de Orzua or Ossone had and therefore he did the sooner agree with Lope de Agire to fulfill his intent On a night the Captaine being asleepe in his bed these Souldiers entred into his Bed-chamber stabbed him with
fauour to seeke and discouer new Countries But the greatest and most notable discouery that hath beene from those parts now of late was that of the Isles of Salomon which were found in manner following The Licenciate Castro being gouernour of Peru sent forth a Fleete of Ships to discouer certaine Islands in the South Sea vpon the coast of Peru appointing as Generall of the same Fleete a kinsman of his called Aluares de Mendanio and Pedro Sarmiento as Lieutenant and in the Viceadmirall went Pedro de Ortega This Fleete departing forth of the hauen of Lima and sailing 800. leagues Westward off the coast of Peru found certaine Islands in eleuen degrees to the South of the Equinoctiall inhabited with a kinde of people of a yellowish complexion and all naked whose weapons are Bowes and Arrowes and Darts The Beasts that they saw here were Hogs and little Dogs and they found some Hens Here also they found a muster of Cloues Ginger and Sinamon although the Sinamon were not of the best and here appeared vnto them likewise some shew of Gold The first Island that the Spaniards discouered they named Santa Izabella and here they built a small Pinnace with the which and with their Ships Boate they found out betweene nine and fifteene degrees of Southerly latitude eleuen great Islands being one with another of eightie leagues in compasse The greatest Island that they discouered was according vnto the first finder called Guadalcanal on the coast whereof they sailed 150. leagues before they could know whether it were an Island or part of the maine land and yet they know not perfectly what to make of it but thinke that it may be part of that continent which stretcheth to the Streights of Magellan for they coasted it to eighteene degrees and could not finde the end thereof The Gold that they found was vpon this Island or maine land of Guadalcanal whereas they landed and tooke a towne finding small graines of Gold hanged vp in the houses thereof But because the Spaniards vnderstood not the language of the Countrey and also for that the Indians were very stout men and fought continually against them they could neuer learne from whence that Gold came nor yet what store was in the Land These Indians vse to goe to Sea in great Canoas that will carrie one hundred men a piece wherein they haue many conflicts one against another howbeit vnto the Christians they could doe no great hurt for that with a small Pinnace and two Falcons a few may ouercome one hundred of them At this place foureteene men mistrusting nothing rowed to land to take in fresh water whom on the sodaine certaine Indians in foure Canoas set vpon tooke the Ships Boate and slew all the men therein wherefore a man cannot goe on shore too strong nor yet be too warie in a strange land Hereupon the Spaniards went on shore in their Pinnace and burnt the Towne and in this towne they found the small graines of Gold before mentioned They were discouering of these Islands from one to another about foureteene moneths at the end of which time because that vpon the coast where they were the winde continuing still in one place might be an occasion of longer tarrying they consulted which way to returne Southward they durst not goe for feare of great tempests which are that way vsuall wherefore sayling to the North of the line they fell with the coast of Nueua Espanna on which coast they met with such terrible stormes that they were forced to cut their maine masts ouer-boord and to lye nine moneths beating it vp and downe in the Sea before they could get into any harbour of the Christians In which time by reason of euill gouernment and for lacke of victuals and fresh water most of the men in their Admirall dyed for fiue whole dayes together they had neither water nor meate but in the other Ships they behaued themselues so well that the greater part of them came safe vnto the land He that passeth the Straits of Magellan or saileth from the coast of Chili directly for the Malucos must needes runne in sight of some of these Islands before spoken of At which Islands lying so conueniently in the way to the Malucos you may furnish your selfe with plenty of victuals as Hogs Hennes excellent Almonds Potatos Sugar-canes with diuers other sorts fit for the sustenance of man in great abundance Also among these Islands you shall haue some quantity of Gold which the Indians will giue you in trucke for other commodities For the Spaniards in their discouery of these Islands not seeking nor being desirous of Gold brought home notwithstanding 40000. pezos with them besides great store of Cloues and Ginger and some Sinamon also which is not so good as in other places The discouerer of these Islands named them the Isles of Salomon to the end that the Spaniards supposing them to be those Isles from whence Salomon fetched Gold to adorne the Temple at Ierusalem might be the more desirous to goe and inhabit the same Now the same time when they thought to haue sent colonies vnto these Islands Captaine Drake entered the South Sea whereupon commandement was giuen that they should not be inhabited to the end that such Englishmen and of other Nations as passed the Straits of Magellan to goe to the Malucos might haue no succour there but such as they got of the Indian people CHAP. XII Briefe extracts translated out of IEROM BENZOS three Bookes of the New World touching the Spaniards cruell handling of the Indians and the effects thereof ANno 1641. Ierom Benzo went from Millaine to Siuill in Spaine and thence to the New World where he was entertained of the Spaniards and practised with them the huntings of the Indians which they did by lurking in couerts till some of the Natiues came within their reach by bribing the Cacikes with trifles to procure captiues and other meanes Peter Chalice came while we were there to Amaracan with aboue 4000. slaues and had brought many more but with labour wearinesse hunger and griefe for losse of their Countrie and friends many had perished in the way Many also not able to follow in the Spaniards swift march were by them killed to preuent their taking armes A miserable spectacle to see those troopes of slaues naked with their bodies rent maimed starued the mothers dragging or carrying on their shoulders their children howling the neckes of all armes and hands chained not any growne Maide amongst them which the spoilers had not rauished with so profuse lust that thence grew contagion and pernicious diseases The Spanish horsemen in those warres vsed quilted Iackes with Launces and Swords the footemen Sword Shield and Crosse-bow with lighter Iackes The moisture and great dewes made Peeces vnseruiceable in those parts The Islanders in Hispaniola seeing no hope of better or place for worse killed their children and then hanged themselues The women
concerning that which happened to the Fleet in India whereof PAMPHILO NARVAEZ was Gouernour from the yeere 1527. vntill the yeere 1536. who returned vnto Siuill with three of his companions only translated out of RAMVSIO and abbreuiated §. I. Their Fleet and admirable and vnheard of tempest their entrance into Florida the Lakes troublesome passages incounters disastrous successe building Boats for returne THE sixteenth day of Iune in the yeare 1527. the Gouernour Pamphilo di Naruaez departed from the hauen of Saint Lucar of Barrameda with power and commandement from your Maiestie to conquer and gouerne the Prouinces which lye from the Riuer of Palmes vnto the Cape of Florida all in the firme land And the Fleete which the Gouernour brought with him were fiue Ships wherein six hundred men went The Officers because I am to make particular mention of them in this Booke were these Capo di Vaua Treasurer Agozino Prouost Martiall Alonso Eurriquez Auditor and Alonso de Solis Factor and ouerseer for his Maiestie And besides there was for Commissary a Frier of the order of Saint Francis called Frier Giouanni Iohn Gottierrez and with him foure other Friers of the same Order We arriued first at the Iland of San Dominica where we stayed but fortie fiue dayes to prouide our selues of certaine necessary things and principally of Horses There we left more then an hundred and forty of our men which would stay by promise and agreement which they of the Village made with them Departing thence we arriued at Saint Iago or Giacomo which is an hauen in the Iland of Cuba and reposing our selues there certaine dayes the Captaine furnished himselfe with men munition and horses It hapned in that place that a Gentleman called Uasques Parcalle neete vnto the towne of the Trinitie which is in the same Iland offered the Gouernour to giue him certaine victuall which he had in the said towne of the Trinitie which is an hundred leagues off from the said port of Saint Iago Whereupon the Gouernour departed with all the Fleete towards that towne But arriuing halfe the way at an hauen which they call the Cape of Santa Cruz it seemed good vnto the Gouernor to abide there and send one Ship onely to receiue those victuals and so he appointed one Captaine Pantoxa to goe thither with his Ship and that for the greater security I also should goe with him and he remained still there with the foure Ships we hauing now gotten another in the Iland of Saint Domenica Being arriued with our fiue Ships at the hauen of the Trinitie the Captaine Pantoxa went with Vasquez Porcalle to receiue the victuals at the towne which was one league distant from the hauen One houre after I was landed the Sea began to be outragious and the Northwinde was so strong that the Boates durst not goe aland nor could they with the Shippes in any sort put to the contrary side the winde being in the prowe whereupon with very great trauaile with two contrary seasons and with much raine they continued all that day and the Sunday The night approaching the Sea and tempest began so much to increase that it no lesse tormented those on the land then them at Sea for all the houses fell downe and all the Churches and wee were enforced to goe seuen or eight men embracing one another arme in arme together to be able to resist the winde that it might not carry vs away and to auoide the ruine of the houses flying vnto the Forrest the trees gaue vs no lesse cause of feare then the houses had giuen vs because they falling held vs in continuall feare that they would kill vs. In this tempest and danger wee passed all the night without finding any part or place where for one halfe houre onely wee might stand secure but principally the midnight before wee heard noyses and great crying and the sound of Belles Flutes and Drummes and other instruments which continued vntill the morning that the tempest ceased In those Countries so fearefull a thing had neuer beene seene whereof I caused a testimoniall and true certificate to be made which I haue sent vnto your Maiestie On Munday morning we went downe to the hauen and found not the Ships there but saw some of their furniture in the water whereby we knew that they were cast away And so we purposed to goe along the coast searching if we might finde any thing but finding nothing we determined to search by the Mountaines and hauing gone about a quarter of a league of from the water side wee found the Boate of a Ship set vpon certaine trees and further beyond ten leagues along the coast they found two persons of my Ship and certaine couerings and roofes of houses And those two men were so actually transfigured and changed with weatherbeating both of the shore and of the Sea that they could not know who they were we found also a Friers habit and a Couerlet torne in peeces and found no other person or thing any more Threescore men were lost in those two Ships and twenty horses and those that remained aliue were thirty persons onely who the same day we arriued in that hauen went aland together with the Captaine Pantoxa Wee remained in such manner for certaine dayes with much trouble and great necessitie because the sustenance and prouision of that people was all lost and destroyed with certaine wilde Beasts and the Countrey remained in such sort that it moued great compassion in the beholders the trees being falne the mountaines burned and remaining without leaues or grasse and so we passed vntill the fift day of Nouember that the Gouernour of our Fleete came thither to vs with his other foure Ships who also themselues had passed great dangers and torments and were escaped because in good time they had retired themselues vnto some place of safety The men which he had brought with him and those that he found there were so much affrighted and terrified with the losses and dangers past that they resolued to imbarke themselues no more in the winter and besought the Gouernour that he would suffer them to repose and rest themselues in those places he perceiuing their mindes and the desire of the inhabitants did so and gaue me the charge of the Ships and the men which should goe with me to winter at the hauen of Xaqua which is twelue leagues distant from that place and so going thither we staied vntill the twentieth of February following At this time the Gouernour came thither vnto vs with a Brigantine which he had gotten at the Trinitie and brought with him a Pilot called Miruelo who as they said was a man very well practised and an excellent Pilot for all the coast of the North. Besides that the Gouernour left on the coast of the Lissart Captaine Aluaro della Querda with a Ship which the Gouernour had procured there and left forty men with
him on the face and tooke the Cazique But he hauing his men so neere escaped away and left a Mantle of his of the skinnes of the Martinet Sables which in my iudgement are the best of all the World and haue a scent whereunto the scent of Ambergrise and Muske is not comparable and the scent thereof was smelt very farre off We saw also other but none like vnto that Now seeing the Gouernour wounded we set him aboord and caused him to bring with him the greater part of the men vnto the Boats and fifty of our men only remayned on land to fight with the Indians who that night assaulted vs three times and with so great violence that euery time they made vs retyre a stones cast so that there was not one of our men that was not wounded After this we returned to imbarke our selues and sayled three dayes and hauing taken a little water as much as the few vesiels we had were able to carrie wee returned to fall into the same necessitie wherein we were first And going on our Voyage we entred into a Strait where abiding we saw a Canow of the Indians comming and as we called vnto them they came and the Gouernour to whose Boat they were neerest demanded water of them who offered it him if he would giue them vessels wherein to carrie it so a Greeke Christian called Theodoro of whom mention is made before said that he would goe with them And although the Gouernour and many other laboured to disswade him yet he would needs goe thither and carried a Negro with him and the Indians left for hostages two of their men Those Indians returned in the Euening and brought vs our vessels without water but brought not our two Christians againe and those two men of theirs who remayned for pledges as soone as they spake vnto them would haue cast themselues into the water but our men who had them in the Boat held them and so the other Indians fled and left vs much confounded and sorrowful for the two Christians which we had lost The morning following many other Canoas of the Indians came vnto vs demanding their two companions which they left vs for hostages The Gouernour answered that he would giue them vnto them so that they would restore vs our two Christians Fiue or sixe Lords came with those people and it seemed to vs that they were of a very good disposition and of greater authority and retinue then all the rest wee had found hitherto although they were not of so tall a stature as the other before mentioned They wore their haire loose and very long and were couered with mantles of Martinets of the same sort whereof we spake before and some of them were made of a very strange fashion hauing certaine laces of the worke of Lions skinnes which seemed very faire They prayed vs that we would goe with them and they would giue vs our two Christians and water and many other things and many Canoas came continually vpon vs endeauouring to take the mouth of that passage and so therefore because the place was very dangerous we went out to Sea where we stayed with them vntill noone But not being willing to restore our Christians and therefore we also would not restore their two hostages they began to cast stones at vs with slings making shew also that they would shoot at vs although we saw not aboue three or foure Bowes among them And while wee continued thus a fresh gale of winde beganne to blowe and they went their way So we sayled all that day vntill the euening at what time my Boat that went before discouered a point which the Land made and at the other end I saw a Riuer then I anchored at a small Iland which maketh that point to stay for the other Boats The Gouernour would not come neere it but put into a flat shoare very neere thereunto where many small Ilands were and there wee all met together and tooke fresh water within the Sea because the Riuer ranne into the Sea continually and with great violence And that wee might bee able to bake a little Maiz which wee brought because for two dayes before we had eaten it raw we went aland on that Iland but finding no wood there we agreed to goe vnto the Riuer which was behind the Point one league from thence And as wee went the current of the Riuer was so great that by no meanes it suffered vs to arriue but droue vs backe from the Land §. II. Misery pursues them at Sea and betrayes them to the Indians their miserable liues and death WEe sayled foure dayes euery one eating halfe a handfull of raw Maiz a day by ratement At the end of these foure dayes a tempest tooke vs which made vs recouer the Boat of Captaine Telles and through the great mercy which God shewed to some of vs we were not wholly drowned And being Winter and exceeding cold and so many dayes wherein we had sustained hunger with many blowes which wee receiued from the Sea the day following the men began very much to faint in such manner that when the Sunne went downe all those that were in my Boat were fallen one vpon the other so neere vnto death that few of them had any sense and among all them there were not fiue that could stand on their feete and when night came there remained no more but the Master and my selfe that could mannage the Boat and two houres within night the Master said vnto mee that I should take charge of my Boat because he was in such case that he held it for certainty that hee should die that night And so I tooke the rudder and midnight being past I went to see if the Master were dead who said vnto me that suddenly he was better and that hee would guide the Boat vntill day Then surely I found my selfe in such state that much more willingly I would haue receiued death then see so many men before me in that manner wherein they were and after the Master tooke charge of the Boat I rested my selfe a little but very vnquietly because at that time nothing was further from me then sleepe And about the morning me thought that I heard the noise and roaring of the Sea because being a very lowe Coast it raged much whereupon when I heard this I called to the Master who answered me that he supposed we were now neere vnto the Land and sounding we found our selues in seuen fathome and he thought it fit that we should abide at Sea vntill the day appeared And so I tooke an Oare and rowed to the Lands side which we found one league distant and put the stearne to the Sea And being neere to the Land a waue tooke vs which cast the Boat backe againe into the Sea as farre as a man might well fling a stone and with the great blowe which it gaue almost all the men who remained there as dead
had deliuered him from the fire how her father was determined to sacrifice him the day following who willed him to flee to Mocoço for she knew that he would vse him well for she heard say that he had asked for him and said he would be glad to see him and because he knew not the way she went with him halfe a league out of the Towne by night and set him in the way and returned because she would not be discouered Iohn Ortiz trauelled all that night and by the morning came vnto a Riuer which is in the Territorie of Mocoço Three or foure Indians carried the newes to their Lord who came forth a quarter of a league from the Towne to receiue him and was very glad of him He caused him presently to sweare according to the custome of the Christians that he would not runne away from him to any other Lord and promised him to entreate him very well and that if at any time there came any Christians into that Countrie he would freely let him goe and giue him leaue to goe to them and likewise tooke his oath to performe the same according to the Indian custome He dwelt with Mocoço nine yeeres with small hope of seeing any Christians Assoone as our Gouernour arriued in Florida it was knowne to Mocoço and straightway he signified to Iohn Ortiz that Christians were lodged in the Towne of Vcita And Mocoço gaue him ten or eleuen principal Indians to beare him company and as they went to the Pâ—rt where the Gouernour was they met with Baltasar de Gallegos as I haue declared before Assoone as hee was come to the Campe the Gouernour commanded to giue him a sute of apparell and very good Armour and a faire Horse and enquired of him whether hee had notice of any Countrie where there was any Gold or Siluer He answered No because hee neuer went ten leagues compasse from the place where he dwelt But that thirty leagues from thence dwelt an Indian Lord which was called Parocassi to whom Mocoço and Vcita with all the rest of that Goast payed Tribute and that he peraduenture might haue notice of some good Countrie and that his Land was better then that of the Sea-coast and more fruitfull and plentifull of Maiz. Whereof the Gouernour receiued great contentment and said that hee desired no more then to find victuals that he might goe into maine Land for the Land of Florida was so large that in one place or other there could not choose but bee some Countrie The Cacique Mocoço came to the Port to visit the Gouernour The Gouernour answered him That although in freeing and sending him the Christian he had preserued his honour and promise yet he thanked him and held it in such esteeme as it had no comparison and that he would alwayes hold him as his Brother and would fauour him in all things to the vtmost of his power Then he commanded a shirt to be giuen him and other things wherewith the Cacique being very well contented to his leaue of him and departed to his owne Towne From the Port de Spirito Santo where the Gouernour lay he sent the Alcalde Maier Baltasar de Gallego with fiftie Horsemen and thirtie or fortie Footmen to the Prouince of Paracossi to view the disposition of the Countrie and informe himselfe of the Land farther inward and to send him word of such things as he found Likewise he sent his ships backe to the Iland of Cuba that they might returne within a certaine time with victuals Vasques Porcallo de Figueroa which went with the Gouernour as Captaine Generall whose principall intent was to send slaues from Florida to the Iland of Cuba where he had his goods and Mynes hauing made some In-rodes and seeing no Indians were to be got because of the great Bogges and thicke Woods that were in the Countrie considering the disposition of the same determined to returne to Cuba And though there was some difference betweene him and the Gouernour whereupon they neither dealt nor conuersed together with good countenance yet notwithstanding with louing words hee asked him leaue and departed from him Baltasar de Gallegos came to the Paracossi There came to him thirty Indians from the Cacique and said that their Lord was ill at ease and therefore could not come but that they came on his behalfe to see what he demanded Hee asked them if they knew or had notice of any rich Country where there was Gold or Siluer They told them they did and that toward the West there was a Prouince which was called Cale and that others that inhabited other Countries had warre with the people of that Countrie where the most part of the yeere was Summer and that there was much Gold and that when those their enemies came to make warre with them of Cale these Inhabitants of Cale did weare hats of Gold in manner of Head-pieces Baltasar de Gallegos seeing that the Cacique came not thinking all that they said was fained with intent that in the meane time they might set themselues in safetie fearing that if he did let them goe they would returne no more commanded the thirtie Indians to be chained and sent word to the Gouernour by eight Horsemen what had passed whereof the Gouernour with all that were with him at the Port de Spirito Santo receiued great comfort supposing that that which the Indians reported mght be true Hee left Captaine Calderan at the Port with thirtie Horsemen and seuentie Footmen with prouision for two yeeres and himselfe with all the rest marched into the mayne Land and came to the Paracossi at whose Towne Batasar de Gallegos was and from thence with all his men tooke the way to Cale He passed by a little Towne called Acela and came to another called Tocaste and from thence he went before with thirtie Horsemen and fiftie Footmen toward Cale And passing by a Towne whence the people were fled they saw Indians a little from thence in a Lake to whom the Interpretor spake They came vnto them and gaue them an Indian for a guide and hee came to a Riuer with a great current and vpon a Tree which was in the midst of it was made a Bridge whereon the men passed the Horses swamme ouer by a Hawser that they were pulled by from the otherside for one which they droue in at the first without it was drowned From thence the Gouernour sent two Horsemen to his people that were behind to make haste after him because the way grew long and their victuals short He came to Cale and found the Towne without people He tooke three Indians which were Spies and tarried there for his people that came after which were sore vexed with hunger and euill wayes because the Countrie was very barren of Maiz low and full of water bogs and thicke woods and the victuals which they brought with them from the Port de Spirito Santo were spent Wheresoeuer
fore-parts then behind which is like wooll a mane like a Horses on their backe bone and long haire from the knees downward with store of long haire at the chinne and throat a long flocke also at the end of the males tailes The Horses fled from them of which they slue some being enraged They are 〈…〉 eat drinke shooes houses fire vessels and their Masters whole substance Other creatures as big as Horses the Spaniards for their fiue wooll called Sheepe one of their hornes ordinarily weighed fiftie pounds There are also great Dogs which will fight with a Bull able to carrie fiftie pounds weight in their huntings and remouals A N 〈…〉 1581. Frier Augustine Ruiz with two other Friers and eight Souldiers trauelled from the Mines of Saint Barbara to Los Tiguas two hundred and fifty leagues Northwards where vpon occasion of one of the Friers being slaine the Souldiers returned The two Friers and a Mestizo stayed Whereupon the Franciscans carefull of their two Brethren procured Antonio de Espeio a rich Mexican with Frier Bernardine Beltran and others licensed to follow him to set â—orth on the said Discouerie in Nouember An. 1582. with an hundred and fifteene Horses and store of prouisions Hee passed the Conchos and the Passaguates and Tobâ—sos and Iumanos finding many Siluer Mines in the way and then came to people which for want of Language they could not name and heard by one of the Conchos of a great Lake and Townes neere it with houses of three or foure stories but went not thither Fifteene dayes they trauelled thorow Woods of Pine-trees and two thorow Woods of Poplars and Walâ—uts still keeping by the Riuer of the North as they called it till they came to a Countrie which they called New Mexico They came to ten Townes situate on both sides the Riuer which vsed them kindly Their houses are of foure stories well built with Stoues for Winter their apparel of Cotton and Deeres skinnes both men and women ware Boots and Shooes with soles of Neats leather Each house had an Oratorie for the Deuill where they set him meate for whose ease as they say they erect Chappels also in the high-way Thence they came to Tiguas in which were sixteene Townes in Poala they had slaine the two Friers and now therefore fled to the Mountaines They fouâ—d many Hennes in the Countrey and many metals Hearing that there were rich Townes Eastwards they trauelled two dayes and found eleuen Townes and as they thought fortie thousand people There are signes of rich Mines They heard of a Prouince Quires sixe leagues higher vp the Riuer which they visited and found fiue Townes They saw there a Pie in a Cage and certaine tirasols or shadowes such as they vse in China in which were painted the Sunne Moone and Starres They found themselues in 37. degrees and a halfe Fourteene leagues more to the North they came to the Cunames which had fiue Townes the greatest was Câ—a with eight Market places the houses plaistered and painted with diuers colours the people many and more ciuill then any they had seene They trauelled thence North-westward to a Countrie which had seuen great Townes and in them thirtie thousand soules Fifteene leagues further Westward they came to Acoma a Towne of sixe thousand persons seated on a Rocke fifty paces high without any passage to it but by staires hewen in the Rocke all their water was kept in Cisternes They trauelled hence foure and twentie leagues Westward to Zuny or Cibola where Vasquez had beene and erected Crosses still standing Three Indians of his Armie were still aliue here which told Espeio of a great Lake sixtie dayes iourney thence vpon the bankes whereof were many Townes which had store of Gold Whereupon the rest returning hee with nine companions determined to goe thither and came to a populous Prouince called Mohotze and being well entertained hee perswaded the Indians to build a Fort to secure them from the Horses which hee said would otherwise eate them which they did Here he left some of his companie and went to discouer certaine rich Mines whereof he had heard fiue and fortie leagues Westward which hee found rich of Siluer He had further intelligence also of that great Lake and hauing trauelled twelue leagues to the Hubates and Tamos populous Prouinces being so few they returned in Iuly 1583. by another way downe a Riuer called De las Vaccas or Of Kine an hundred and twenty leagues still meeting with store of those cattell and thence to Conchos and so to the Valley of Saint Bartholmew in New Biscay Bartholmew Canâ— writ from Mexico in May 1590. that Rodrigo del Rio Gouernour of New Biscay was sent by the Vice-roy with fiue hundred Spansards to the conquest of Cibola NOw for Cortez his three ships they set forth from Acapulco the eighth of Iuly 1539. and sayled alongst the coast Northwards to Cape Roxo as they stiled it and so to the Riuer of Saint Crosses which coast some thought to bee part of the Continent others to bee but broken Lands or Ilands and sayled so farre in the same that I am loth to follow them the particulars being both in Ramusio and Master Hakluyt Fernando Alarchon Anno 1540. was sent by Mendoza the Vice-roy with two ships who sayth hee went to the bottome of the Bay of California and sayled vp the Riuer farre into the Countrie I remit the desirous Reader to the Authours aforesaid To mee Ullua the Marquesses Generall seemes to make California nothing but Ilands and to haue sayled within a great way and after out of them this other aemulous Discouerer would seeme to finde it a Bay and therefore goeth vp the Riuer later Maps make it an Iland as wee haue said a Letter 1595. from Los Angelos calleth them Ilands and sayth they are rich and that the Vice-roy sent to conquer them But I am Sea-sicke and therefore returne to our Land-discouerers In which wee haue a Iesuite first to entertaine you and after that a Letter of later Newes of Onnates Discoueries in those Northerne parts of America All which may be of vse one day when our Virginian Plantation which blusheth to see so little done after eighteene yeeres continued habitation with so much cost and so many liues and liuelihoods spent thereon shall lift vp her head with more viue alacritie and shake her glorious lockes and disparkle her triumphant lookes thorow the inland Countries to the Westerne Ocean And indeed for Uirginias sake wee haue so long held you in Spanish discourses of whose Acts this Chapter had beene the last but that the leauen which leaueneth in so great part the Spanish lumpe may be knowne to awaken English vigilance to preuent it in themselues they had a faire caueat 1588. and to auoide the like with others I shall adde to these their Discoueries a Spanish Traueller Frier Bishop to discouer their Discouerers which shall cast vp
such wise as that since the first entring into New Spaine which was on the eight day of Aprill in the eighteenth yeere vnto the thirtieth yeere which make twelue yeeres complete the slaughters and the destructions haue neuer ceassed which the bloudie and cruell hands of the Spaniards haue continually executed in foure hundred and fiftie leagues of Land or thereabout in compasse round about Mexico and the Neighbour Regions round about such as the which might containe foure or fiue great Realmes as great and a great deale farre fertiler then is Spaine All this Countrie was more peopled with Inhabitants then Toledo and Siuill and Vallodolid and Sauagoce with Barcelona For that there hath not beene commonly in those Cities nor neuer were such a world of people when they haue beene peopled with the most as there was then in the said Country which containeth in the whole compasse more then 1800. leagues during the time of the aboue mentioned twelue yeeres the Spaniards haue slaine and done to death in the said 450. leagues of Land what men what women what young and little children more then foure Millions of soules with the dint of the Sword and Speare and by fire during I say the Conquests as they call them Neither yet doe I here comprize those whom they haue slaine and doe slay as yet euery day in the aforesaid slauerie and oppression ordinarie Amongst other Murders and Massacres they committed this one which I am now to speake of in a great Citie more then of a thirtie thousand housholds which is called Cholula that is that comming before them the Lords of the Countrie and places neere adioyning and first and formost the Priests with their chiefe high Priest in procession to receiue the Spaniards with great solemnitie and reuerence so conducting them in the middest of them towards their Lodgings in the Citie in the houses and place of the Lord or other principall Lords of the Citie the Spaniards aduised with themselues to make a massacre or a chastise as they speake to the end to raise and plant a dread of their cruelties in euery corner of all that Countrie Now this hath beene alwaies their customary manner of doing in euery the Regions which they haue entred into to execute incontinent vpon their first arriuall some notable cruell butcherie to the end that those poore and innocent Lambes should tremble for feare which they should haue of them in this wise they sent first to summon all the Lords and Noblemen of the Citie and of all the places subiect vnto the same Citie who so soone as they came to speake with the Captaine of the Spaniards were incontinent apprehended before that any body might perceiue the matter to be able thereupon to beare tidings thereof vnto others Then were demanded of them fiue or sixe thousand Indians to carry the lodings and carriages of the Spaniards which Indians came forthwith and were bestowed into the base Courts of the Houses It was a pitifull case to see these poore folke what time they made them ready to beare the carriages of the Spaniard They come all naked only their secret parts couered hauing euery one vpon their shoulder a Net with a small deale of victuall they bow themselues euery one and hold their backes cowred downe like a sort of â—llie Lambes presenting themselues to the Swords and thus being all assembled in the base Court together with others one part of the Spanish all armed bestowe themselues at the gates to hemme them in whiles the rest put these poore Sheepe to the edge of the Sword and the Speares in such sort that there could not escape away one onely person but that he was cruelly put to death sauing that after a two or three dayes you might haue seene come forth sundry all couered with bloud which had hid and saued themselues vnder the dead bodies of their fellowes and now presenting themselues before the Spaniards asking them mercy and the sauing of their liues they found in them no pitie nor compassion any whit at all but were all hewed in pieces All the Lords which were aboue and vnderneath were all bound the Captaine commanding them to be brent quicke being bound vnto stakes pitched into the ground Howbeit one Lord which might be peraduenture the principall and King of the Countrie saued himselfe and cast himselfe with thirtie or fortie other men into a Temple thereby which was as good vnto them as a Fort which they call in their Language Qewe and there he defended himselfe a good part of the day But the Spaniards whose hands nothing can escape specially armed for the warre cast fire on the Temple and burned all those which were within From Cholula they went to Mexico The King Motensuma sent to meet them a thousand of presents and Lords and people making ioy and mirth by the way After great and abhominable tyrannies committed in the Citie of Mexico and in other Cities and the Countrey ten fifteene and twenty leagues compasse of Mexico this tyrannie and pestilence aduanced it selfe forward to waste also infect and lay desolate the Prouince of Panuco It was a thing to be wondred at of the world of people that there were and the spoyles and slaughters there done Afterward they wasted also after the selfe manner all the Prouince of Tuttepeke and the Prouince of Ipelingo and the Prouince of Columa each Prouince contayning more ground then the Realme of Leon and Castile This Captaine tyrant with this gorgeous and pretended title dispatched two other Captaines as very tyrants and farre more cruell and lesse pitifull then himselfe into great Realmes most flourishing and most fertile and full of people to wit the Realme of Guatimala which lieth to the Seaward on the South side and the same of Naco and Honduras otherwise called Guaymura which coasteth on the Sea on the North side confronting and confining the one with the other three hundred leagues distance from Mexico He sent the one by Land and the other by Sea both the one and the other carried with them a many of troopes to serue on horsebacke and a foot He which went by Sea committed exceeding pillings cruelties and disorders amongst the people on the Sea-coast The Prouinces and Realmes of Naco and Honduras which resembled a Paradise of pleasures and were more peopled frequented and inhabited then any Countrey in the world now of late wee comming along thereby haue seene them so dispeopled and destroyed that who so should see them his heart would cleaue for sorrow ware hee neuer so flinty They haue slaine within these eleuen yeeres more then two millions of soules hauing not left in more then an hundred leagues of the Countrey square but two thousand persons whom they slay as yet daily in the said ordinary bondage The great tyrant and Captaine which went to Guatimala as hath beene said exceeded all from the Prouinces neere to Mexico according as himselfe wrote in a Letter to the principall
Garonne Gironde Belle Grande and after that Belle a Voire and Port Royal. In this last they anchored the Riuer at the mouth is three French leagues broad hee sayled vp many leagues and erected another like Pillar of stone Ribalt hauing built a Fort and furnished it with prouisions called it Charles Fort and left a Golonie there vnder Captaine Albert. These found great kindnesse with their Indian Neighbours till dissention happened amongst themselues the Captaine for a small fault hanging a Souldier and exercising seueritie ouer the rest which thereupon in a mutinie slue him and hauing chosen a new Captaine they built a Pinnasse and furnished it as well as they could to returne for France but surprized in the way with calmes and expence of their prouision they first did eare their shooes and Buffe Ierkins and yet continuing famished they killed one of their fellowes called La Chere and made cheere of him and after met with an English Barke which releeued them and setting some on Land brought the rest to Queene Elizabeth The cause of their not releeuing according to promise was the Ciuill warres which beeing compounded the Admirall procured the King to send three ships to Florida vnder the command of the Author Rene Landonniere which see saile in Aprill 1564. He went on shoare at Dommica in which Iland his men killed two Serpents nine foote long and as bigge as 〈◊〉 legge The two and twentieth of Iune they landed in Florida ten leagues aboue Capo Francois and after in the Riuer of May where the Indians very ioyfully welcommed them and the stone Piller 〈…〉 rected by Ribalt was crowned with bayes and baskets of Mill or Moiz set at the foot and they kissed the same with great reuerence One of Parâ—coussy or the King his Sonnes presented 〈◊〉 Captain with a wedge of siluer With another Parcâ—ussy they saw one old Father blind with age but liuing and of his lomes sixe generations descended all present so that the Sonne of the eldest was supposed two hundred and fiftie yeeres old They planted themselues on this Riuer of May and there built a Fort which they called Carolina of their King Charles Landonniere sent Outigni his Lieutenant to search out the people called Thimogoa whence that siluer wedge had comne and there heard of a great King Olata Ouae Utina to whom fortie Kings were vassals Saturioua was said to haue thirtie and to be enemie to Vtina A fearefull lightning happened which burned fiue hundred acres of ground and all the fowles after which followed such a heat that as many fish were dead therewith at the mouth of the Riuer as would haue laden fiftie Carts and of their putrifaction grieuous diseases The Sauages had thought the French had done it with their Ordnance He got some prisoners of Vtinas subiects which Saturioua had taken and sent them to him some of his men assisting Vtina in his warres against Potanou one of his enemies and returning with some quantitie of Siluer and Gold Whiles things continued in good termes with the Sauages Mutinies and Conspiracies fell out amongst the French some conspiring to kill the Captaine others running away with the Barks one of which robbed by Sea and after was driuen by famine to seeke to the Spaniards at Hauana and when two other Barkes were a building a third Conspiracie seized on the Captaine detained him Prisoner and forced him to subscribe their passe with these two Barkes Away they went and the next diuision was amongst themselues one Barke departing from the others One of them after diuers Piracies came backe and the chiefe mutinies were executed Francis Iean one of the other Barke was he which after brought the Spaniards thither to destroy them The Indians vse to keepe in the Woods Ianuarie Februarie and March and liue on what they take in hunting so that the French neither receiuing their expected reliefe from France nor from the Sauages which had no Corne hauing before sold them what they had suffered grieuous famine they resolued to build a vessell able to carrie them into France the Sauages making aduantages of their necessities according to the wonted perfidiousnesse of those wilde people whereupon they tooke King Vtina Prisoner with his Sonne to get food for his ransome The famine was so sharpe that it made the bones to grow thorow the skinne and when the Maiz by the end of May came to some ripenesse food it selfe ouercame their weake stomacks Some reliefe they had by Sir Iohn Hawkins who came thither with foure ships guided by a man of Deepe which had been there in Ribalts Voyage who also offered to transport him and set them all on land in France This he refused but made good aduantage hereof with the Sauages telling them that this was his brother which brought him great reliefe and plentie whereupon all sought his friendship His men at last generally fearing to continue in that misery wanting both apparell and victuall and meanes to returne so wrought with him that not daring to giue the Siluer and such things as he had gotten in the Countrie which might bring an English Plantation into those parts he bought a ship of Sir Iohn Hawkins who partly sold and partly gaue them prouisions also of apparell and victuall for their returne and as Laudonniere acknowledgeth like a charitable man saued their liues Whiles thus they were preparing to set saile Captaine Ribalt came into the Riuer with seuen saile foure greater and three lesse whom the Admirall had sent hearing that Laudonniere lorded and domineered in tyrannicall and insolent manner and was solemnely welcommed in the end of August 1565. A while after when as the Indians had filled Captaine Ribalt with golden hopes of the Mynes at Apalatci some proofes whereof were found to be perfect gold sixe great ships of Spaniards came into the Riuer on the fourth of September and made faire shew to the French which trusted them neuer the more but let slip their Anchors and fled being no way matchable but in swiftnesse of saile whereby they escaped the pursuite of the Spaniards and obserued their course sending word thereof to Captaine Ribalt The High Admirall Chastillon also had in his last Letters written to Ribalt that he had intelligence out of Spaine of Don Pedro Melendes his Expedition to Florida iust before his comming from France Captaine Ribalt embarkes himselfe the eight of September pretending to goe seeke the Spaniards which soone after came to seeke the French at their Fort guided by Francis Iean before a Mutiner now also a Traytour who shewed the Captaine to the Spaniards Notwithstanding their assault Laudonniere made an escape with some others ouer the Marishes into the ships and so returned first into England and after into France Captaine Ribalt was surprized with a Tempest which wracked him vpon the Coast and all his ships were castaway himselfe hardly escaping drowning but not escaping the
