of the English nation EDuinus Nordanhumbrorum gentis id est eius quae ad borealem Humbri fluminis plagam inhabitat maiore potentia cunctis qui Britanniam incolunt Anglorum pariter Britonum populis praefuit praeter Cantuarios tantùm necnòn Menauias Britonum insulas quae inter Hiberniam Britanniam sitae sunt Anglorum subiecit potestati The same in English EDwin king of the people of Northumberland that is to say of them which inhabit to the North of the riuer Humber being of greater authoritie then any other potentate in the whole Isle of Britaine bare rule aswell ouer the English as the British nation except onely the people of Kent who also brought in subiection vnder the English the Isles of Man and Anglesey and the other Northwesterne Isles of the Britons which are situate betweene Britaine and Ireland Another testimonie alledged by Beda to the same purpose Lib. 2. cap. 9. ANno ab incarnatione Domini sexcente simo vicesimo quarto gens Nordanhumbrorum hoc est ea natio Anglorum quae ad aquilonarem Humbri fluminis plagam habitat cum rege suo Eduino verbum fidei praedicante Paulino cuius supra meminimus suscepit cui videlicèt regi in auspicium suscipiendae fidei regni coelestis potestas terreni creuerat imperij ita vt quod nemo Anglorum ante eum fecit omnes Britanniae fines qua velipsorum vel Britonum Prouinciae habitabantur sub ditione acceperit Quin Menauias insulas sicut supra docuimus imperio subiugauit Anglorum Quarum prior quae ad austrum est situ amplior frugum prouentu atque vbertate foelicior nongentarum sexaginta familiarum mensuram iuxta aestimationem Anglorum secunda trecentarum vltrà spatium tenet The same in English IN the yeere from the incarnation of our Lord sixe hundreth twentie and foure the people of Northumberland to wit those English people which inhabit on the North side of the riuer of Humber together with their king Edwin at the Christian preaching and perswasion of Paulinus aboue mentioned embraced the Gospel Under which king after he had once accepted of the Christian faith the power both of the heauenly of his earthly kingdome was inlarged insomuch that he which no English king had done before him brought vnder his subiection all the prouinces of Britaine which were inhabited either by the English men themselues or by the Britons Moreouer he subdued vnto the crowne of England as we haue aboue signified the Hebrides commonly called the Westerne Islands The principall wherof being more commodiously and pleasantly seated towards the South and more abounding with corne then the rest conteineth according to the estimation of the English roome enough for 960. families and âhe second for 300. and aboue The voyage of Bertus generall of an armie sent into Ireland by Ecfridus king of Northumberland in the yere of our Lord 684 out of the 4. Booke and 26. Chapter of Beda his Ecclesiasticall Hystorie ANno Dominicae incarnationis sexcentesimo octogesimo quarto Ecfridus rex Nordanhumbrorum misso Hiberniam cum excercitu duce Berto vastauit miserè gentem innoxiam nationi Anglorum semper amicissimam ita vt nec ecclesijs quidem aut monasterijs manus parceret hostilis At insulani quantum valuere armis arma repellebant inuocantes diuinae auxilium pietatis coelitus âe vindicari continuis diù imprecationibus postulabant Et quamuis maledici regnum Dei possidere non possint creditum tamen est quòd hi qui merito impietatis suae maledicebantur ocyùs Domino vindice poenas sui reatus luerent The same in English IN the yeere of our Lord 684 Ecfrid the king of Northumberland sent captaine Bert into Ireland with an armie which Bert miserably wasted that innocent nation being alwayes most friendly vnto the people of England insomuch that the fury of the enemy spared neither churches nor monasteries Howbeit the Islanders to their power repelled armes with armes and crauing Gods aid from heauen with continuall imprecations and curses they pleaded for reuenge And albeit cursed speakers can by no meanes inherit the kingdome of God it was thought notwithstanding that they which were accursed for their impiety did not long escape the vengeance of God imminent for their offences The voyage of Octher made to the Northeast parts beyond Norway reported by himselfe vnto Alfred the famous king of England about the yere 890. OCther said that the countrey wherein he dwelt was called Helgoland Octher tolde his lord king Alfred that he dwelt furthest North of any other Norman He sayd that he dwelt towards the North part of the land toward the West coast and affirmed that the land notwithstanding it stretcheth marueilous farre towards the North yet it is all desert and not inhabited vnlesse it be very few places here and there where certeine Finnes dwell vpon the coast who liue by hunting all the Winter and by fishing in Summer He said that vpon a certeine time he fell into a fantasie and desire to prooue and know how farâe that land stretched Northward and whether there were any habitation of men North beyond the desert Whereupon he tooke his voyage directly North along the coast hauing vpon his sâeereboord alwayes the desert land and vpon the leereboord the maine Ocean and continued his course for the space of 3. dayes In which space he was come as far towards the North as commonly the whale hunters vse to trauell Whence he proceeded in his course still towards the North so farre as he was able to saile in other 3. dayes At the end whereof he perceiued that the coast turned towards the East or els the sea opened with a maine gulfe into the land he knew not how farre Well he wist and remembred that he was faine to stay till he had a Westerne winde and somewhat Northerly and thence he sailed plaine East along the coast still so far as he was able in the space of 4. dayes At the end of which time he was compelled againe to stay till he had a full Northerly winde âorsomuch as the coast bowed thence directly towards the South or at least wise the sea opened into the land he could not tell how farre so that he sailed thence along the coast continually full South so farre as he could trauaile in 5. dayes and at the fifth dayes end he discouered a mightie riuer which opened very farre into the land At the entrie of which riuer he stayed his course and in conclusion turneâ backe againe for he durst not enter thereinto for feare of the inhabitants of the land perceiuing that on the other side of the riuer the countrey was thorowly inhabited which was the first peopled land that he had found since his departure from his owne dwelling whereas continually thorowout all his voyage he had euermore on his steereboord a wildernesse and desert countrey except