but we could not descrie the same through the thicknesse of the fogge whereunto these coasts are subiect which was the cause that we put farther certaine leagues into the Sea vntill the next day in the morning when we descried land the weather being very cleere which was the Cape of Saint Marie The twelfth day following we were ouertaken with a great flaw of winde which lasted two dayes The fifteenth of the said moneth wee descried the Isles of Saint Peter The seuenteenth following we met with a banke of Ice neere Cape de Raie sixe leagues in length which caused vs to strike saile all the night to auoide the danger we might incurre The next day we set saile and descried Cape de Raie and the Isles of Saint Paul and Cape de Saint Laurence which is on the South side And from the said Cape of Saint Laurence vnto Cape de Raie is eighteene leagues which is the breadth of the entrance of the great Gulfe of Canada The same day about ten of the clocke in the morning we met with another Iland of Ice which was aboue eight leagues long The twentieth of the said moneth we discried an Isle which containeth some fiue and twenty or thirty leagues in length which is called the Isle of Assumption which is the entrance of the Riuer of Canada The next day we descried Gachepe which is a very high land and began to enter into the said Riuer of Canuda ranging the South coast vnto the Riuer of Mantanne which is from the said Gachepe sixtie fiue leagues from the said Riuer of Mantanne we sailed as farre as the Pike which is twenty leagues which is on the South side also from the said Pike we sailed ouer the Riuer vnto the port of Tadousac which is fifteene leagues All these Countries are very high and barren yeelding no commoditie The foure and twentieth of the said moneth we cast anker before Tadousac and the six and twentieth we entred into the said Port which is made like to a creeke in the entrance of the Riuer of Saguenay where there is a very strange currant and tide for the swiftnesse and depth thereof where sometimes strong windes do blow because of the cold which they bring with them it is thought that the said Riuer is fiue and forty or fiftie leagues vnto the first fall and it commeth from the North North-west The said Port of Tadousac is little wherein there cannot ride aboue ten or twelue Ships but there is water enough toward the East toward the opening of the said Riuer of Sagenay along by a little hill which is almost cut off from the maine by the Sea The rest of the Countrie are very high Mountaines whereon there is little mould but rockes and sands full of woods of Pines Cypresses Fir-trees Burch and some other sorts of trees of small price There is a little Poole neere vnto the said Port enclosed with Mountaines couered with woods At the entrance of the said Port there are two points the one on the West side running a league into the Sea which is called Saint Matthewes point and the other on the South-east side containing a quarter of a league which is called the point of all the Diuels The South and South South-east and South South-west windes doe strike into the said hauen But from Saint Matthewes Point to the said Point of all the Diuels is very neere a league Both these Points are dry at a low water THe seuen and twentieth day we sought the Sauages at the Point of Saint Matthew which is a league from Tadousac with the two Sauages whom Monsieur du Pout brought with him to make report of that which they had seene in France and of the good entertainement which the King had giuen them As soone as we were landed we went to the Caban of their great Sagamo which is called Anadabijou where we found him with some eightie or a hundred of his companions which were making Tabagie that is to say a Feast Hee receiued vs very well according to the custome of the Countrey and made vs sit downe by him and all the Sauages sat along one by another on both sides of the said Cabine One of the Sauages which we had brought with vs began to make his Oration of the good entertainement which the King had giuen them and of the good vsage that they had receiued in France and that they might assure themselues that his said Maiestie wished them well and desired to people their Countrey and to make peace with their enemies which are the Irocois or to send them forces to vanquish them He also reckoned vp the faire Castels Palaces Houses and people which they had seene and our manner of liuing He was heard with so great silence as more cannot be vttered Now when he had ended his Oration the said grand Sagamo Anadabijon hauing heard him attentiuely began to take Tobacco and gaue to the said Monsieur du Pont Grane of Saint Malo and to mee and to certaine other Sagamos which were by him after he had taken store of Tobacco he began to make his Oration to all speaking distinctly resting sometimes a little and then speaking againe saying that doubtlesse they ought to be very glad to haue his Maiestie for their great friend they answered all with one voyce ho ho ho which is to say yea yea yea He proceeding forward in his speech said That he was very well content that his said Maiestie should people their Countrey and make warre against their enemies and that there was no Nation in the world to which they wished more good then to the French In fine hee gaue them all to vnderstand what good and prefit they might receiue of his said Maiestie When hee had ended his speech we went out of his Cabine and they began to make their Tabagie or Feast which they make with the flesh of Orignac which is like an Oxe of Beares of Seales and Beuers which are the most ordinary victuals which they haue with great store of wilde Fowle They had eight or ten Kettels full of meate in the middest of the said Cabine and they were set one from another some six paces and each one vpon a seuerall fire The men sat on both sides the house as I said before with his dish made of the barke of a tree and when the meate is sodden there is one which deuideth to euery man his part in the same dishes wherein they feede very filthily for when their hands be fattie they rub them on their haire or else on the haire of their dogs whereof they haue store to hunt with Before their meate was sodden one of them rose vp and took a dog danced about the said Kettels from the one end of the Cabin to theother when he came before the great Sagamo he cast his dog perforce vpon the ground and then all of them with one voice cried ho ho ho
Pinnasse All this Riuer is some three hundred or foure hundred paces broad and very wholsome Wee saw fiue Ilands in it distant one from the other a quarter or halfe a league or a league at the most one of which is a league long which is the neerest to the mouth and the others are very small All these Countries are couered with Trees and low Lands like those which I had seene before but here are more Firres and Cypresses then in other places Neuerthelesse the soile is good although it bee somewhat sandy This Riuer runneth in a manner South-west The Sauages say that some fifteene leagues from the place where we were vp the Riuer there is a Sault which falleth downe from a very steepe place where they carry their Canowes to passe the same some quarter of a league and come into a Lake at the mouth whereof are three Ilands and being within the same they meete with more Iles This Lake may containe some fortie or fiftie leagues in 〈…〉 gth and some fiue and twentie leagues in breadth into which many Riuers fall to the number of ten which carrie Canowes very far vp When they are come to the end of this Lake there is another fall and they enter againe into another Lake which is as great as the former at the head whereof the Irocois are lodged They say moreouer that there is a Riuer which runneth vnto the Coast of Florida whether it is from the said last Lake some hundred or an hundred and fortie leagues All the Countrey of the Irocois is somewhat Mountaynous yet notwithstanding exceeding good temperate without much Winter which is very short there AFter our departure from the Riuer of the Irocois wee anchored three leagues beyond the same on the North side All this Countrie is a lowe Land replenished with all sorts of trees which I haue spoken of before The first day of Iuly we coasted the North side where the wood is very thinne and more thinne then wee had seene in any place before and all good land for tillage I went in a Canoa to the South shoare where I saw a number of Iles which haue many fruitfull trees as Vines Wal-nuts Hasel-nuts and a kinde of fruit like Chest-nuts Cheries Oskes Aspe Hoppes Ashe Beech Cypresses very few Pines and Firre-trees There are also other trees which I knew not which are very pleasant Wee found there store of Strawberries Rasp-berries Goos-berries red greene and blue with many small fruits which growe there among great abundance of grasse There are also many wilde beasts as Orignas Stagges Does Buckes Beares Porkepickes Conies Foxes Beauers Otters Muske-rats and certaine other kindes of beasts which I doe not knowe which are good to eate and whereof the Sauages liue Wee passed by an I le which is very pleasant and containeth some foure leagues in length and halfe a league in breadth I saw toward the South two high Mountaines which shewed some twentie leagues within the Land The Sauages told mee that here beganne the first fall of the foresaid Riuer of the Irocois The Wednesday following wee departed from this place and sayled some fiue or sixe leagues Wee saw many Ilands the Land is there very lowe and these Iles are couered with trees as those of the Riuer of the Irocais were The day following being the third of Iuly we ranne certaine leagues and passed likewise by many other Ilands which are excellent good and pleasant through the great store of Medowes which are thereabout as well on the shoare of the maine Land as of the other Ilands and all the Woods are of very small growth in comparison of those which wee had passed At length we came this very day to the entrance of the Sault or Fall of the great Riuer of Canada with fauourable wind and wee met with an I le which is almost in the middest of the said entrance which is a quarter of a league long and passed on the South side of the said I le where there was not past three foure or fiue foot water and sometimes a fathome or two and straight on the sudden wee found againe not past three or foure foot There are many Rockes and small Ilands whereon there is no wood and they are euen with the water From the beginning of the foresaid I le which is in the middest of the said entrance the water beginneth to runne with a great force Although we had the wind very good yet wee could not with all our might make any great way neuerthelesse wee passed the said Ile which is at the entrance of the Sault or Fall When wee perceiued that wee could goe no further wee came to an anchor on the North shoare ouer against a small Iland which aboundeth for the most part with those kinde of fruits which I haue spoken of before Without all delay wee made ready our skiffe which wee had made of purpose to passe the said Sault whereinto the said Monsieur de Pont and my selfe entred with certaine Sauages which we had brought with vs to shew vs the way Departing from our Pinnace we were scarse gone three hundred paces but we were forced to come out and cause certain Mariners to goe into the water to free our Skiffe The Canoa of the Sauages passed easily Wee met with an infinite number of small Rockes which were euen with the water on which wee touched oftentimes There he two great Ilands one on the North side which containeth some fifteene leagues in length and almost as much in breadth beginning some twelue leagues vp within the Riuer of Canada going toward the Riuer of the Irocois and endeth beyond the Sault The Iland which is on the South side is some foure leagues long and some halfe league broad There is also another Iland which is neere to that on the North side which may bee some halfe league long and some quarter broad and another small Iland which is betweene that on the North side and another neerer to the South shoare whereby wee passed the entrance of the Sault This entrance being passed there is a kinde of Lake wherein all these Ilands are some fiue leagues long and almost as broad wherein are many small Ilands which are Rockes There is a Mountaine neere the said Sault which discouereth farre into the Countrie and a little Riuer which falleth from the said Mountaine into the Lake On the South side are some three or foure Mountaines which seeme to be about fifteene or sixteene leagues within the Land There are also two Riuers one which goeth to the first Lake of the Riuer of the Irocois by which sometimes the Algoumequins inuade them and another which is neere vnto the Sault which runneth not farre into the Countrey At our comming neere to the said Sault with our Skiffe and Canoa I assure you I neuer saw any streame of water to fall downe with such force as this doth although it
Salt Sea which may be the South Sea the Sunne setting where they say it doth On Friday the tenth of the said moneth we returned to Tadousac where our ship lay ASsoone as wee were come to Tadousac wee embarqued our selues againe to goe to Gachepay which is distant from the said Tadousac about some hundred leagues The thirteenth day of the said moneth we met with a companie of Sauages which were lodged on the South side almost in the mid-way betweene Tadousac and Gachepay Their Sagamo or Captaine which led them is called Armouchides which is held to be one of the wâ—sest and most hardy among all the Sauages Hee was going to Tadousac to exchange Arrowes and the flesh of Orignars which they haue for Beauers and Marterns of the other Sauages the Mountainers Estechemaâ—ns and Algoumequins The fifteenth day of the said moneth we came to Gachepay which is in a Bay about a league and a halfe on the North side The said Bay containeth some seuen or eight leagues in length and at the mouth thereof foure leagues in breadth There is a Riuer which runneth some thirty leagues vp into the Countrie Then we saw another Bay which is called the Bay des Mollues or the Bay of Cods which may be some three leagues long and as much in bredth at the mouth From thence we come to the I le Percee which is like a Rocke very steepe rising on both sides wherein there is a hole through which Shalops and Boats may passe at an high water and at a lowe water one may goe from the maine Land to the said Ile which is not past foure or fiue hundred paces off Moreouer there is another Iland in a manner South-east from the I le Percee about a league which is called the Ile de Bonne-aduenture and it may bee some halfe a league long All these places of Gachepay the Bay of Cods and the I le Percee are places where they make dry and greene Fish When you are passed the I le Percee there is a Bay which is called they Bay of Heate which runneth as it were West South-west some foure and twenty leagues into the land containing some fifteene leagues in breadth at the mouth thereof The Sauages of Canada say that vp the great Riuer of Canada about some sixtie leagues ranging the South coast there is a small Riuer called Mautanne which runneth some eighteene leagues vp into the Countreys and being at the head thereof they carrie their Canowes about a league by land and they come into the said Bay of Heate by which they goe sometimes to the Isle Percee Also they goe from the said Bay to Tregate and Misamichy Running along the said coast we passe by many Riuers and come to a place where there is a Riuer which is called Souricoua where Monsieur Preuert was to discouer a Mine of Copper They goe with their Conowes vp this Riuer three or foure dayes then they passe three or foure leagues by land to the said Mine which is hard vpon the Sea shoare on the South side At the mouth of the said Riuer there is an Iland lying a league into the Sea from the said Island vnto the Isle Perçee is some sixtie or seuentie leagues Still following the said coast which trendeth toward the East you meete with a Strait which is two leagues broad and fiue and twenty leagues long On the East side is an Isle which is called the Isle of Saint Laurence where Cape Breton is and in this place a Nation of Sauages called the Souricois doe winter Passing the Strait of the Iles of Saint Lawrence and ranging the South-west Coast you come to a Bay which ioyneth hard vpon the Myne of Copper Passing farther there is a Riuer which runneth threescore or fourescore leagues into the Countrey which reacheth neere to the Lake of the Irocois whereby the said Sauages of the South-west Coast make warre vpon them I would be an exceeding great benefit if there might be found a passage on the Coâ—â—â— of Florida neere to the said great Lake where the winter is salt aswell for the Naâ—igation of ships which should not bee subiect to so many perâ—ls as they are in Canada as for the shortning of the way about three hundred leagues And at is most certaine that there are Riuers on the Goaâ—â— of Florida which are not yet discouered which â—â—erce vp into the Countries where the soile is exceeding good and fertile and very good Hauens The Countrey and Coast of Florida may haue another temperature of the season and may be 〈◊〉 more fertile in abundance of fruites and other things then that which I haue seene But it cannot haue more euen not better sayles then those which we haue seene The Sauages say that in the foresaid great Bay of Hete there is a Riuer which runneth vp vp some twentie leagues into the Countrey at the head whereof there is a Lake which may be about twentie leagues in compasse wherein is little store of water and the Summer it is dried vp wherein they find about a foot or a foot and an halfe vnder the ground a kind of Metall like to â—â—luer which I shewed them and that in another place neere the said Lake there is a Myne of Copper And this is that which I learned of the foresand Sauages WE departed from the I le 〈◊〉 the ninteenth day of the said moneth to returne to Tadousâ—c When we wâ—â—e within three leagues of Cape le Vesque or the Bishops Cape we were encountred with a storme which lasted two dayes which forced vs to put roomer with a great creake and to stay for faire weather The day following we departed and were encountred with another storme Being loth to pâ—â— roome and thinking to gaine way wee touched on the North shore the eight and twentieth day of Iuly 〈◊〉 creeke which is very bad because of the edges of Rockes which lie there This creeke is in 〈◊〉 degrees and certaine minutes The next day we anchored neere a Riuer which is called Saint Margarites Riuer where at a full Sea is some three fathomes water and a fathome and an halfe at a low water this Riuer goeth farre vp into the Land As farre as I could see within the Land on â—he East shoare there is a fall of water which entreth into the said Riuer and falleth some fiftie or sixtie â—athomes downe from whence commeth the greatest part of the water which descendeth downe At the mouth thereof there is a banke of Sand whereon at the ebbe is but halfe a faâ—home water All the Coast toward the East is mouing Sande there is a point some halfe league from the said Riuer which stretcheth halfe a league into the Sea and toward the West there is a small Iland this place is in fiftie degrees All these Countries are exceeding bad full of Firre-trees The Land here is somewhat high but not so high as that on the Southside
to maintaine keepe and conserue the said places vnder our Power and Authoritie by the formes wayes and meanes prescribed by our Lawes And for to haue there a care of the same with you to appoint establish and constitute all Officers as well in the affaires of Warre as for Iustice and Policie for the first time and from thence forward to name and present them vnto vs for to be disposed by vs and to giue Letters Titles and such Prouisoes as shall be necessarie c. Giuen at Fountain-Bleau the eight day of Nouember in the yeere our Lord 1603. And of our Reigne the fifteenth Signed Henry and vnderneath by the King Potier And sealed vpon single labell with yellow Waxe The Voyage of Monsieur de MONTS into New France written by MARKE LESCARBOT MOnsieur de Monts hauing made the Commissions and Prohibitions before said to bee proclaimed thorow the Realme of France and especially thorow the Ports and maritine Townes thereof caused two shippes to bee rigged and furnished the one vnder the conduct of Captaine Timothy of New-hauen the other of Captaine Morell of Honfleur In the first hee shipped himselfe with good number of men of account as well Gentlemen as others And for as much as Monsieur de Poutrincourt was and had beene of a long time desirous to see those Countries of New France and there to finde out and choose some fit place to retire himselfe into with his Family Wife and Children not meaning to be the last that should follow and participate in the glorie of so faire and generous an enterprize would needs goe thither and shipped himselfe with the said Monsieur de Monts carrying with him some quantitie of Armours and Munitions of Warre and so weighed Anchors from New-hauen the seuenth day of March 1604. But being departed some what too soone before the Winter had yet left off her frozen Weed they found store of Icie bankes against the which they were in danger to strike and so to be cast away The Voyage was long by reason of contrarie winds which seldome hapneth to them that set out in March for the New-found lands which are ordinarily carried with an East or Northerne winde fit to goe to those Lands And hauing taken their course to the South of the I le of Sand or Sablon or Sand for to shunne the said Ices they almost fell from Caribdis into Scylla going to strike towards the said Ile during the thicke mists that are frequent in that Sea In the end the sixt of May they came to a certaine Port where they found Captaine Rossignol of New-hauen who did trucke for skinnes with the Sauages contrary to the Kings Inhibitions which was the cause that his ship was confilcated This Port was called Le Port du Rossignol hauing in this his hard fortune this onely good that a good and fit Harborough or Port in those Coasts be areth his name From thence coasting and discouering the Lands they arriued at another Port very faire which they named Le Port de Moutton by reason that a Mutton or Weather hauing leaped ouer-board and drowned himselfe came aboard againe and was taken and eaten as good prize Neere the said Moutton Port there is a place so replenished with Rabbets and Conies that they almost did eate nothing else During that time Monsieur Champlein was sent with a shallop to seeke farther off a fitter place to retire themselues at which Exploit he carried so long that deliberating vpon the returne they thought to leaue him behind for there was no more victuals and they serued themselues with that that was found in the said Rossignols ship without which they had beene forced to returne into France and so to breake a faire enterprize at the very birth and beginning thereof or to starue hauing ended the hunting of Conies which could not still continue All New France in the end being contained in two ships they weighed Anchors from Port du Moutton for to imploy their time and to discouer Lands as much as might before Winter Wee came to Cape de Sable or the Sandie Cape and from thence we sailed to the Bay of Saint Marie where our men lay at Anchor fifteene dayes whilest the Lands and passages as well by Sea as by Riuer might be descried and knowne This Bay is a very faire place to inhabit because that one is readily carried thither without doubling There are Mynes of Iron and Siluer but in no great abundance according to the triall made thereof in France A Priest losing his way in the Woods was missing sixteene dayes Whereupon a Protestant was charged to haue killed him because they quarrelled sometimes for matters of Religion Finally they sounded a Trumpet thorow the Forrest they shot off the Canon diuers times but in vaine for the roaring of the Sea stronger then all that did expell backe the sound of the said Canons and Trumpets Two three and foure dayes passed he appeareth not In the meane-while the time hastens to depart so hauing tarried so long that hee was then held for dead they weighed Anchors to goe further and to see the depth of a Bay that hath some fortie leagues length and fourteene yea eighteene of breadth which was named La Baye Francoise or the French Bay In this Bay is the passage to come into a Port whereinto our men entred and made some abode during the which they had the pleasure to hunt an Elian or Stagge that crossed a great Lake of the Sea which maketh this Port and did swimme but easily This Port is enuironed with Mountaines on the North side Towards the South bee small Hills which with the said Mountaines doe powre out a thousand Brookes which make that place pleasanter then any other place in the World there are very faire falles of waters fit to make Milles of all sorts At the East is a Riuer betweene the said Mountaines and Hilles in the shippes may saile fifteene leagues and more and in all this distance is nothing of both sides the Riuer but faire Medowes which Riuer was named L' Equille because that the first fish taken therein was an Equille But the said Port for the beautie thereof was called Port Royall Monsieur de Poutrincourt hauing found this place to bee to his â—â—king demanded it with the Lands thereunto adioyning of Monsieur de Monts to whom the King had by Commission before inserted granted the distribution of the Lands of New France from the fortieth degree to the sixe and fortieth Which place was granted to the said Monsieur de Poutrincourt who since hath had Letters of confirmation for the same of his Maiestie intending to retire himselfe thither with his Family and there to establish the Christian and French Name as much as his power shall stretch and God grant him the meanes to accomplish it The Port contayneth eight leagues of circuit besides the Riuer of L' Equille There is within it two Iles very faire and pleasant the one
healthfulnesse of the place First for our selues thankes be to God we had not a man sicke two dayes together in all our Voyage whereas others that went out with vs or about that time on other Voyages especially such as went vpon reprâ—sall were most of them infected with sicknesse whereof they lost some of theâ—r men and brought home a many sicke returning notwithstanding long before vs. But Verazzano and others as I take it you may reade in the Booke of Discoueries doe more particularly intreate of the Age of the people in that coast The Sassafras which we brought we had vpon the Ilands where though we bad little disturbance and reasonable plenty yet for that the greatest part of our people were imployed about the fitting of our house and such like affaires and a few and those but easie labourers vndertooke this worke the rather because we were informed before our going forth that a tunne was sufficient to cloy England and further for that we had resolued vpon our returne and taken view of our victuall we iudged it then needefull to vse expedition which afterward we had more certaine proofe of for when we came to an anker before Portsmouth which was some foure dayes after we made the land we had not one Cake of Bread nor any drinke but a little Vinegar left fâ—r these and other reasons we returned no otherwise laden then you haue heard And thus much I hope shall suffice till I can my selfe come to giue you further notice which though it be not so soone as I could haue wisht yet I hope it shall be in conuenient time In the meane time crauing your pardon for which the vrgent occasions of my stay will pleade I humbly take my leaue 7. Septemb. 1602. Your dutifull Sonne BARTH GOSNOLD CHAP. XI The Relation of Captaine GOSNOLS Voyage to the North part of Virginia begunne the sixe and twentieth of March Anno 42. ELIZABETHAE Reginae 1602. and deliuered by GABRIEL ARCHER a Gentleman in the said Voyage THe said Captaine did set sayle from Famouth the day and yeere aboue written accompanied with thirtie two persons whereof eight Mariners and Saylers twelue purposing vpon the Discouery to returne with the ship for England the rest remayne there for population The fourteenth of Aprill following wee had sight of Saint Maries an Iland of the Assoris The three and twentieth of the same beeing two hundred leagues Westwards from the said Iland in the latitude of 37. degrees The water in the mayne Ocean appeared yellow the space of two leagues North and South where sounding with thirtie fadome Line wee found no ground and taking vp some of the said water in a bucket it altered not either in colour or taste from the Sea Azure The seuenth of May following we first saw many Birds in bignesse of Cliffe Pidgeons and after diuers other as Pettrels Cootes Hagbuts Pengwins Murres Gannets Cormorants Guls with many else in our English Tongue of no name The eight of the same the water changed to a yellowish greene where at seuentie fadome we had ground The ninth wee had two and twentie fadome in faire sandie ground hauing vpon our Lead many glittering Stones somewhat heauie which might promise some Minerall matter in the bottome we held our selues by computation well neere the latitude of 43. degrees The tenth wee sonnded in 27. 30. 37. 43. fadome and then came to 108. some thought it to be the sounding of the Westermost end of Saint Iohns Iland vpon this banke we saw sculs of fish in great numbers The twelfth we hoysed out halfe of our shallop and sounding had then eightie fadome without any current perceiued by William Strete the Master one hundred leagues Westward from Saint Maries til we came to the foresaid soundings continually passed fleeting by vs Sea-oare which seemed to haue their moueable course towards the North-east a matter to set some subtle inuention on worke for comprehending the true cause thereof The thirteenth wee sounded in seuentie fadome and obserued great beds of weedes much woode and diuers things else floating by vs when as we had smelling of the shoare such as from the Southerne Cape and Andulazia in Spaine The fourteenth about six in the morning we descried Land that lay North c. the Northerly part we called the North Land which to another Rocke vpon the same lying twelue leagues West that wee called Sauage Rocke because the Sauages first shewed themselues there fiue leagues towards the said Rocke is an out Point of woodie ground the Trees thereof very high and straight from the Rocke East North-east From the said Rocke came towards vs a Biscay shallop with saile and Oares hauing eight persons in it whom we supposed at first to bee Christians distressed But approching vs neere wee perceiued them to bee Sauages These comming within call hayled vs and wee answered Then after signes of peace and a long speech by one of them made they came boldly aboord vs being all naked sauing about their shoulders certaine loose Deere-skinnes and neere their wastes Seale-skinnes tyed fast like to Irish Dimmie Trouses One that seeemed to be their Commander wore a Wastecoate of blacke worke a paire of Breeches cloth Stockings Shooes Hat and Band one or two more had also a few things made by some Christians these with a piece of Chalke described the Coast thereabouts and could name Placentia of the New-found-land they spake diuers Christian words and seemed to vnderstand much more then we for want of Language could comprehend These people are in colour swart their haire long vp tyed with a knot in the part of behind the head They paint their bodies which are strong and well proportioned These much desired our longer stay but finding our selues short of our purposed place we set saile Westwards leauing them and their Coast. About sixteene leagues South-west from thence wee perceiued in that course two small Ilands the one lying Eastward from Sauage Rock the other to the Southwards of it the Coast we left was full of goodly Woods faire Plaines with little greene round Hils aboue the Cliffes appearing vnto vs which are indifferently raised but all Rockie and of shining stones which might haue perswaded vs a longer stay there The fifteenth day we â—ad againe sight of the Land which made a head being as wee thought an Iland by reason of a large sound that appeared Westward betweene it and the Mayne for comming â—o the Well end thereof we did perceiue a large opening we called it Shole-hope Neere this Cape we came to Anchor in fifteene fadome where wee tooke great store of Cod-fish for which we altâ—red the name and called it Cape Cod. Here wee saw sculs of Herrings Mackerels and other small 〈◊〉 in great abundance This is a low sandie shoare but without danger also wee came to Anchor againe in sixteene fadome faire by the Land in the latitude of 42. degrees This
Cape is well neere a mile broad and lieth North-east by East The Captaine went here ashoare and found the ground to be full of Pease Strawberies Hurtberies c. as then vnripe the sand also by the shoare somewhat deepe the fire-wood there by vs taken in was of Cypresse Birch Wich-hazell and Beech. A young Indian came here to the Captaine armed with his Bow and Arrowes and had certaine plates of Copper hanging at his Eares hee shewed a willingnesse to helpe vs in our occasions The sixteenth we trended the Coast Southerly which was all champaine and full of grasse but the Ilands somewhat wooddie Twelue leagues from Cape Cod we descried a point with some breach a good distance off and keeping our losse to double it wee came on the sudden into shoale water yet well quitted our selues thereof This breach wee called Tuckers Terror vpon his expressed feare The Point we named Point Care hauing passed it wee bore vp againe with the Land and in the night came with it anchoring in eight fadome the ground good The seuenteenth appeared many breaches round about vs so as wee continued that day without remooue The eighteenth being faire we sent forth the Boat to sound ouer a Breach that in our course lay of another Point by vs called Gilberts Point who returned vs foure fiue sixe and seuen fadome ouer Also a Discouery of diuers Ilands which after prooued to bee Hils and Hummocks distinct within the Land This day there came vnto the ships side diuers Canoas the Indians apparelled as aforesaid with Tobacco and Pipes steeled with Copper Skins artificiall strings and other trifles to barter one had hanging about his necke a plate of â—â—ch Copper in length a foot in breadth halfe a foot for a brest-plate the Eares of all the rest had Pendants of Copper Also one of them had his face ouer painted and his head stucke with feathers in manner of a Turkey Cocks traine These are more timerous then those of the Sauâ—ge Rocke yet very theeuish The nineteenth we passed ouer the breach of Gilberts Point in foure or fiue fadome and anchored a league or somewhat more beyond it betweene the last two Points are two leagues the interim along shoale water the latitude here is 41. degrees two third parts The twentieth by the ships side we there killed Pengwins and saw many sculs of fish The Coast from Gilberts Point to the supposed Iles lyeth East and by South Here also we discouered two Inlets which might promise fresh water inwardly whereof we perceiued much smoake as though some population had there beene This Coast is very full of people for that as we trended the same Sauages still runne along the shoare as men much admiring at vs. The one and twentieth we went coasting from Gilberts Point to the supposed Iles in tenne nine eight seuen and sixe fadome close aboord the shoare and that depth lyeth a league off A little from the supposed Iles appeared vnto vs an opening with which we stood iudging it to bee the end of that which Captaine Gosnoll descrieth from Cape Cod and as hee thought to extend some thirtie or more miles in length and finding there but three fadome a league off we omitted to make further discouerie of the same calling it Shole-hope From this opening the Mayne lyeth South-west which coasting along we saw a disinhabited Iland which so afterwards appeared vnto vs we bore with it and named it Marthaes Vineyard from Shole-hope it is eight leagues in circuit the Iland is fiue miles and hath 41. degrees and one quarter of latitude the place most pleasant for the two and twentieth we went a shoare and found it full of Wood Vines Gooseberie bushes Hurtberies Raspices Eglentine c. Heere we had Cranes Hearnes Shoulers Geese and diuers other Birds which there at that time vpon the Cliffes being sandie with some Rockie stones did breed and had young In this place we saw Deere heere we rode in eight fathome neere the shoare where wee tooke great store of Cod as before at Cape Cod but much better The three and twentieth wee weyed and towards night came to Anchor at the Northwest part of this Iland where the next morning offâ—red vnto vs fast running thirteene Sauages apparelled as aforesaid and armed with Bowes and Arrowes without any feare They brought Iobacco Deere skins and some sodden fish These offered themselues vnto vs in great familiaritie who seemed to be well conditioned They came more rich in Copper then any before This Iland is sound and hath no danger about it The foure and twentieth we set saile and doubled the Cape of another Iland next vnto it which wee called Douer Cliffe and then came into a faire Sound where wee roade all night the next morning wee sent off our Boate to discouer another Cape that lay betweene vs and the Mayne from which were a ledge of Rockes a mile into the Sea but all aboue water and without danger we went about them and came to Anchor in eight fadome a quarter of a mile from the shoare in one of the stateliest Sounds that euer I was in This called wee Gosnolls Hope the North banke whereof is the Mayne which stretcheth East and West This Iland Captaine Gosnoll called Elizabeths Ile where we determined our abode the distance betweene euery of these Ilands is viz. from Marthaes Vineyard to Douer Cliffe halfe a league ouer the Sound thence to Elizabeths Ile one league distant From Elizabeths Ile vnto the Mayne is foure leagues On the North side neere adioyning vnto the Iland Elizabeth is an Ilet in compasse halfe a myle full of Cedars by me called Hills Hap to the Northward of which in the mouth of an opening on the Mayne appeareth another the like that I called Haps Hill for that I hope much hap may be expected from it The fiue and twentieth it was that we came from Gosnolls Hope The six and twentieth we trimmed and fitted vp our Shallop The seuen and twentieth there came vnto vs an Indian and two women the one we supposed to be his Wife the other his Daughter both cleane and straite bodied with countenance sweet and pleasant To these the Indian gaue heedfull attendance for that they shewed them in much familiaritie with our men although they would not admit of any immodest touch The eight and twentieth we entred counsell about our abode and plantation which was concluded to be in the West part of Elizabeths Iland The North-east thereof running from out our ken The South and North standeth in an equall Parallel This Iland in the Westerâ—de admitteth some Increekes or sandie Coues so girded as the water in some places of each side meeteth to which the Indians from the Mayne doe oftentimes resort for fishing of Crabs There is eight fadome very neere the shoare and the latitude here is 41. degrees 10. minutes the breadth from Sound to Sound in the
Master THOMAS CANNER a Gentleman of Bernards Inne his companion in the same Voyage VPon Wednesday in Easter weeke the seuenteenth of Aprill after I had taken my leaue of some few of my louing and deere friends in Bernards Inne I rode toward Southampton there to be speake Bisket and some other prouision for our Barke wherein Master Bartholomew Gilbert went as Captaine which had beene in Virginia the yeere before with Captaine Bartholomew Gosnold After our businesse was dispatched here wee came into Plimmouth from whence wee put forth the tenth of May. And the six and twentieth of the same we were in the latitude of 32. degrees hoping to haue had sight of the I le of Madera whereof we missed in which course we met with two or three English men of warre The first of Iune we were in the latitude of 27. degrees and haled ouer toward the Ilands of the West Indies and the fifteenth of this moneth toward night wee saw Land Master Gilbert and the Master Henrie Suite dwelling within the Iron Gate of the Towre of London tooke it to be the Bermudas being very neere the shore they sounded many times and had no ground at the last they found good ground in fourteene or fifteene fathomes There wee cast Anchor In the morning we weighed and sounded still as we trended by the shoare but after wee were past a Cables length from our Road we had no Land againe in forty or fifty fathomes we kept still by the shore not yet being certaine what Iland it was The sixteenth in the morning wee spied the people comming from the shore who when they came neere cried out for barter or trade when they came close aboord they made signes and cried out to see our colours which we presently put forth in the maine top and told them we were Ingleses Amigos and Hermanos that is Englishmen their friends and brothers Assoone as they vnderstood we were Englishmen they were bolder to come neere we threw them a Rope and one came aboord vs wee traded with them for some Tobacco Pine-apples Piantanes Pompions and such things as they had wee gaue them Bugles Kniues Whistles and such toyes Here we kept close by the shore When this Canoa had traded with vs and vttered all they had and drunke of our Beere beeing kindly vsed they departed and then presently after diuers Canoas came we traded and vsed them as the first One of them told vs that Iland was Santa Lucia We bestowed all that forenoone shaking in the wind for we had no ground to Anchor neere the shore to trade with them Then wee set our course for Saint Vincent but finding a current against vs and the wind very scant we doubted we should not fetch it and that if we did peraduenture we might bee put to the leeward of Dominica and so consequently of Meuis or Nieues for which Iland we were specially bound for to out Lignum vitae in the same Therefore Master Gilbert thought good to let Saint Vincent alone although in it is the best Tobacco of all the Ilands yet in the end hee put roomer for Dominica whereof we had sight the seuenteenth of Iune and came close to the shore and presently one Canoa came aboord as at Santa Lucia being sent with two men belike to discouer vs and to see what entertainment they should haue we vsed them kindly and so dismissed them There came more full of men with diuers of their commodities The nineteenth in the morning being Sunday we anchored in a good Road at Meuis and after went on shore to seeke Lignum vitae Master Gilbert with the Master and diuers of the company sought farre into the Woods but found none but one little Tree and here and there where one had bin cut so we were in doubt to find enough heere to load our ship a iust plague vnto vs for prophaning the Sabbath in trauelling about our worldly businesse when there was no necessitie This day in the Euening some went out with the Boate vnto the shore and brought on boord a Tortoyse so big that foure men could not get her into the Boate but tied her fast by one legge vnto the Boat and so towed her to the ship when they had her by the ship it was no easie matter to get her on boord The next day we went on shore againe to search another part of the wood for Lignum vitae and then God be thanked we found enough This day at night we opened our Tortoyse which had in her about 500. Egges excellent sweet meate and so is all the whole fish Vpon Tuesday in the morning we went all on shore sauing the Carpenter and Thomas and Master Gilberts man to fell wood and this day we felled good store All the rest of this moneth and three dayes more we continued here euery day labouring sore first in sawing downe the great trees and sawing them againe into logs portable out of the thicke wood to the Sea-shoare so in the Boates and so to the ship where M. Gilbert his paines profited double as well in example as in worke for hee was neuer idle but either searching out more trees or fetching drinke for the Labourers or doing one thing or other so that in this iust fortnight that wee stayed here wee had gotten on boord some twenty tuns Within a few dayes after the Tortoyse was eaten God sent vs another One of these fishes were sufficient meat for twentie men for three or foure dayes if it could bee preserued but in that Climate no salting can preserue it aboue two dayes hardly so long Now the wood growing thinne and hardly to be found on this Iland he thought it best to stay no longer here but to goe for Uirginia to search for better store And so vpon Sunday the third of Iuly in the afternoone we weighed Anchor and sailed North-west and by North and that night passed by Saint Christopher and another little Iland Munday the fourth in the morning we had sight of the Iland we went into the Woods to search for Lignum vitae but found none but one tree which he cut and went on boord we fought also for fresh water but found none At Euening went on shore into the bottome of the Bay to dray the Net and there we gat good store of fine fresh fish and much more enough to haue laden our Boat we should haue gotten if at euery draught we had not had in the Net a Tortoyse which stil brak through and so carried away the fish with them At one draught among the rest we had two in the Net a yong one and an old on the Net held the young one Wee weighed and went through betweene the two Ilands into the mayne Ocean toward our long desired Countrey Uirginia distant three hundred and fiftie leagues from vs. Wee sayled North North-west The seuenth we ran still North-west and North and
by West The eight wee kept the same course The ninth we kept still the same course The winde beganne to vere some thing to the Southward which had beene constant still from the Ilands of the Canaries vnto the Ilands of the West Indies And now began the winde to draw towards the West and then is it as constant there The reason I deferre to longer consideration The current setteth out of the Gulfe of Mexico and from the mayne shore Sunday the tenth we kept still the same course and had now but a small gale almost becalmed The eleuenth we continued the same course with the same small gale we went North. Tuesday the twelfth we kept the same course if any at all for for the most part we were becalmed Wednesday the thirteenth the calme continued the Sunne being extremely hot in the calme Thursday the fourteenth the calme continued as hot as before These dayes we ayred our Newland fish called Poore Iohn which proued ill done For after it was ayred it rotted the sooner being burnt in the same On Friday the fifteenth God sent vs a reasonable gale The sixteenth and seuenteenth the calme came againe Munday we had a good gale and went North and by West and North North-west The nineteenth twentieth and one and twentieth we had an excellent gale and ranne North North-west Then we cast out the Lead and looked out for land but found no ground nor saw no land and therefore we much doubted that the current had set vs very farre to the leeward of the place which wee were bound for being the Chesepian Bay but that could not be knowne till it pleased God to bring vs to land In the afternoone about sixe of the clocke we cast out the Lead againe and had ground in thirtie fathomes whereof we were glad and thanked God knowing we could not be farre from land Saturday the three and twentieth in the morning about eight of the clocke wee saw land in the height of 40. degrees and odde minutes very fine low land appearing farre off to bee full of tall Trees and a fine sandie shoare but a great siege we saw no Harbour and therefore coasted along to seeke one to the Northward the wind being at West Sunday the foure and twentieth the wind being about the North-east we beat hard to fetch an Head-land where we thought we saw an Harbour but when we came vp with it wee perceiued it was none and all our labour lost And therefore the wind beeing now more full in our teeth at the North-east wee considered it were better to put roome so that if the winde should stand then we should fetch the Bay of Chesepian which Master Gilbert so much thirsted after to seeke out the people for Sir Walter Raleigh left neere those parts in the yeere 1587. if not perhaps we might find some Road or Harbour in the way to take in some fresh water for now wee had none aboord On Munday the fiue and twentieth of Iuly at night wee came neere the mouth of the Bay but the wind blew so sore and the Sea was so high that the Master durst not put in that night into the Sea and so continued next day On Wednesday the seuen and twentieth at night the winde came faire againe and wee bare againe for it all night and the wind presently turned againe Thursday the eight and twentieth considering our extremitie for water and wood victuals and beere likewise consuming very fast we could no longer beate for it and therefore ran roomer determining for this time to seeke it no more Friday the nine and twentieth being not farre from the shoare which appeared vnto vs exceeding pleasant and full of goodly Trees and with some shew of the entrance of a Riuer our Captaine Baxtholomew Gilbert accompanied with Master Thomas Canner a Gentleman of Bernards Inne Richard Harison the Masters Mate Henry Kenton our Chirurgion and one Derricke a Dutchman went on shore in the Boate from the ship which lay aboue a mile from the land and with their weapons marched vp into the Countrey leauing two youths to keepe the Boate but shortly after the Indians set vpon them and one or two of them fell downe wounded in sight of our yong men that kept the Boat which had much a doe to saue themselues and it For some of the Indians roming downe to them would haue haled it on shore which notwithstanding they saued and with heauie hearts gat vnto the ship with the losse of their Captain and foure of their principall men Thus being but eleuen men and Boyes in all in the ship though our want of water and wood were great yet wee durst not aduenture the losse of any more of our small company in this place Therefore our Master Henry Sute tooke his course home for England by the Iâ—es of the Açores and fell first with the Pike and afterward entring into our Chanell had first sight of Portland and thence came vp the Riuer of Thames vnto Rateliffe about the end of September 1603. finding the Citie most grieuously infected with a terrible plague CHAP. XIII Extracts of a Virginian Voyage made An. 1605. by Captaine GEORGE WAYMOVTH in the Arch-angell Set forth by the Right Honorable HENRY Earle of South-hampton and the Lord TMOMAS ARVNDEL written by IAMES ROSIER VPon Easter day the last of March the winde comming at North North-east about fiue of the clocke after noone we weighed anchor and put to Sea from the Downes in the Name of God being very well victualled and furnished with Munition and all necessaries our whole companie being nine and twenty persons of whom I dare boldly say few Voyages haue beene manned forth with better Sea-men generally in respect of our small number Munday the thirteenth of May about eleuen of the clocke in the fore-noone our Captaine iudging we were not farre from Land sounded and we had soft oze in an hundred and sixty fathome at foure of the clocke after noone wee sounded againe and had the like oze in an hundred fathome From ten a clocke that night till three a clocke in the morning our Captain tooke in all Sayles and lay at hull being desirous to fall with the Land in the day time because it was an vnknown Coast which it pleased God in his mercy to grant vs otherwise surely we had runne our Shippe vpon the hidden Rockes and perished all for when we set sayle we sounded in an hundred fathom and by eight a clocke hauing not made aboue fiue or sixe leagues our Captaine vpon a sudden change of water supposing verily he saw the sand presently sounded and had but fiue fathome much maruelling because we saw no Land he sent one to the top who descried a whitish sandy Clisse which bare West North-west about sixe leagues off but comming neerer within three or foure leagues we saw many breaches still neerer the Land At last we espied a great
our Ship with Furres and Tobacco This we perceiued to be onely a meere deuice to get possession of any of our men to ransome all those we had taken which their naturall pollicy could not so shaddow but we did easily discouer and preuent These meanes were by this Sauage practised because we had one of his kinsmen prisoner as we iudged by his most kinde vsage of him being aboord vs together Thursday the thirteenth of Iune by two a clocke in the morning because our Captain would take the helpe and aduantage of the Tide in the Pinnace with our Company well prouided and furnished with Armour and Shot both to defend and offend we went from our Ship vp to that part of the Riuer which trended West into the Maine to search that and wee carried with vs a Crosse to erect at that point which because it was not day-light we left on shoare vntill our returne backe when we set it vp in manner as the former And this we deligently obserued that in no place either about the Ilands or vp in the Maine or along the Riuer wee could discerne any token or signe that euer any Christian had beene before which either by cutting wood digging for water or setting vp Crosses a thing neuer omitted by any Christian trauailours wee should haue perceiued some mention left But to returne to our Riuer vp into which we then rowed by estimation twenty miles What profit or pleasure is described and truely verified in the former part of the Riuer is wholly doubled in this for the breadth and depth is such that any Ship drawing seuenteene or eighteene foote water might haue passed as farre as we went with our Shallop and by all our iudgements much further because we left it in so good depth which is so much the more to be esteemed of greater worth by how much it trendeth further vp into the Maine for from the place of our Ships riding in the Harbour at the entrance into the Sound to the furthest point wee were in this Riuer by our estimation was not much lesse then threescore miles From each Banke of this Riuer are diuers branching streames running into the Maine whereby is afforded an vnspeakeable profit by the conueniency of easie transportation from place to place which in some Countries is both very chargeable and not so fit by Carriages on Wane or Horsebacke Here wee saw store of Fish some leaping aboue water which we iudged to be Salmon for they were great All along is an excellent mould of ground the wood in most places especially on the Easterne side very thin chiefely Oake and small Birch bordering low vpon the Riuer all fit for Meddow and pleasant Pasture ground And in that space wee went wee had on both sides the Riuer many plaine places of cleere Meddow some of three or foure acres some eight or nine so as we iudged in the whole to be betweene thirty and forty acres of good grasse and where the Armes runne into the Maine there likewise went a space on both sides of the cleare grasse how farre we knew not In many places we might see pathes Beasts had made to come downe to watering And we all concluded as I verily thinke we might rightly that we should neuer see the like Riuer in euery degree equall vntill it pleased God we beheld the same againe for the further we went the more pleasing it was to euery man alluring vs still with expectation of better so as our men although they had with great labour rowed long and eate nothing for we carried with vs no victuall but a little Cheese and Bread yet they were so refreshed with the pleasant beholding thereof and so loath to forsake it as some of them affirmed they would haue continued willingly with that onely fare and labour two dayes but the Tide not suffering vs to make any longer stay because we were to come backe with the ebbe and our Captaine better knowing what was fit then we and better what they in labour were able to endure being very loath to make any desperate hazard where so little necessitie required thought it best to make returne because whether we had discouered was sufficient to conceiue that the Riuer ranne very farre into the Land for we passed sixe or seuen miles altogether fresh water whereof we all dranke forced vp by the flowing of the Salt which after a great while ebbe where we left it by bredth and depth of Channell was likely to runne by estimation of our whole companie an vnknowne way further And as our Captaine verily thought although hee then concealed it might possibly make a passage into or very nigh the South Sea which hee neither had commission nor time now to search but hath left that till his next returne if it shall so please God to dispose of him and vs. Friday the fourteenth of Iune early by foure a clocke in the morning with the Tide our two Boats and a little helpe of the winde we warped our shippe downe to the Riuers mouth and there came to an anchor about about eleuen a clocke Afterward our Captaine in the Pinnace searched the sounding all about the mouth and comming into the Riuer for his certaine instruction of a perfect description The next day being Saturday we weighed anchor and with a briese from the Land we sayled vp to our watering place and there stopped went ashoare and filled all our empty caske with fresh water Our Captaine vpon the Rocke in the middest of the Harbour made his certaine obseruation by the Sunne of the height latitude and variation exactly vpon all his Instruments 1. Astrolabe 2. Semisphere 3. Ring-instrument 4. Crosse staffe 5. And an excellent Compas made for the variation The latitude he found to be 43. degrees 20. minutes North. The variation 11. degrees 15. minutes viz. one point of the Compas Westward And it is so much in England at Lime-house by London Eastward The temperature affoorded to vs no speciall alteration from our disposition in England somewhat hotter vp into the Maine because it lieth open to the South but scarse yeelding a sensible difference to any of vs. The aire so wholsome as I suppose not any of vs found our selues at any time more healthfull more able to labour nor with better stomachs to such good fare as we partly brought and partly found Sunday the sixteenth of Iune the winde being faire and because wee had set out of England vpon a Sunday descried the Ilands vpon a Sunday and as we doubted not by Gods appointment happily fallen into our Harbour vpon a Sunday so now beseeching him with like prosperitie to blesse our returne into England and from thence with his good-will and pleasure to hasten and fortunate our next arriuall here Wee set sayle and quit the Land vpon a Sunday Tuesday the eighteenth day of Iune being not runne aboue fiue and thirty leagues from Land and our Captaine for his
to bee found They are also called the Flemish Ilands that is of the Netherlanders because the first that inhabited the same were Netherlanders whereof till this time there is a great number and off-spring remayning that in manner and behauiour are altogether like Netherlanders and there is yet in the same Iland a running water that issueth out of a Hill and so runneth into the Sea whereas yet those issues or off-springs of Netherlanders inhabite and is called Aribâ—ra dos Framengos that is the Flemish Riuer The principall Iland of them all is that of Tercera called Insula de Iesus Christus of Tercera It is betweene fifteene or sixteene miles in compasse and is altogether a great Cliffe of Land whereby in it there is little roome for it is as it were walled round about with Cliffes but where any strand or sand is there standeth a Fort. It hath no Hauens nor entrance of waters for the securitie and safety of the shippes but onely before the chiefe Towne called Angra where it hath an open Hauen which in forme is like a Halfe-moone by the Portugals called Angra whereof the Towne hath her name It hath on the one side in manner of an elbow sticking forth two high Hills called Bresyl which stretch into the Sea so that afarre off they seeme to bee diuided from the Iland Those Hills are very high so that being vpon them a man may see at the least tenne or twelue and sometimes fifteene miles into the Sea being cleare weather Vpon these Hills there stand two small stone Pillers where there is a Centinell placed that continually watcheth to see what shippes are at Sea and so to aduertise those of the Iland for that as many shippes as he seeth comming out of the West that is from the Spanish Indies or Brasilia Cabo verde Guinea and the Portugall Indies and all other wayes lying South or West for euery shippe hee setteth a Flagge vpon the Pillar in the West and when the shippes which hee descrieth are more than fiue then hee setteth vp a great ancient betokening a whole Fleete of shippes The like hee doth vpon the other Pillar which standeth in the East for such shippes as come from Portugall or other places out of the East or North parts these Pillars may bee easily seene in all places of the Towne by reason of the highnesse of the Hills so that there is not one shippe or sayle that is at Sea or maketh towards the Iland but it is presently knowne throughout all the Towne and ouer all the whole Iland for the watch is not holden onely vpon those two Hills jutting into the Sea but also vpon all corners Hills and Cliffes throughout the Iland and as soone as they perceiue any shippes the Gouernour and Rulers are presently aduertised thereof that they may take such order therein as neede requireth Vpon the furthest corner into the Sea standeth a Fort right against another Fort that answereth it so that those two Forts doe shut and defend the Mouth or open Hauen of the Towne where the shippes lie in the Road and so no shippe can either goe in or come forth without the licence or permission of those two Forts This Towne of Angra is not onely the chiefe Towne of Tercera but also of all other Townes within the Ilands thereabouts There in is resident the Bishop the Gouernour for the King and the chiefe place of Iudgement or tribunall Seate of all the Ilands of Açores Three miles from this Towne lieth another Towne towards the North called Villa de Praya for Praya is as much to say as Strand because it lieth hard by a great strand and for that cause there is little traffique thither as not hauing any conuenient place for shippes to come at it yet sometimes there commeth some one that by reason of contrary winde cannot get before the Towne of Angra and so by constraint discharge their goods in that Towne which from thence are carried by Land to Angra and yet some part thereof is spent and vsed there It is walled and well housed but not many people in it and such as are in it doe get their liuings most by husbandry for there are very faire Corne lands The Iland is likewise very fruitfull and pleasant it hath much Corne and Wine but the Wine is not very good to carry into other Countries thereabouts because it is small and will not long continue so that it is vsed in the Countrey by the common people but such as are of wealth for the most part drinke Wines of Madera and Canaria It aboundeth in Flesh Fish and all other necessaries and meates for mans bodie wherewith in time of need they might helpe themselues Oyle there is none but it commeth out of Portugall Also Salt Pots Pans and all kind of earthen Vessells Chalke and such like are brought thither out of other places for there they are not to bee found for fruits they haue besides Peaches of diuers kindes and in so great abundance that is is strange Cherries Plums Walnuts Hasle-nuts Chesnuts but those not very good of Apples Peares Oranges and Lemons with all such like fruits there are sufficient Of all sorts of Hearbes and Plants as Coleworts Radishes and such like they haue at their certaine times of the yeere They haue likewise in that Iland a certaine fruit that groweth vnder the earth like Radishes or other roots but the Leaues or Plants are Trees like Vines but different leaues and groweth longwise vpon the ground it beareth a fruit called Batatas that is very good and is so great that it weigheth a pound some more some lesse but little esteemed and yet it is a great sustenance and food for the common sort of people It is of good account in Portugall for thither they vse to bring it for a Present and those of the Iland by reason of the great abundance doe little esteeme it There is also another kind of stuffe that is sowed like Corne and is a fruit it groweth vpon the root of the grasse or leaues and is round and as bigge as a great Pease but not so round in eating it tasteth like Earth-nuts but harder to bite it is likewise a good meate and much esteemed in other places but by reason of the great quantitie thereof it is most vsed to fatten their Hogges and is called Iunssa There is also in the Iland a certaine Plant which is found in all places thereof in the open fieldes it groweth as high as a man and beareth no fruit onely the roote thereof is a substance of the thicknesse of a mans two fists and in shew as if it were naturall golden haire and in handling like soft Silke which is vsed there to stuffe and fill their Beddes in stead of Wooll and Feathers and I doe certainly beleeue if any man of vnderstanding would take it in hand it would well be wouen The principallest traffique of this
great numbers that they make Scutes Carts and other grosse workes thereof and is the commonest wood that they vse to burne in those Countries whereby it is the wood that with them is least esteemed by reason of the great quantity thereof There is another kinde of wood called Sanguinho and is very faire of a red colour and another sort that they call white Wood being of it selfe as white as Chalke other that is perfect yellow and all naturall without any dying and therefore there are diuers good workemen in Tercera that are skilfull in Ioyners Occupation and make many fine pieces of worke as Deskes Cupboords Chists and other such like things whereof many are carried into Portugall and much esteemed there as well for the beauty of the wood as for the workmanship And specially the Spanish Fleet which ordinarily refresh themselues in that Iland doe carrie much of it from thence for it is the best and finest that is made in all Spaine and Portugall although it bee not comparable to the Deskes and fine workmanship of Nurembergh and those Countreves but for Wood it excelleth all other Countreyes for that they haue in the Spanish Fleete besides their owne kindes of woods at the least a thousand sorts of wood of all colours that man can imagine or deuise and so faire that more fairer can not bee painted There is a certaine kinde of wood in the Iland Pico situate and lying twelue miles from Tercera called Teixo a most excellent and princely wood and therefore it is forbidden to bee cut but onely for the Kings owne vse or for his Officers The wood is as hard as Iron and hath a colour within as if it were wrought like red Chamlet with the same water and the older it is and the more vsed the fairer it is of colour so that it is worthie to bee esteemed as in truth it is All those Ilands are inhabited by Portugals but since the troubles in Portugall there haue beene diuers Spanish Souldiers sent thither and a Spanish Gouernour that keepe all the Forts and Castles in their possessions although the Portugals are put to no charges nor yet hardly vsed by them but are rather kept short so that not one Souldier dareth goe out of the Towne with out licence and therefore men may quietly trauell throughout the Iland both day and night without any trouble Likewise they will not suffer any stranger to trauell to see the Countrey and this order was not brought vp by the Spaniards but by the Portugals themselues before their troubles for they would neuer permit it and which is more all strangers that came thither were vsually appointed a certaine streete wherein they should sell their wares and might not goe out of that streete Now it is not so straightly looked vnto but they may goe in all places of the Towne and within the Iland but not about it to view the Coast which notwithstanding was granted vnto vs by the Gouernour himselfe who lent vs his Horses to ride about and gaue vs leaue to see all the Forts which at this time is not permitted to the naturall borne Ilanders neither are they so much credited Wee rode twice about the Iland which hee granted vs leaue to doe by meanes of certaine particular friendship wee had with him neither could the Portugals hinder vs therein because wee were in the Kings seruice as Factors for the Kings Pepper and for that they accounted vs as naturall borne Portugals for the Gouernour would willingly haue had mee to haue drawne a plot of the whole Iland that hee might haue sent it to the King wherein I excused my selfe yet I made him the Towne with the Hauen comming in and Forts of Angra which hee sent vnto the King the like whereof you may in this Booke behold for the which the Gouernour was greatly affected vnto mee and shewed mee much friendship Wee had in our Lodging a French Merchant and a Scot that willingly would haue gone with vs to see the Iland but could not be suffered for the Portugals thinke that they would take the proportion thereof and so seeke to defeate them of their right But returning to our matter the Ilands are very good and holesome ayre and the diseases that are most common in those Countries though not very plentifull but onely here and there one are one sicknesse called O Ar that is a kinde of bad ayre that taketh them and maketh them altogether lame or halfe lame of their limmes or of some one limme and another sicknesse that is called O Sange that is a certaine bloud that hastely commeth vpon a man as a swelling in the eyes or other places of the face or of the body and is as red as bloud for as they say it is nothing else but meere bloud these are two diseases like the plague and are commonnest sicknesses in those Countries which grow by reason of the great windinesse of the Ilands that are subiect to all stormes and foule weathers and are vnreasonable morst which is one of the principall causes of these diseases for the windes are there so strong and dangerous that they consume both the Iron and the Steele of their houses and bring them into powder for I haue seene Iron grates in the Kings Custome house as thicke as a mans arme and the windowes of hard free stone which were so consumed by the winde that the Iron in some places was become as thin as a straw and the stone in like sort and therefore in those Countries they vse to make their Roofes and Painthouâ—es of stones which they digge in the water out of sands vpon the Sea coast of those Ilands whereon the winde hath not so great a power to consume it and yet that Customehouse had not beene made aboue six or seuen yeares before at the most In this Iland besides the two Townes there are diuers great Villages as Saint Sebastians Saint Barboran Altares Gualua Villa noua with many other Parishes and Hamlets so that for the most part it is built and inhabited sauing onely the places that are wilde and full of Woods which can hardly be trauelled much lesse inhabited Their most traffique is as I said before the wood that groweth in those Countries I meane for such as deale in Merchandise and the workemen that make it but the rest waite for the fleetes that come and goe to and from the Spanish and Portugall Indies from Brasilia Cabo Verde and Guinea all which Countries doe commonly come vnto Tercera to refresh themselues as lying very fitly for that purpose so that all the inhabitants doe thereby richly maintaine themselues and sell all their wares as well handy workes as victuals vnto those Ships and all the Ilands round about doe as then come vnto Tercera with their wares to sell it there For the which cause the Englishmen and other strangers keepe continually about those Ilands being assured that all Ships for
for they had lost in fighting and by drowning aboue foure hundred men and of the English were slaine about a hundred Sir Richard Greenfield himselfe being wounded in his braine whereof afterwards he died He was borne into the Sâ—ip called the Saint Paul wherein was the Admirall of the Fleete Don Alonso de Barsan there his wounds were drest by the Spanish Surgeons but Don Alonso himselfe would neither see him nor speake with him all the rest of the Captaines and Gentlemen went to visite him and to comfort him in his hard fortune wondring at his courage and stout heart for that he shewed not any signe of faintnesse nor changing of coloâ—r But feeling the houre of death to approach he spake these words in Spanish and said Here dye I Richard Greenfield with a ioyfull and quiet minde for that I haue ended my life as a true Souldier ought to doe that hath fought for his Countrey Queene Religion and honour whereby my Soule most ioyfull departeth out of this body and shall alwayes leaue behinde it an euerlasting fame of a valiant and true Soldier that hath done his duetie as hee was bound to doe When he had finished these or such other like words he gaue vp the Ghost with great and stout courage and no man could perceiue any true signe of heauinesse in him This Sir Richard Greenfield was a great and a rich Gentleman in England and had great yearely reuenewes of his owne inheritance but he was a man very vnquiet in his minde and greatly affected to warre in so much as of his owne priuate motion he offered his seruice to the Qâ—eene He had performed many valiant acts and was greatly feared in these Ilands and knowne of euery man but of nature very seuere so that his owne people hated him for his fiercenesse and spake very hardly of him for when they first entred into the Fleete or Armado they had their great saile in a readinesse and might possibly enough haue sailed away for it was one of the best Ships for saile in England and the Master perceiuing that the other Ships had left them and followed not after commanded the great saile to be cut that they might make away but Sir Richard Greenfield threatned both him and all the rest that were in the Ship that if any man laid hand vpon it he would cause him to be hanged and so by that occasion they were compelled to fight and in the end were taken He was of so hard a complexion that as hee continued among the Spanish Captaines while they were at dinner or supper with him hee would carouse three or foure Glasses of Wine and in a brauery take the Glasses betweene his teeth and crash them in peeces and swallow them downe so that often times the bloud ran out of his mouth without any harme at all vnto him and this was told me by diuers credible persons that many times stood and beheld him The Englishmen that were left in the Ship as the Captaine of the Souldiers the Master and others were dispersed into diuers of the Spanish Ships that had taken them where there had almost a new fight arisen betweene the Biscaines and the Portugals while each of them would haue the honour to haue first boorded her so that there grew a great noise and quarrell among them one taking the chiefe Ancient and the other the Flagge and the Captaine and euery one held his owne The ships that had boorded her were altogether out of order and broken and many of their men hurt whereby they were compelled to come into the Iland of Tercera there to repaire themselues where being arriued I and my chamber-fellow to heare some newes went aboord one of the Ships being a great Biscaine and one of the twelue Apostles whose Captaine was called Bertandono that had bin Generall of the Biscaines in the fleete that went for England He seeing vs called vs vp into the Gallery where with great curtesie he receiued vs being as then set at dinner with the English Captaine that sat by him and had on a sute of blacke Veluet but he could not tell vs any thing for that he could speake no other language but English and Latine which Bartandono also could a little speake The English Captaine that he might come on land with his weapon by his side and was in our lodging with the Englishman that was kept prisoner in the Iland being of that ship whereof the sailers got away as I said before The Gouernour of Tercera bad him to dinner and shewed him great curtesie The Master likewise with licence of Bartandono came on land and was in our lodging and had at the least ten or twelue wounds as well in his head as on his body whereof after that being at Sea betweene Lisbone and the Ilands he died The Captaine wrote a Letter wherein he declared all the manner of the fight and left it with the English Merchant that lay in our lodging to send it to the Lord Admirall of England The English Captaine comming to Lisbone was there well receiued and not any hurt done vnto him but with good conuoy sent to Sentuual and from thence sayled into England with all the rest of the Englishmen that were taken prysoners The Spanish Armie staied at the Iland of Corus till the last of September to assemble the rest of the Fleete together which in the end were to the number of one hundred and forty sayle of Ships partly comming from India and partly of the Army and being altogether ready vnto saile to Tercera in good company there sodainly rose so hard and cruell a storme that those of the Iland did affirme that in mans memory there was neuer any such seene or heard of before for it seemed the Sea would haue swallowed vp the Ilands the water mounting higher then the Cliffes which are so high that it amaseth a man to behold them but the Sea reached aboue them and liuing fishes were throwne vpon the land This storme continued not onely a day or two with one winde but seuen or eight dayes continually the winde turning round about in all places of the compasse at the least twice or thrice during that time and all alike with a continuall storme and tempest most terrible to behold euen to vs that were on shore much more then to such as were at Sea so that onely on the Coasts and Clifts of the Iland of Tercera there were aboue twelue Ships cast away and not onely vpon the one side but round about it in euery corner whereby nothing else was heard but complaining crying lamenting and telling here is a ship broken in peeces against the Cliffes and there another and all the men drowned so that for the space of twenty dayes after the storme they did nothing else but fish for dead men that continually came driding on the shore Among the rest was the English ship called the Reuenge that was cast away vpon
to Coruo the Englishmen at times had taken at the least twenty ships that came from Saint Domingo India Brasillia c. and all sent into England Whereby it plainly appeareth that in the end God will assuredly plague the Spaniards hauing already blinded them so that they haue not the sence to perceiue it but still to remaine in their obstinate opinions but it is lost labour to striue against God and to trust in man as being foundations erected vpon the sands which with the winde are blowne downe and ouerthrowne as we daily see before our eyes and now not long since in many places haue euidently obserued and therefore let euery man but looke into his owne actions and take our Low-Countries for an example wherein we can but blame our owne sinnes and wickednesses which doth so blinde vs that we wholly forget and reiect the benefits of God continuing the seruants and yoke-slaues of Sathan God of his mercy open our eyes and hearts that wee may know our onely health and Sauiour Iesus Christ who onely can helpe gouerne and preserue vs and giue vs a happy end in all our affaires By this destruction of the Spaniards and their euill successe the lading and shipping of the goods that were saued out of the ship that came from Malacca to Tercera was againe put off and therefore wee must haue patience till it please God to send a fitter time and that we receiue further aduise and order from his Maiestie of Spaine All this being thus past the Farmers of Pepper and other Merchants that had their goods in Tercera which were taken out of the lost ship that came from Malacca seeing that the hope of any Armada or any ships in the Kings behalfe to be sent to fetch it was all in vaine they made request vnto his Maiesty that he would grant them licence euery man particularly to ship his goods in what ship he would at his owne aduenture which in the end after long suite was granted vpon condition that euery man should put in sureties to deliuer the goods in the Custome-house at Lisbone to the end the King might be paied his custome as also that the goods that should be deliuered vnto them in Tercera should all be registred whereupon the Farmers of Pepper with other Merchants agreed with a Flushinger to fetch all the Cloues Nutmegs Mace and other spices and goods that belonged vnto them the Pepper onely excepted which as then the King would not grant to lade The same Ship arriued in Tercera about the last of Nouember and because it was somewhat dangerous being the latter end of the yeare we laded her with all the speede we could for as then the coast was cleare of Englishmen To be short this Flushinger being laden with most part of the goods sauing the Pepper that was left behinde we set saile for Lisbone passing some small stormes not once meeting with any ship but onely vpon the coast where we saw ten Hollanders that sailed with Corne towards Ligorne and other places in Italie and so by Gods helpe vpon the second of Ianuary Anno 1592. we arriued in the Riuer of Lisbone being nine yeares after my departure from thence and there I staied till the month of Iuly to dispatch such things as I had to doe and vpon the seuenteenth of the same month I went to Sentuual where certaine Hollanders lay with whom I went for Holland The end of the eight Booke ENGLISH PLANTATIONS DISCOVERIES ACTS AND OCCVRRENTS IN VIRGINIA AND SVMMER ILANDS SINCE THE YEERE 1606. TILL 1624. THE NINTH BOOKE CHAP. I. Part of the first Patent granted by his Maiestie for the Plantation of Virginia Aprill the tenth 1606. IAMES by the grace of God c. Whereas our louing and well disposed Subiects Sir Thomas Gates Sir George Summers Knights Richard Hakluyt Clerke Prebendary of Westminster Edward Maria Wingfield Thomas Hannam Rawleigh Gilbert Esquires William Parker George Popham and diâ—ers others of our louing Subiects haue beene humble Suitors vnto vs that we would vouch safe vnto them our License to make Habitation Plantation and to deduce a Colonie of sundry of our people into that part of America commonly called Virginia and other parts and Territories in America either appertayning vnto vs or which now are not actually possessed by any Christian Prince or people situate lying and being all along the Sea Coast betweene thirtie foure degrees of Northerly latitude from the Equinoctiall Line and fortie fiue degrees of the same latitude and in the mayne Land betweene the same thirtie foure and fortie fiue degrees and the Ilands thereunto adiacent within one hundred miles of the Coast thereof And to that end and for the more speedie accomplishment of the said intended Plantation and Habitation there are desirous to deuide themselues into two seuerall Colonies and Companies the one consisting of certaine Knights Gentlemen Merchants and other Aduenturers of our Citie of London and elsewhere which are and from time to time shall be ioyned vnto them which doe desire to beginne their Plantations and Habitations in some fit and conuenient place betweene thirtie foure and fortie one degrees of the said latitude all alongst the Sea Coast of Virginia and Coast of America aforesaid And the other consisting of sundry Knights Gentlemen Merchans and other Aduenturers of our Cities of Bristoll and Exeter and of our Towne of Plymmouth and other places which doe ioyne themselues vnto that Colonie which desire to beginne their Plantations and Habitations in some fit and conuenient place betweene thirtie eight and fortie fiue degrees of the said latitude all alongst the said Coast of Virginia and America as that Coast lyeth We greatly commending and graciously accepting of their desires to the furtherance of so Noble a worke which may by the prouidence of Almightie God hereafter tend to the glorie of his Diuine Maiestie in propagating of Christian Religion to such people as yet liue in darknesse miserable ignorance of the true knowledge and worship of God and may in time bring the Infidels and Sauages liuing in those parts to humane ciuilitie and to a settled and quiet gouernment doe by these our Letters Patents graciously accept of and agree to their humble and well intended desires And doe therefore for vs our Heires and Successours grant and agree that the said Sir Thomas Gates Sir George Summers Richard Hakluyt and Edward Maria Wingfield Aduenturers of our Citie of London and all such others as are or shall be ioyned vnto them of that Colonie shall be called the first Colonie and they shall and may beginne their said first Plantation and Seate of their first abode and Habitation at any place vpon the said Coast of Virginia or America where they shall thinke fit and conuenient betweene the said thirtie foure and fortie one degrees of the said latitude And that they shall haue all the Lands Woods Soyle Grounds Hauens Ports Riuers Mynes Minerals Marishes Waters Fishings Commodities and Hereditaments