what profite hath bin of his riches And yet lasteth dayly in worthines That pen and paper may not me suffice Him to describe so high he was of price Aboue marchants that set him one of the best I can no more but God haue him in rest Now the principal matter VVHat reason is it that we should goe to oste In their countries in this English coste They should not so but haue more liberty Then we our selues now also motte I thee I would to gifts men should take no heede That letteth our thing publicke for to speede For this we sâe well euery day at eye Gifts and fests sâopen our policie Now see that fooles ben either they or wee But euer we haue the worse in this countree Therefore let hem vnto oste go here Or be we free with hem in like manere In their countrees and if it will not bee Compell them vnto oste and yee shall see Moch auantage and moch profite arise Moch more then I can write in any wise Of our charge and discharge at her marts COnceiue wel here that Englishmen at martes be discharged for all her craftes and artes In Brabant of her marchandy In fourteene dayes and ageine hastily In the same dayes fourteene acharged eft And if they bide lenger all is bereft Anon they should forfeit her goods all Or marchandy it should no better fall And we to martis in Brabant charged beene With English cloth full good and fayre to seene We ben againe charged with mercerie Haburdasher ware and with grosserie To which marts that English men call fayres Ech nation oft maketh her repayres English and French Lombards Iennoyes Catalones thedre they take her wayes Scots Spaniards Irishmen there abides With great plenty bringing of sale hides And I here say that we in Brabant bye Flanders and Zeland more of marchandy In common vse then done all other nations This haue I heard of marchants relations And if the English ben not in the marts They ben feeble and as nought bene her parts For they byemore and fro purse put out More marchandie then all the other rowte Kept then the see shippes should not bring ne fetch And then the carreys wold not thidre stretch And so those marts wold full euill thee If we manly kept about the see Of the commodities of Brabant and Zeland and Henauld and marchandy carried by land to the martes Cap. 8. YEt marchandy of Brabant and Zeland The Madre and Woad that dyers take on hand To dyen with Garlike and Onions And saltfishe al 's for husband and commons But they of Holland at Caleis byen our felles And wolles our that Englishmen hem selles And the chafâare that Englishmen doe byen In the marts that noe man may denien Is not made in Brabant that cuntree It commeth from out of Henauld not by see But al by land by carts and from France Bourgoyne Colein Cameret in substance Therefore at marts if there be a restraint Men seyne plainely that list no fables paynt If Englishmen be withdrawen away Is great rebuke and losse to her affray As though we sent into the land of France Ten thousand people men of good puissance To werre vnto her hindring multifarie So ben our English marchants necessarie If it be thus assay and we shall witten Of men experte by whom I haue this written For sayd is that this carted marchandy Draweth in value as much verily As all the goods that come in shippes thider Which Englishmen bye most and bring it hither For her marts ben febel shame to say But Englishmen thider dresse her way A conclusion of this depending of keeping of the sea THan I conclude if neuer so much by land Were by carres brought vnto their hand If well the sea were kept in gouernance They should by sea haue no deliuerance Wee should hem stop and we should hem destroy As prisoners we should hem bring to annoy And so we should of our cruell enimies Make our friends for feare of marchandies If they were not suffered for to passe Into Flanders But we be frayle as glasse And also brittle not thought neuer abiding But when grace shineth soone are we sliding We will it not receiue in any wise That maken lust enuie and couetise Expone me this and yee shall sooth it find Bere it away and keepe it in your mind Then shuld worship vnto our Noble bee In feate and forme to lord and Maiestie Lirhe as the seale the greatest of this land On the one side hath as I vnderstand A prince riding with his swerd ydraw In the other side sitting soth it is in saw Be tokening good rule and punishing In very deede of England by the king And it is so God blessed mought he bee So in likewise I would were on the see By the Noble that swerde should haue power And the ships on the sea about vs here What needeth a garland which is made of Iuie Shewe a tauerne winelesse also thriue I If men were wise the Frenchmen and Fleming Shuld bere no state in sea by werring Then Hankin lyons shuld not be so bold To stoppe wine and shippes for to hold Unto our shame He had be beten thence Alas alas why did we this offence Fully to shend the old English fames And the profits of England and their names Why is this power called of couetise With false colours cast beforn our eyes That if good men called werriours Would take in hand for the commons succours To purge the sea vnto our great auayle And winne hem goods and haue vp the sayle And on our enimies their liues to impart So that they might their prises well departe