whatsoeuer from the said first seate of their Plantation and Habitation by the space of fiftie miles of English Statute measure all alongst the said Coast of Virginia and America towards the West and South-west as the Coast lyeth withall the Ilands within one hundred miles directly ouer against the same Sea Coast And also all the Lands Soyle Grounds Hauens Ports Riuers Mynes Myneralls Woods Marishes Waters Fishings Commodities and Hereditaments whatsoeuer from the said place of their first Plantation and Habitation for the space of fiftie like English miles all alongst the said Coast of Virginia and America towards the East and North-east as the Coast lyeth together with all the Ilands within one hundred miles directly ouer against the same Sea-coast And also all the Lands Woods Soyle Grounds Hauens Ports Riuers Mynes Mynerals Marishes Waters Fishings Commodities and Hereditaments whatsoeuer from the same fiftie miles euery way on the Sea Coast directly into the mayne Land by the space of one hundred like English miles And shall and may inhabit and remayne there and shall and may also build and fortifie within any the same for their better safeguard and defence according to their best discretions and the direction of the Councell of that Colonie And that no other of our Subiects shall be permitted or suffered to plant or inhabit behind or on the backeside of them towards the mayne Land without the expresse license or consent of the Councell of that Colonie thereunto in writing first had or obtained And we doe likewise for vs our Heires and Successors by these presents grant and agree that the said Thomas Hanham Rawleigh Gilbert William Parker and George Popham and all others of the Towne of Plimmouth in the Countie of Deuon or elsewhere which are or shall be ioyned vnto them of that Colonie shall be called the second Colonie and that they shall and may begin their said first Plantation and Seate of their first aboad and Habitation at any place vpon the said Coast of Virginia and America where they shall thinke fit and conuenient betweene thirtie eight and fortie fiue degrees of the same latitude and that they shall haue all the Lands Soyle Grounds Hauens Ports Riuers Mynes Minerals Woods Marishes Waters Fishings Commodities and Hereditaments whatsoeuer from the first Seate of their Plantation and Habitation by the space of fiftie like English miles as is aforesaid all alongst the said Coast of Virginia and America towards the West and South-west and towards the South as the Coast lieth And all the Ilands within one hundred miles directly oâ—er against the same Sea Coast. And also all the Lands Soyle Grounds Hauens Ports Riuers Mynes Mynerals Woods Marishes Waters Fishings Commodities and Hereditaments whatsoeuer from the said place of their first Plantation and Habitation for the space of fiftie like English miles all alongst the said Coast of Virginia and America towards the East and North-east and towards the North as the Coast lyeth and all the Ilands within one hundred miles directly ouer against the same Coast and also all the Lands Soyle Grounds Hauens Ports Riuers Woods Mynes Mynerals Marishes Waters Fishings Commodities and Hereditaments whatsoeuer from the same fiftie miles eâ—ery way on the Sea Coast directly into the mayne Land by the space of one hundred like English miles and shall and may inhabit there and shall and may also build and fortifie within any the same for their better safeguard according to their best discretions and the direction of the Councell of that Colonie and that none of our Subiects shall be permitted or suffered to plant or inhabit behind or on the backe of them towards the mayne Land without the expresse license or consent of the Councell of that Colonie in writing thereunto first had and obteined Prouided alwayes c. It followeth that neither Colonie shall plant within one hundred miles of each other also that each Colonie shal haue a Councell of thirteene persons to rule and be ruled according to Articles set downe and confirmed vnder the Priuie Seale which I haue but for breuitie omit as also the rest of this Patent the Seales of each Colonie appointed the digging of Mynes granted in the same and on the backside of their Colonies within the mayne Land paying the fift of Gold and Siluer and the fifteenth of Copper to the King libertie to carrie all Subiects not restrained which will goe with them Of coyning for the Colonies vse there of repelling enemies of staying ships which trade there without leaue were too long to reherse seeing this Patent hath beene often altered and renewed CHAP. II. Obseruations gathered out of a Discourse of the Plantation of the Southerne Colonie in Virginia by the English 1606. Written by that Honorable Gentleman Master GEORGE PERCY ON Saturday the twentieth of December in the yeere 1606. the fleet fell from London and the fift of Ianuary we anchored in the Downes but the winds continued contrarie so long that we were forced to stay there some time where wee suffered great stormes but by the skilfulnesse of the Captaine wee suffered no great losse or danger The twelfth day of February at night we saw a blazing Starre and presently a storme The three and twentieth day we fell with the Iland of Mattanenio in the West Indies The foure and twentieth day we anchored at Dominico within fourteene degrees of the Line a very faire Iland the Trees full of sweet and good smels inhabited by many Sauage Indians they were at first very scrupulous to come aboord vs. Wee learned of them afterwards that the Spaniards had giuen them a great ouerthrow on this I le but when they knew what we were there came many to our ships with their Canoas bringing vs many kindes of sundry fruites as Pines Potatoes Plantons Tobacco and other fruits and Roane Cloth abundance which they had gotten out of certaine Spanish ships that were cast away vpon that Iland We gaue them Kniues Hatchets for exchange which they esteeme much wee also gaue them Beades Copper Iewels which they hang through their nosthrils eares and lips very strange to behold their bodies are all painted red to keepe away the biting of Muscetos they goe all naked without couering the haire of their head is a yard long all of a length pleated in three plats hanging downe to their wastes they suffer no haire to grow on their faces they cut their skinnes in diuers workes they are continually in warres and will eate their enemies when they kill them or any stranger if they take them They will lap vp mans spittle whilst one spits in their mouthes in a barbarous fashion like Dogges These people and the rest of the Ilands in the West Indies and Brasill are called by the names of Canibals that will eate mans flesh these people doe poyson their Arrow heads which are made of a fishes bone they worship the Deuill for their God and haue no other beliefe Whilest we remayned at this
Iland we saw a Whale chased by a Thresher and a Sword-fish they fought for the space of two houres we might see the Thresher with his flayle layon the monstrous blowes which was strange to behold in the end these two fishes brought the Whale to her end The sixe and twentieth day we had sight of Marâ—galanta and the next day wee sailed with a slacke saile alongst the I le of Guadalupa where we went ashore and found a Bath which was so hot that no man was able to stand long by it our Admirall Captaine Newport caused a piece of Porke to be put in it which boyled it so in the space of halfe an houre as no fire could mend it Then we went aboord and sailed by many Ilands as Mounserot and an Iland called Saint Christopher both vnhabited about about two a clocke in the afternoone wee anchored at the I le of Meuis There the Captaine landed all his men being well fitted with Muskets and other conuenient Armes marched a mile into the Woods being commanded to stand vpon their guard fearing the treacherie of the Indians which is an ordinary vse amongst them and all other Sauages on this I le we came to a Bath standing in a Valley betwixt two Hils where wee bathed our selues and found it to be of the nature of the Bathes in England some places hot and some colder and men may refresh themselues as they please finding this place to be so conuenient for our men to auoid diseases which will breed in so long a Voyage wee incamped our selues on this Ile sixe dayes and spent none of our ships victuall by reason our men some went a hunting some a fouling and some a fishing where we got great store of Conies sundry kinds of fowles and great plentie of fish We kept Centinels and Courts de gard at euery Captaines quarter fearing wee should be assaulted by the Indians that were on the other side of the Iland wee saw none nor were molested by any but some few we saw as we were a hunting on the Iland They would not come to vs by any meanes but ranne swiftly through the Woods to the Mountaine tops so we lost the sight of them whereupon we made all the haste wee could to our quarter thinking there had beene a great ambush of Indians there abouts We past into the thickest of the Woods where we had almost lost our selues we had not gone aboue halfe a mile amongst the thicke but we came into a most pleasant Garden being a hundred paces square on euery side hauing many Cotton-trees growing in it with abundance of Cotton-wooll and many Guiacum trees wee saw the goodliest tall trees growing so thicke about the Garden as though they had beene set by Art which made vs maruell very much to see it The third day wee set saile from Meuis the fourth day we sailed along by Castutia and by Saba This day we anchored at the I le of Virgines in an excellent Bay able to harbour a hundred Ships if this Bay stood in England it would be a great profit and commoditie to the Land On this Iland wee caught great store of Fresh-fish and abundance of Sea Tortoises which serued all our Fleet three daies which were in number eight score persons We also killed great store of wilde Fowle wee cut the Barkes of certaine Trees which tasted much like Cinnamon and very hot in the mouth This Iland in some places hath very good gâ—â—â—nd straight and tall Timber But the greatest discommoditie that wee haue seene on this Isand is that it hath no Fresh-water which makes the place void of any Inhabitants Vpon the sixt day we set saile and passed by Becam and by Saint Iohn deportorico The seuenth day we arriued at Mona where wee watered which we stood in great need of seeing that our water did smell so vildly that none of our men was able to indure it Whilst some of the Saylers were a filling the Caskes with water the Captaine and the rest of the Gentlemen and other Soldiers marched vp in the I le sixe myles thinking to find some other prouision to maintaine our victualling as wee marched we killed two wild Bores and saw a huge wild Bull his hornes was an ell betweene the two tops Wee also killed Guanas in fashion of a Serpent and specklâ—d like a Toade vnder the belly These wayes that wee went being so trouble some and vilde going vpon the sharpe Rockes that many of our men fainted in the march but by good fortune wee lost none but one Edward Brookes Gentleman whose fat melted within him by the great heate and drought of the Countrey we were not able to relieue him nor our selues so he died in that great extreamitie The ninth day in the afternoone we went off with our Boat to the I le of Moneta some three leagues from Mona where we had a terrible landing and a troublesome getting vp to the top of the Mountaine or I le being a high firme Rocke step with many terrible sharpe stones After wee got to the top of the I le we found it to bee a fertill and a plaine ground full of goodly grasse and abundance of Fowles of all kindes they flew ouer our heads as thicke as drops of Hale besides they made such a noise that wee were not able to heare one another speake Furthermore wee were not able to set our feet on the ground but either on Fowles or Egges which lay so thicke in the grasse Wee laded two Boats full in the space of three houres to our great refreshing The tenth day we set saile and disimboged out of the West Indies and bare our course Northerly The fourteenth day we passed the Tropicke of Cancer The one and twentieth day about fiue a clocke at night there began a vehement tempest which lasted all the night with winds raine and thunders in a terrible manner Wee were forced to lie at Hull that night because we thought wee had beene neerer land then wee were The next morning being the two and twentieth day wee sounded and the three and twentieth and foure and twenteth day but we could find no ground The fiue and twentieth day we sounded and had no ground at an hundred fathom The six and twentieth day of Aprill about foure a clocke in the morning wee descried the Land of Virginia the same day wee entred into the Bay of Chesupioc directly without any let or hinderance there wee landed and discouered a little way but wee could find nothing worth the speaking of but faire meddowes and goodly tall Trees with such Fresh-waters running through the woods as I was almost rauished at the first sight thereof At night when wee were going aboard there came the Sauages creeping vpon all foure from the Hills like Beares with their Bowes in their mouthes charged vs very desperately in the faces hurt Captaine Gabrill Archer in both his hands
the North the Land is mountainous and so in a manner from thence by a South-west Line So that the more Southward the farther off from the Bay are those Mountaines From which fall certaine Brookes which after come to fiue principall Nauigable Riuers These runne from the North-west in to the South-east and so into the West side of the Bay where the fall of euery Riuer is within twentie or fifteene miles one of another The Mountaines are of diuers natures for at the head of the Bay the Rockes are of a composition like Mil-stones Some of Marble c. And many pieces of Christall we found as throwne downe by water from the Mountaines For in Winter these Mountaines are couered with much Snow and when it dissolueth the waters fall with such violence that it causeth great inundations in the narrow Vallies which yet is scarce perceiued being once in the Riuers These waters wash from the Rockes such glistering tinctures that the ground in some places seemeth as gilded where both the Rockes and the Earth are so splendent to behold that better iudgements then ours might haue beene p 〈…〉 swaded they contained more then probabilities The vesture of the Earth in most places doth manifestly proue the nature of the soile to be lustie and very rich The colour of the Earth we found in diuers places resembleth Bole Armoniac terra sigillata ad lemnia Fullâ—rs Earth Marle and diuers other suâ—h appearances But generally for the most part the Earth is a blacke sandie mould in some places a fat slimie clay in other places a very barren grauell But the best best ground is knowne by the vesture it beareth as by the greatnesse of Trees or abundance of Weeds c. The Countrie is not mountainous nor yet low but such pleasant plaine Hils and fertile Vallies one pretily crossing another and watered so conueniently with their sweete Brookes and Christall Springs as if Art it selfe had deuised them By the Riuers are many plaine Marishes contayning some twentie some one hundred some two hundred Acres some more some lesse Other Plaines there are few but only where the Sauages inhabit but all ouer-growne with Trees and Weeds being a plaine Wildernesse as God first made it On the West side of the Bay we said were fiue faire and delightfull nauigable Riuers of which we will now proceed to report The first of those Riuers and the next to the mouth of the Bay hath his course from the West and by North. The name of this Riuer they call Powhatan according to the name of a principall Countrie that lieth vpon it The mouth of this Riuer is neere three miles in breadth yet doe the shoales force the Channell so neere the Land that a Sacre will ouer-shoot it at Point blanke This Riuer is nauigable one hundred and fiftie miles as the Channell goeth the shoales and soundings are heere needlesse to be expressed It falleth from Rockes farre West in a Countrie inhabited by a Nation that they call Monacan But where it commeth into our Discouerie it is Powhatan In the farthest place that was diligently obserued are Falles Rockes Shoales c. which makes it past nauigation any higher Thence in the running downeward the Riuer is enriched with many goodly Brookes which are maintained by an infinite number of small Rundles and pleasant Springs that disperse themselues for best seruice as doe the veines of a mans bodie From the South there fals into this Riuer First the pleasant Riuer of Apamatuck next more to the East are the two Riuers of Quiyoughcohanocke A little farther is a Bay wherein falleth three or foure pretie Brookes and Creekes that halfe intrench the Inhabitants of Warraskoyac then the Riuer of Nandsamund and lastly the Brooke of Chisaptack From the North side is the Riuer of Chickahamania the backe Riuer of Iames Townes another by the Cedar I le where we liued ten weekes vpon Oisters then a conuenient Harbour for fisher-boats or small Boats at Kecoughtan that so conueniently turneth it selfe into Bayes and Creekes that make that place very pleasant to inhabit their Corne fields being girded therein in a manner as Peninsulaes The most of these Riuers are inhabited by seuerall Nations or rather Families of the name of the Riuers They haue also in euery of those places some Gouernour as their King which they call Werowances In a Peninsula on the North side of this Riuer are the English planted in a place by them called Iames Towne in honour of the Kings most excellent Maiestie vpon which side are also many places vnder the Werowances The first and next the Riuers mouth are the Cecoughtans who besides their women and children haue not past twentie fighting men The Paspaheges on whose Land is seated the English Colonie some fortie miles from the Bay haue not past fortie The Riuer called Chickahamania neere two hundred The Weanocks one hundred The Arrowhatocks thirtie The place called Powhatan some fortie On the South side this Riuer the Appamatucks haue sixtie fighting men The Quiyougcohanocks fiue and twentie The Warraskoyacks fortie The Nandsamunds two hundred The Chesapeacks are able to make one hundred Of this last place the Bay beareth the name In all these places is a seuerall Commander which they call Werowance except the Chickhamanians who are gouerned by the Priests and their Assistants of their Elders called Caw-cawwassoughes In Summer no place affoordeth more plentie of Sturgeon nor in Winter more abundance of Fowle especially in the time of Frost There was once taken fiftie two Sturgeons at a draught at another draught sixtie eight From the latter end of May till the end of Iune are taken but young Sturgeons of two foot or a yard long From thence till the midst of September of two or three yards long and few others And in foure or fiue houres with one Net were ordinarily taken seuen or eight often more seldome lesse In the small Riuers all the yeere there is-good plentie of small fish so that with Hookes those that would take paines had sufficient Fourteene miles Northward from the Riuer Powhatan is the Kiuer Pamaunke which is nauigable sixtie miles but with Catches and small Barkes twentie or thirtie miles farther At the ordinary flowing of salt water it diuideth it selfe into two gallant branches On the South inhabit the people of Youghtanund who haue about sixtie men for warres On the North branch Mattapament who haue thirtie men Where this Riuer is diuided the Countrie is called Panamaunke and nourisheth neere three hundred able men About fiue and twentie miles lower on the North side of this Riuer is Werawocomoco where their great King inhabited when Captaine Smith was deliuered him prisoner yet there are not past fortie able men But now he hath abandoned that and liueth at Orapakes by Youghtanund in the Wildernesse tenne or twelue miles lower on the South side of this Riuer is Chiskiack which hath
Beame sixe foote floore her Rake forward was fourteene foot her Rake aft from the top of her Post which was twelue foot long was three foot shee was eight foot deepe vnder her Beame betweene her Deckes she was foure foot and an halfe with a rising of halfe a foot more vnder her fore Castle of purpose to scowre the Decke with small shot if at any time wee should bee borded by the Enemie Shee had a fall of eighteene inches aft to make her sterage and her great Cabbin the more large her sterage was fiue foote long and sixe foote high with a close Gallerie right aft with a window on each side and two right aft The most part of her timber was Cedar which we found to be bad for shipping for that it is wonderous false inward and besides iâ— is so spault or brickle that it will make no good plankes her Beames were all Oke of our ruine ship and some plankes in her Bow of Oke and all the rest as is aforesaid When shee began to swimme vpon her launching our Gouernour called her The Deliuerance and shee might be some eighty tunnes of burthen Before we quitted our old quarter and dislodged to the fresh water with our Pinnasse our Gouernour set vp in Sir George Summers Garden a faire Muemosynon in figure of a Crosse made of some of the timber of our ruined shippe which was serued in with strong and great trunnels to a mightie Cedar which grew in the middest of the said Garden and whose top and vpper branches he caused to be lopped that the violence of the winde and weather might haue the lesse power ouer her In the middest of the Crosse our Gouernour fastened the Picture of his Maiestie in a piece of Siluer of twelue pence and on each side of the Crosse hee set an Inscription grauen in Copper in the Latine and English to this purpose In memory of our great Deliuerance both from a mightie storme and leake wee haue set vp this to the honour of God It is the spoyle of an English ship of three hundred tunne called the Sea Venture bound with seuen ships more from which the storme diuided vs to Virginia or Noua Britania in America In it were two Knights Sir Thomas Gates Knight Gouernour of the English Forces and Colonie there and Sir George Summers Knight Admirall of the Seas Her Captaine was Christopher Newport Passengers and Mariners shee had beside which came all safe to Land one hundred and fiftie We were forced to runne her ashore by reason of her leake vnder a Point that bore Southeast from the Northerne Point of the Iland which wee discouered first the eight and twentieth of Iuly 1609. About the last of Aprill Sir George Summers launched his Pinnasse and brought her from his building Bay in the Mayne Iland into the Chanuell where ours did ride and shee was by the Keele nine and twentie foot at the Beame fifteene foot and an halfe at the Loofe fourteene at the Trausam nine and she was eight foot deepe and drew sixe foote water and hee called heâ— the Patience §. III. Their departure from Bermuda and arriuall in Virginia miseries there departure and returne vpon the Lord LA WARRES arriuing IAMES Towne described FRom this time we only awaited a fauourable Westerly wind to carrie vs forth which longer then vsuall now kept at the East and South-east the way which wee were to goe The tenth of May early Sir George Summers and Captaine Newport went off with their long Boates and with two Canoaes boyed the Channell which wee were to leade it out in and which was no broader from Shoales on the one side and Rockes on the other then about three times the length of our Pinnasse About ten of the clocke that day being Thursday we set sayle an easie gale the wind at South and by reason no more winde blew we were faine to towe her with our long Boate yet neither with the helpe of that were we able to fit our Bowyes but euen when we came iust vpon them we strucke a Rocke on the starboord side ouer which the Bowye rid and had it not beene a soft Rocke by which meanes she bore it before her and crushed it to pieces God knowes we might haue beene like enough to haue returned anew and dwelt there after tenne monethes of carefulnesse and great labour a longer time but God was more mercifull vnto vs. When shee strucke vpon the Rocke the Cock-â—wayne one Walsingham beeing in the Boate with a quicke spirit when wee were all amazed and our hearts failed and so by Gods goodnesse wee led it out at three fadome and three fadome and an halfe water The wind serued vs easily all that day and the next when God be euer praysed for it to the no little ioy of vs all we got cleere of the Ilands After which holding a Southerly course for seuen dayes wee had the winde sometimes faire and sometimes scarce and contrarie in whâ—ch time we lost Sir George Summers twice albeit we still spared him our mayne top-sayle and sometimes our fore course too The seuenteenth of May we saw change of water and had much Rubbish swimme by our ship side whereby wee knew wee were not farre from Land The eighteenth â—bout midnight wee founded with the Dipsing Lead and found thirtie seuen fadome The nineteenth in the morning we sounded and â—ad nineteene and an halfe fadome stonie and sandie ground The twentieth about midnight we had a maruellous sweet smell from the shoare as from the Coast of Spaine short of the Straits strong and pleasant which did not a little glad vs. In the morning by day breake so soone as one might well see from the fore-top one of the Saylers descryed Land about an houre after I went vp and might discouer two Hummockes to the Southward from which Northward all along lay the Land which wee were to Coast to Cape Henrie About seuen of the clocke we cast forth an Anchor because the tyde by reason of the Freshet that set into the Bay make a strong Ebbe there and the winde was but easie so as not beeing able to stemme the Tyde we purposed to lye at an Anchor vntill the next flood but the wind comming South-west a loome gale about eleuen we set sayle againe and hauing got ouer the Barre bore in for the Cape This is the famous Chesipiacke Bay which wee haue called in honour of our young Prince Cape Henrie ouer against which within the Bay lyeth another head-Head-land which wee called in honour of our Princely Duke of Yorke Cape Charles and these lye North-east and by East and South-west and by West and they may bee distant each from the other in breadth seuen leagues betweene which the Sea runnes in as broad as betweene Queeneburrough and Lee. Indeed it is a goodly Bay and a fairer not easily to be found The one and twentieth beeing Munday in the morning wee came vp within
stored with abundance and plentie in England continuall wasting no Husbandry the old store still spent on no order for new prouisions what better could befall vnto the Inhabitants Land-lords and Tenants of that corner then necessarily following cleannesse of teeth famine and death Is it not the sentence and doome of the Wiseman Yet a little sleepe a little slumber and a little folding of the hands to sleepe so thy pouerty commeth as one that trauelleth by the way and thy necessitie like an armed man And with this Idlenesse when some thing was in store all wastfull courses exercised to the heigth and the headlesse multitude some neither of qualitie nor Religion not imployed to the end for which they were sent hither no not compelled since in themselues vnwilling to sowe Corne for their owne bellies nor to put a Roote Herbe c. for their owne particular good in their Gardens or elsewhere I say in this neglect and sensuall Surfet all things suffered to runne on to lie sicke and languish must it be expected that health plentie and all the goodnesse of a well ordered State of necessitie for all this to flow in this Countrey You haue a right and noble heart worthy Lady bee iudge of the truth herein Then suffer it not bee concluded vnto you nor beleeue I beseech you that the wants and wretchednesse which they haue indured ascend out of the pouertie and vilenesse of the Countrey whether bee respected the Land or Riuers the one and the other hauing not only promised but powred enough in their veines to conuince them in such calumnies and to quit those common calamities which as the shadow accompanies the body the precedent neglects touched at if truely followed and wrought vpon What England may boast of hauing the faire hand of husbandry to manure and dresse it God and Nature haue fauourably bestowed vpon this Country and as it hath giuen vnto it both by situation height and soyle all those past hopes assurances which follow our well planted natiue Countrie and others lying vnder the same influence if as ours the Countrey and soyle might be improued and drawne forth so hath it indowed it as is most certaine with many more which England fetcheth farre vnto her from elsewhere For first wee haue experience and euen our eyes witnesse how yong so euer wee are to the Countrie that no Countrey yeeldeth goodlier Corne nor more manifold increase large Fields wee haue as prospects of the same and not farre from our Pallisado Besides wee haue thousands of goodly Vines in euery hedge and Boske running along the ground which yeelde a plentifull Grape in their kinde Let mee appeale then to knowledge if these naturall Vines were planted dressed and ordered by skilfull Vinearoones whether wee might not make a perfect Grape and fruitefull vintage in short time And we haue made triall of our owne English seedes kitchen 〈◊〉 and Rootes and finde them to prosper as speedily as in England Onely let me truely acknowledge they are not an hundreâ— or two of deboist hands dropt forth by yeare after yeare with penury and leisure ill prouâ—ed for before they come and worse to be gouerned when they are here men of such distempeâ—â—d bodies and infected mindes whom no examples daily before their eyes either of goodnesse 〈◊〉 punishment can deterre from their habituall impieties or terrifie from a shamefull death â—hat must be the Carpenters and workemen in this so glorious a building Then let no rumour of the pouerty of the Couâ—â—ry as if in the wombe thereof there lay not those elementall seedes which could produce 〈◊〉 many faire births of plenty and increase and better hopes then any land vnder the heaueâ— to which the Sunne is no neerer a neighbour I say let no imposture rumour nor any fame of â—ome one or a few more changeable actions interposing by the way or at home waue any â—â—ns faire purposes hitherward or wrest them to a declining and falling off from the businesse I will acknowledge deere Lady I haue seene much propensnesse already towards the vnity and generall endeauours how câ—â—tentedly doe such as labour with vs goe forth when men of ranke and quality assist anâ—â—et on their labours I haue seene it and I protest it I haue heard the inferiour people with alacrity of spirit professe that they should neuer refuse to doe their best in the prâ—â—tise of their sciences and knowledges when such worthy and Noble Gentlemen goe â—n and out before them and not onely so but as the occasion shall be offered no â—â—â—e helpe them with their hand then defend them with their Sword And it is to be vnderstood that such as labour are not yet so taxed but that easily they performe the same and e 〈…〉 by tenne of the clocke haue done their Mornings worke at what time they haue theâ— allowances set out ready for them and vntill it be three of the clocke againe they take their owne pleasure and afterwards with the Sunne set their dayes labour is finished In all which courses if the businesse be continued I doubt nothing with Gods fauour towards vs but to see it in time a Countrie an Hauen and a Staple fitted for such a trade as shall aduance assureder increase both to the Aduenturers and free Burgers thereof then any Trade in Christendome or then that euen in her earely dayes when Michael Cauacco the Greeke did first discouer it to our English Factor in Poland which extenus it selfe now from Calpe and Abila to the bottome of Sidon and so wide as Alexandria and all the Ports and Hauens North and South through the Arches to Cio Smyrna Troy the Hellespont and vp to Pompeys Pillar which as a Pharos or watch Tower stands vpon the wondrous opening into the Euxine Sea From the three and twentieth of May vnto the seuenth of Iune our Gouernour attempted and made triall of all the wayes that both his owne iudgement could prompe him in and the aduise of Captaine George Percy and those Gentlemen whom hee found of the Counsell when hee came in as of others whom hee caused to deliuer their knowledges concerning the State and Condition of the Countrey but after much debating it could not appeare how possibly they might preserue themselues reseruing that little which wee brought from the Bermudas in our Shippes and was vpon all occasions to stand good by vs tenne dayes from staruing For besides that the Indians were of themselues poore they were forbidden likewise by their subtile King Powhatan at all to trade with vs and not onely so but to indanger and assault any Boate vpon the Riuer or stragler out of the Fort by Land by which not long before our arriuall our people had a large Boate cut off and diuers of our men killed euen within command of our Blocke-house as likewise they shot two of our people to death after we had bin foure and fiue dayes come in and yet would
taking effect our Gouernor hauing caused to be carried aboord all the Armes and all the best things in the store which might to the Aduenturers make some commodity vpon the sale thereof at home and burying our Ordnances before the Fort gate which looked into the Riuer The seuenth of Iune hauing appointed to euery Pinnace likewise his complement and number also deliuered thereunto a proportionable rate of prouision hee commanded euery man at the beating of the Drum to repaire aboord And because hee would preserue the Towne albeit now to be quitted vnburned which some intemperate and malicious people threatned his owne Company he caused to be last ashoare and was himselfe the last of them when about noone giuing a farewell with a peale of small shot wee set saile and that night with the tide fell downe to an Iland in the Riuer which our people haue called Hogge Iland and the morning tide brought vs to another Iland which we haue called Mulberry Iland where lying at an ancor in the afternoone stemming the tide wee discouered a long Boate making towards vs from Point Comfort much descant we made thereof about an houre it came vp by which to our no little ioyes we had intelligence of the honorable my Lord La Warr his arriuall before Algarnoone Fort the sixt of Iune at what time true it is his Lordship hauing vnderstood of our Gouâ—rnours resolution to depart the Country with all expedition caused his Skiffe to be manned and in it dispatched his letters by Captain Edward Bruster who commandeth his Lordships Company to our Gouernour which preuenting vs before the aforesaid Mulberry Iland the eight of Iune aforesaid vpon the receipt of his honours letters our Gouernour bore vp the helme with the winde comming Easterly and that night the winde so fauourable relanded all his men at the Fort againe before which the tenth of Iune being Sunday his Lordship had likewise brought his Ships and in the afternoone came a shoare with Sir Ferdinando Weinman and all his Lordships followers Here worthy Lady let mee haue a little your pardon for hauing now a better heart then when I first landed I will briefely describe vnto you the situation and forme of our Fort. When Captain Newport in his first Voyage did not like to inhabit vpon so open a roade as Cape Henry nor Point Comfort he plied it vp to the Riuer still looking out for the most apt and securest place as well for his Company to sit downe in as which might giue the least cause of offence or distast in his iudgement to the Inhabitants At length after much and weary search with their Barge coasting still before as Virgill writeth Aeneas did arriuing in the region of Italy called Latium vpon the bankes of the Riuer Tyber in the Country of a Werowance talled Wowinchapuncke aditionary to Powhatan within this faire Riuer of Paspiheigh which wee haue called the Kings Riuer a Country least inhabited by the Indian as they all the way obserued and threescore miles better vp the fresh Channell from Cape Henry they had sight of an extended plaine spot of earth which thrust out into the depth middest of the channell making a kinde of Chersonesus or Peninsula for it was fastened onely to the Land with a slender necke no broader then a man may well quaite a tile shard no inhabitants by seuen or six miles neere it The Trumpets sounding the Admirall strooke saile and before the same the rest of the Fleete came to an ancor and here as the best yet offered vnto their view supposed so much the more conuenient by how much with their small Company they were like inough the better to assure it to loose no further time the Colony disimbarked and euery man brought his particular store and furniture together with the generall prouision ashoare for the safety of which as likewise for their owne security ease and better accommodating a certaine Canton and quantity of that little halfe Iland of ground was measured which they began to fortifie and thereon in the name of God to raise a Fortresse with the ablest and speediest meanes they could which Fort growing since to more perfection is now at this present in this manner A low leuell of ground about halfe an Acre or so much as Queene Dido might buy of King Hyarbas which she compassed about with the thongs cut out of one Bull hide and therein built her Castle of Byrza on the North side of the Riuer is cast almost into the forme of a Triangle and so Pallizadoed The South side next the Riuer howbeit extended in a line or Curtaine six score foote more in length then the other two by reason the aduantage of the ground doth so require containes one hundred and forty yards the West and East sides a hundred onely At euery Angle or corner where the lines meete a Bulwarke or Watchtower is raised and in each Bulwarke a peece of Ordnance or two well mounted To euery side a proportioned distance from the Pallisado is a setled streete of houses that runs along so as each line of the Angle hath his streete In the middest is a market place a Store house and a Corps du guard as likewise a pretty Chappell though at this time when wee came in as ruined and vnfrequented but the Lord Gouernour and Captaine Generall hath giuen order for the repairing of it and at this instant many hands are about it It is in length threescore foote in breadth twenty foure and shall haue a Chancell in it of Cedar and a Communion Table of the Blake Walnut and all the Pewes of Cedar with faire broad windowes to shut and open as the weather shall occasion of the same wood a Pulpet of the same with a Font hewen hollow like a Canoa with two Bels at the West end It is so cast as it be very light within and the Lord Gouernour and Captaine Generall doth cause it to be kept passing sweete and trimmed vp with diuers flowers with a Sexton belonging to it and in it euery Sonday wee haue Sermons twice a day and euery Thursday a Sermon hauing true preachers which take their weekely turnes and euery morning at the ringing of a Bell about ten of the clocke each man addressèth himselfe to prayers and so at foure of the clocke before Supper Euery Sunday when the Lord Gouernour and Captaine Generall goeth to Church hee is accompanied with all the Counsailers Captaines other Officers and all the Gentlemen and with a Guard of Holberdiers in his Lordships Liuery faire red cloakes to the number of fifty both on each side and behinde him and being in the Church his Lordship hath his seate in the Quier in a greene Veluet Chaire with a Cloath with a Veluet Cushion spread on a Table before him on which he kneeleth and on each side sit the Counsell Captaines and Officers each in their place and when he returneth home againe he is
did thinke that we did heare a Peece of Ordnance to windward which made me suppose our Admirall had set saile and that it was a warning piece from him So I set sayle and stood close by the wind and kept an hollowing and a noise to try whether I could find him againe the wind was at South-west and I stood away West North-west From the sixe and twentieth at two of the clocke in the afternoone to eight of the clocke at night I had sayled nine leagues North-west The seuen and twentieth at noone I heaued the Lead in one hundred and twenty fathoms and had no ground Then I stirred away North-west till foure of the clocke at night then I heaued the Lead againe one hundred and twenty fathoms and had no ground Then I tooke all my sailes and lay at Hull and I had sayled seuen leagues North-west The eight and twentieth at seuen of the clocke in the morning I did sound in one hundred and twenty fathoms and had no ground Then I set sayle againe and steered away North and North by West At noone I heaued in one hundred and twenty fathoms againe and had no ground So I steered on my course still the wind shifted betweene South and South-west and the fog continued At foure of the clocke in the afternoone I heaued one hundred twenty fathoms againe and had no ground so I stood on vntill eight of the clocke by which time I had sailed twelue leagues then I heaued the Lead againe and had blacke Oâ—e and one hundred thirty fiue fathoms water Then I tooke in all my sayles and lay at hull vntill the nine and twentieth at fiue of the clocke in the morning Then I set saile againe and steered away North and North by West At eight of the clocke I heaued the Lead againe and had blacke Ose in one hundred and thirty fathoms water Betweene eleuen and twelue of the clocke it began to thunder but the fogge continued not still About two of the clocke in the afternoone I went out with my Boat my selfe and heaued the Lead and had blacke Ose in ninety fathoms water by which time I had sailed six leagues North by West more Then I tooke in all my sayles sauing my Fore-course and Bonnet and stood in with those sailes onely About sixe of the clocke I founded againe and then I had sixty fiue fathoms water Assoone as I came aboord it cleered vp and then I saw a small 〈◊〉 which bare North about two leagues off whereupon I stood in vntill eight of the clocke And then I stood off againe vntill two of the clocke in the morning the thirtieth day Then I stood in againe and aboue eight of the clocke I was faire aboord the Iland Then I manned my Boat and went on shoare where I found great store of Seales And I killed three Seales with my hanger This Iland is not halfe a mile about and nothing but a Rocke which seemed to be very rich Marble stone And a South South-west Moon maketh a full Sea About ten of the clocke I came aboord againe with some Wood tha I had found vpon the Iland for there had beene some folkes that had made fiers there Then I stood ouer to another Iland that did beare North off me about three leagues this small rockie Iland lyeth in forty foure degrees About seuen of the clocke that night I came to an anchor among many Ilands in eight fathoms water and vpon one of these Ilands I fitted my selfe with Wood and Water and Balast The third day of August being fitted to put to Set againe I caused the Master of the ship to open the boxe wherein my Commission was to see what directions I had and for what place I was bound to shape my course Then I tried whether there were any fis 〈…〉 herâ— or not and I found reasonable good store there so I stayed there fishing till the twelfth of August and then finding that the fishing did faile I thought good to returne to the Iland where I had killed the Seales to see whether I could get any store of them or not for I did find that they were very nourishing meate and a great reliefe to my men and that they would be very well saued with â—alâ— to keepe a long time But when I came thither I could not by any meanes catch any The fourteenth day at noone I obserued the Sun and found the Iland to lie in forty three degrees forty minutes Then I shaped my course for Cape Cod to see whether I could get any fish there or not â—so by the fifteenth that noone I had sailed thirty two leagues South-west the wind for the most part was betweene North-west and North. From the fifteenth at noone to the sixteenth at noone I ran twenty leagues South the wind shifting betweene West and South-west And then I sounded and had ground in eighteene fathoms water full of shels and peble stâ—â—es of diuers colours some greene and some blewish some like diamants and some speckled Theâ— I 〈…〉 oke in all my sayles and set all my company to fishing and fished till eight of the clocke â—hat â—â—ght and finding but little fish there I set sayle againe and by the 〈◊〉 that noone I had sâ—yâ—ed ten leagues West by North the wind shifting betweene South and South-west From noone till sixe of the clocke at night foure leagues North-west the wind shifting betweene West and South-west Then it did blow so hard that I tooke in all my sayles and lay at hull all that night vntill fiue of the clock the eighteenth day in the morning and then I set saile againe and by noone I had sailed foure leagues North-west the wind betweene West and South-west From the eighteenth at noone to the nineteenth at noone ten leagues West by West the wind shifting betweene South and South-west and the weather very thick and foggy About seuen of the clocke at night the fogge began to breake away and the wind did shift westerly and by midnight it was shifted to the North and there it did blow very hard vntill the twenty at noone but the weather was very cleere and then by my obseruation I found the ship to bee in the latitude of forty one degrees forty foure minutes and I had sailed twenty leagues South-west by West From the nineteenth at noone to the twentieth at noone about two of the clocke in the afternoone I did see an Hed-Ta 〈…〉 d which did beare off me South-west about foure leagues so I steered with it taking it to bee Cape Cod and by foure of the clocke I was fallen among so many shoales that it was fiue of the clocke the next day in the morning before I could get cleere of them it is a â—â—ry dangerous place to fall withall to the 〈◊〉 â—â—e at the least-ten leagues off from the Land and I had vpon one of them but one â—ath 〈◊〉 and an