As reson wold iustice and equitie To make this land haue lordship of the sea Then shall Lombards and other fained friends Make her chalenges by colour false offends And say their chaffare in the shippes is And chalenge al. Looke if this be amisse For thus may al that men haue bought to sore Ben soone excused and saued by false colour Beware yee men that bere the great in hand That they destroy the policie of this land By gifte and good and the fine golden clothis And silke and other say yee not this soth is But if we had very experience That they take meede with priuie violence Carpets and things of price and pleasance Whereby stopped should be good gouernance And if it were as yee say to mee Than wold I say alas cupiditie That they that haue her liues put in drede Shal be soone out of winning all for meed And lose her costes and brought to pouerty That they shall neuer haue lust to goe to sea An exhortation to make an ordinance against colour of maintainers and excusers of folkes goods FOr this colour that must be sayd alofte And be declared of the great full ofte That our seamen wol by many wise Spoile our friends in steede of our enimies For which
Lords came thider by assent To his worship but in a certaine day Hee bad shippes to bee redie of aray For to visit Saint Iohns Church hee list Rowing vnto the good holie Baptist Hee assigned to Erles Lords and knights Many ships right goodly to sights And for himselfe and eight kings moo Subiect to him hee made kepe one of thoo A good shippe and entrede into it With eight kings and downe did they sit And eche of them an ore tooke in hand At ore hales as I vnderstand And he himselfe at the shippe behinde As steris man it became of kinde Such another rowing I dare well say Was not seene of Princes many a day Lo than how hee in waters got the price In lande in see that I may not suffice To tell O right O magnanimitee That king Edgar had vpon the see An incident of the Lord of the sea King Edward the third Of king Edward I passe and his prowes On lande on sea yee knowe his worthines The siege of Caleis ye know well all the matter Round about by land and by the water Howe it lasted not yeeres many agoe After the battell of Creeye was ydoe Howe it was closed enuiron about Olde men sawe it which liuen this is no doubt Did Knights say that the Duke of Burgoyn Late rebuked for all his golden coyne Of ship on see made no besieging there For want of shippes that durst not come for feare It was nothing besieged by the see Thus call they it no siege for honestee Gonnes assailed but assault was there none No siege but fuge well was he that might be gouer This maner carping haue knights ferre in age Expert through age of this maner language But king Edward made a siege royall And wanne the towne and in especiall The sea was kept and thereof he was Lord. Thus made he Nobles coyned of record In whose time was no nauie on the see That might withstand his maiestie Battell of Scluse yee may rede every day Howe it was done I leue and goe my way It was so late done that yee it knowe In comparison within a litle throwe For which to God giue we honour and glorie For Lord of see the king was with victorie Another incident of keeping of the see in the time of the marueilous werriour and victorious Prince King Henrie the fifth and of his great shippes ANd if I should conclude all by the King Henrie the fift what was his purposing Whan at Hampton he made the great dromons Which passed other great ships of all the commons The Trinitie the Grace de Dieu the holy Ghost And other nwe which as nowe bee lost What hope ye was the kings great intent Of thoo shippes and what in minde hee meant It was not ellis but that hee cast to bee Lorde round about enuiron of the see And when Harflew had her siege about There came caracks horrible great and stoute In the narrow see willing to abide To stoppe vs there with multitude of pride My Lord of Bedford came on and had the cure Dâstroyed they were by that discomfiture This was after the king Harflew had wonne Whan our enemies to siege had begonne That all was staine or take by true relation To his worshippe and of his English nation There was present the kings chamberlaine At both battailes which knoweth this in certaine He can it tell otherwise then I Aske him and witte I passe foorth hastily What had this king of his magnificence Of great courage of wisedome and prudence Prouision forewitte audacitee Of fortitude iustice and agilitee Discretion subtile auisednesse Attemperance Noblesse and worthinesse Science prowesse deuotion equitie Of most estate with his magnanimitie Liche to Edgar and the saide Edward As much of both liche hem as in regard Where was on liue a man more victorious And in so short time prince so maruellous By land and sea so well he him acquitte To speake of him I stony in my witte Thus here I leaue the king with his noblesse Henry the fift with whom all my processe Of this true booke of pure policie Of sea keeping entending victorie I leaue endly for about in the see No Prince was of better strenuitee And if he had to this time liued here He had bene Prince named withoutenpere His great ships should haue ben put in preese Unto the ende that he ment of in cheefe For doubt it not but that he would haue bee Lord and master about the round see And kept it sure to stoppe our enemies hence And wonne vs good and wisely brought it thence That no passage should be without danger And his licence on see to moue and sterre Of vnitie shewing of our keeping of the see with an endly or finall processe of peace by authoritie Chap. 12. NOw in than for loue of Christ and of his ioy Bring it England out of trouble and noy Take heart and witte and set a gouernance Set many wits withouten variance To one accord and vnanimitee Put to good will for to keepe the see First for worship and profite also And to rebuke of eche euill wisted foe Thus shall worship and riches to vs long Than to the Noble shall we doe no wrong To beare that coyne in figure and in deede To our courage and to our enemies dreede For which they must dresse hem to peace in haste Or ellis their thrift to standen and to waste As this processe hath proued by and by All by reason and expert policy And by stories which proued well this parte Or ellis I will my life put in ieoparte But many londs would seche her peace for nede The see wel kept it must bee dââ for drede Thus must Flanders for nede haue vnitee And peace with vs it will non other bee Within short while and ambassadours Would bene here soone to treate for their succours This vnitee is to God pleasance And peace after the werres variance The ende of battaile is peace sikerly And power causeth peace finally Kept than the sea about in speciall Which of England is the towne wall As though England were likened to a citie And the wall enuiron were the see Kepe then the sea that is the wall of England And than is England kept by Goddes hande That as for any thing that is without England were at ease withouten doubt And thus should euery lond one with another Entercommon as brother with his brother And liue togither werrelesse in vnitie Without rancour in very charitie In rest and peace to Christes great pleasance Without strife debate and variance Which peace men should enserche with businesse And knit it saddely holding in holinesse The Apostle seith if ye list to see Bee yee busie for to keepe vnitee Of the spirit in the bond of peace Which is nedeful to all withouten lese The Prophet biddeth vs peace for to enquire To pursue it this is holy desire Our
renewing and great increasing of an ancient trade vnto diuers places in the Leuant seas and to the chiefest parts of all the great Turkes dominions Anno 1575 1578. 136 23 The letters of Zuldan Murad Can the great Turke to the sacred Maiestie of Queene Elizabeth Anno 1579. 137 24 The answere of her Maiestie to the foresayd letters of the great Turke sent by M. Richard Stanly in the Prudence of London Anno 1579. 138 25 The charter of priuiledges granted to the English and the league of the great Turke with the Queenes Maiestie for traffique onely Anno 1580. 141 26 Her Maiesties letter to the great Turke promising redresse for the disorders of Peter Baker of Radcliffe committed in the Leuant Anno 1581. 145 27 The letters Patents or Priuileges granted by her Maiestie to Sir Edward Osborne M. Richard Staper and certaine other marchants of London for their trade into the dominions of the great Turke Anno 1581. 146 28 The Pasport made by the great Master of Malta vnto the English men in the Barke Rainolds Anno 1582. 154 29 The Queenes commission giuen to her seruant M. William Hareborne to bee Her Maiesties Ambassador or Agent in the parts of Turkie Anno 1582. 157 30 Her Maiesties letter to the great Turke written in commendation of M. William Hareborne when he was sent Ambassador Anno 1582. 158 31 A letter of the Queenes Maiestie to Alli Bassa the Turkes high Admiral sent by her Ambassador M. William Hareborne and deliuered vnto him aboord his Galley in the Arsenal 159 32 A briefe remembrance of things to bee indeuoured at Constantinople and at other places in Turkie touching our Clothing and Dying and touching the ample vent of our naturall commodities c. written by M. Richard Hakluyt of the middle Temple Anno 1582. 160 33 Certaine other most profitable and wise instructions penned by the sayd M. Richard Hakluyt for a principall English Factor at Constantinople 161 34 A letter of Mustafa Chaus to the Queenes Maiestie Anno 1583. 171 35 A letter of M. William Hareborne to M. Haruie Millers appointing him Consul for the English nation in Alexandria Cairo other places of Egypt in the yeare of our Lord 1583. 171 36 A Commission giuen by M. William Hareborne the English Ambassador to M. Richard Forster authorizing him Consul of the English nation in the partes of Alepo Damasco Aman Tripolis Ierusalem c. together with a letter of directions to the sayd M. Forster Ann. 1583. pag. 172 37 A letter sent from Alger to M. William Hareborne her Maiesties Ambassador at Constantinople Anno 1583. 173 38 A letter of M. Hareborne to Mustafa chalenging him for his dishonest dealing in translating three of the Grand Signors commandements 174 39 A Pasport graunted to Thomas Shingleton by the king of Alger in the yeare 1583. 174 40 A letter written in Spanish by Sir Edward Osborne in his Maioraltie to the king of Alger on the behalfe of certaine English captiues An. 1584. 175 41 Notes concerning the trades of Alger and Alexandria 176 42 A letter of M. William Hareborne the English Ambassadour to M. Edward Barâon Anno 1584. 177 43 A commandement obtayned of the Grand Signor by her Maiesties Ambassadour M. William Hareborne for the quiet passing of her subiects to and from his dominions sent to the Viceroyes of Alger Tunis and Tripolis in Barbary An. 1584. 177 44 A letter of the hon M. William Hareborne her Maiesties Ambassadour with the Grand Signor to M. Tipton appointing him Consul of the English in Alger Tunis and Tripolis in Barbary Anno 1585. 178 45 A Catalogue or register of the English ships goods and persons wrongfully taken by the Galleys of Alger with the names of the English captiues deliuered to Hassan Bassa the Beglerbeg of Alger c. 179 46 A letter of M. William Hareborne her Maiesties Ambassador c. to Assan Aga Eunuch and treasurer vnto Hassan Bassa king of Alger which Assan Aga was sonne to Francis Rowly merchant of Bristol and was taken in an English ship called the Swallow 180 47 A petition exhibited to the Viceroy of the Turkish empire for reformation of sundry iniuries offered our nation in Morea as also for sundry demaundes needefull for the establishing of the trafficke in those parts 181 48 A commandement of the Grand Signor to Patrasso in Morea on the behalfe of the English pag. 181 49 The Grand Signors commandement to Chio on the behalfe of the English merchants 182 50 Two of his commandements sent to Baliabadram and to Egypt for the same purpose 182 51 A commandement of the Grand Signor to the Cadi of Alexandria for the restoring of an English mans goods wrongfully taken by the French Consul 183 52 Another commaundement to the Bassa of Alexandria for the very same purpose 183 53 A coÌmandement to the Byes and Cadies of Metelin and Rhodes and to all the Cadies Byes in the way to Constantinople for the courteous and iust vsage of the English merchants 183 54 A commandement sent to Alepo concerning the goods of M. William Barret deceased 183 55 The Queenes letters to the great Turke for the restitution of an English ship called The Iesus and of the English captiues detained at Tripolis in Barbary for certaine other English men which remained prisoners at Alger Anno 1584. 