them long before we came Wee were no sooner come withing a league of the Land but a company of Fish as it were met vs and neuer left vs till wee were come to an ankor within the harbour and as soone as we had passed ouer our businesse and all things safe and in order with a Hooke and Line wee tooke more then our whole company was able to eate so that there was enough to feed many more The next day after the Sabbath wee went with our Net and Boat and if we would haue loaded two Boats wee might and so may you do day by day Fishes doe so abound and there be of these sorts Mullets Breames Hog-fish Rock-fish and Lobstars with more sorts of other Fish which I cannot name Turkles there be of a mightie bignesse one Turkle will serue or suffice three or foure score at a meale especially if it be a shee Turkle for shee will haue as many Egges as will suffice fiftie or threescore at a meale This I can assure you they are verie good and wholsome meat none of it bad no not so much as the verie Guts and Maw of it for they are exceeding fat and make as good Tripes as your beasts bellies in England And for Fowle we went the third day of our arriuall vnto the Bird Ilands as wee call them and vsing neither Stick nor Stone-bow nor Gun we tooke them vp with our hands so many as wee would that euerie one of the company were to haue some three some foure a piece three for a child boy or girle for a man foure then reckon what those that serued some fourescore people did amount vnto But this is for certaine if wee would haue brought awaie twice so many more we might Some sixe daies after our comming wee sent out for Hogges so the company which went out brought home some for the meate of them I hold your Mutton of England not of so sweet and pleasant a taste For the inclination of the weather considering in what climate it lies wee haue had for the space of some fortie daies no raine but verie coole and fresh gales of wind yet in the day time verie hot but wee agree with it verie well and not a man that had lien sicke or diseased but all likes well and followes and imploies themselues to one businesse or other For the fruites which the Land yeelds thâ—y bee the Mulberrie great store and Peares which haue in them a red liquor as the Pomgranat hat or somewhat redder but verie wholsome if you eate an hundred at one time you shall neuer surfet of them if you eate some proportion of them they will bind but if you exceed in eating of them then are they of the contrarie operation yet neuer any that hurt themselues by them eate they neuer so many It is certaine that one man eate aboue a peck of them in some ten houres and was neuer the worse We haue a kind of Berrie vpon the Cedar Tree verie pleasant to eate and for the Palmito Tree the top of it is a great deale sweeter and wholsomer then any Cabedge In some of our Ilands there growes Pepper but not so good as our Indian Pepper diuers sorts of other good things there is which the seuerall times of the yeere bring forth one after another but the top of the Palmito Tree is in season and good all the yeere Take a Hatchet and cut him or an Augar and bore him and it yeelds a very pleasant liquor much like vnto your sweet Wines it beares likewise a Berrie in bignesse of a Prune and in taste much like Also wee haue Oliues grow with vs but no great store many other good excellent things wee haue grow with vs which this short time will not permit mee to write of so largely as I might but this is of truth that Hogs Turkles Fish and Fowle doe abound as dust of the earth for Amber-greece and Pearle wee haue not had leasure in so few daies since our arriuall to goe looke out for the one or to fish for the other but the three men which were left there haue found of them both Also they haue made a great deale of Tobacco and if some would come that haue kill in making it it would be verie commodious both to the Merchant and to the maker of it And for the Silk-worme if any were brought ouer and some of skill to vse them there would bee very much good done with them for the verie Spider in these our Ilands doth weaue perfect fine Silke both Yellow and White The Timber of the Countrey consisteth of three sorts the one is the Cedar verie fine Timber to worke vpon of colour red and verie sweet the other sorts we haue no name for for there is none in the company hath seene the like in other Countries before we came c. A Copie of the Articles which Master R. MORE Gouernour Deputie of the Sommer Ilands propounded to the Company that were there with him to be subscribed vnto which both he and they subscribed the second of August in his house Anno 1612. which about the same time he sent into England to the Worshipfull Company of the Aduenturors WEe who haue here vnder subscribed our names being by the great goodnesse of God safely arriued at the Sommer Ilands with purpose here to inhabite doe hereby promise and bind our selues to the performance of the seuerall Articles hereafter following and that in the presence of the most glorious God who hath in mercy brought vs hither First We doe faithfully promise and by these presents solemnly binde our selues euer-more to worshâ—p that aforesaid only true and euerliuing God who hath made the Heauens and the Earth the Sea and all that therein is and that according to those rules that are prescribed in his most holy Word and euer to continue in that faith into the which wee were baptised in the Church of England and to stand in defence of the same against all Atheists Papists Anabaptists Brownists and all other Heretikes and Sectaries whatsoeuer dissenting from the said Word and Faith Secondly because the keeping of the Sabboth day holy is that wherein a principall part of Gods worship doth consist and is as it were the Key of all the other parts thereof wee do therefore in the presence aforesaid promise That wee will set apart all our owne labours and imployments on that day vnlesse it be those that be of meere necessitie much more vaine and vnfruitfull practises and apply our selues to the hearing of Gods Word Prayer and all other exercises of Religion in his Word required to the vttermost of our power Thirdly Seeing the true worship of God and holy life cannot be seuered we doe therefore promise in the presence aforesaid That to the vttermost of our power we will liue together in doing that which is iust both towards God and Man and in particular
vngodly and inhumane also to deny the world to men or like Manger-dogges neither to eat hay themselues nor to suffer the hungry Oxe to prohibite that for others habitation whereof themselues can make no vse or for merchandise whereby much benefit accreweth to both parts They which doe this Tollunt è vita vitae societatem to vse Tullies phrase hominem ex homine tollunt to borrow Saint Ieroms in another matter The Barbarians themselues by light of nature saw this and gaue Ours kind entertainment in mutuall cohabitation and commerce and they hauing not the Law were a Law to themselues practically acknowledging this Law of Nature written by him which is Natura naturans in their hearts from which if they since haue declined they haue lost their owne Naturall and giuen vs another Nationall right their transgression of the Law of Nature which tieth Men to Men in the rights of Natures commons exposing them as a forfeited bond to the chastisement of that common Law of mankind and also on our parts to the seueritie of the Law of Nations which tyeth Nation to Nation And if they bee not worthy of the name of a Nation being wilde and Sauage yet as Slaues bordering rebells excommunicates and out-lawes are lyeble to the punishments of Law and not to the priuiledges So is it with these Barbarians Borderers and Outlawes of Humanity Armatenenti Omnia dat qui iusta negat If the Armes bee iust as in this case of vindicating vnnaturall inhumane wrongs to a louing and profitable Nation entertained voluntarily in time of greatest pretended amity On this quarrell Dauid conquered all the Kingdome of the Ammonites and leâ—â— it to his 〈◊〉 in many generations notwithstanding Moses had otherwise left a speciall caution for their security testifying that God had giuen it the sonnes of Lot and prohibiting inuasion to Israel That natural right of cohabitation and commerce we had with others this of iust inuasion and conquest and many others praeuious to this we haue aboue others so that England may both by Law of Nature and Nations challenge Virginia for her owne peculiar propriety and that by all right and rites vsuall amongst men not those mentioned alone but by others also first discouery first actuall possession prescription gift cession and liuery of seisin sale for price that I mention not the naturall Inheritance of the English their naturally borne and the vnnaturall outcries of so many vnnaturally murthered for iust vengeance of rooting out the authors and actors of so prodigious iniustice And first for discouery the English Spaniard and Portugall seeme the Triumuiri of the Worlds first discoueries the Spaniard and Portugall first opening the Eastern Western and Southern parts the English the Northern America and all known parts thence to the North Northeast I could bring authority for King Arthurs conquests aboue 1000. yeers since in Island Gronland Estotiland but I feare this would seeme too weake a foundation and which lyers get by lying discredit our other authorities lesse suspicious howsoeuer Authors of best note in Geography alledge those which reuerence of the truth makes me let passe And so I doe King Malgo soone after him and Saint Brandon and the Friar of Oxford which A. 1360. is said to discouer to the Pole and Owen Gwined Prince of North Wales his sonne Madock A. 1170. which conueyed a Colony as learned men thinke into the West Indies In all Antiquities as Uarro obserued there are somethings fabulous so I deeme the former something vncertaine as this last and somethings Historicall as that which we shall deliuer Robert Thorne in a Booke to Doctor Leigh writeth that his father with another Merchant of Bristol Hugh Eliot were the first discouerers of the New-found-lands and if the Mariners would haue beene ruled by their Pilot the Lands of the West Indies from whence the Gold commeth had beene ours What yeere this happened he expresseth not but the words import that it was before Columbus his discouery And before Columbus his discouery of the continent Sir Sebastian Cabot at the charges of K. Henry the seuenth with two Caruels in the yeere 1496. so him selfe in Ramusio the Map with his picture in the Priuy Gallery hath 1497. sailed to the New-found land which he called Prima Vista and the Iland S. Iohns because it was discouered on the Feast of S. Iohn Baptist from whence he sailed Northerly to 67. deg and a halfe hoping by that way to passe to Cathay but his mutinous company terrified haply with Ice and cold forced his returne which hee made along the Coast toward the Equinoctiall to the part of the firme land now called Florida and then his victualls failing he returned into England where by occasion of warres with Scotland the imploiment was laid aside Afterwards the same Sir Sebastian Cabot was sent A. 1516. by King Henry the eight together with Sir Thomas Pert Viceadmirall of England which after coasting this Continent the second time as I haue read discouered the Coast of Brasil and returned from thence to S. Domingo and Puerto Rico. Now Columbus his first discouery of the Ilands was in 1492. of the Continent in his third voyage in August 1497. or as others 1498. so that counting most fauourably for Columbus Cabot had discouered the Continent in Iune next before by one reckoning aboue a yeere by another aboue two yeeres before And indeed that New World might more fitly haue borne his name then America of Americus vesputius or of Columbus Cabot hauing discouered farre more of that Continent then they both or any man else in those Seas to wit from 67. degrees and an halfe to the Line and from thence Southerly to the Riuer of Plate Hee also was the principall mouer in the setting forth of Sir Hugh Willoughby in King Edwards time vnder whom he was constituted Grand Pilot of England with the annuall stipend of one hundred sixtie sixe pound thirteene shillings foure pence in which voyage Greeneland was discouered neither is there any other Willoughbys Land to be found but in erroneous Maps and the Russian Empire by the North Cape and the Bay of Saint Nicolas But for Uirginia as it was then discouered by Sir Seb. Cabot so it receiued that name from our Virgin-Mother Great Elizabeth in whose time formal actual possession was taken for her Maiesty the thirteenth of Iuly 1584. by Captain Philip Amadas and Captain Barlow whom Sir Walter Raleigh had sent thither with two Barkes furnished who also the next yeere 1585. sent Sir Richard Greenevile with seuen sayle which there left an English Colony vnder the gouernment of M. Ralph Lane A. 1586. hee sent another Ship of one hundred Tuns thither for their reliefe but the Colony being returned in Sir Francis Drakes Fleet shee returned also Sir Richard Greenevile also about a fortnight after their departure arriued with three Ships and not finding the Colonie
as the safest refuge though that would proue an intollerable cold lodging They stood at the Trees root that when the Lions came they might take their opportunitie of climbing vp the Bitch they were faine to hold by the necke for shee would haue beene gone to the Lion but it pleased God so to dispose that the wild Beasts came not so they walked vp and downe vnder the Tree all night it was an extreame cold night so soone as it was light they trauelled againe passing by many Lakes and Brookes and Woods and in one place where the Sauages had burnt the space of fiue miles in length which is a fine Champion Countrey and euen In the afternoon it pleased God from an high Hill they discouered the two Iles in the Bay and so that night got to the Plantation being ready to faint with trauell and want of victualls and almost famished with cold Iohn Goodman was faine to haue his shooes cut off his feet they were so swelled with cold and it was a long while after ere hee was able to goe The house was fired occasionally by a sparke that flew into the thatch which instantly burnt it all vp but the roofe stood and little hurt the most losse was Master Caruers and William Bradfords who then lay sicke in bed and if they had not risen with good speed had beene blowne vp with powder but through Gods mercy they had no harme the house was as full of beds as they could lie one by another and their Muskets charged but blessed be God there was no harme done Munday the fifteenth day it rained much all day that they on ship-boord could not goe on shoare nor they on shoare doe any labour but were all wet Tuesday Wednesday Thursday were very faire Sun-shiny daies as if it had beene in April and our people so many as were in health wrought chearefully The ninteenth day wee resolued to make a Shed to put our common prouision in of which some were already set on shoare but at noone it rained that wee could not worke This day in the euening Iohn Goodman went abroad to vse his lame feet that were pittyfully ill with the cold hee had got hauing a little Spannell with him a little way from the Plantation two great Wolues ran after the Dog the Dog ran to him and betwixt his legs for succour he had nothing in his hand but tooke vp a sticke and threw at one of them and hit him and they presently ran both away but came againe he got a Paile boord in his hand and they sate both on their tailes grinning at him a good while and went their way and left him Saturday the seuenteenth day in the morning we called a meeting for the establishing of Military Orders amongst our selues and we chose Miles Standish our Captaine and gaue him authoritie of command in affayres Saturday the third of March the wind was South the morning mystie but towards noone warme and faire weather the Birds sang in the Woods most pleasantly at one of the clocke it thundred which was the first we heard in that Countrey it was strong and great claps but short but after an houre it rayned very sadly till midnight Wednesday the seuenth of March the wind was full East cold but faire Friday the sixteenth there presented himselfe a Sauage which caused an Alarum he very boldly came all alone and along the houses straight to the Randeuous where we intercepted him not suffering him to goe in as vndoubtedly he would out of his boldnesse hee saluted vs in English and bad vs welcome for he had learned some broken English amongst the Englishmen that came to fish at Monhiggon and knew by name the most of the Captaines Commanders and Masters that vsually come he was a man free in speech so farre as he could expresse his minde and of a seemly carriage we questioned him of many things he was the first Sauage we could meet withall hee said he was not of those parts but of Morattiggon and one of the Sagamores or Lords thereof had beene eight moneths in these parts it lying hence a daies saile with a great wind and fiue dayes by Land he discoursed of the whole Countrey and of euery Prouince and of their Sagamores and their number of men and strength The wind beginning to rise a little wee cast a Horsemans Coat about him for he was starke naked only a leather about his wast with a fringe about a span long or little more he had a Bow and two Arrowes the one headed and the other vnheaded he was a tall straight man the haire of his head blacke long behind only short before none on his face at all he aâ—ked some Beere but we gaue him Strong-water and Bisket and Butter and Cheese and Pudding and a piece of a Mallerd all which he liked wel and had bin acquainted with such amongst the English he told vs the place where we now liue is called Patuxet and that about foure yeeres agoe all the Inhabitants died of an extraordinary plague and there is neither man woman nor child remaining as indeed we haue round none so as there is none to hinder our possession or to lay claime vnto it All the afternoone we spent in communication with him we would gladly haue been rid of him at night but he was not willing to goe this night then we thought to carry him on ship-boord wherwith hee was wel content and went into the Shallop but the wind was high and water scant that it could not returne backe We lodged that night at Steuen Hopkins house and watched him the next day he went away back to the Masasoyts from whence he said he came who are our next bordering neighbours they are sixtie strong as he saith The Nausites are as neere South-east of them and are a hundred strong and those were they of whom our people were encountered as we before related They are much incensed and prouoked against the English and about eight moneths agoe slew three Englishmen and two more hardly escaped by flight to Monhiggon they were Sir Ferdinando Gorge his men as this Sauage told vs as he did likewise of the Huggery that is Fight that our discouerers had with the Nausites and of our Tooles they were taken out of the Woods which we willed him should be brought againe otherwise we would right our selues These people are ill affected towards the English by reason of one Hunt a Master of a Ship who deceiued the people and got them vnder colour of trucking with them twentie out of this very place where we inhabite and seuen men from the Nausites and carried them away and sold them for Slaues like a wretched man for twentie pound a man that care not what mischiefe he doth for his profit Saturday in the morning we dismissed the Sauage and gaue him a Knife a Bracelet and a Ring he promised within a night or two
septentrionem per directam lineam introitum siue oâ—tium magnae illius stationis nauium traijcientem quae excurrit in terrae orientalem plagam inter Regionis Suriquorum Etechemmorum vulgo Suriquois Etechemines ad fluuium vulgo nomine Santae Crucis appellatum Et ad scaturiginem remotissimam siue fontem ex occidentali parte eiusdem qui se primum praedicto fluâ—io immiscet vnde per imaginariam directam lineam quae pergere per terram seu currere versus septentrionem concipietur ad proximam nauium stationem fluuium vel scaturiginem in magno flunio de Cannada sese exonerantem Et ab co pergendo versus orientem per maris oras littorales eiusdem fluuij de Cannada ad fluuium stationem nauium portum aut littus communiter nomine de Gachepe vel Gaspie notum appellatuÌ„ Et deinceps versus Euronotum ad insulas Bacalaos vel Cap. Briton vocatas Relinquendo casdem Insulas à dextra voraginem dicti magni fluuij de Cannada siue magne stationis naâ—ium terras de New-found-land cum insulis ad easdem terras pertinentibus à sinistra Et deinceps ad Caput siue promentorum de Cap. Briton praedictum iacens prope latitudinem quadraginta quinque gradnum aut eo circa Et à dicto promentorio de Cap. Briton versus meridiem Occidentem ad praedictum Cap. Sable vbi incipit per ambulatio includenda comprehenda intra dictas maris oras littorales ac carum circumferentias à mari ad omnes terras continentis cum fluminibus torrentibus sinubus littoribus insulis aut maribus iacentibus prope infra sex lucas ad aliquam earundem partem ex occidentali boreali vel orientali partibus ororum litteralium praecinctuum earundem Et ab Euronoto vti iacet Cap. Britton ex australi parte eiusdem vbi est Cap. de Sable omnia maria ac insulas versus meridiem intra quadraginta leucas dictarum orarum littoralium earundem magnam insulam vulgariter appellatam Ile de Sable vel Sablon includen iacen versus carban vulgo South South-east circa triginta leucas à dicto Cap. Britton in mari existen in latitudine quadraginta quatuor graduum aut eo circa Quae quidem terrae praedictae omni tempore affuturo nomine Noua Scotia in America gauâ—lebunt Quas etiam praefatus Dominus Willelmus in partes portiones sicut et visum fuerit diuidet ijsdemque nemiâ—â— pro beneplacito imponet Vua cum omnibus fodinis tum regalibus auri argenti quam alijs fodinis ferri plumbi cupri stanni aeris c. In cuius rei testimonium huic praesenti Chartae nostrae magnum Sigillum nostrum apponipraecepimus Testibus praedict is nostris consanguineis Confiliarijs Iacobo Marchione de Hamilton Comite Arraniae Cambridge Domino Auen Innerdail Georgio Mariscalli comite Domino Keith alt regni nostri Mariscallo Alexandro Comite de Dunfermling Domino Fyviae vrquhant nostro Cancellaris Thoma Comite de Melâ—os Domino Byres Bynning nostro Secretario Dilectis nostris familiaribus Consiliarijs Domino Richardo Ko Kburne Iuniore de Clerkington nostri Secreti Sigills custode Georgio Hay de Knifarunis nostrorum Rotulorum Registrorum ac Concilij Clerico Ioanne Cockburne de Ormestoun nostrae lustitiariae Clerico Ioanne Scot de Scottistaruet nostrae Cancellariae Directore Militibus Apud Castellum nostrum de Winsore decimo die mensis sebtembris Anno Domini milesimo sex entesimâ— vigesimo primo Regnorumque nostrorum annis quinquagesimo quinto decimo nonâ— This Scale conteineth 150 English Leagues The three and twentieth of Iune they loosed from Saint Iohns Harbour in New-found-Land and sayled towardes New Scotland where for the space of fourteene dayes they were by Fogges and contrarie Windes kept backe from spying Land till the eight of Iuly thereafter that they saw the West part of Cape Breton and so till the thirteenth day they sayled to and fro alongst the Coast till they came the length of Port de Muton where they discouered three very pleasant Harbours and went a shoare in one of them which they called Lukes Bay where they found a great way vp to a very pleasant Riuer being three fathoms deepe at low water at the entry thereof and on euery side of the same they did see very delicate Meadowes hauing Roses white and red growing thereon with a kind of wild Lilly which had a very daintie smell The next day they resolued to coast alongst to discouer the next Harbour which was but two leagues distant from the other where they found a more pleasant Riuer being foure fathom water at a low water with Meadowes on both sides thereof hauing Roses and Lillies growing thereon as the other had They found within this Riuer a very fit place for a Plantation both in regard that it was naturally apt to bee fortified and that all the ground beweene the two Riuers was without Wood and was good fat earth hauing seuerall sorts of Berries growing thereon as Gooseberry Strawberry Hyndberry Rasberry and a kinde of Red-wineberry As also some sorts of Graine as Pease some eares of Wheat Barley and Rye growing there wild the Pease grow euery where in abundance very big and good to eate but taste of the Fitch This Riuer is called Port Iolly from whence they coasted alongst to Port Negro being 12. leagues distant where all the way as they sailed alongst they found a very pleasant Countrey hauing growing euery where such things as they did see in the two Harbours where they had beene They found like wise in euery Riuer abundance of Lobsters and Cockles and other small fishes and also they found not onely in the Riuers but all the Coast alongst numbers of seuerall sorts of Wild-fowle as Wild-goose Black-Duck Woodcock Herron Pigeon and many other sorts of Fowle which they knew not They found likewise as they sailed alongst the Coast abundance of great God with seuerall other sorts of great fishes The Countrey is full of Woods not very thick and the most part Oake the rest Fir-tree Spruce Birch and many other sorts of wood which they had not seene before Hauing discouered this part of the Countrey in regard of the voyage their Ship was to make to the Straits with fishes they resolued to coast alongst from Lukes Bay to Port de Muton being foure leagues to the East thereof where they encountred with a Frenchman that in a very short time had a great voyage hauing furnished one Ship away with fishes and had neere so many ready as to load his owne Ship and others And hauing taken a view of this Port which to their iudgement they found no wayes inferiour to the rest they had seene before they resolued to retire backe to New-found-land where their Ship was to receiue her loading of fishes the twentieth of Iuly they
but principally to increase the knowledge of the Omnipotent God and the propagation of Our Christian Faith haue graciously accepted of their said intention and suit And therefore doe of Our speciall grace certaine knowledge and meere motion for Vs Our Heires and Successors giue graunt and confirme by these Presents vnto Our right deere and right welbeloued Cousin and Counsellor Henry Earle of Northampton Keeper of Our Priuy Seale and to Our trustie and right welbeloued Sir Laurence Tanfield Knight chiefe Baron of Our Exchequer Sir Iohn Dodridge Knight one of Our Sergeants at Law Sir Francis Bacon Knight Our Sollicitor Generall Sir Daniel Dun Sir Walter Cope Sir Pierciuall Willoughby and Sir Iohn Constable Knights Iohn Weld Esquire William Freeman Ralph Freeman Iohn Slany Humfrey Slany William Turner Robert Kirkam Gentlemen Iohn Weld Gentleman Richard Fishburne Iohn Browne Humfrey Spencer Thomas Iuxon Iohn Stokely Ellis Crispe Thomas Alport Francis Needeham William Iones Thomas Langton Phillip Gifford Iohn Whittingam Edward Allen Richard Bowdler Thomas Iones Simon Stone Iohn Short Iohn Vigars Iohn Iuxon Richard Hobby Robert Alder Anthony Haueland Thomas Aldworth William Lewis Iohn Guy Richard Hallworthy Iohn Langton Humfrey Hooke Phillip Guy William Meredith Abram Ienings and Iohn Dowghtie their Heires and Assignes And to such and so many as they doe or shall hereafter admit to be ioyned with them in forme hereafter in these Presents expressed whether they goe in their persons to bee planted in the said Plantation or whether they goe not but doe aduenture their Monyes Goods and Chattels that they shall bee one Body or Comminaltie perpetuall and shall haue perpetuall succession and one common Seale to serue for the said Body and Comminaltie And that they and their successours shall be knowne called and incorporated by the name of the Treasurer and the Company of Aduenturers and Planters of the Citie of London and Bristoll for the Colony or Plantation in New-found-land and that they and their successours shall bee from henceforth for euer inabled to take require and purchase by the name aforesaid Licence for the same from Vs Our Heires and Successours first had and obtained any manner of Lands Tenements and Hereditaments Goods and Chattels within Our Realme of England and Dominion of Wales and that they and their successours shall bee like wise inabled by the name aforesaid to plead and be impleaded before any Our Iudges or Iustices in any of Our Courts and in any Actions and Suits whatsoeuer And Wee doe also of Our said speciall grace certaine knowledge and meere motion for Vs Our Heires and Successours giue grant and confirme vnto the said Tresurer and Company and their Successours vnder the reseruations limitations and declarations hereafter expressed all that part and portion of the said Countrie commonly called New found land which is situate lying and being to the Southward of the parallel line to be conceiued to passe by the Cape or hedland commonly called or knowne by the name of Bonewist Inclusiue which Cape or hedland is to be Northward of the Bay commonly called Trinity Bay and also which is situate lying and being to the Eastward of the Meridian line to be conceiued to passe by the Cape or headland commonly called or knowne by the name of Cape Sancta Maria or Cape Saint Maries Inclusiue which Cape or headland is to be Eastward of the Bay commonly called the Bay of Placentia together with the Seas and Ilands lying within ten leagues of any part of the Sea coast of the Countrie aforesaid and also all those Countries Lands and Ilands commonly called Newfound land which are situate betweene forty and six degrees of Northerly latitude and two and fifty degrees of the like latitude and also all the Lands Soyle Grounds Hauens Ports Riuers Mines as well royall Mines of Gold and Siluer as other Mines Minerals Pearles and precious stones Woods Quarries Marshes Waters Fishings Hunting Hawking Fowling Commodities and Hereditaments whatsoeuer together with all Prerogatiues Iurisdictions Royalties Priuiledges Franchises and Preheminencies within any the said Territories and the precincts there of whatsoeuer and thereto or there abouts both by Sea and Land being or in any sort belonging or appertaining and which wee by our Letters Patents may or can grant and in as ample manner and sort as We or any of Our Noble progenitors haue heretofore granted to any Company body politique or Corporate or to any Aduenturer or Aduenturers Vndertaker or Vndertakers of any Discouery Plantation or Trafficke of in or into any foraine parts whatsoeuer and in as large and ample manner as if the same were herein particularly mentioned and expressed Neuerthelesse Our will and pleasure is and We doe by these presents expresse and declare that there be saued and reserued vnto all manner of persons of what Nation soeuer and also to all and euery Our louing Subiects which doe at this present or hereafter shall trade or voyage to the parts aforesaid for Fishing c. April 27. A. Reg. 8. Master IOHN GVY his Letter to Master SLANY Treasurer and to the Counsell of the New-found-land Plantation RIght worshipfull it may please you to vnderstand that it was the tenth day of this moneth of May before the Barke of Northam called the Consent arriued here in New-found-land notwithstanding that a Ship of Bristoll called the Lionesse came to this Countrey the second of May in a moneths space and the Trial of Dartmouth arriued here before in sixteene dayes By reason of which stay of the aforesaid Barke nothing could be done to take any of the places desired all being possessed before So that the Ship that commeth whereof as yet there is no newes is to trust to the place here which is reserued for her which I hope will proue a good place Some yeeres as great a Uoyage hath bin made here as in any place in this Land God send her hither in safetie I haue not yet seene any of the Countrey to the Southward or Northward of this Bay of Conception since this spring because I expected daily the arriuall of the Barke and thought it not fit to be absent herehence vntill she were arriued and dispatched but presently vpon her departure no time God willing shall be lost The care that was taken to require generally the Fishermen to assist vs and to supply our wants if any should be was most ioyfull and comfortable to vs which was most willingly accomplished by the most part of those which I haue yet seene yet God be praised such was the state of all things with vs as we were in no want of victuals but had a great remainder as you shall after vnderstand The state of the Autumne and Winter was in these parts of New-found-land after this manner In both the moneths of October and Nouember there were scarce six dayes wherin it either freezed or snowed and that so little that presently it was thawed and melted with the strength of the Sunne All the residue
night to the harbour that we were in at our entring which we call Flag-staffe Harbour because we found there the Flag-staffe throwne by the Sauages away These Sauages by all likelihood were animated to come vnto vs by reason that wee tooke nothing from them at Sauage Bay and some of them may be of those which dwell there For in no other place where we were could we perceiue any tokens of any aboade of them c. CHAP. VIII Captaine RICHARD WHITBOVRNES Voyages to New-found-land and obseruations there and thereof taken out of his Printed Booke IT it well knowne that my breeding and course of life hath beene such as that I haue long time set many people on worke and spent most of my daies in trauell specially in Merchandizing and Sea-Voyages I haue beene often in France Spain Italy Portugall Sauoy Denmarke Norway Spruceland the Canaries and Soris Ilands and for the New-found-land it is almost so familiarly knowne to me as my owne Countrey In the yeere 1588. I serued vnder the then Lord Admirall as Captaine in a Ship of my owne set forth at my charge against the Spanish Armado and after such time as that seruice was ended taking my leaue of his Honour I had his fauourable Letters to one Sir Robert Denuis in the Countie of Deuon Knight whereby there might be some course taken that the charge as well of my owne Ship as also of two other and a Pinnace with the victuals and men therein imploied should not be any way burthensome to me Wherein there was such order giuen by the then right Honorable Lords of the priuie Counsell that the same was well satisfied which seruice is to be seene recorded in the Booke at White-Hall Now to expresse some of my Voyages to the New-found-land which make most for the present purpose My first Voyage thither was about fortie yeeres since in a worthie Shippe of the burthen of three hundred â—un set forth by one Master Cotton of South-hampton wee were bound to the Grand Bay which lieth on the Northside of that Land purposing there to trade then with the Sauage people for whom we carried sundry commodities and to kill Whales and to make Traine Oyle as the Biscaines doe there yeerely in great abundance But this our intended Voyage was ouerthrowne by the indiscretion of our Captaine and faint-hartednesse of some Gentlemen of our Companie whereupon we set faile from thence and bare with Trinity Harbour in New-found-land where we killed great store of Fish Deere Beares Beauers Seales Otters and such like with abundance of Sea-fowle and so returning for England wee arriued safe at South-hampton In a Voyage to that Countrie about six and thirtie yeeres since I had then the command of a worthy Ship of two hundred and twenty tun set forth by one Master Crooke of South-hampton At that time Sir Humfrey Gilbert a Deuonshire Knight came thither with two good Ships and a Pinnace and brought with him a large Patent from the late most renowned Queene Elizabeth and in her name tooke possession of that Countrie in the Harbour of Saint Iohns whereof I was an eye-witnesse He failed from thence towards Virginia and by reason of some vnhappy direction in his course the greatest Ship he had strucke vpon Shelues on the Coast of Canadie and was there lost with most part of the company in her And he himselfe being then in a small Pinnace of twenty tun in the company of his Vice-Admirall one Captaine Hayes returning towards England in a great storme was ouerwhelmed with the Seas and so perished In another Voyage I made thither about foure and thirty yeeres past wherein I had the command of a good Ship partly mine one at that time own Sir Bernard Drake of Deuonshire Knight came thither with a Commission and hauing diuers good Ships vnder his command hee there took many Portugall Ships laden with Fish and brought them into England as Prizes Omitting to speak of other Voyages I made thither during the late Queens raign I will descend to later times In the yeere 1611. being in New-found-land at which time that famous Arch-Pirate Peter Easton came there and had with him ten saile of good Ships well furnished and very rich I was kept eleuen weekes vnder his command and had from him many golden promises and much wealth offered to be put into my hands as it is well knowne I did perswade him much to desist from his euill course his intreaties then to me being that I would come for England to some friends of his and sollicite them to become humble petitioners to your Maiestie for his pardon but hauing no warrant to touch such goods I gaue him thinkes for his offer onely I requested him to release a Ship that he had taken vpon the Coast of Guinnie belonging to one Captaine Rashly of Foy in Cornewall a man whom I knew but onely by report which he accordingly released Whereupon I prouided men victuals and a fraught for the said Ship and so sent her home to Dartmouth in Donen though I neuer had so much as thankes for my kindenesse therein And so leauing Easton I came for England and gaue notice of his intention letting passe my Voyage I intended for Naples and lost both my labour and charges for before my arriuall there was a pardon granted and sent him from Ireland But Easton houering with those ships and riches vpon the Coast of Barbary as he promised with a longing desire and full expectation to be called home lost that hope by a too much delaying of time by him who carried the Pardon Whereupon he failed to the Straights of Gibraltar and was afterwards entertained by the Duke of Sauoy vnder whom he liued rich I was there also in the yeere 1614. when Sir Henry Manwaring was vpon that Coast with fiue good Ships strongly prouided he caused me to spend much time in his company and from him I returned into England although I was bound from thence to Marsseâ—â—is to make sale of such goods as I then had and other imploiments c. In the yeere 1615. I returned againe to New-found-land carrying with mee a Commission out of the high Court of Admiraltie vnder the great Seale thereof authorising me to empannell Iuries and to make inquirie vpon Oath of sundry abuses and disorders committed amongst Fishermen yeerly vpon that Coast and of the fittest means to redâ—esse the same with some other points hauing a more particular relation to the Office of the Lord Admirall What was then there done by vertue of that Commission which was wholly executed at my owne charge hath bin at large by me already certified into the high Court of Admâ—â—altie Neuerthelesse seeing the same hath beene ouer slipt euer since not produced those good effects which were expected I will in some conuenient place of this Discourse set downe a briefe collection of some part of my endeuours spent in that seruice not doubting but it will be as auaileable for the
furtherance of our intended designe as any other reason I shall deliuer In the yeere 1616. I had a Ship at New-found-land of a hundred tun which returning laden from thence being bound for Lisbone was met with by a French Pirace of Rochell one Daniel Tibolo who rifled her to the ouerthrow and losse of my Voyage in more then the 〈◊〉 of 860. pounds and cruelly handled the Mastes and the Company that were in her and although I made good proofe thereof at Lisbone and represented the same also to this Kingdome as appertained after my returne from thence yet for all this losse 〈◊〉 could neuer haue any recompence Shortly after my returne from Lisboue I was sent for by a Gentleman who about a yeere before by a grant from the Patentees had vndertaken to settle people in New-found-land he acquainted me with his designes after some conference touching the same we so concluded that he gaue me a conueiance vnder his hand and seale for the terme of my life with full power to gouerne within his circuit vpon that Coast whereupon being desirous to aduance that worke in Anno 1618. I sailed thither in a Ship of my owne which was victualled by that Gentleman my selfe and some others We likewise then did set forth another Ship for a fishing Voyage which also carried some victuals for those people which had beene formerly sent to inhabit there but this Ship was intercepted by an English erring Captain that went forth with Sir Walter Raleigh who tooke the Master of her the Boatswaine two other of the best men with much of her victuals the rest of the Company for feare running into the woods and so left the Ship as a Prize whereby our intended Fishing Voyages of both our Ships were ouerthrown and the Plantation hindered Now seeing it pleased your Maiestie many yeers since to take good notice of the said New-found-land and granted a Patent for a Plantation there wherein many Honorable and worthy mens endeuours and great charge therein haue deserued good commendations as is well known the which I desire to further with all my best endeuours and not to disgrace or disable the foundation and Proiects of others knowing they haue beene greatly hindered by Pâ—â—ats and some erring Subiects that haue arriued vpon that Coast it being indifferent to me whether there be a new foundation laid or whether it be builded vpon that which hath already beene begun so that the Plantation go forward Yet I may truly say that hither to little hath beene performed to any purpose by such as therein were imploied worthy the name of a Plantation or answerable to the expectationa and desert of the Vndertakers neither haue such good effects followed as may be expected from a thorow performance hereafter And seeing that no man hath yet published any fit motiues or inducements whereby to perswade men to aduenture or plant there I haue presumed plainly to lay downe these following reasons c. A Relation of the New-found-land NEw-found-land is an Iland bordering vpon the continent of America from which it is diuided by the Sea so far distant as England is from the neerest part of France lieth between 46. and 53. deg North-latitude It is neere as spacious as Ireland and lieth neere the course that Ships vsually hold in their return from the Wost Indies and neere halfe the way between Ireland and Virginia I shall not much neede to coâ—â—end the wholsome temperature of that Countrie seeing the greatest part thereof lieth aboue 3. degrees neerer to the South then any part of England doth And it hath bin well approued by some of our Nation who haue liued there these many yeeres that euen in the winter it is as pleasant and healthfull as England is And although the example of one Summer be no certain rule for other yeeres yet thus much also can I truely affirme that in the yeare 1615. of the many thousands of English French Portugals and others that were then vpon that Coast amongst whom I sailed to and â—â—o more then one hundred leagues I neither saw nor heard in all that crauell of any man or boy of either of these Nations that died there during the whole Voyage neither was so much as any one of them sicke The naturall Inhabitants of the Countrie as they are but few in number so are they something rude and sauage people hauing neither knowledge of God nor liuing vnder any kinde of ciuil gouernment In their habits customs manners they resemble the Indians of the Continent from whence I suppose they come they liue altogether in the North and West part of the Country which is seldome frequented by the English But the French and Biscaines who resort thither yeerely for the Whale-fishing and also for the Cod-fish report them to be an ingenious and tractable people being well vsed they are ready to assist them with great labour and patience in the killing cutting and boyling of Whales and making the Traine Oyle without expectation of other reward then a little Bread or some such small hire All along the coast of this Countrie there are many spacious and excellent Bayes some of them stretching into the land one towards another more then twentie leagues On the East side of the Land are the Bayes of Trinitie and Conception which stretcheth themselues towards the South-weste Toâ— Bay and Cap 〈…〉 Bay lying also on the East stretch toward the West the Bayes of Trepassoy S. Mary Bâ—rrell and Plaisâ—â—ce on the South part of the Land extend their armes toward the North The great Bay of S. 〈◊〉 lying on the South-west side of the Land and East So 〈…〉 rly from the great Riuer of C 〈…〉 being about twentie leagues distant the same stretcheth toward the East And here I pray you note that the bottoms of these Bayes doe meete together within the compasse of a small 〈◊〉 by meanes whereof our men passing ouer land from Bay to Bay may with much facilitied discouer the whole Countrie From the Bay of S. Peter round about the West side of the Land till you come to the grand Bay which 〈◊〉 on the North side of the Countrie and so from thence till you come round back to T 〈…〉 Bay are abundance of large and excellent Bayes which are the lesse knowne because not frequented by the English who seldome 〈◊〉 to the Northward of Triâ—â—tie Bay And it is to be obserued that round about the Coast and in the Bayes there are many small Ilands none of them further off the 〈…〉 league from the land both faire and fruitfullâ— neither doth any one part of the world afford greacee store of good Harbours more free from dangers or more commodious then are there built by the admirable workmanship of God I will onely instance two or three of the chiefest for some speciall reasons Trinitie Harbour â—yes fortie nine degrees North-latitude being very commodiously seasted to receiue shipping in
reasonable weather both to anchor in and from thence to saile towards either the East West or South It hath three Armes or Riuers long and large enough for many hundred fayle of Ships to moare fast at Anchor neere asmile from the Harbours mouest close adioyning to the Riuers side and within the Harbour is much open land well stored with Grasse suffcient Winter and Summer to maintaine great store of ordinary Cattell besides Hogges and Geats if such beasts were carried thither and it standeth North most of any Harbour in the Land where our Nation practiseth Fishing It is neere vnto a great Bay lying on the North side of it called the Bay of Flowers to which place no Ships repaire to fish partly in regard of sundry Rockes and Ledges lying euen with the water and full of danger but â—niefly as I coniecture because the Sauage people of that Countrey doe there inhabite many of then secretly euery yeere come into Trinitie Bay and Harbour in the night time purposely to steale Sailes Lines Hatchets Hookes Kniues and such like And this Bay is not three English miles ouer Land from Trinitie Bay in many places which people if they might bee reduced to the knowledge of the true Trinitie indeed no doubt but it would bee a most sweâ—â— and acceptable sacrifice to God an euerlasting honour to your Maiesty and the heauenliest blessing to those poore Creatures who are buried in their own superstious ignorance The taske thereof would proue easie if it were but well begun and constantly seconded by industrious spirits and no doubt but God himselfe would set his hand to reare vp and aduance so noble so pious and so Christian a building The bottome of the Bay of Trinity lieth within foure leagues through the land South-west Southerly from Trinity as by experience is found and it comes neere vnto the Bay of Trepassey and the bottome of some other Bayes as I haue alreadie touched before Trepassey in like manner is as commodious a Harbour lying in a more temperate climate almost in 46. degrees the like latitude and is both faire and pleasant and a wholesome Coast free from Rockes and Shelues so that of all other Harbours it lies the South-most of any Harbour in the Land and most conueniently to receiue our Shipping to and from Uirginia and the Bermuda Ilands and also any other Shipping that shall passe to and from the Riuer of Canady and the Coast thereof because they vsually passe and returne in the sight of the Land of Trepasse and also for some other purposes as shall be partly declared in the following discourse The soile of this Countrie in the Vallies and sides of the Mountaines is so fruitfull as that in diuers places there the Summer naturally produceth out of the fruitfull wombe of the earth without the labour of mans hand great plentie of greene Pease and Fitches faire round full and wholesome as our Fitches are in England of which I haue there fed on many times the hawmes of them are good fodder for Cattell and other Beasts in the winter with the helpe of Hay of which there may be made great store with little labour in diuers places of the Countrie Then haue you there faire Strawberries red and white and as faire Raspasse berrie and Gooseberries as there be in England as also multitudes of Bilberries which are called by some Whortes and many other delicate Berries which I cannot name in great abundance There are also many other fruites as small Peares sowre Cherries Filberds c. And of these Berries and Fruits the store is there so great that the Marriners of my Ship and Barkes Companie haue often gathered at once more then halfe an Hogshead would hold of which diuers times eating their fill I neuer heard of any man whose health was thereby any way impaired There are also Herbes for Sallets and Broth as Parslie Alexander Sorrell c. And also Flowers as the red and white Damaske Rose with other kindes which are most beautifull and delightfull both to the sight and smell And questionlesse the Countrie is stored with many Physicall herbs and roots albeit their vertues are not knowne because not sought after yet within these few yeeres many of our Nation finding themselues ill haue bruised some of the herbs and streined some of the iuice into Beere Wine or Aquauite and so by Gods assistance after a few drinkings it hath restored them to their former health The like vertue it hath to cure a wound or any swelling either by washing the grieued places with some of the herbes boiled or by applying them so thereunto plaister-wise which I haue seene by often experience This being the naturall fruitfulnesse of the earth producing such varietie of things fit for foode without the labour of man I might in reason hence inferre that if the same were manured and husbanded in some places as our grounds are it would be apt to beare Corne and no lesse fertill then the English soile But I neede not confine my selfe to probabilities seeing our men that haue wintred there diuers yeeres did for a triall and experiment thereof sowe some small quantitie of Corne which I saw growing verie faire and they found the increase to be great and the graine very good and it is well knowne to me and diuers that trade there yeerely how that Cabbage Carrets Turneps Lettice and such like proue well there In diuers parts of the Countrie there is great store of Deere some Hares manie Foxes Squirrels Beuers Wolues and Beares with other sorts of Beasts seruing as well for necessitie as for profit and delight Neither let me seeme ridiculous to annex a matter of noueltie rather then weight to this discourse In the yeere 1615. it was well knowne to eight and fortie persons of my Companie and diuers other men that three seuerall times the Wolues Beasts of the Countrie came downe neere them to the Sea-side where they were labouring about their Fish howling and making a noise so that at each time my Mastiffe Dogge went vnto them as the like in that Countrie hath not been seene the one began to fawne and play with the other and so went together into the Woods and continued with them euerie of these times nine or ten daies and did returne vnto vs without any hurt The Land Fowle besides great number of small Birds flying vp and downe some without name that liue by scraping their food from the earth in the hardest winter that is there are also Hawkes great and small Partridges Thrush and Thrussels abundance very fat As also Filladies Nightingales and such like that sing most pleasantly There are also Birds that liue by prey as Rauens Gripes Crowes c. For Water-fowle there is certainly so good and as much varietie as in any part of the world as Geese Dâ—cks Pidgeons Gulls Penguins and many other sorts These Penguins are as bigge
were mustered eightie bands of Dutchmen sixtie of Spaniards six of high Germans and seuen bands of English fugitiues vnder the conduct of Sir William Stanlie an English Knight In the suburbs of Cortreight there were 4000. horsemen together with their horses in a readinesse and at Waten 900. horses with the troupe of the Marquesse del Gâ—â—sto Captaine generall of the horsemen Vnto this famous expedition and presupposed victory many potentates Princes and honorable personages hied themselues out of Spaine the Prince of Melito called the Duke of Pastrana and taken to be the Son of one Ruygomes de Silua but in very deede accompted among the number of King Philips base sons Also the Marquesse of Bargraue one of the sons of Arch-duke Ferdinand and Philippa Welsera Vespasian Gonsaga of the family of Mantua being for chiualâ—y a man of great renowne and heretofore Vice-roy in Spaine Item Iohn Medices base son vnto the Duke of Florence And Amadas of Sauoy the Duke of Sauoy his base son with many others of inferiour degrees At length when as the French King about the end of May signified vnto her Maiestie in plaine tearmes that she should stand vpon her guard because he was now certainly enformed that there was so dangerous an inuasion imminent vpon her Realme that he feared much least all her land and sea-forces would be sufficient to withstand it c. then began the Queenes Maiestie more carefully to gather her forces together and to furnish her own ships of warre and the principall ships of her subiects with souldiers weapons and other necessary prouision The greatest and strongest ships of the whole Nauie she sent vnto Plimmouth vnder the conduct of the right honorable Lord Charles Howard Lord high Admirall of England c. Vnder whom the renowned Knight Sir Francis Drake was appointed Vice-admirall The number of these ships was about an hundreth The lesser ships being 30. or 40. in number and vnder the conduct of the Lord Henry Seimer were commanded to lie betweene Douer and Caleis On land likewise throughout the whole realme souldiers were mustered and trained in all places and were committed vnto the most resolute and faithfull captaines And where as it was commonly giuen out that the Spaniard hauing once vnited himselfe vnto the Duke of Parma ment to inuade by the riuer of Thames there was at Tilburie in Essex ouer-against Grauesend a mighty army encamped and on both sides of the riuer fortifications were erected according to the prescription of Frederike Genebelli an Italian enginier Likewise there were certaine ships brought to make a Bridge though it were very late first Vnto the said Armie came in proper person the Queenes most roiall Maiestie representing Tomyris that Scithian warlike Princesse or rather diuine Pallas her selfe Also there were other such armies leuied in England The principal Recusants least they should stir vp any tumult in the time of the Spanish inuasion were sent to remaine at certain conuenient places as namely in the Isle of Ely and at Wisbich And some of them were sent vnto other places to wit vnto sundry Bishops and Noblemen where they were kept from endangering the state of the common wealth and of her sacred Maiestie who of her most gracious clemency gaue expresse commandement that they should be intreated with all humaniâ—ie and friendship The Prouinces of Holland Zeland c. giuing credit vnto their intelligence out of Spaine made preparation to defend themselues but because the Spanish ships were described vnto them to be so huge they relied partly vpon the shallow and dangerous Seas all along their coasts Wherefore they stood most in doubt of the Duke of Parma his small and flat-bottomed ships Howbeit they had all their ships of warre to the number of nintie and aboue in a readinesse for all assâ—yâ—s the greater part whereof were of a small burthen as being more meete to saile vpon their Riuers and shallow Seas and with these ships they besieged all the hauens in Flanders beginning at the mouth of Scheld or from the towne of Lillo and holding on to Greueling and almost vnto Caleis and fortified all their Sea-townes with strong garrisons Against the Spanish fleets arriuall they had prouided fiue and twenty or thirty good ships committing the gouernment of them vnto Admirall Lonck whom they commanded to ioine himselfe vnto the Lord Henry Seymer lying betweene Douer and Cales And when as the foresaid ships whereof the greater part besieged the hauen of Dunkerke were driuen by tempest into Zeland Iustin of Nassau the Admirall of Zeland supplied that squadron with fiue and thirty ships being of no great burthen but excellently furnished with Guns Mariners and Souldiers in great abundance especially with 1200 braue Musquetiers hauing beene accustomed vnto Sea-fights and being chosen out of all their company for the same purpose and so the said Iustin of Nassau kept such diligent ward in the Station that the Duke of Parma could not issue forth with his Nauie into Sea out of any part of Flanders In the meane while the Shanish Armada set saile out of the hauen of Lisbon vpon the 19. of May An. Dom. 1588. vnder the conduct of the Duke of Medina Sidonia directing their course for the Bay of Corunna alias the Groine in Gallicia where they tooke in souldiers and warlike prouision this port being in Spaine the neerest vnto England As they were sailing along there arose such a mighty tempest that the whole Fleet was dispersed so that when the Duke was returned vnto his company he could not escry aboue eighty ships in all whereunto the residue by little and little ioyned themselues except eight which had their Masts blowne ouer-boord One of the foure Gallies of Portingall escaped very hardly retiring her selfe into the hauen The other three were vpon the coast of Baion in France by the assistance and courage of one Dauid Gwin an English Captine whom the French and Turkish slaues aided in the same enterprise vtterly disabled and vanquished one of the three being first ouercome which conquered the two other with the slaughter of their Gouernour and souldiers and among the rest of Don Diego de Mandrana with sundry others and so those slaues arriued in France with the three Gallies set themselues at libertie The Nauie hauing refreshed themselues at the Groine and receiuing daily commandement from the King to hasten their iournie horsed vp sailes the 11. day of Iuly and so holding on their course till the 19. of the same moneth they came then vnto the mouth of the narrow Seas or English channell From whence striking their sailes in the meane season they dispatched certain of their small ships vnto the Duke of Parma At the same time the Spanish Fleete was escried by an English Pinnace Captaine whereof was Master Thomas Fleming after they had beene aduertised of the Spaniards expedition by their scoutes and espials which hauing ranged along the coast of Spaine were lately
Cape which was our third Rende-uous by our first appointment to cause Sir Walter Raleigh and all others of our Fleete to follow And being with the Iland of Terçera I looked into the roade of Brasil and saw there was no Fleete whereupon we bare alongst betwixt Saint George and Graciosa for the Island of Flores at which we might both water and take in victuals which in Merchants ships her Maiestie had sent after vs and where if the Indian Fleete did come this yeere they were likest to fall But when we had spent at Flores some ten dayes in which time Sir Walter Raleigh and his company came vnto vs by a small Pinnace come from the Indies I the Generall was told that it was doubtfull whether the Indian Fleete came from thence or not and if they did they would change their vsuall course and come in some height more to the Southward till they were past these Ilands where vsually they are attended Which newes made vs resolue in Counsell to goe for Fayal and so for Saint Michael and to haue some nimble ships to lye off and on at Sea both to the Southward and to the Northward In our passage by saile Graçiosa and Pico we tooke such commodities and refreshings as those Ilands afforded and in passing from them toward Saint Michael wee were told that a great ship was discouered off of Graciosa whereupon I the Generall gaue order to diuide and to direct the Fleete into three places the one to stirre away East North-east and to goe along the Northside of Terçera the other East South-east and to goe by the Southside of the said Iland and both to meete in the roade of Brasil so as if the Carackes or West Indian Fleete should striue to recouer Terçera they should be cut off And the third part of the Fleete should ply to the Westward which way it was said that the great ship stood and so to cut it off if it sought for the roade of Fayal which if she were kept from Terçera was her onely place she could put into and one of these three wayes she must needes stand for the winde being at North North-west shee could not goe but one of these three courses Bvt as I had giuen this direction there came to me a small Barke of Lime whose Captaine did confidently assure me that he was the man that did follow the chase and fetched it vp finding it but a small ship of our owne Fleete which made vs resolue to continue our former intended course for Saint Michael But in this meane time I the Generall hailing the Captaine of a Pinnace and willing him to call to the ships of my squadron to follow my light and those of the Viceadmirals squadron to follow his light to the Westward which direction I did presently after counter-mand hee misheard and willed some ships that were next to stand about to the Westward which direction together with his not hearing of me that which was spoken to countermand it made foure of her Maiesties ships the Garland the Marie-rose the Dread-naught and the Rainebow to stand off to the West all that night of which Sir William Mounson in the Rainebowe fell in the night with the West Indian Fleete and it being calme went off in his Boate to make and haile them which hee did and made himselfe knowne vnto them and straight rowing to his ship hee shot off his Ordnance all night and carried a light in his maine top whereupon the other three of her Maiesties ships stood off with him but could not fetch vp the Spaniards till they were gotten into Tercera Road before which after they had striued in vaine to get into them they plied till my comming which was three dayes after for I was hard aboord the Westermost part of Saint Michaell before I heard these newes And then standing about I the Generall being on head of the Fleet met in my way with a great Ship of the Gouernour of Hanana and a Frigate of the Spanish King manned with the said Kings Souldiers and another Frigate of a particular man which three I fetched out tooke and manned for the safe bringing home of the Ship and goods and fell the next night being Saturday the of with Tercera where finding the wind strong at Northwest we plyed with as much saile as euer we could bear to get vp to the road of Brasil all that night Al Sunday and Sunday night and till Munday morning wee could not weather the point of Brasil which when wee had done while I the Generall gathered such of the Fleet as were neere I sent in a Pinnace of my Lord of Cumberland and foure or fiue of very sufficient Captaines and Masters to see whether it were possible for vs to get vp where the Ships rode and they brought me backe word it was impossible With which I being not satisfied plied in with mine owne Ship keeping aboord with mee two or three of the principall Officers that wee might iudge by the eye and dispute vpon the place and when wee were in wee saw the bottome of the Bay into which they were towed and warped lay right in the eye of the wind so as to lead it in with a sayle it was impossible and to turne it vp would aske an whole day if wee had scope but both wee must vpon either boord come within a quoytes cast off their Forts and yer our Ships would wend in so narrow a place wee should haue beene on shoare Which manifest discouerie and not the idle Shot of all the Forts and Ships though they were verie liberall made mee stand off againe And as it was impossible to doe any thing for the present so when I the Generall called all the Captaines of her Maiesties Ships together and enquired the estate of their charge I found that some by the naughtinesse of their Caske and leakage of Beere had not aboue two dayes and some not one dayes drinke aboord and that which most of vs all had did so stinke as our men dyed and fell sicke continually and all men-protested that if wee stayed to attend change of windes and did not instantly seeke a watering place both men and Ships were absolutely lost Besides we saw the Galions had beene vnladen by their shewing their white bellies so much aboue water and that the Merchants Ships lay all dry on shoare so as we had abidden the extreamest hazard of her Maiesties troupes and Ships for the burning of a few dry vnladen Vessells Thus were we driuen to beare the second time with Saint Michael our chiefe end being to water but withall to sacke the Iland if we could land neere the principall Towne where wee came to an anchor before Punta Delgada the chiefe Towne and forthwith went in a little nimble Boat to discouer the landing places which we found to be exceeding dangerous For as about all those Ilands of the Acores a
eye of men did behold The list of whose names I did seriously inquire after thereby to doe them right but could by no meanes compasse it The end and purpose of this great Preparation was to the taking in of most of those Ilands and especially of the winning of the Tercera it selfe the which was resolued to haue beene attempted by vs with the other Ilands and Holds of importance and in some of them to haue placed strong Garrisons if it had pleased God to haue prospered the iourney with happy successe But in the very beginning with long contrary winds and extremitie of foule weather the maine plot and ground of this enterprise was hindred and maimed as hereafter more at large shall be related in his due place But this intended iourney for the surprising and holding of the Tercera alone if it had taken effect without any further respect to the other Ilands then onely to haue sacked them and rased those Fortresses they haue had beene a seruice of great consequence for vs and as preiudiciall to the King of Spaine as any action that was euer vndertaken against him since the reuolt of the Low-Countries The which to set downe in particular would require more ample discourse then either my leasure or my memory can suddenly afford But what great vse and benefit both the Portugues did and the Spaniards doe make of these Ilands is in daily experience And as for that bare Allegation how difficult and inconuenient it would bee for vs to hold a peece so farre off men of Warre in their true iudgements would easily answere For as well it might be demanded how the Forts are held in the East Indies by the poore Portugues against mightie Nations and yet so farre remote from Christendome And how Rhodes and Cyprus were heretofore long kept in despite of the Turke in his very bosome And how the Spaniards of late haue kept certaine places in Britaine and Amyens and Callice in Picardie â—angâ—â— the force of France and neuer quitted them but by composition And God knowes how long Don Iohn D'Lag 〈…〉 would haue kept Kinsale and Beare Castle if these had bin places halfe sâ— terrible as those of the Tercera or but the fouth part so remote from vs as the Tercera is from Spaine Undoubtedly their industry and patience is far beyond ours both in getting and holding matters of more difficultie But vaine it is to set a price of the Beares skin before hee be slaine although I am verily perswaded that the contrary winds onely lost vs both that and all the King of Spaine his treasure that came that yeere to the Tercera For the iourney was carried with as great secrecie expedition and Royall preparation as euer was any these many yeeres â—â—d they on the contrary as slenderly prouided and little doubting any such attempt When all things were thus ordered and wee furnished of our necessaries after some few daies abode in Sandwich for the meeting mustering and imbarking of our Land Army about the fiue and twentieth of Iune in the yeere 1597. we set saile from the Downes and within threedayes with skant winds recouered Portland Rhode where we ancored and staied some six or seuen dayes taking in men and victualls at Waymouth and thence we made for Plimouth where wee were to take in our freshwater much of our prouisions and most of our Mariners besides that this place was appointed the very randeuous for the knitting vp and dispatch of this Voyage whether in a day and a nights sayle wee came but with very extreme foule weather Insomuch that euen in the entrance of the very Harbour many of our Ships falling foule one of another were sorely distressed The Lord Mountioy his Ship the Defiance had her Beake head stricken cleane off and the Saint Mathew being a Spanish Ship of great charge very leeward and drawing much water had like in the tempest to haue runne her selfe vpon the Rocks had not her Captaine Sir George Carew Master of the Ordnance beene very resolute and carefull in that extremitie when a great part of his Souldiers and Saylers would haue abandoned her and betaken themselues to their Ship-boats to shun the iminent perill that threatned them which he staied to the preseruation of the Ship and the company Moreouer a Flee-boat of our Traine who had in her fortie Last of Powder was likewise bulged and all the store had beene vtterly lost had not the Master of the Ordnance with like care and diligence bestirred himselfe to saue all that hee might who with the aid of many Ship-boats as the Flee-boat was sinking saued the greatest part of her lading Yet notwithstanding seuenteen Lasts of Powder was vtterly spoiled with the Salt-water as I heard the Master of the Ordnance himselfe affirme Thus with great difficultie wee arriued at Plimouth where within six or seuen daies our whole Army and Nauie met and withall the shipping of the Low-Countries came to vs. And soone after hauing watered and taken in all our prouisions and Marinrs and mustered our men we imbarked our Army and set sayle about the ninth of Iuly and for two dayes space were accompanied with a faire leading North-easterly wind In which time we receiued a ship-board all our directions throughout the Nauie with such orders and instructions as are vsually set downe by an Admirall and a Counsell of Warre together with the places of meeting from time to time vpon any occasions of separations by stormes by fight by giuing chase or any other accidents This order of deliuering directions when a Fleet is a Sea-boord and not before is an vse grounded vpon many good reasons as to auoid the reuealing of secret plots and the preuention of sudden execution As also to shun the discouraging of diuers that doe often expose themselues and their aduentures to Sea actions either for loue to the Commanders or out of hope of Purchase or for many other respects which perhaps they would not doe if they knew indeed either the danger or the true ends of some preparations And this secret manner of proceeding hath bin often vsed by Philip the late king of Spain in diuers great expeditions who hath beene sâ— precise and seuere therein as that oftentimes the Admiralls of his Fleet themselues haue not knowne their instructions nor beene suffered to open them vntill they haue beene thirtie or fortie leagues on their way Wee now being in this faire course some sixtie leagues onwards our iourney with our whole Fleet together there suddenly arose a fierce and tempestuous storme full in our teeths continuing for foure dayes with so great violence as that now euery one was inforced rather to looke to his owne safetie and with a low saile to serue the Seas then to beat it vp against the stormy winds to keepe together or to follow the directions for the places of meeting And here some began to taste the inconuenience and perill of high Cargued Ships
bulged And in this desperate extremitie they saw no other way left but how they might with Boates and Rafts saue the men and forsake the Shippe some being of one opinion and some of another as hope or despaire led them This Deriuall being then prisoner in the Bilbowes sent word to â—he Admirall that hee knew well the lying of that Land and would direct them a way how to saue the Ship and all the company if hee would promise him on his Faith and Honour to get his Pardon when hee came home in recompence thereof The Admirall willingly accepted the proffer and ingaged his Faith for the performance of his demand and taking him out of the Bilbowes bad him be stir himselfe Whereunto Deriuall answered In hope you will saue my life according to your Word and Faith giuen I will by Gods helpe saue all yours but if I thought otherwise I had rather here drowne with so good company then hee hanged at home alone The Admirall bidde him not doubt it but follow his businesse Whereupon Deriual presently commanded the Master and Mariners to hoyse vp all their Sayles they could make to the very Bats end which was cleane contrary to that they had done before for fearing the mighty winds they had strooke all their sayles and so lâ—y thumping on the Sands but now the strong gale hauing filled all their sayles still as the billow rose it draue the Ship forwards and so in foure or fiâ—e shoues being driuen with the violence of the windes and the waues with his stâ—rraâ—es he cut cleane through and athwart the Sand and floated into the Sea This was a dâ—sperate remede for adâ—sperate danger for if hee had not vsed the benefit of her sayles and carried her athwart the Ship being a strong built vessell shee would still haue layen tumbling on the Sand and at last broken her selfe Notwithstanding this good seruice done by Deriuall when hee came home his reward was an halter his offence being remembred and his desert forgotten and yet the Admirall did his best to saue him according to his promise But surely in my poore opinion in such cases a State should doe well for examples sake and for incouragement of others to take notice of such extraordinary seruices and to remember that vertue deserues no lesse to bee cherished then vice to be chastised and that to whom a State committeth the trust or confidence of a Generalls or Admiralls place it should also allow him the honor to make good his word for any thing that concernes the aduancement of the seruice wherewith hoe is put in trust But I will returne againe to Sir George Carew whom we left tottering in his wrackt Ship and in a great storme for I haue occasion here to stand somewhat vpon the Relation of his hard aduentures after his disaster because I haue heard it by many that were with him in the Ship often and at large discoursed of and himselfe being a princicall Officer in the Action shipt in a vessell of great charge it cannot bee reputed as a digression or impertinent from the matter for small is the reward of those that so resolutely engage and expose their liues for the seruice of their Prince and Countrey if they should not bee allowed the comfort of honourable memory After the departure of the Earle of Southampton from the S. Mathew as aforesaid many Counsells in this distressed Ship were held for the cutting of her Mayne Mast ouer-board which with rowling was growne at last to be so loose as that it was continually feared that it would breake in the Stop and when the Carpenters were ready to begin that worke the storme ceased and the Seas began to calme wherein finding comfort they made of a spare top Mast a Iury Fore-mast and the Pinnace sayle serued for a Fore-sayle In this pittifull estate the Ship still running before the winde which shee could not otherwise doe by reason of her small Fore-sayle within foure dayes after by the goodnesse of God came safely to an anchor at the I le of Saint Martreines in France where Sir George Carew made all the meanes hee might to get a new Mast whereby hee might follow the Fleet. But vpon all that Coast hee could not prouide himselfe of any to fit so great a Gallyon And therefore of necessitie hauing setled his Mayne-mast he returned for England and within few dayes arriued in the Hauen of Portsmouth Hee thus hauing brought the Saint Mathew beyond all hope safe within a good Harbour not any thing disamayd with past perills presently dispatched Captain Francis Slingsby in post to the Court to aduertise the Lords of her Maiesties Councell of the misfortunes which had befalne him and there withall humbly desired that he might be permitted to take her Maiesties ship called the Aduenture which was then in that Harbour and in her to follow the Fleet which being granted he shipped himselfe in her and according to the instructions which were deliuered to euery Captaine of the Fleet hee sought for the Admirall at the Groyne which was the first Randeuous set downe in the instructions aforesaid from thence hee made to the Rocke and not finding the Fleet at either of these places he sailed to the Cape Saint Vincent where it was resolued by the Lord Admirall and Councell of the Warre to stand off and on and to attend the comming home of the West Indies Fleet. There hee had intelligence by a small man of Warre of Plimouth that the Generall with the whole Fleet was at the Ilands of the Asores whereunto he directeth his course And when hee was as hee esteemed within one hundred leagues of the Tercera he had intelligence by another small man of Warre in the which a man of Sir William Brookes was Captaine that followed the Fleet for purchase that the Lord Generall in his opâ—nion was at that time vpon the Coast of England for hee had left the Ilands fourteene daies before the Aduenture and he did meet vpon which intelligence he changed his course for England And not sarre from Vshent in the night hee fell into the middest of a great Spanish Fleet which had bin with the Adelantado vpon the Coast of England then homeward bound but the night being stormy he escaped that perill and yet not without great danger For one of the Spanish Gallions which was supposed to bee the Admirall for shee carried a mightie Lanthorne in her Poope passed so neere to the Aduenture that their Mayne-yards in the end were foule one of the other so as they hardly auoyded their stemming of their Ships which in all likelihood must haue sunke one or both With this storme the Aduenture was forced into Ireland into Corke Hauen in Munster where hee repaired his Ship of certaine leakes shee had and also mended her Mayne Mast which was strangely shiuered with a whirlewind And then putting to Sea againe for England a little
the company that the Captaine that had taken this Indian Prize had already sent the Admirall a Letter to the same effect Yet the Reare-Admirall for the more suretie doubting that a Letter might miscarry or that no such Letter might bee sent being but an excuse of this Man to put off the trouble of seeking out our Fleet being a matter of great importance commanded one of his small Men that at that time followed vs to deliuer the same aduertisement to our Admirall as hee had receiued it by word of mouth and to vse all diligence to seeke him and the Fleet and to deliuer the report truly in manner as it was related and withall to signifie vnto his Lordship that wee there attended him in that height according to the directions and so would obserue all places and times appointed and that in such sort his Lordship should be sure to heare of vs vpon any occasion to wait on him This message and Messenger could sufficiently witnesse that we had no intent nor desire to abandon the Fleet or to sequester our selues being at the place set downe in the generall instructions This small Man that had this message in charge to deliuer to his Lordship the next day by good hap found out the Fleet and vpon deliuery of this newes within two dayes after our Reare-Admirall receiued two seuerall Letters to one effect from the Admirall one after another First somewhat taxing him for not writing then for his absence and withal requiring him presently to follow him to the Ilands whether he said he would by Gods helpe hasten to find the Adelantado not doubting but to giue his Mistresse a better account of that seruice then the Adelantado should yeeld his Master so or much to that effect the Letters went for I my selfe read them with the Reare-Admirall his permission and therefore can truly report their contents Vpon this suddaine and strict message we presently altered our determination from going to the South-Cape to hast to the Ilands and therfore we presently gaue notice to Sir William Brooke and the rest of our consorts of our Admirall his Letters and what way he meant to take and so instantly without any further delay we shaped our course for the Ilands But in this passage of ours towards the Ilands as wee had a franke wind so met wee with other lets For our Maine-yard began againe to cracke insomuch that wee were inforced to strengthen it with more fishing And as commonly misfortunes neuer come alone so in the necke of this trouble our Mayn-mast began to shrinke also springing great flawes in diuers places in so much that at last we greatly doubted with euery high blast or wind that it would haue beene blowne ouer-boord This sudden disaster much troubled vs and the more to thinke what vnequall constructions would bee made thereof Wee acquainted all the rest of our consorts with this late befallne mischiefe and desired Sir William Brooke in the Dread naught to carry the light for all the company seeing that our ship was so defectiue that we must needs stay to see if we could make the Mast seruiceable but would vse all our best means to come speedily after desiring him and all the rest to hast to our Admiral and to signifie our misfortunes and withal to make the more speed for that if the Adelantado were at the Ilands our Admirals Forces would be wel helped by their companies so for a few hours we and our consorts parted only we retained two little small Men with vs for our better comfort Yet notwithstanding this order and direction giuen so great were our desires to go on our labor such as that the same night wee had new fished our crased Maine-mast with a spare Maine top Mast that lay by vs and then so plied our sayles as that the next day towards the euening wee ouertooke Sir William Brooke againe and the rest of our consorts hasting towards the Ilands as was directed And on the eight of September in the yeere 1597. being Thursday wee made the I le called the Tercera and weathered it to the North-west where we met with an English Merchant that came from Saint Michaels and had layen trading about those Ilands some six weekes together but could not tell vs any newes of our Admirall and the Fleet albeit they were passed by but two dayes before Which shewes how easie a matter it is for shipping to passe by amongst those Ilands vnseene and how difficult it is to find out such Ships among those Ilands as would shelter themselues from men of Warre and couet not to bee met withall seeing that so great a Fleet could passe by vnseene or vnheard of by one that came iust from the Ilands at the same time that our Generall came thither And therefore it is a necessary obseruation for all such men of Warre as would meet or intercept any shipping that doth touch at those Ilands or do come from thence to keep in the maine sea and so to attend their comming forth and not to puzzle themselues with running in amongst those Ilands to seeke for purchase except they haue others of their consorts lying in the Sea at the receite if they chance to slip by which is easily done This Merchant informed vs of certaine West Indian men and two Carracks that a month before had touched there bound for Spaine And by this Merchant wee wrote into England how affaires went In passing thus onwards we discouered Saint Georges Ilands and there we dispatched two of our small men with charge to search about the Islands for our Fleete and to enforme our Admirail that we were going for Flores and Cueruos in hope to meete him there withall willing those small men to come thither vnto vs. And yet I remember many in our Ship were doubtfull and laid great wagers that our Fleet was not yet come to the Islands for that this Merchant could make no report thereof Whilest we were before Saint Georges we were very much becalmed for a day or two and the weather extreamely hot insomuch as the winde could not beare the sailes from the mastes but were faine to hull in the Sea to our great discontentment that before had vsed such great diligence and haste to meete with our Admirall and the rest of the Fleete Notwithstanding the winde began againe to be fauourable and so setting forwards the next of the Ilands that we made were Gratiosa Pyke and Fayall And as we ranged by Gratiosa on the tenth of September about twelue a clocke at night we saw a large and perfect Rainbow by the Moone light in the bignesse and forme of all other Rainbowes but â—n colour much differing for it was more whitish but chiefly inclining to the colour of the flame of fire This made vs expect some extraordinary tempestuous weather but indeede it fell out afterward to be very calme and hot This Rainbow by the Moone light I