191 56 The great Turkes letters to the king of Tripolis in Barbary commanding the restitution of an English ship called The Iesus with the men and goods c. Anno 1584. 192 57 The letter of M. William Hareborne her Maiesties Ambassadour to Bassa Romadan the Beglerbeg of Tripolis in Barbary for the restoring of the sayd ship called The Iesus Anno 1585. pag. 193 58 The great Turkes Pasport of safe conduct for Captaine Austel and Iacomo Manuchio 198 59 A Pasport of the Erle of Leicester for Thomas Forster gent. traueiling to Constantinople Anno 1586. 198 60 A description of the yearely voyage or pilgrimage of the Mahumetans Turkes and Moores to Mecca in Arabia 198 61 A letter written from the Queenes Maiestie to Zelabdim Echebar king of Cambaia and sent by M. Iohn Newbery Anno 1583. 245 62 A letter written from her Maiestie to the king of China in the yeare of our Lord 1583. 245 63 A letter of M. Iohn Newbery sent from Alepo to M. Richard Hakluyt of Oxford Ann. 1583 pag. 245 64 Another letter of the sayd M. Newbery written from Alepo to M. Leonard Poote at London Anno 1583 246 65 A second letter of the sayd M. Newbery written from Babylon to the aforesayd M. Poore Anno 1583. 247 66 M. Newbery his letter from Ormuz to M. Iohn Eldred and William Shales at Balsara Anno 1583. 248 67 His third letter written to M. Leonard Poore from Goa in the yeare 1584. 248 68 A letter written from Goa by M. Ralph Fitch to M. Leonard Poore abouesayd Anno 1584. pag. 250 69 The report of Iohn Huighen van Linschoten of
sunt cum insula cognominis Britones Tanta vero hominum multitudo esse videtur vt singulis annis inde magno numero cum vxoribus liberis ad Francos emigtent Illi autem in eorum terramâ quae maximè deserta videtur excipiunt Vnde insulam sibi vendicare ferunt Vtique non ita pridem cum Francorum Rex quosdam è suis Constantinopolim ad Iustinianum legaret Anglos etiam misit ambitiosius vendicans quasi haec insula suo subesset imperio The same in English THe Isle of Britaine is inhabited by three most populous nations euery of which is gouerned by a seuerall king The sayd nations are named Angili Frisones and Britones which last are called after the name of the Island In this Isle there are such swarmes of people that euery yeere they goe foorth in great numbers with their wiues and children into France And the Frenchmen right willingly receiue them into their lande which seemeth very desolate for want of inhabitants Whereupon it is sayd that the French doe challenge the foresayd Island vnto themselues For not long since when the king of the Frankes sent certaine of his subiects ambassadours to Constantinople vnto Iustinian the Emperour he sent English men also ambitiously boasting as though the sayd Isle had bene vnder his iurisdiction A testimonie of the sending of Sighelmus Bishop of Shirburne by King Alphred vnto Saint Thomas of India in the yeare of our Lord 883 recorded by William of Malmesburie in his second booke and fourth Chapter de gestis regum Anglorum ELeemosynis intentus priuilegia ecclesiarum sicut pater statuerat roborauit trans mare Romam ad sanctum Thomam in Indiam multa munera misit Legatus in hoc missus Sighelmus Shirburnensis Episcopus cum magna prosperitate quod quiuis hoc seculo miretur Indiam penetrauit inde rediens exoticos splendores gemmarum liquores aromatum quorum illa humus ferax est reportauit The same in English KIng Alphred being addicted to giuing of almes confirmed the priuileges of Churches as his father had determined and sent also many giftes beyond the seas vnto Rome and vnto S. Thomas of India His messenger in this businesse was Sighelmus bishop of Schirburne who with great prosperitie which is a matter to be wondered at in this our age trauailed thorough India and returning home brought with him many strange and precious vnions and costly spyces such as that countrey plentifully yeeldeth A second testimony of the foresaid Sighelmus his voyage vnto Saint Thomas of India c. out of William of Malmesbury his second booke de gestis pontificum Anglorum cap. de episcopis Schireburnensibus Salisburiensibus Wiltunensibus SIghelmus trans mare causa eleemosynarum regis etiam ad Sanctum Thomam in Indiam missus mira prosperitate quod quiuis in hoc seculo miretur Indiam penetrauit indequè rediens exotici generis gemmas quarum illa humus ferax est reportauit Nonnullae illaâum adhuc in ecclesiae monumentis visuntur The same in English SIghelmus being for the performance of the kings almes sent beyond the seas and trauailing vnto S. Thomas of India very prosperously which a man would woonder at in this age passed through the sayde countrey of India and returning home brought with him diuers strange and precious stones such as that climate affourdeth Many of which stones are as yet extant in the monuments of the Church The life and trauailes of Iohn Erigena IOannes Erigena Britannus natione in Meneuia vrbe seu ad fanum Dauidis patricio genitore natus dum Anglos Daci crudeles bellis ac rapinis molestarent ac omnia illic essent tumultibus plena longam ipse peregrinationem Athenas vsque suscepit annosque quamplures literis Graecis Chaldaicis Arabicis insudauit omnia illic inuisit Philosophorum loca ac studia imo ipsum oraculum Solis quod Aefculapius sibi construxerat Inueniens tandem quod longo quaesierat labore in Italiam Galliam est reuersus vbi ob inâignem eruditionem Carolo Caluo postea Ludouico Balbo acceptus Dionysij Areopagitae libros de coelesti Hierarchia ex Constantinopoli tunc missos Latinos fecit Anno Dom. 858. Profectus postea in Britanniam Alphredi Anglorum Regis suorum liberorum factus est praeceptor atque ipso mox adhortante inter ocia literaria è Graeco transtulit in tres linguas scilicet Chaldaicam Arabicam Latinam Aristotelis moralia de secretis secretorum seu recto regimine Principum opus certe exquisitum In Malmsburiensi caenobio tandem quo recreationis gratia se contulerat interlegenduma quibusdam discipulis maleuolis interimebatur Anno Christi 884. The same in English IOhn Erigene a Britane descended of honourable parents and borne in the Towne of S. Dauid in Wales seeing the Englishmen to be oppressed with the warres and rapines of the cruell Danes and all the land in a hurlie burlie he in the meane time vndertooke a long iourney euen as farre as Athens and there spent many yeres in the studie of the Greeke Chaldie and Arabian tongues he there frequented all the places and schooles of the Philosophers and the oracle also of the Sunne which Aesculapius had built vnto himselfe And hauing found at length that which he had with long trauell searched he returned againe into Italie and France where for his singular learning he was much fauoured of the two Kings Charles and Lewes and in his being there he translated into Latine the bookes of Dionysius Areopagita concerning the Heauenly Hierarchie which were sent from Constantinople in the yeere 858. After this hee came backe againe into his owne Countrey and was schoolemaster vnto Alphred then King of England and his sonnes and vpon his request at his times of leasure he translated Aristotles Morals of the Secrets of Secrets or of the right gouernement of Princes out of Greeke into these three tongues Chaldie Arabian and Latine which he did very exquisitely At the last being in the Abbie of Malmsburie whither he went for his recreation and there according to his manner disputing and reading to the Students some of them misliking and hating him rose against him and slue him in the yeere of Christ 884. The trauailes of Andrew VVhiteman aliâs Leucander Centur. 2. ANdraeas Leucander alià s Whiteman iuxta Lelandum Monachus Abbas Ramesiensis Caenobij tertius fuit Hic bonis artibus studio quodam incredibili noctes atque dies inuigilabat operae praecium ingens inde retulit Accessit praeterea ardens quoddam desiderium ea proprijs apertis oculis videndi loca in quibus Seruator Christus redemptionis nostrae mysteria omnia consummauit quorum prius sola nomina ex scripturarum lectione nouerat vnde sacram Hierosolymorum vrbem miraculorum praedicationis ac passionis eius testem inuisit atque domum rediens factus est Abbas Claruisse fertur anno
being afterwardes put somewhat farther off from the shore by the contrariety of the wind we happened to meet with some other French ships full laden with Newland fish being vpon their returne homeward from the said Newfoundlandâ whom the Generall after some speech had with them and seeing plainly that they were Frenchmen dismiâsed without once suffering any man to go aboord of them The day following standing in with the shore againe we discried another tall ship of tweluâ score tunnes or thereaboutes vpon whom Master Carliel the Lieutenant generall being in thâ Tygar vndertooke the chase whom also anon after the Admirall followed and the Tygar hauing caused the said strange ship to strike her sailes kept her there without suffering any body to go aboord vntill the Admirall was come vp who forthwith sending for the Master and diuers otherâ of their principall men and causing them them to be seuerally examined found the ship and goods to be belonging to the inhabitants of S. Sebastian in Spaine but the mariners to bee for the most part belonging to S. Iohn de Luz and the Passage In this ship was great store of dry Newlanâ fish commonly called with vs Poore Iohn wherof afterwards being thus found a lawfull prize there was distribution made into all the ships of the fleet the same being so new and good as it did very greatly bestead vs in the whole course of our voyage A day or two after the taking of this ship we put in within the Isles of Bayon for lacke of fauourable wind where wee had no sooner ankered some part of the fleete but the Generall commanded all the pinnesses with the shipboats to be manned and euery man to be furnished with such armes as were needful for that present seruice which being done the Generall put himselfe into his gallie which was also well furnished and rowing towards the city of Bayon with intent and the fauour of the Almighty to surprisâ it before we had aduanced one halfe league of our way there came a messenger being an English merchant from the Gouernour to see what strange fleet we were who came to our General conferred a while with him and after a small time spent our Generall called for Captaine Sampson and willed him to go to the Gouernour of the citie to resolue him of two points The first to know if there were any warres betweene Spaine and England The second why our marchants with their goods were embarged or arrested Thus departed captain Sampson with the said messenger to the citie where he found the gouernor people much amazed of such a sudden accident The Generall with the aduise and counsell of M. Carleil his Lieutenant generall who was in the galley with him thought not good to make any stand till such time as they were within the shot of the citie where they might bee ready vpon the returne of Captanie Sampson to make a sudden attempt if cause did require before it were darke Captaine Sampson reâurned with his message in this sort First