actions of seruice and in his times of chiefest recreations he would euer accept of his counsell and company before many others that thought themselues more in his fauour And as touching the Aduertisement that was sent into England from the Isles of Bayon by Master Robert Knolles in a Pinnace called the Guiana concerning vs that were forsaken and left alone vpon the breaking of our Maine yard whereupon was pretended that many great exploits should haue bin performed vpon the coast of Spaine if wee had not fallen from them as was vntruely suggested and reported his Lordship promised the reare Admirall then to send another aduertisement how we were all metagaine and had bin formerly seuered by misfortunes onely and not by any wilfull default in the reare Admirall as was doubted And that Aduertisement sent formerly by Master Knolles we well knew proceeded not out of any particular malice of the Generall to vs but onely to take that as a fit excuse to free himselfe from the enterprises of Ferall or the Groine which he had promised her Maiestie to vndertake but saw it impossible to performe by reason of the former crosses and our long stay in Plimmonth and therefore was glad to take the opportunity of any colour to satisfie her Maiestie and to discharge himselfe of that burthen which we did all perceiue and therefore did striue the lesse the publish our Apologies or to contest with a man of his place and credit which though in a right had bin but bootelesse and meere folly and therefore we left him to his best excuse and our apparant innocencie And for the more plaine manifesting of the Message I haue thought it not amisse here to insert the true copie of the Instructions verbatim that our Generall sent by Master Robert Knolles into England vpon these accidents before the Isles of Bayon That we weighing Ancor and setting saile from the sound of Plimmouth the seuenteenth of this moneth of August hauing sometimes calmes but for the most part Westerly and Northeasterly windes we fellon thursday the fiue and twenty of this moneth with the Land which is to the Eastward of the Cape Ortingall which land we made in the morning about ten of the clocke and stood in with the shoare till three in the afternoone Then finding the winde scant to ply to the Southward I stood all night into the Sea and the next morning in againe to the Land By which boords by reason of the head-sea and the bare winde we got nothing On Friday night I stood off againe to the Sea and about midnight the winde comming all Northerly we got a good slant to lye all along the coast on Saturday in the morning I discouered the Saint Andrew whom we had lost sight of two or three dayes before I bare with her and had no sooner got her vp but Sir Walter Rawleigh shot off a peece and gaue vs warning of his being in distresse I presently bare with him and found that he had broken his maine yard Whereupon I willed him to keepe along the coast that birth that he was till he got in the height of the North Cape and my selfe hauing a desperate leake broke out as euer ship swam withall which I was fame to lye by the lee and seele to stop it which how it held vs you can report and God be thanked that night we ouercame it and stopped it The next morning we all came to Cape Finister sauing the Saint Matthew who vpon breaking of her fore maste went home and the Wastspight with whom the Dreadnaught went without stop to the South Cape This is all that is hapned to me If her Maiestie aske you why there was no attempt vpon the Fleete at Teral you may say I neither had the Saint Matthew which was the principall ship for that execution nor the Saint Andrew till mine owne ship was almost sunke and I not able to make saile till Sir Walter Rawleigh with his owne ship the Dreadnaught and very neere twenty saile were gone Wee are now gone to lye for the Indian Fleete for by Spaniards wee haue taken wee finde the Adelantado is not put to Sea this yeere Of our successe her Maiestie shall from time to time be aduertised you shall acquaint Master Secretarie with this instruction and both to him and all our friends you must excuse our haste We being thus met all at Flores desired our Generall to giue vs and our consorts leaue to water there before we departed thence as his Lordship and the rest had done before which he yeelded vnto and very nobly lent vs his owne long Boate for our better speede willing vs there to water whilest he with the rest of the Fleete did ply vp and downe to looke out for the Adelantado or any Indian Fleete that being the very fit place and season for them Hereupon whilest our men and Mariners were prouiding to water our Reare-admirall with Sir William Brooke my selfe and diuers other Gentlemen went ashoare to stretch our legs in the Isle of Flores and to refresh our selues with such victuals as we could there get for our monie And at our first landing there we met with the Lord Gray Sir Gylly Merricke and other Gentlemen and wee altogether walked a mile or two into the Countrie and there dined in a little Village where the bare-legged Gouernour caused such things to be brought vnto vs for our monie as the Island afforded In other sort we tooke nothing which was very faire wars This Island seemes to be somewhat mountainous yet hauing very good store of Fruits Wheat and other Corne. Their Corne they doe all keepe in large hollow vaults within the earth hauing no other way nor entrance into them but by a round hole in the top of the vault onely so big as a man may creepe into it and when it is closed vp with a planke and ouerstrewed with earth is very hard to be found out by strangers for the which purpose they are so made and much like the Caues in Gascoyne and Languedocke and such as are mentioned by Caesar to be vsed in Affricke This Island lies more subiect to the inuasion of Sea-faring men then any of the rest for there all traders of the Indies doe vsually water and refresh themselues But here I must not forget to relate that before we had our leaue to water or were departed from the Generall a Counsell was called and holden for the taking in of some of the Islands and an orderly course set downe for the same which was in this sort concluded on The Admirall and Reare-admirall to vndertake Fayall the Lord Thomas Howard Vice-admirall and the Marshall Uere to vndertake Gratiosa The Lord Mountioye Lieutenant Generall and Sir Christopher Blunt Coronell Generall of the Foote to Saint Michaels and the Netherland Squadron was quartered to Pyke where the greatest store of Wines doe grow and therefore would not be taken in ill part of them as we presumed The
any of his traine should haue cause to be ashamed of vs for vndertaking that in the face of our Enemies which we durst not follow and performe And therefore told those Captaines that hee would first attempt to win a landing and then after if they could but second him ashoare with two hundred men more hee would vndertake to lodge them that night in the Towne and the next night after in the Forts These Captaines were all glad of the newes and promised to come after vs if we would send our Boates for them for most of their Ships had lost their Boates with foule weather This order and direction being giuen we hasted as fast as our Oares could ply without the company of any Low Countrie Souldiers being as I said two hundred and sixty strong and the enemy more then the double as many to the landing place which was first guarded with a mighty ledge of Rockes some forty paces long into the Sea and afterwards trenched and flanked with earth and stone and onely a narrow lane betweene two wals left for our Entrance But withall we caused some of our Pinnaces that carried Ordnance to lye as close to the shoare as they could to flanke and beate vpon them in their trenches a little before and iust as wee made our approach which we found to good purpose and as well performed especially by one Captaine Banker in a fine Flee Boate of the Flemmish Squadron But if there had bin but one hundred Low Countrie Spaniards at that defence it had cost many of our liues yet perhaps haue missed our purpose too For a small company with any resolution might haue made good that place against a farre greater force then ours were at that time But as we made onwards with our Boats the shot plaied so thicke vpon vs as that in truth the Mariners would scarce come forwards hauing the lesser liking to the businesse the neerer they came to it And in like sort did I see some there stagger and stand blanke that before made great shewes and would gladly be taken for valiant Leaders and some of these our Reare Admirall did not spare to call vpon openly and rebuke aloud with disgracefull words seeing their basenesse And withall finding a generall amazement amongst the Mariners and as it were a stay amongst all the Boates well p 〈…〉 ceiuing that this manner of houering was both more disgracefull and also more vnsafe lying so open to the enemies shot which through feare and amazement the Mariners and Rowers neither obserued nor vnderstood with a loud voice commanded his Watermen to rowe in full vpon the Rockes and bad as many as were not afraid to follow him Hereupon some Boates ran in with vs and out of them there landed Master Garret a Pentioner now Earle of Kildare a Noble and valiant Gentleman Sir William Brooke Sir William Haruey Sir Iohn Scot Master Duke Brooke Captaine Henry Thinne Captaine White Master Thomas Rugeway Master Walter Chute Captaine Arthur Radford Master Henry Allen. Captaine William Morgan Master Charles Mackart and diuers other Gentlemen whose names I would not omit if I could call them all to minde And so clambring ouer the rockes and wading through the water we passed pell mell with Swords Shot and Pikes vpon the narrow Entrance Whereupon those that were at the defence after some little resistance began to shrinke and then seeing vs to come faster on vpon them suddenly retiring cast away their weapons turned their backes and fled and the like did the rest in the higher Trenches and quickly recouered the hils and the woods being a people very swift and nimble of foote for we could take none of them but such as after yeelded vnto vs. And as for their Auncients we could not recouer one for the Horsemen that they had carried them cleane away And in this sort we gained both our landing and our Enemies Trenches In which attempt some few men were drowned and slaine diuers hurt and two long Boates bulged and lost And after that we saw all things cleare we assembled our Troopes together and refreshed ourselues with such comfort as we had there which done we sent backe our Boates for those Low Countrie Captaines afterward who vpon their arriuall congratulated our good successe in taking so strong a peece of ground fortified and guarded with so many men When these Captaines were come vnto vs we then tooke our selues to be a prettie Armie being then in strength to the number of foure hundred and sixtie well armed and appointed whereof there were of Captaines and Gentlemen of good sort thirty or forty which gaue great life to the businesse And hauing done so much already we then thought it the best way to goe through with the matter and to prepare the Towne in a readinesse for our Generall and to make our selues Burgesses thereof in the meane season and therefore our Reare Admirall appointed Captaine Bret to vse the Office of Sergeant Maior and gaue direction to the other Captaines to aduance their Colours and to call their Companies together in a readinesse and so putting our Troopes in order we marched directly toward the Towne where by the way diuers of these same very Spaniards and Portugals that a little before so braued vs came and rendred themselues in great humility with white Napkins on the end of stickes all whom wee receiued and well intreated vsing some for Guides and some for our Carriages and others to fetch vs in fresh Victuals and Fruites And it is worth the noting to see the farre differing humors vpon the change of Fortunes in these Spaniards and Portugals For where they conquer or command no people are so proud and insolent and when they are once mastered and subdued no Nation of the world so base or fuller of seruile crouching and obseruance as though on a sodaine Nature had framed them in a new mould so soone in an instant will they fall from soueraigntie to slauery And surely at home they are in generall but a baggage people tamorous and very vnwarlike As we haue well experienced by seuerall inuasions whereof one Army was conducted by Sir Iohn Norris and Sir Francis Drake to Lisbona and the other by the Earle of Essex and the Lord Admirall Howard to Cadis without any resistance encounter in the field or show of assayling our forces by battaile all the while we stated there But afterwards with a little hardening and hartening in the Warres wee see them proue very braue and valiant Souldiers This Towne was some foure miles from this landing place and all the Country in which wee marched very champion with pretty little rising hils and all the fields ouer full of Mellons Potatoes and other Fruites Betweene vs and the Towne was this high Fort whereof I spake before and that other Fort at the end of the Towne By these two we were resolued to passe the better thereby to discouer
was very fortunate ard iudicious in Sea seruice so hee truely and wisely considered how great a weight and charge lay on his iudgement and trust and therefore did accordingly with great wisdome and temper marshall his dffaires to the ouerthrow of his Enemies to the perpetuall honour of his name and the victorious seruing of his Prince and Countrey This therefore may may stand for a Maxime and Caueat to all great and wise Commanders that to whom a King or State commits the trust and direction of an Army It bridles him in the free vse of his owne courage or from expressing vpon euery temptation his particular valour For that forward humour of daring is to be vsed in younger yeeres before they arriue to these places of dignitie or command and then euer after counsell should command their courage alwayes wrapping their heads in the Furre of the Foxe and their Armes seldome in the Lyons skin setting aside all respects of brauing or vaine glory as did that Fabius Cunctator of whom Ennius in praise saith Non ponebat enim rumores ante salutem And these presidents I haue here taken occasion to record thereby onely to shew what inconueniences and detriments doe follow such vnbridled heat and headdy humours and to the contrary what benefit and aduantage is gained in the true vse of timely and temperate proceedings For surely if these desperate offers made by the Land Souldiers instigating our forward Generall to the taking of the Tercera had beene then put in execution the end had beene that many a valiant man had there left his bones and the rest returned home with the scorne of a disgraced attempt Besides if the Adelantado with the Spanish Nauie had then chanced to haue come on our backes whilest our best men were ashoare ingaged about this desperate and vnfeasable enterprise it might haue turned to the destruction of the whole Fleet or at the least to the assured losse of as many as were landed about that businesse But thankes be to God good counsell preuailed and preuented those hazards After that this dispute was so calmely concluded our Generall himselfe and the Lord Mountioy in the Defiance and two or three other tall Ships bare in as close along the shoare as they could exchanging vpon pleasure some fifteene or twentie great shot with them to very little purpose and so left the I le of Tercera a place very stronge both by Nature and Art and at that time well stored with Men Munition and Treasure by reason of the late arriuall of those Indian Ships From thence wee returned againe to the I le of Saint Michaells which before on Michaelmasse day wee made and left then vpon this Intelligence And now as soone as we were entred into the Road that lies before Saint Michaells Towne wee let fall our Ancors and there the Generall accompanied with diuers of our chiefe Officers comming aboord our Reare-Admirall hung out a Flag of Counsell where it was consulted about landing and the taking of this good Town which lay â—o gloriously before our eies promising many rich rewards to the Victors In the which there was a slight Fort towards the Sea side but the Towne vnwalled The Generall appointed that all Companies should bee made ready to land forthwith But our Reare-Admirall desired his Lordship that hee would first permit him to view the place and to find out where the Army might best make a descent because the Billowes about those Ilands doe sometimes so roule from the Sea as might easily ouerturne the best Boates we had as wee found by experience at Fayall where wee had two long Boats ouerturned in landing and Master Thomas Rugway also throwne with a Sea on the Rockes in his Boat Our Generall at first yeelded to the Reare-Admiralls request for viewing a fit place But as hee was putting off and scarce gone from the Ships side twentie paces my Lord standing in the Gallery with Sir Christopher Blâ—nt called him backe againe in great hast and said that he would goe himselfe and view it Whereupon the Reare-Admirall returned againe as my Lord commanded and as his Lordship went out of the Ship into his Barge vnarmed altogether but with his Coller and Sword and without either Shot or Pike to wayte on him the Reare-Admirall called aloud vnto him and desired his Lordship to take his Caske and Target proofe with him if hee purposed to goe neere the shoare seeing there lay so many Muskets on the rest there to receiue him Whereunto my Lord answered That hee would none because hee disdained to take any aduantage of the Watermen that rowed him But in my opinion though that answere much shewed his valour yet became it not the place that my Lord held for in truth a Generall ought not to bee so aduenturâ—us and carelesse of himselfe vpon euery slight occasion nor to goeâ—â—armed to places of im 〈…〉 t perill Homer describes the valiant Heroes and brauest Leaders of the Greekes to be best armed As Achilles an excellent Armour framed by Vulcan at the request of Thetis his mother and Aiax with his seuenfold shield Insomuch as their very armes are famous euen to these dayes the vse whereof now wee make scornefull But they are no beaten Souldiers in the warres that hold these opinions for it is truly said that a great and wise Generall should dye old And I haue read that famous Epaminondas was fined by his Countrymen the Thebanes for being too forward and seruing in a battaile ill armed although he waâ— the victory But to our matter After that these landing places were viewed a farre off and were not well liked nor yet so neerely approached at that time as within Culuerin Shot for there lay all alongst the shoare aboue foure hundred Shot vpon the rest intrenched to beate on our Boats in conclusion after many offers and surueies made a loofe the conueniences of that place for landing was excepted against Albeit in truth it was a faire and sandy beach as all the Fleet might well perceiue and some foure or fiue miles from the Towne and Fort and much more easie then that of Fayall where wee before wan our landing And that this is most true many that were present now liuing and saw both can iustly affirme And although our Generall himselfe was very resolute and apt to vndertake any good occasion of seruice yet hee was then so led and accompanied with such politicke Land Captaines as that of all the seruices which fell into consultations and deliberations those most commonly which were vnfeasable were offered to bee vndertaken and things more likely and reasonable neglected Whereby out affaires speed accordingly And in this regard that this discent was not by my Lord Generall his viewers allowed of as fit for the Army to land at so many Ensignes being placed and intrenched there to impeach vs it was presently by another consultation agreed that the Reare-Admirall should with all the strength of the
Fleet lye as neere before the Towne of Saint Michael as conueniently they could to hold them in expectation whilest my Lord Generall and the rest with two thousand men imbarked into small Barkes and Pinnaces secretly in the night did conuey themselues about the point to land at a Towne called Villa Franca some sixe miles further then the first determinate landing And for that purpose they had most of all our Boats with them and three English men for their guides that perfectly knew all the Ilands and the Townes by long trade and liuing amongst them These three guides assured our Generall both of a quiet landing and of a very faire and secret way to march from thence to Saint Michaels Towne Our troupes being thus shipped and our Generall also they made hast towardes Villa Franca where they arriued safe were al landed by the next morning without any manner of resistance For most of all the Town vpon their arriuall abandoned the Town and we that were left vnder the command of the Reare-Admirall in the best Ships before the Towne of Saint Michaells did all the night giue them perpetuall Alarums with Shot Drummes and Trumpets in such Boats as were left sometimes in one place sometimes in another alongst the shoare where the Spaniards kept their Corps de Guards and fiers who were often in great amazements calling and running to and fro thinking verily that wee were landing in that place or about it And thus wee did to giue our Army the better and more secret meanes to make their descent and so to come vnlooked for on their backes as their very way did lie and might in truth very conueniently haue beene performed They being thus landed wee in the Ships did all the next day looke out apace hoping to see our troupes come marching ouer the Hills and Plaines that were perfect in our view for the most part of the way that they were to come being all alongst the Sea side was in our sight more brim from the Ships by farre then if wee had beene ashoare But this good Towne of Villa Franca had so welcomed and intertained our men being seated in a pleasant soyle full of fruits wines and fresh victualls and the Sellars stuffed so full of Oade and Wheat as that our Army was content there to ingarrison without any further pursuit of Saint Michaels Towne and there for sixe dayes together they lay feasting and carrying aboard of Oade Wheat Salt and other merchandise into certaine priuate mens Ships that followed the Fleet for such purposes Whilest wee all in vaine still gaped for their comming which wee the rather thought would haue bin at the last for that in all this time they neuer so much as sent word to make vs partakers of their determination to the contrary whereby they would be sure wee should neither participate any of their Commodities nor see the disposure of them although â—wee cast many coniectures and aymed neere the marke finding this lingring very strange But to doe right to euery man I assure my selfe our Generall had no benefit of these wares and commodities being of a disposition too noble and bountifull to valiew such trifles worth his regard For it had beene easie for him to haue abounded with wealth and possessions without following the fortune of the warres or the hazard of the Seas if hee had aymed at such common markes But in this meane while as wee in the great Ships ancored in Saint Michaels Road there came in about the Point that lies westwards from the Towne a small Brasil man and let fall his Ancor in the middest of vs all A little after him wee might discerne aloofe off a mightie huge Carack bearing in with all sayles toward vs whom shee tooke to bee the Spanish Armada And the Brasil man confessed that hee thought the same also for the King of Spaines men of Warre when he makes Fleets are compounded of the shipping of diuers Nations and therefore the more hardly to bee distinguished from ours which was at that time compounded of English and Holland Bottoms besides one great Spanish Gallion called the Saint Andrew and some other lesser Spanish Vessels that wee had taken before Now there blew a stiffe gale from the Land ouer Saint Michaels Towne in such sort that shee must either put roome into the Sea or fall vpon vs. For as the wind then stood she could not run in with the Towne or Fort by no meanes neither was it any part of their meaning As soone as wee had made her to bee a Carrack wee tooke in all our Flags by a generall commandement from our Reare-Admiral and withall directions were giuen that no man should once weigh an Ancor or shoot off a Peece or put off a Boat but with leaue or order All this while she still bare in with vs with all sayles to the Boates end when suddenly one of the Holland Squadron contrary to al discretion the direction before weighed his Ancors hoised his top sailes made towards this Carack now ready to double the Poynt that entred the Road where we lay and when the Hollander came neere the Carack hee presently made two or three Shot at her Whereupon shee discouering vs to bee Enemies changed her course and at the very instant in the view of vs al that obserued it as if shee had had the wind at her deuotion the gale changed came full of the Seas with the helpe whereof and with the feare of falling into our hands shee tooke a resolutiou to runne her selfe a ground hard vnder the Towne and Fort. Which done from thence there presently came multitudes of Boats fetching away their men and best wares and that done shee was instantly by them set on fire in many places at once being full of great Ordnance as appeared by the report they made Such is now the custome and obstinacie of all those Sea-faring men vnder the Spanish iurisdiction as that by reason of the seuere order set downe by the King to that effect they will carelesly burne their Ships and wares if they can escape themselues rather then to grow to any composition to saue halfe thereby And the like was seene at Cades by the Fleet that was outwards bound for the Indies who after they had entertained a parley with vs to compound for their Ships and all the merchandize at a ransome of halfe the valew whilest they amused vs with this colourable pretence thereby they gained time to steale out some of their goods and afterwards set the Shippes on fire where they road But this argueth as great seueritie in the Soueraigne as slauery in the subiect This Carrack was a Ship of infinite wealth that at Saint Hellens watering as shee came from the East Indies put ouer to Brasil and so coasted alongst the West Indies and was fraughted with the riches and wares both of the East and West Wee hasted all wee
Voyage Herein was Gods fauour and mercy mightily shewed towards all sides For by this Storme which so furiously for the time afflicted vs were wee and that Spanish Fleet vnder the Adelantado seuered and kept from incountring which had cost much blood and mischiese and to say a truth in all likelihood the worst might haue fallen to our shares For when wee had left the Ilands and were once crosse sayled for England I obserued that before the Storme diuers of our best Ships made all the haste they could homewards neuer following nor attending the Admirals course nor light Which is an Errour too much vsed amongst vs and very disorderly and dangerous as would haue beene well found if the Adelantado had then met with any of those straglers or with the Admirall himselfe homewards bound so stenderly accompanied Which manner of disorder and scattering in the Conduct of a Royall Nauie especially in so long a Voyage is very fit to bee straightly reformed These Spanish Flee-boates and Carauels had made many landings by stealth on that side of Cornewall and put the Countrey in great frights and amazements especially vpon the report of a great Fleet that was comming after them for England Whereupon our Reere Admirall from before the Saint Iues left the Seas and went a Land to take some order for the Countrey of Cornewall whereof hee was then her Maiesties Lieutenant seeing it then in much amazement and feare and so meant to goe ouer land to Plimouth there to meet with our Generall From the Road of Saint Iues the next morning wee in the Wast-spight set sayle for Kingroad and met with such foule weather as that ouer against the flat Holmes shee brake againe her Maine yard which was before broken and new fished in the beginning of this Voyage But at last with much adoe wee brought her about to Kingroad and within a few dayes after moored her safe in Hungread where I tooke speedie order for the paying and discharging of her men at the Spaniards cost and also for the repayring of her decayes By this time wee also had newes that our Admirall and the rest of our Fleet were safely met and arriued at Plimouth And at the same instant also wee had intelligence by a small man of Brasill but newly come from Corke in Ireland that Sir Iohn Norris President of Munster and the Lord Burgh Deputie of Ireland were both lately deceased Of which two men her Maiestie and the Realme had no small losse being both Martiall men of as great worth and seruice as England bred in many yeeres before And although it be no part of this matter to speake of them yet their Deathes being diuulged to vs at the same time cannot be thought vnfit or vnworthy by the way heere to be remembred and lamented After I had thus taken order with the Officers of the Ship at Bristoll I receiued Letters from the Lord Treasurer and the Lord Admirall for the accomplishing of that which I had already out of due consideration gone in hand withall I meane the discharging and paying of the Marriners and Souldiers being to the number of foure hundred men which would haue growne to a great and needlesse expense to haue kept them in pay and victuals vntill such time as I could haue sent vnto the Court to receiue directions backe againe for the same And therefore did first take vp monies vpon credit and then by the Drum make knowne in Bristow that there were Sugars Brasil wood and Fernanbuck aboord o r Ships which I would presently make sale of to those that would giue most for it and not merchand it vnder hand nor in secret to the preiudice and deceiuing of her Maiestie And therefore with the knowledge and aduice of the Master the Purser and Boatswaine of the Ship and the Customer and Searcher of Bâ—â—stow I landed those Wares in safe Cellers and sold them to the best Chapmen in publique testified vnder the hands of these Officers of the Citie and of the Ship for my discharge in that behaâ—â—e and made thereof fiue hundred pounds The which summe I deliuered to one Askew then Purser of the Wast-spight to the end that hee by his Booke might pay the Marriners and the Souldiers by the Powle as a care of mine for those poore-men vnder my Charge which was duely performed The which I haue beene the more precise to remember and notifie for that I tooke no small paines and care in getting those Sugars and Brasill wood aboard vs out of a torne Brasill 〈◊〉 that was ready to founder in the Seaâ— before Saint Michaels and abandoned to any that would aduenture to goe abâ—ord her to fetch away the lading Which businesse in that vacant time that the Ar 〈…〉 e lay at Villa Franca and we before S. Michaels Towne 〈◊〉 put my selfe and my Marriners vnto And I had not so much paines and trauell in the getting as trouble and vexation afterwards to preserue it whilest it was aboord when we came to Kingroad from the purloyning and stealing of the Marriners and Officers of the Ship And to say no more but a truth I dare thus much anouch and iustifie that if there had beene in some other of her Maiesties ships the like regard for these goods that were gotten and of the Prizes taken in this Iourney and as faithfully answered as were these that then for all the crosses and errours that had happened it had fully returned to her Maiestie the double value of all the Charges she had beene at for this Voyage But it was strange to see what carelesse courses were held in all such actions as were set out by the State and what poore returnes were made againe into the Exchequer And therefore more strange that the Prince could subsist so often to set out such chargeable Voyages without any manner of getting more then to particuler persons For so fell it out before in the Indian Voyage when Sancto Domingo and Cartagena were taken and sackâ— by Sir Francis Drake and when Cades in Spaine was surprised and sackt by the English Armie where was infinite wealth But that of Lisbona in Portugall vndertaken by Sir Iohn Norris where the Suburbes did so abound with Merchandize and Spicerie being wholly at the mercy and disposition of our Armie was to be excused for that our Shops kept not promise with him in comming vp the Riuer that should haue both assisted the land Armie with Munition and Victuals and also carried away those Spiceries and rich Merchandize wherein the Sea-men were greatly wanting and taxed by the generall voyce But in this Voyage wee all saw and knew that there were besides Brasill men three good Prizes taken that came from the Hauana laden with Cochynella and other rich Merchandize besides the Siluer Gold Pearle Ciuet Muske Amber-greece which was amongst the Passengers And those three Prizes whereof one was about 400. Tunnes by the report of those Merchants that came in them were
plants beasts and commodities from ours and their severall description 1325. seq Their astonishment at the hearing of God Their inconstancie naturall parts c. 1340. Their mariages and polygamie the manners of women with child c. 1341. The destruction of families and bounds of their possessions 1342. Their houshold stuffe 1343. Their entertainment 1344 1345. Their Physicke and demeanour towards the sicke their buriall attended with diuellish rites 1346. Brasils description and chiefe Havens 1382. A Brasile Ship taken by Sir Water Raleigh 1938. Brasile commodities sent for Spaine not onely gold but much other treasures as Ginger Sugar Hides Tobacco c. 1817 Brauadoes are sometimes the hinderers of successe in great proiects 194â— Braverie of the English turneth to beggerie 1942 Bridegroomes thâ—â— giue the fiâ—st hansâ—ll of their spousâ—â— to their hindred and friends 1481 Brigalian Iland the situation thereof 1240 Buena Ventura a River in the West Indies the description thereof 1413 1414 Buenoâ— Aeres a tâ—â—ne in the River of Plate 1â—41 Buccaw ganecants a towne vnder the dominion of Bashabez Sagamo of Mawooshen 1873 Building without tooles or engines miraculous by the Indians of Peru 1477 1478 Burdones a place so called 126â— Burkes rebellion in Ireland 1893 The Burlings an Iland so called 〈◊〉 soyle commodi 〈…〉 and iâ—â—abitants described 1155 Butter how made by the Indians 1539 C. CAbot viz. Sir Sebastian Cabot his American travels 1177 1178 seq he discovered so much of the continent of the New World that it deserved to bee called Caboâ—iana rather then America 1177 1112 Cabusto a towne in Florida 1544 Caaâ—tâ— certaine Brasilians so called 1298 Câ—era River 1248 Cadiz taken by the English the Castle surrendred c 1931. Cadiâ— described 1932. It is set â—â—firâ— and rased to the ground 1933 Caiama Iland the description therof 1248 Caiocame a towne in Mawocshen 1874 Caioses Cannibals so called living in Brasile 1241 Caiuari certaine Savages of Brasile living in Caues 1â—99 Cale a towne of Florida 1532 Caleformia a sea so called 1560 or an Iland or many Ilands as others say 1562 Calenture 1181 1182 Caliane a River in Guiana very aboundant with gold and silver â—â—60 Caliquen towne 1533 Callipuny a mountaine in Guyana 1â—71 Callis taken by the Spaniards 1927 Calmes the strange effects thereof in the Sea and in mens bodies 1373 Camalaha a Fayre in the Indies neere Orenoco where women are sold. 1248 Camaâ—uiars certaine Savages that haue paps reaching vnder their waste 1299 Camana a road in Brasile 1142 as also a towne in Peru 1446 Campseau a Port in New-France described 1639 Camarijiuua a River how situate 1223. It s danger or ease for Navigation and the commodities thereof 1238 Camo a Hill on the coasts of Brasile 1240 Camoni Indians 1514 Campeche the chiefe towne of Iacatan 1186 Canacum the Governour of Manomet his friendly entertainment to the English 1858 Canada River 1606. The adioyning Countrey the Inhabitants description feasts fights lodging houses Canons with other customes 1606 1607. They endure great famine lye and are false-hearted their beliefe and ridiculous relation of God ibid. 1609. vide Indians of Canada Canasagua a towne in Florida 1539 Canauerall where 1247 Canarie Ilands their number and description 1369 1370 Canariagranda 1185 1369 et seq Candish his Voyage 1971. seq he takes the towne Santos and Saint Vincent 1191. Loseth Captaine Dauies ibid. His ariuall at Port-desire and the Magellane Streights ibid. His mutinous company 1192. and distresse in the streights 1193. Returne for Brasil 1194. His company slaine 1195. His valour and proiects ibid. Losse of men by Indians and Portingals 1197. Losse of the Roe-bucke 1200. Seuerity ibid. His weaknesse and vnwillingnesse of his company for going to the Streights 1200. His voyage further discouered by Anthony â—niuer 1201 1202. seq The supposed ouerthrow of his voyage 1203 Canduacu Brasilian beastâ— that dart their bristles through a mans skin 1302 Canari a Province of Morequito 1248 Cannete iâ— towne in Peru 1446 Canri a toune in the Riuer Marwin in America 1283 Canibals with faces like dogs at Ports-desire 1191. Other strange and valorous Caunibals 1208 Canibals profer fa 〈…〉 to Candish in Santos 1203. Cannibals naked and fearfull 1204. cald Pories 1208. Their strange entertainment of strangers 1208. Canibals called Tamoyes 1228 1240. vid. Savages Cano a famous Nauigator 1191 Canoas or boats of threescore foot long with 80 men in them 1380 Cape Blanco 1379 Cape Saint Francisco 1400 Cape Saint Antonio 1147 Capawucke a place in the Indâ—â—s stored with gold 1841 Cape bona Esperâ—nza the danger of the passage there 1151 1152 Cape Rico 1170 Cape Verdi 1181 Cape de la vela 118â— 1244 Cape Frio or cold Cape its situation 1202. It s Navigation 1240 Cape Saint Augustine 1238 Cape Caldera 1â—46 Cape de verde its vnhealthinesse 1370. Its Ilands 1371 Capignramirinij a place in Brasile 1238. Cape Agreda cape froward 1386 chiqui-towne 1535. Cape Francois 1603 Cape Saint Maries Cape de Rare Cape Saint Lawrence 1606 Caperrocca a Sauage towne 1285 Capitua a flat land in Brasile 1238 Cape-cod 1647. Cape Charls 1691. Cape Henry in Virginia 1687. Cape Laware in Virginia 1762. It s adioyning Shoales ibid. Captaines for narres how chosen among the Indians 1262 Captaines errours checked 1397. patience commendable in a Captaine 1153 Captaine Listers dingerous attempt in my Lord of Cumberlands voyage 1143. Hee is drowned and his Ship in his returne ibid. Captaine Bayly slaine 1144 Captaine Munson taken captiue 1144 Captaine Nortons Uoyage ibid. Captaine Caues surprizall of in Ar gosie of Lisbone ibid. Captaine Nortons assailing a Fortingall ibid. Capt. Caue Admirall in the eighth Uoyage of the Lord of Cumberland slaine 1147 Captaine Antonie killed ibid. Captaine Dounton wounded 1148 Capurisell a River 1250 Capucaras water-Serpents in the Indies 1211 Capari a River neere Orenoque 1247 Carrabouca a place in India 1249 Carcocies Indians so called 1365 Carder viz. Peter Carder a Cornish man his hard fortune and escapes 1187. The losse of his company 1188. His living two moneths vpon a fruit like Oranges and his drinking of his owne Urine ibid. His conversing with Indians â—bid Teacheth them to marre 1189. His departure from them ibid. His imprisonment deliverance 1189 1190. His imployment 1190. His escape from the Portingals and ariuall to England after nine yeares voyage 1190 Carigue a Beast in Brasile that that carteth her yong ones in a bag about with her 1301 Cari-River 1248 A Carrak runneth a shore to avoid the English 1938 Caripo a towne in Guiana 1268 Caroli a pleasant River neere Orenoco 1248 Carraemba Sauages so called 1299 Carapana a place in the Province of Emeria 1247 Carraibas certain Ingglers in Brasile 1290 Carracus a place in the Indies 1242 1248 Caredenas a Province in America 1560 Carripapoory Ilands neere Guiana 1268 Carendies a fierce Nation of the Indies neere the River of Plateâ— their nature warlikenesse and description 1348 A Carrack runneth
wherewith our countrie Witches are I once saw Tomocomo a Virginian dance with such â—xta icall visages and diabolicall behauiour as if the Deuill had beene in him The forme of the American Cottages The gesture of the Barbarians dansing in a round circle The Caraibes consecrating Maraca * Petum by the Authour is thought to differ from Tobacco because it hath a pleasing sent c. I thinke it the same The Caraibes blowing vpon the Barbarians The confused opinion of the Barbarians concerning the floud Feast following The decking of Maraca A grosse Superstition A most grosse Errour 1. Reg. 18. 19. Truth putteth falshood to flight How the ancient Barbarians entertaine the Frenchmen The occasion of declaring the true God vnto the Barbariaus The Barbarians hearing speech of the true God were astonished A relation of a Barbarian most worthy to bee noted The Barbarians promise to embrace the worship of God are present at Prayers The Barbarians acknowledge their owne ignorance and blindnesse The degrees of Consanguinâ—tie Polygamie The wonderfull agreement betweene the American women The Sauageâ— abhorre adulterâ—e Single women loose How the American women great with child bâ—haue themselues Child-birth The American men performe the office of Midwiues The little Infants Gugawes to play withal What the maÌ„ner is of giuing American names The food of Inâ—ants The American Infants are very clean without the vse of linnen clothes In what thingâ— the Barbarians busie themselues Naturall shâ—mefastnesse is obserued in the American Marriages The purgation of the American women The Barbarians liue peaceably together The punishment oâ— murtherers among the Barbarians Leuiâ— 24. 19. 20 After what manner the villages and American families are ordered The transporting of the American Villages What grounds the Americans peculiarly possesse How the American women spin the cotten Inis Cotton Beds How the Beds of the Barbariâ—â—s are prepaâ—ed and spred Fome whicâ— among the Americans supplieth the vsâ— of Sope. The American women make huge meane and little earthâ—â— vessels Potâ— and othâ—â— vessels of fruits pan 〈…〉 and baskets The Barbarianâ— curteously entertain guests A pleasant discourse of thosâ— things which befell the Authour when he first went vnto the 〈◊〉 The Authorâ— name in the American language Their memorie The American women bewayle the comming of Guests The gesture of the Guest among the Americans How Mâ—â—ssacâ—t entertaineâ—h his Guest How strangers requite their Host. The Barbarians carrie Strangers vpon their shoulders Two legged amblers The Barbarians practisâ— charitie euen by the direction of nature A notable example of the curtesie of the Barbarians How much the Barbarians esteeme kniues and other merchandises Pages the Barbarians Physicians How the Barbarians handle the sicke The Graues and rites of buriall of the Americans A very deuillish errour Dan. 14. Toâ—pin Mendozaâ— crueltie R. Parana Vrassa R. of Plate Lechuruas Buenos Aeres built Carendies Gipsies The fight or â—â—irmish with the Indian Carendies Of the buildings of the Citie of Bonos Aâ—res and of the famine which they indured there Miserable famine How some sailed vp the Riuer of Parana or the Riuer of Plate How the town of Buenas Aeres was befieged assaulted and burnt Foure Nations of Indians Their fights weapons Foure ships burned They muster their Souldiers and build ships to goe further The most of 2000. died of famine They goe vp the Riuer Tiembus Don Petro Meâ—doza being about to returâ— into Spaine dieth in tâ—â— waâ— Alfonso Gabrâ—â—o is sent away from Spaine towards the riuer of Plâ—te They saile further vp the Riuer of Paranâ— toward C 〈…〉 nda R. 〈◊〉 abol Carios Shâ—ep of Peru. Curenda Description of these Sauageâ— We came to Gulgaisi Macuerendas Gulgaisi Macuerendas Huge Serpent We came to Zemais Saluaisco and Nepenes Zemias Saluaisco Mep 〈…〉 Of the Riuer Parabol and the peopleâ— â—ueremagbas and Aygais Cueremagbas Men oâ— tall stature Their gallantry Aygais Of the people Carios Carios custome Of the Citie Lampere how it was besieged and won by assault Their fortifications Stratagem The Spaniards in foure yeeres had not seene a morsell of bread A Castle is built in Lampere and is called the Assumption Aygais destroyed Piembâ—s Parabol well peopled Mount Fernando Weibingo Paiembos trechery Carcariso Amte beasts called Sheepe of Peru and it seemeth bigger and stronger in these paâ—ts then t 〈…〉 For the Author rode on one which in Peru beareth a smal burthen Naperus Peisennos Wickednesse of some 〈◊〉 â—iftie Spâ—â—iards slaine by Tiem 〈…〉 treacherie â—p 〈…〉 ards besieged Captain Mendoza slaine Gabreros comming out of Spaine with 200. Souldiers thither S. Katharines Custome of Marinersâ— Greatnesse of Parana They are wracked Iustice on the negligent Pâ—lot Aluarez Nunnez Note Franciscus Lopez â—hap 89. writeth of this Aluarez Nunnez that in the yeere 1541. he was sent from Caesars Mâ—iestie with 400. men and 46. horses to the Riuer of Plate And he was 8. whole moneths in this Voyage And therefore first in the yeere 1542. hee arriued at the Assumption Ship wracke trauel by land 100. men lost Sauage nation of Surucusis Village of Carios Achkeres hanged Indian fottificaâ—ions 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dabero commeth in Paiembos Bascherepos Surucusis Carchararis Generall not beloued Hee returneth Ernandus Rieâ—fiere sayleth vp the Riuer to the Guebuecusis and Achkeres Guebuecusis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Riuer Achkeres Men of tall stature They are callâ—d Achkerâ—s which signifieth Crocodiles oâ— the store 〈…〉 meth of â—hosâ— creatureâ—â—n those parâ—â— Scherues Priâ—sts and wooâ—den Earings Cunning painters Wild pompe of the King Stags and Estridges Musicke Weauers Gold and Siluer The Amazones described Iland of Amazones Siberis Wading Iouâ—ney Bellie-shifts Gnats Trauels in hoâ— waters Orethuisen Locusts The Amazons are still further off I doubt beyond the region of Tâ—uth 〈◊〉 the title be properly meane of such as arâ— here described For wa 〈…〉 ke wiues liuing in societie with men are many Gold and siluer Thirtie dayes wading Profitable tricke Vnhealthfull Countrie Wicked precept The Authours sicknesse Fight with the Carios Fraemidiere Siege and conquest Carieba Fortification and Engines Iuberic Sabaie 46. leagues from Assumption R. Stuefiâ— 44. Naperus Mapais Two kindes of Amidas one able to beare men Acosta mentions those of Peru to bear fiftie pounds or little more Zemie Fields of Mais c. Tobanâ—â— Peionas Mayegory Marronos Paronios Symanos Wall of bushes Barconos Leyhannos Grashoppers Carchconos Suboris They dye of thirst Roote holding water No â—â—ine in 3. moneths Drinke of a roote Peisennos Maigenes Quickset wall Fight betwixt Carios and Maigenos Carookies Salt Country Samdela Machcasies Spanish tongue They ariue in the Kingdome of Peru. Pedro Ansuetes Strang worms A Letter on of Peru. Potosi Hony in trees Bees without stings Ciuill contentions Gaberetho Barâ—â—y Barede Gingie Biesaie Riuer Vrquam Huge Water-snakes Scheuetveba He arriued at Antwerpe whence he had set forth at first in Ianuarie 1554. This ship was named the Repentance an ominous nâ—me and vnfortunate as vsually those celestiall
besides these Reed-Palmes Silke-wormes Other Trees Prickle-peare Waters No Springs then found since Wells haue bin there digged which ebbe and flow with the Sea c. Fish Salt made there 5000. fishes taken at a hale Cause of their wholsomnesse No vnscaled fishes Whale and Sword-fish Cater-tray beare the bell away Medio tutissimus ibis Fowles Wild Swans Web-footed Fowle They call it of the cry which it maketh a Cohow Wild Hogges how first found out and taken Tortoises H. Rauens voyage from Bermuda to Virginia Cap. Win. L. Lawarre Sir George Summers his suruay and other industrie He builds a Pinnace R. Frubbusher builds another Power of example Mutinous conceptions Conspira 〈…〉 Iohn â—ant and 〈◊〉 Another Mutinie Conscience greatest enemy to conscience Stephen Hopkins condemned and pardoned Third Mutiny Euill as it hath a deficient cause so in and before the effects defects are found H. Paine his Mutinus behuiour His execution Diuers of Sir G Summers compâ—ny flâ—d into the woods Sir T. Gates his letter to Sir G. Summers Waters and Carter stand out and are left behind Religious exercises performed by Master Bucke The most holy ciuill and most naâ—urall possession taken of the Bermudas by exercise of Sacraments Marriage Child-birth c. Children named Bermuda and Bermudas Saylers misorder Cedar ill for shipping Crosse set vp for a memoria His Maiestieâ— Picture Signe of Land Chesipiack Bay The long Boat sent by Rauens câ—st away Algernoone Fort M. George Percy Miserable shewes of welcome Old Patent yeelded vp Their miseries in 〈…〉 ed. Ipsi sibi causa malâ—rum Orders established which continued for their short stay the particulers are here omitted They contained a Preface and 21 Articles for Pietie Loyaltie and Politie conuenient to the Colonie Men blamed but not all the Country freed Prou. 6. The Courtrey co 〈…〉 ed. Rem acu tetigit True cause of misery in Virginia Times of labour vnder Sir T. Gates Note The hopes of Virginia Sir T. Gates his care Pohatans policy Sauage Spies Basenesse of our people Mischiefes of Mariners Pursers fraud Remedy The Colony when they came within foure dayes of staruing Purpose to leau the Country The highest pitch lowâ—st depâ—h of the Colonies miseries scarsly escaping the iâ—wes of deuouring desperation Hopes morning L. La Waarr arriuall Description of the seate and site of Iames Towne The Fort c. described The Houses Barke Roofes Vnhealthfulnesse of Iames Towne Commission red Lord La Warrs tiâ—le Sir T. Gaâ—es Lieutenant Generall His speech Prouisions brought Counsell chosen sworne Colonysworn Officers appointed Sir G. Summers vnderâ—aketh to bring prouisions from Bermudas * Ad Gracaâ— Calendaâ— Can a Leopard change his spots Can a Sauage remayning a Sauage be ciuill Were not wee our selues made and not borne ciuill in our Progenitors dayes and were not Caesars Britaine 's as brutish as Virginians The Romane swords were best teachers of ciuilitie to this other Countries neere vs. Grassesilke English Armes treasured by Powhatan Message to Powhatan Powhatans homâ—ge King of Weroscoick taken Prisoner Sir T. Gates bound for England Lord Lawarre Iune 19. 1610. 23. degrees 21 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 33. degr 〈…〉 30. minutes 32. degrees He speakes with the Adm 〈…〉 ll They faile toward Cape Cod West 〈…〉 atio 〈…〉 gr 〈…〉 A great fog 40. deg 56. mi. 47. fathoms water Water like vna greene grasse They take fish A great fog Sounding Great fog and raine 100. Cods taken The Ship d 〈…〉 th They stand for the Riuer of Sagadahoc Verie foggie weather The thick fog continueth The fog continueth The fog conâ—inueth A Rocke of Marble halfe a miâ—e about 〈◊〉 of Seales The smal rocky Iland lieth in 44. degrees Many Ilands in eight fathoms water August 3. Resonable store of â—â—sh Seale Rocke in 43 deg 41 mâ— Here turneth home Thick and foggie weather 41. deg 44. mi. Cape Cod. â—â—e shoâ—dâ—s of Cape Cod. The middle of the Sholâ—es in 41 deg 50. mi. 15. degrees of westâ—â—ly Variation 12. degrees of westerly Variation 11. degrees of westerly Variation 12 degrees of Westerly variation 13. deg 25. mi. of Westerly variation Many shoales 12. leagues to the South of Cape La Warre Cape Charles Lord La Warres many sicknesses Orenges and Lemons good remedie for the Scuruie Master George Pâ—â—cie Depu 〈…〉 〈◊〉 â—â—e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sir T. Dale Marshall 200. leâ—t there Trade by Cape Argoll Three Forts Sir T. Gates his second voyage 100. Kine and 200. Swine sent K. and R. Pa tamack Sir T. Gates Sir T. Dale The Deliuerance This was in the Riuer of Nansamund His Voyage to Sir T. Smiths Iland Dela War Bay His first Voyage to Patowomec and Penbrooke Riuer Ayapassus the weroance of Pastancie * Cap. Web Ensigne Swift Rob. Sparkes two Boyes 1100. bushels of Corne. The second voyage to Penbrooke Riuer Note Great store of Oxen in Penbrooke Riuer A Myne A medicinable Earth A water that hath the taste of Allum An Earth like Gumme A red Earth like Terra sigillata The greaâ— King Patowomeck Ensigne Swift Pocahuntis taken 7. men freed His third Discouery Kerned Salt found May 12. 1613. Euery mans care is no mans Proprietie is a proper painestaker Sir Thom. Dales good gouernment Bermuda Citie Deere haue 3. or 4. Fawnes at a time Apossumes Strange store oâ—â—owle as before in Ouiedo A Frigâ—â—s lading taken at one draught Faire flowres Crabs Sir Tho. Dales going to Virginia A. 1 1 〈…〉 eight weekes Retchlesse wretches His care and imploiment R. Nansamund Wise seuâ—ritie remedie to slothâ—ull sccuritie Arriuall of Sir Tho. Gates with sixe ships Henrico built by Sir T. Dale Bermuda a city Hundreds set out and distinguished French displanted Long discourses followed in the Author but Virginia is brought to such an abridgement that I haue no heart to follow him or others in that kind Prince Henry Sir T. Dales iourny to Powhatans Country This is more at large deliuered with the particular circumstances which I for breuitiâ— haue omitted by M. Hamor Pocahuntas behauiour and report Opachankanâ— now their king worker of the massaâ—râ— Pocahuntaâ— baptised of Matoâ— so I haue heard she was properly named 〈◊〉 first called Rebecca They called the English Tossantessas and so would themselues be called The particulars and articles of agreemâ—nt are in M. Hâ—amors Booke here omitted Sir T. Dales report of Virginia In another letter to the Committees he writeth that foure of the best Kingdoms of Christendome put all together may no way compare with this country either for commodities or goodnesse of soile Master Alexander Whitaker was son to that worthy of Polemicall Diuine Doctor Whitaker Master of S. Iohns Col. in Cambridge Whatshadowes of men are the most in this age that the best deseruing should neede apologies instead of panegyrikâ—s They which for doing suffer ill cry whore first and by deprauing iustice seek to be iust Their Priâ—sts and manner of liuing Yet Namantack in his returne was killed in Bermuda by another Sauage his
was as greene as any Medow in the moneth of Aprill with a most fine short grasse The flesh of these Pengwins is much of the sauour of a certaine Fowle taken in the Ilands of Lundey and Silley which we call Puffins by the taste it is easily discerned that they feed on fish They are very fat and in dressing must be flead as the Byter they are reasonable meate rosted baked or sodden but best rosted We salted some doozen or sixteene Hogsheads which serued vs whilest they lasted insteed of powdred Beefe The hunting of them as wee may well terme it was a great recreation to my company and worth the sight for in determining to catch them necessarily was required good store of people euery one with a cudgell in his hand to compasse them round about to bring them as it were into a Ring if they chanced to breake out then was the sport for the ground beeing vndermined at vnawares it failed and as they ranne after them one fell here another there another offering to strike at one lifting vp his hand sunke vp to the arme-pits in the earth another leaping to auoid one hole fell into another And after the first slaughter in seeing vs on the shoare they shunned vs and procured to recouer the Sea yea many times seeing themselues persecuted they would tumble downe from such high Rocks and Mountaines as it seemed impossible to escape with life Yet as soone as they came to the Beach presently we should see them runne into the Sea as though they had no hurt Where one goeth the other followeth like sheepe after the Bel-weather but in getting them once within the Ring close together few escaped saue such as by chance hid themselues in the borrowes and ordinarily there was no Droue which yeelded vs not a thousand and more the manner of killing them which the Hunters vsed beeing in a cluster together was with their cudgels to knocke them on the head for though a man gaue them many blowes on the body they dyed not Besides the flesh bruized is not good to keepe The massacre ended presently they cut of their heads that they might bleed well such as we determined to keepe for store we saued in this manner First wee split them and then washed them well in Sea-water then salted them hauing laine some sixe houres in Salt we put them in presse eight houres and the bloud being soaked out wee salted them againe in our other caske as is the custome to salt Beefe after this manner they continued good some two moneths and serued vs in steed of Beefe The Guls and Gannets were not in so great quantitie yet we wanted not young Guls to eate all the time of our stay about these Ilands It was one of the delicatest foods that I haue eaten in all my life The Duckes are different to ours and nothing so good meate yet they may serue for necessitie They were many and had a part of the Iland to themselues seuerall which was the highest Hill and more then a Musket shot ouer In all the dayes of my life I haue not seene greater arte and curiositie in creatures voide of reason then in the placing and making of their Nests all the Hill being so full of them that the greatest Mathematician of the World could not deuise how to place one more then there was vpon the Hill leauing onely one path-way for a Fowle to passe betwixt The Hill was all leuell as if it had beene smoothed by arte the Nests made onely of earth and seeming to be of the selfe-same mould for the Nests and the soile is all one which with water that they bring in their Beakes they make into Clay or a certaine dawbe and after fashion them round as with a compasse In the bottome they containe the measure of a foot in the height about eight inches and in the top the same quantitie ouer there they are hollowed in somwhat deep wherein they lay their Egges without other preuention And I am of opinion that the Sun helpeth them to hatch their young their Nests are for many yeares and of one proportion not one exceeding another in bignesse in height nor circumference and in proportionable distance one from another In all this Hill nor in any of their Nests was to be found a blade of grasse a straw a sticke a feather a moat no nor the filing of any Fowle but all the Nests and passages betwixt them were so smooth and cleane as if they had bin newly swept washed One day hauing ended our hunting of Pengwins one of our Mariners walking about the Iland discouered a great company of Seales or Sea-wolues so called for that they are in the Sea as the Wolues on the Land aduising vs that he left them sleeping with their bellies toasting against the Sunne we prouided our selues with staues and other weapons and sought to steale vpon them at vnawares to surprize some of them and comming downe the side of a Hill we were not discouered till wee were close vpon them notwithstanding their Sentinell before wee could approach with a great howle waked them we got betwixt the Sea and some of them but they shunned vs not for they came directly vpon vs and though we dealt heere and there a blow yet not a man that withstood them escaped the ouerthrow They reckon not of a Musket shot a sword pierceth not theirskinne and to giue a blowe with a staffe is as to smite vpon a stone only in giuing the blowe vpon his snout presently he falleth downe dead After they had recouered the water they did as it were scorne vs defie vs and daunced before vs vntill we had shot some Musket shot through them and so they appeared no more This fish is like vnto a Calfe with foure legs but not aboue a spanne long his skinne is hairy like a Calte but these were different to all that euer I haue seene yet I haue seēne of them in many parts for these wee greater and in their former parts like vnto Lions with shagge haire and mostaches They liue in the Sea and come to sheepe on the Land and they euer haue one that watcheth who aduiseth them of any accident They are beneficiall to man in their skinnes for many purposes In their mostaches for Pick-tooths and in their fatte to make Traine-oyle Wee embarqued our selues and set sayle with the winde at NOrth-west which could serue vs but to an end of that reach some dozen leagues long and some three or foure leagues broad It lieth next of any thing till you come to Cape Agreda South-west from this Cape to Cape Froward the coast lieth West South-west Some foure leagues betwixt them was the second peopling of the Spaniards and this Cape lieth in 55. degrees and better Thwart Cape Froward the winde larged with vs and we continued our course towards the Iland of Elizabeth which lieth from
Cape Forward some foureteene leages West and by South This reach is foure or fiue leagues broad and in it are many channels or openings into the Sea for all the land on the Souther part of the Straites are Ilands and broken land and from the beginning of this reach to the end of the Straits high mountainous Land on both sides in most parts couered with Snowe all the yeere long Betwixt the Iland Elizabeth and the Maine is the narrowest passage of all the Sraites it may be some two Musket shor from side to side From this Straite to Elizabeth Bay is some-foure leagues and the course lieth North-west and by West This Bay is all sandie and cleane ground on the Easterne pâ—rt but before youcome at it there lieth a point of the shoare a good birth off which is dangerous And in this reach as in many parts of the Straites runneth a quicke and forcible tide In the Bay it higheth eight or nine foot water The Northerne part of the Bay hath foule ground and Rockes vnder water and therefore it is not wholsome borrowing of the Maine One of Master Thomas Candish his Pinasses as I haue been enformed came aground vpon one of them and he was in hazard to haue left her there From Elizabeth Bay ot the Riuer of Ieronimâ— is some fiue leagues The course lieth West and by North and West Here the winde scanted and forced vs to seeke a place to anchor in Our Boats going alongst the shoare found a reasonable Harbour which is right against that which they call Riuer Ierâ—â—imâ— but it is another channell by which a man may dissembâ—que the Straite as by the other which is accustomed for with a storme which tooke vs one night suddenly wee were forced into that opening vn wittingly but to the morning seing our errour and the winde larging with two or three boords we turned into the old channell nor daring for want of our Pinasse to attempt any new Discouerie This Harbour wee called Blanches Bay for that it was found by William Blanch one of our Masters Mates Here hauing moored our ship we beganne to make our prouision of wood and water whereof was plentie in this Bay and in all other places from Pengwin Ilands till within a dozen leagues of the mouth of the Straites NOw finding our DeckeÌ„s open with the long lying vnder the Line and on the coast of Brasill the Sunne hauing beene in our Zenith many times we calked our ship within boord and without aboue the Deckes And such was the diligence wee vsed that at foure dayes end wee had aboue threescore Pipes of water and twentie Boats of wood stowed in our ship no man was idle nor otherwise busied but in necessarie workes some in felling and cleaning of wood some in carrying of water some in romaging somein washing others in baking one in heiting of Pitch another in gathering of Mussels no man was exempted but knew at euening whereunto he was to betake himselfe the morning following Some man might aske mee how wee came to haue so many emptie Caske in lesse then two moneths for it seemeth much that so few men in such short time and in so long a Voyage should waste so much Whereto I answere that it came not of excessieu expense for in health we neuer exceeded our ordinarie but of a mischance which befell vs vnknowne in the Iland of Saint Iames or Saint Anne in the coast of Brasill where where wee refreshed our selues and recording to the custome laid our Caske ashoare to trimme it and afters to fill it the place being commodious forvs But with the waer a certaine worme called Broma by the Spannard and â—yvs Aters entred also which eate it so fuli of holes that all the waer spaked out and made much of our Caske of small vse This we remedied the best wee could and discouered it long before we came to this place Hereof let others take warning in no place to haue Caske on the shoare where it may be anoyded for it is one of the promisions which are with greatest care to be preserued in long Voyages and bardest to be supplied These Arters or B oma in all hot Countries enter into the plankes of ships and effeciast where are Ruers of fresh water the common opinion is that they are bred in fresh water and with the current of the Riners are brought into the Sea but experience teacheth that they breede in the great Seas in all hot chimates especially neere the Equinoctiall Line for lying so long vnder and neere the Line and towing a Shalop at our sterne comming to cleanse her in Brasill wee found her all vnder water couered with these Wormes as bigge as the little singer of a man on the outside of the planke not fully couered but halfe the thicknesse of their bodie like to a gellie wrought into the planke as with a Gowdge In little time if the ship be not sheathed they put all in hazard for they enter in no bigger then a small spanish Needle and by little and little their holes become ordinarily greater then a mans finger The thicker the planke is the greater he groweth yea I haue seene many ships so eaten that the most of their plankes vnder water haue beene like Honie-combes and especially those betwixt winde and water If they had not beene sheathed it had beene impossible that they could haue swomme The entring of them is hardly to be discerned the most of them being small as the head of a Pinne Which all such as purpose long Voyages are to prenent byu sheathing their ships And for that I haue seene diuers manners of sheathing for the ignorant I will set them downe which by experience I haue found best In Spaine and Portugall some sheath their ships with Lead which besides the cost and weight although they vse the thinnest sheet-lead that I haue seene in any place yet it is nothing durable but subiect to many casualities Another manner is vsed with double plankes as thicke without as within after the manner of surring which is little better then that with Lead for besides his weight it dureth little because the Worme in small time passeth through the one and the other A third manner of sheathing had beene vsed amongst some with fine Canuas which is of small continuance and so not to be regarded The fourth preuention which now is most accounted of is to burne the vpper planke till it come to be in euery place like a Cole and after to pitch it this isnot bad in China as I haue beene enformed they vse a certaine Betane or Varnish in manner of an artificiall Pitch wherewith they trimme the outside of their ships It is said to bee durable and of that vertue as neither worme nor water pierceth it neither hath the Sunne power against it Some haue deuised a certaine Pitch mingled with Glasse and other ingredients beaten into
Captaine Gosnols death the Councell could hardly agree by the dissention of Captaine Kendall which afterward was committed about hainous matters which was proued against him The foure and twentieth day died Edward Harington and George Walker and were buried the same day The sixe and twentieth day died Kenelme Throgmortine The seuen and twentieth day died William Roods The eight and twentieth day died Thomas Stoodie Cape Merchant The fourth day of September died Thomas Iacob Sergeant The fift day there died Beniamin Beast Our men were destroyed with cruell diseases as Swellings Flixes Burning Feuers and by warres and some departed suddenly but for the most part they died of meere famine There were neuer Englishmen left in a forreigne Countrey in such miserie as wee were in this new discouered Virginia Wee watched euery three nights lying on the bare cold ground what weather soeuer came warded all the next day which brought our men to bee most feeble wretches our food was but a small Can of Barlie sod in water to fiue men a day our drinke cold water taken out of the Riuer which was at a floud verie salt at a low tide full of slime and filth which was the destruction of many of our men Thus we liued for the space of fiue moneths in this miserable distresse not hauing fiue able men to man our Bulwarkes vpon any occasion If it had not pleased God to haue put a terrour in the Sauages hearts we had all perished by those vild and cruell Pagans being in that weake estate as we were our men night and day groaning in euery corner of the Fort most pittifull to heare if there were any conscience in men it would make their harts to bleed to heare the pittiful murmurings out-cries of our sick men without reliefe euery night and day for the space of sixe weekes some departing out of the World many times three or foure in a night in the morning their bodies trailed out of their Cabines like Dogges to be buried in this sort did I see the mortalitie of diuers of our people It pleased God after a while to send those people which were our mortall enemies to releeue vs with victuals as Bread Corne Fish and Flesh in great plentie which was the setting vp of our feeble men otherwise wee had all perished Also we were frequented by diuers Kings in the Countrie bringing vs store of prouision to our great comfort The eleuenth day there was certaine Articles laid against Master Wing fiield which was then President thereupon he was not only displaced out of his President ship but also from being of the Councell Afterwards Captaine Iohn Ratcliffe was chosen President The eighteenth day died oue Ellis Kinistone which was starued to death with cold The same day at night died one Richard Simmons The nineteenth day there died one Thomas Mouton William White hauing liued with the Natiues reported to vs of their customes in the morning by breake of day before they eate or drinke both men women and children that be aboue tenne yeeres of age runnes into the water there washes themselues a good while till the Sunne riseth then offer Sacrifice to it strewing Tobacco on the water or Land honouring the Sunne as their God likewise they doe at the setting of the Sunne CHAP. III. The description of Virginia by Captaine IOHN SMITH inlarged out of his written Notes VIrginia is a Countrie in America that lieth betweene the degrees of 34. and 44. of the North Latitude The bounds thereof on the East side are the great Ocean On the South lieth Florida on the North Noua Francia As for the West thereof the limits are vnknowne Of all this Countrie we purpose not to speake but only of that part which was planted by the Englishmen in the yeere of our Lord 1606. And this is vnder the degrees 37. 38. and 39. The temperature of this Countrie doth agree wel with English constitutions being once seasoned to the Countrie Which appeared by this that though by many occasions our people fell sicke yet did they recouer by verie small meanes and continued in health though there were other great causes not only to haue made them sicke but euen to end their dayes c. The Summer is hot as in Spaine the Winter cold as in France or England The heate of Summer is in Iune Iuly and August but commonly the coole Breeses asswage the vehemencie of the heate The chiefe of Winter is halfe December Ianuary February and halfe March The cold is extreme sharpe but heere the Prouerbe is true That no extreme continueth long In the yeere 1607. was an extraordinary Frost in most of Europe and this Frost was found as extreme in Uirginia But the next yeere for eight or ten daies of ill weather other fourteene daies would be as Summer The winds here are variable but the like Thunder and Lightning to purifie the Aire I haue seldome either seene or heard in Europe From the South-west came the greatest gusts with Thunder and heate The North-west winde is commonly coole and bringeth faire weather with it From the North is the greatest cold and from the East and South-east as from the Barmadas fogges and raines Sometimes there are great droughts other times much raine yet great necessitie of neither by reason we see not but that all the varietie of needfull Fruits in Europe may bee there in great plentie by the industry of men as appeareth by those we there planted There is but one entrance by Sea into this Countrey and that is at the mouth of a verie goodly Bay the widenesse whereof is neere eighteene or twenâ—ie miles The Cape on the South side is called Cape Henrie in honour of our most Noble Prince The shew of the Land there is a white Hilly Sand like vnto the Downes and along the shoares great plentie of Pines and Firres The North Cape is called Cape Charles in honour of the worthy Duke of Yorke Thelles before it are named Smiths Iles because he first of ours set foot on them Within is a Countrey that may haue the prerogatiue ouer the most pleasant places of Europe Asia Africa or America for large and pleasant nauigable Riuers Heauen and Earth neuer agreed better to frame a place for mans habitation being of our constitutions were it fully mannured and inhabited by industrious people Here are Mountaynes Hils Plaines Vallies Riuers and Brookes all running most pleasantly into a faire Bay compassed but for the mouth with fruitful delightsome Land In the Bay and Riuers are many Iles both great and small some woodie some plaine most of them low and not inhabited This Bay lieth North an South in which the water floweth neere two hundred miles and hath a Channell for one hundred and fortie miles of depth betwixt seuen and fifteene fadome holding in breadth for the most part ten or fourteene miles From the head of the Bay at
characters sort not to terrestriall fabrikes instanced in the Reuenge Thunderbâ—lt and this Resentance with the Iesus of Sir Io. Hawk Considerations for pretended Voyâ—ges Prouisions bâ—â—ter prouided at Plimoutâ— then at London Note Danger of Porâ—s open Parts requisite in a good Mariner Abuses of some Sea faring men Master Thomas Candish Master George Reymond Note He addes another remedie in taking away imprâ—sts The consequence of Instructs at departure False calking For preuention thereof Example See Cap. â—rings last Voyagâ— in which the Great Iames was oft endangered thereby Aduice for shooting at Sea Two English shâ—ps haue hâ—â—eby much wroâ—ged each other by mistaking The Madera Ilands Canarie Ilands Gorgosho The descâ—iâ—tion of Tenerif and the Pike Of a Tree in Fierro One M. Lewis Iackson now dwelling in Holboâ—â—e told me that A. 1618. he had beene in this Iland and seene this Tree which he thus described It is as big as an Oake of middle size the barke white like Haâ— dbeame sixe or seuen yards high with ragged boughs the leafe like that of the Bay white on the bottome and greene on the other side It beareth neither fruit nor flower It is scituate in the decliuitie of a Hill in the day it is withered dropping â—n the night a cloude hanging thereon yeelding water sufficient for the whole Iland which containeth 8000. soules and aboue 100000. beasts Camels Mules Goats c. It falls into a Pond made of bricke floored with stones very thight by pipes of â—ead conueighed from the Tree to it and thence diuided into seuerall Ponds through all the Iland They which dwell vp-hill fetch â—t in barrels They water therewith also their Corne-grounds The Pond holds 20000. tuns and is filled in a night He added a report perhaps deuised to keepe off busie fingers or with busie tongues to multiplie wonders that the Moores hauing taâ—en that Iland from the Christians went to fell that Tree but each blowe recoyled on the striker Hee affirmed also that hee had beene â—p the Pike of Teneriff two miles He saith the South side is healthfull the North very Aguish and subiect to Calentures and the Inhabitants on one side looke lustie on the other withered The first discouerers of these Ilands Exercises vpon the Southwards of the Canaries â—â—pe de Verde The vnwholsomnesse thereof The heate The Breze Another cause of Feuers is the dâ—wes which fall euery night so that the exceeding moisture and vnsoundnesse thereof causeth men lying or watching in the open aire to fall sicke The remedie The influence of the Moone in hot Countries Saint Iago Sacked by Manuel Serades Sir Francis Drake and Sir Anthony Sherley Fuego Fiery hill Brano good watering The Palmito The Plantan great leaues Placentia The Cocos their kindes Coquillos A third kinde Cyuet-Cats Munkeyes Parrots * Tawt or taught a Sea-terme sig stiffe and fast Morning and euening praier Change of water Error in reckoning Note The lesse of Edward â—otton Current-consideration New found-land Current Leuant Sea Brasil and South Sea Currents of smaller force neere the shore A discourse of the Scuruey or Scorâ—â—â—â— The signes Azores Strange effect of calmes The remedies By Diet. By shift By labour By early eating and drinking Ten thousand English dead of the Scuruie in 20. yeeres By sowre Oranges and Lemmons By Doctor Steuens water By Oyle of Vitry By the Aire of the Land The company sicke and dismayed Prouerbe Brasill Cape Saint Augustine Farnambuca Todos Santos De Vitoria Dangers of fire By heating of Pitch Vse of â—ugge Gownes Preuention Diuers ships as the Primrose Iesus of Lubeck Robuck Blacke Lion c. haue beene burned By hooping scuâ—ling of Caske Note By natures of waters By swearing An excellent order for shipswearing Custome feedâ— vice which seuerity starueth Pi hy discourse of diuers fishes and their description The Dolphin The Bonito The Sharke His mouth Superstition All-deuouring Three rowes of teeth Whelping Pilats â—â—shes Sea hawking and hunting Flying fishes Alcatrace The fight of the Whale with the Sword-fish and Thresher The strokes heard two leagues Of Whales see our Greeneland discourses li. 3. c. 2. 〈◊〉 Amber-greece Amber Corall Best times to passe the line froÌ„ the Northwards to the Southward Port of Santos For preuention of annoyances c. in Harbours S 〈…〉 rds periury Their punishment Note for that harbour The vertue of Oranges Distilling of Salt water Vnskilfulnesse of the Masters Mâ—te Prouidence of God and the caâ—â— of the Master Care of Steeridge Exquisit in the Spaniards and Portugals Cape Blanco Saint Ialmes Ilands alias Saint Annes Gannets Purslane Cherries Palmitos Purgatiues Artechoques or Prick-pears A good note to take or refuse vnknowâ— fruits Contagious water Waste losse of mâ—n Hawke burnt Sholes of Abrcoios Industry of the 〈…〉 ans They surprise 〈◊〉 French G 〈…〉 at Canoa San sebastian Wise stratagem The merry euents of a care full watch 〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉 Palmito Iland The creatures Cape Frie. Ienero Little Iland Isla Grand Shels of mother of Pearle Price of Negroes Cassaui meale And for Beuerage The manner of planning Iuca With the labour of the women The description of Brasil Its Hauens Strang worme Variation of the Compasse The ouerthrow of the Voyage by a perfidious man The cunning of Runnawayes Birds like Swans Such the Hollanders found in the Straits which they called Mayres Caughâ— with Line Hooke Proue good refreshment Care of the Patagones Land vnknowne A descriâ—tion of the same A caueat for comming suddenly to neâ—re an vnknowne Land Point Tremountaine Faire Iland Conduit-head Hawkins Maidenland Beds of Oreweed with white flowres Our comming to the Straits Description thereof Pedro Sarmiento buildeth San Philip. Hogs Ilands of Pengwins Note Since it hath bin plainly found that all the South part are Ilands Good prouision in the Straits The description of the Pengwin Hunting the Pengwin The keeping for store The Guls. Ducks Cunning Architecture Their neatnes Of Seales or Sea-woolues Description of the Seale Their Sentinel The second peopling of the Spaniards Elizabeths Bay The Riuer of Ieroniâ—â— Another channell Blanches Bay Obiection of waste Answere Warning against wormes which eate througâ—sâ—aps Of sheathing ships In Spaine and Portugall with double plankes With Canuas With burnt plankes In china with Varnish in England Best manner of sheathing The Naturaâ— Long Reach Mouth of the Straits Note Tempest English Bay The natiues houses Sloth cause of imagination Tobias Coue. Setting of the ship vpon a Rocke To the laborious God propitious Crabby Coue. Gods gracious deliuerance Voyage ouerthrowne by giuing way to murderers Edward Fenton and Master Thomas Candish Master William Hawkins The mending of an vnseruiceable Anchor Entertainment of time to auoid idlenesse A kind of hot Spice in the Straits In gathering of Wiâ—ters Barke Of Pearles in the Straits Discourse of Pearles how they breed Preuention of Rats The calamities they bring to a ship Backwardnes in the company Cape Desire South part of the Straits Ilands
The Hollanders challenge the discouery of new Straits by Mayre and Schouten before twice sailed about by Sir F. Drake See sup the Preface to the second Chapter of lib. 3. Sir F. Drake imbraceth the Southermost point of the World Since this in that Voiagâ— wherein W. Adams was Pilot whose voiage and Seb. Werts ye haue in the former Tome Theodore Gerards one of that fleet was caried by tempest as â—hey write to 64. degrees South in which height the country was mountainous couered with snow looking like Norway It seemed to extend towards the Ilands of Salomon Simon de Cordes another of that fleet after prosperous successe in Chili was taken by the Portugâ—ls at the Moluccaâ— and carried to Mala ca prisoner Mocha Baldiuia and Conception wonne from the Spaniards by the Indians Beefe kept most safely in Pickell Iland Chule Iland Mocha Note Treacherie of the Indians Of Sheepe Their apparel and housing Strange Tobacco People of Chily Their weapons Their hate to the Spaniards Imperiall A cruel storme in the Sea of Ladies In it they lost their light horsman Saint Maries City of Conception Iuan Fernandes Good to auoid discouery Wilfulnesse of Mariners They seize vpon foure ships And the Ware-houses They seize vpon another ship and some gold Light Anchors brought from the North Sea And the first Artillerie Sayles of Cotton-cloth They depart from Lyma and conceale their weaknes The noblen's of Alonso de Soto The enemy lâ—ste dâ—ngerous then the Wine Description of â—he Bay Note of tides A new deuise for stopping a leake without boord Sparâ— Rudders and to take off at pleasure Bay of Quintera Ingratitude punished Coquinbo Excellent harbour Arica in Chily much commended For all sorts of fruits Chinchilla a rare beast Litle Cocos And plentie of Gold The Indians forbid the search of gold Euery showre a showre of gold Linnen and woollen cloth made in Coquinbo The valour of the Araweant The mischiefe of corrupt or scantie prouisions Of dâ—tayning and deâ—â—auding oâ— wages Of Mariners by challenge of Pillage The lawes of Oleron concerning Pillage Note or brand rather for taltongued-fingred fellowes Whâ—t ought to be reputed pillage Against the disloyalties of Captaines Concealment of much more value then the Trading The preuention of vndue pillagings Aricâ— Moormereno The 〈◊〉 of Spaine Ouerchaâ—giâ—g of Artilerieâ— The amity of the Indians Their rudé manners and expert swimming Bay of Pisco Cape Sangalean Chilca Aduise giuen by Sea and Land Returne of the Spanish Armado Scoffed at They set forth the second time Few men 〈◊〉 a Ship in the South Sea Port of Santâ— Plantation of the Ilands of Salomon Malabrigâ— Current Punta de Augussa Point of Augussa Illas de Lobos Puma Medicinable Riuer Scoales of Crocodiles P. de S. Elena Puerto vicjo Bay of Atacames They dismisse their Indians Distresse of Spaniards Occasion of their ruine A taut saile is that which proportionably is to high for the vess 〈…〉 Boy of S. Mathew The Indians led by a 〈◊〉 Chase the Spaniards Spanish Armado Pride and vnrulinesse forerunners of ruine The vnaduised courage of the multitude The beginning of the fight The inexperience of the Spaniards and ef the English Gunner And carelesnesse of the English How farre a Commander is to trust his officers Deceit of the Gunner and his extreme carelesnesse and suspicious disloyaltie Who to account a true Marriner His knowledge for Materials For prouisions For NauigatioÌ„ Office of the Master Office of the Pilot. The Boateswaine The Steward The Carpenter The Gunner Directions in secret Why the Spanish Admirall came to leewards Rule for Ordnance Intertainment of Spaniards The English 75. The Spaniards 1300. The Spanish discipline The Souldiers The Gunner The Marriner Officers in a Ship of War Captaine of the Ship Captaine of the Soldiers M. Del Campo Ill order Prying of the Spaniards into our Discipline Their imitation of our Discipline Englishman lost the English and therefore the man The Spaniards pay deerly for their rashnesse And take a new resolution Great Ordnance 〈…〉 e 〈◊〉 ship neere Sâ—râ—nge e 〈…〉 of Th 〈…〉 Policies to auâ—ide boordings Dispute concerning ships of Trade Concerning the Prince his ships Courses for Artillery after boording Disuse of engines of Antiquitie Sir R. H. wounded The Spaniards patley Perfidiousnesse often found in Spanish promises The rest of this conference being long is omitted They resolue to fight out The Enemy breatheth The English repaire their defects Vice-admirals mast shot away Aduantages omitted The difference of shot Their effects Errors in fight Learned from the Flemings Easterlings 1. To fight vnarmed 2. To drinke to excesse Folly of the bold English The Spaniard surpasâ—eth vs onely in temperance The vâ—e profit of arming exactly obserued by the Spanish Armes more necessary by Sea then at Land The Reuenge auenged The third cause Race-ships of Warre disliked Wast-clothes not so vsefâ—ull as other deuiÌ„ses The disaduantage of Ships to lee-ward And the best remedie Crosse-barre and Chainshot misliked The Spaniards Fore-Mast thrice shot through The Company againe importunate to come to composition The English surrender Gloue sent for pledge Braue worthy Spaniard The mildnesse of a Generall after victorie The Daintie in danger of perishing Michael Angel recouereth the ship Many Ilands Fishing for Pearles The places where Pearle are found Great Pearle The Generall continueth his honourable vsage towards the sicke and wounded Spanish Surgions ignorant Misprision of the terme Pirats What a Pirate is Three sorts of defiances The custome of Spaine for warre The custome of England A disputation concerning Buena Querra The Resolution c. The noble vsage of the English But abused in these dayes Don Beltran satisfied and answereth Short arrowes for Muskets Tampkin is a small piece of wood turned fit for the mouth of a Peece Iohn Oxnams Voyage to the South Sea What the Symarons are Their habitation Their assistance Iohn Oxnam capitulateth with them His folly and Breach of promise His pursuit See the Storie before This is added of later intelligence La Pacheta The Generall certifieth the Audiencia of his successe The great ioy of the Spaniards Note English treacherie procured by Spanish Gold I haue this Letter translated into Spanish and printed by them together with the discourse of the whole action much agreeing with this except where they lust to magnifie their Spanish worth The Daintie named the Uisitation Penguin Iland Port Famine The Riuer of Geneuera Mocha Santa Maria. Valparaso Gold Arica Pisco Chincha Sixe of the Kings ships Lima. Paita Atacame Baia de Santâ— Mateo Panama Paita Lima. Gnamanga Cusâ—o Potosi Master Lucas sâ—nne to Master Tho. Lucas This is part of another Letter * I found this paper amongst others of Master Hakl without the name of the Author Lima. Payta Acapulca Zumpanga Mexico Atrizco Angeles Vera Cruz. Saint I. de Vllua Saint Domingo Iamaica Not one naturall in Hispaniola Cartagena Saint Martha Nombre de dios Veragua Costa riâ—ca