touching peace or warres the Gouernour said he knew of no warres and that it lay not in him to make any hee being so meane a subiect as he was And as for the stay of the merchants with their goods it was the kings pleasure but not with intent to endontage any man And that the kings counter-commandement was which had bene receiued in that place some seuen night before that English merchants with their goods should be discharged for the more verifying wherof he sent such merchaÌts as were in the towne of our nation who traffiqued those parts which being at large declared to our General by them counsell was taken what might best be done And for that the night approched it was thought needful to land our forces which was done in the shutting vp of the day hauing quartered our selues to our most aduaÌtage with sufficient gard vpon âuery strait we thought to rest our selues for that night there The Gouernour sent vs some refreshing as bread wine oyle apples grepes marmalad and such like Aboue midnight the weather beganne to ouercast insomuch that it was thought meeter to repaire aboord then to make any longer abode on land and beforâ wee could recouer the Fleete a great tempest arose which caused many of our shippes to driuâ from their anker-hâld and some were forced to seâ in great perillâ as the barke Talboâ the barkâ Hawkins and the Speedewell which Speedewel was onely driuen into England the others recouered vs againe the extremitie of the storme lasted three dayes which no sooner began to asswage but M. Carleil our Lieutenant generall was sent with his owne shippe and three others as also with the gallie and with diuers pinnesses to see what he might doe aboue Vigo where hee tooke many boates and some carauels diuersly laden with things of small value but chiefly with houshold stuffe running into the high countrey and amongst the rest he found one boat laden with âhe principal church-stuffe of the high Church of Vigo where also was their great crosse of siluer oâ very faire embossed worke and double gilt all ouer hauing cost them a great masse of monây They complained to haue lost in all kind of goods aboue thirty thousand duckets in this place The next day the Generall with his whole fleete went from vp the Isles of Bayon to a very good harbour aboue Vigo where M. Carleil stayed his comming aswell for the more quiet riding of his ships as also for the good commoditie of fresh watering which the place there did afourd full well In the meane time the Gouernour of Galicia had reared such forces as hee might his numbers by estimate were some two thousand foot and three hundred horse and marched from Bayon to this part of the countrey which lay in sight of our fleete where making a stand he sent to parley with our Generall which was granted by our Generall so it might bee in boats vpon the water and for safetie of their persons there were pledges deliuered on both sides which done the Goueânor of Galicia put himselfe with two othârs into our Uiceadmirals skiffe the same hauing bene sent to the shore for him and in like sort our Generall went in his owne skiffe where by them it was agreed we should furnish our selues with fresh water to be taken by our owne people quietly on the land and haue all other such necessaries paying for the same as the place would affourd When all our businesse was ended wee departed and tooke our way by the Islands of Canaria which are esteemed some three hundred leagues from this part of Spaine and falling purposely with Palma with intention to haue taken our pleasure of that place for the full digesting of many things into order and the better furnishing our store with such seuerall good things as it affourdeth very abundantly we were forced by the vile Sea-gate which at that present fell out and by the naughtinesse of
me shall neede a double protection and defence The âtriall that I had of both your loues when I was left of all but of malice and reuenge makes me still presume that you wil be pleased knowing what litle power I had to performe ought and the great aduantage of forewarned enemies to answer that out of knowledge which others shal but obiect out of malice In my more happy times as I did especially Hon. you both so I found that your loues sought mee out in the darkest shadow of aduersitie and the same affection whiâh accompanied my beâter fortune sored not away from me in my many miseries al which though I can not requite yet I shal euer acknowledge the great debt which I haue no power to pay I can do no more for a time but confesse to be due It is true that as my errors were great so they haue yeelded very grieuous effects if ought might haue bene deserued in former times to haue counterpoysed any part of offences the fruit thereof as it seemeth was long before fallen from the tree the dead stocke onely remained I did therefore euen in the winter of my life vndertake these trauels fitter for bodies lesse blasted with mis-fortunes for men of greater abilitie and for mindes of better incouragement that thereby if it were possible I might recouer but the moderation of excesse the least tast of the greatest plenty formerly possessed If I had knowen other way to win if I had imagined how greater aduentures might haue regained if I could coÌceiue what farther meanes I might yet vse but euen to appease so powreful displeasure I would not doubt but for one yeere more to hold fast my soule in my teeth till it were performed Of that litle remaine I had I haue wasted in effect all herein I haue vndergone many constructionsâ I haue bene accompanyed with many sorrowes with labourâ hunger heat siâkenâs perill it appeareth notwithstanding that I made no other brauado of going to the sea then was ment and that I was neuer hidden in Cornewall or els where as was suppoâed They haue gâosly belied me that foreiudged that I would rather become a seruant to the Spanish king then âeturne and the rest were much mistaken who would haue perswadâd that I was too easesull and sensuall to vndertake a iourney of so great trauell But if what I haue done receiue the the gracious construction of a painefull pilgrimage and purchase the least remission I shall thinke all too litle that there were wanting to the rest many miseâiâs But if both the times past the present and what may be in the future doe all by one graine of gall continue in eternall distast I doe not then know whether I should bewaile my selfe either for my too much trauell and expence or condemne my selfe for doing lesse then that which can âeseâue nothing From my selfe I haue deserued no thankes for I am retuâned a begger and withâred but that I might haue bettred my poore estate it shall appeare by the following disâourse if I had not onely respected her Maiesties future Honour and riches It became not the former fortune in which I once liued to goe iourneys of picory it had sorted ill with the offices of Honour which by her Maiesties grace I hold this day in England to run from Cape to Cape and from place to place for the pillage of ordinaries prizes Many yeeres since I had knowledge by relation of that mighty rich and beautifull Empier of Guiana and of that great and golden Citie which the Spaniards call El Dorado and the natuâals Manoa which Citie was conquered reedified and inlarged by a yonger sonne of Guamacapa Emperour of Peru at such time as Francisco Piçarro and others conquered the said Empire from his two âlder brethâeÌ Guascar and Atabalipa both then contending for the same the one being fauoured by the Orejones of Cuzco the other by the people of Caxamalca I sent my seruant Iacob Whiddon the yere before to get knowledge of the passages and I had some light from Captaine Parker âometime my seruant and nowe attending on your Lordship that such a place there was to the Southward of the great Bay of Charuas or Guanipa but I found thaâ it was 600 miles farther off then they supposed and many other impediments to them vnknowen and vnheard After I had displanted Don Antonio de Berreo who was vpon the same enterprize leauing my ships at Trinidad at the Port called Curiapan I wandred 400 miles into the said countrey by lande and riuer the particulars I will leaue to the following discourse The countrey hath more quantity of gold by manifolde then the best partes of the Indies or Peru All the most of the kings of the borders are already become her Maiesties vassals and seeme to desire nothing more then her Maiesties protâction and the returne of the English nation It hath another ground and assurance of riches and glory then the voyages of the West Indies an easier way to inuade the best parts thereof then by the common course The king of Spaine is not so impouerished by taking three or foure Port townes in America as wee suppose neither are the riches of Peru or Nueua Espanna so left by the sea side as it can bee easily washt away with a great flood or springtide or left dry vpon the sandes on a lowe ebbe The Port townes are fewe and poore in respect of the rest within the lande and are of litle defence and are onely rich when the Fleets are to receiue the treasure for Spaine and we might thinke the Spaniards very simple hauing so many horses and slaues if they could not vpon two dayes warning cary all the golde they haue into the land and farre enough from the reach of our foote-men especially the Indies being as they are for the most part so mountanous so full of woodes riuers and marishes In the Port townes of the Prouince of Veneçuela as Cumana Coro and S. Iago whereof Coro and S. Iago were taken by Captaine Preston and Cumana and S. Iosepho by vs we found not the value of one riall of plate in either but the Ciâies of Barquasimeta Valencia S. Sebastian Cororo S. Lucia Laguna Maracaiba and Truxillo are not so easely inuaded neither doeth the burning of those on the coast impouerish the king of Spaine any one ducat and if we sacke the riuer of Hacha S. Marta and Cartagena which are the Portes of Nueuo reyno and Popayan there are besides within the land which are indeed riche and populous the townes and Cities of Merida Lagrita S. Christophoro the great Cities of Pamplon S. Fe de Bogota Tunxa and Mozo where the Esmeralds are found the townes and Cities of Marequita Velez la Villa de Leua Palma Vnda Angustura the great citie of Timana Tocaima S. Aguila Pasto Iuago the great Citie of Popaian it selfe Los Remedios and the rest If we take the Ports and villages
THE PRINCIPAL NAVIGATIONS VOYAGES TRAFFIQVES AND DISCOVEries of the English Nation made by Sea or ouer-land to the remote and farthest distant quarters of the Earth at any time within the compasse of these 1600 yeres Diuided into three seuerall Volumes according to the positions of the Regions whereunto they were directed The first Volume containeth the worthy Discoueries c. of the English toward the North and Northeast by Sea as of Lapland Scrikfinia Corelia the Baie of S. Nicolas the Isles of Colgoieue Vaigatz and Nona Zembla toward the great Riuer Ob with the mighty Empire of Russia the Caspian Sea Georgia Armenia Media Persia Boghar in Bactria and diuers kingdomes of Tartaria Together with many notable monuments and testimonies of the ancient forren trades and of the warrelike and other shipping of this Realme of England in former ages VVhereunto is annexed a briefe Commentary of the true state of Island and of the Northren Seas and lands situate that way As also the memorable defeat of the Spanish huge Armada Anno 1588. ¶ The second Volume comprehendeth the principall Nauigations Voyages Traffiques and discoueries of the English Nation made by Sea or ouer-land to the South and South-east parts of the World as well within as without the Streight of Gibraltar at any time within the compasse of these 1600. yeres Diuided into two seueral parts c. ¶ By RICHARD HAKLVYT Preacher and sometime Student of Christ-Church in Oxford Imprinted at London by George Bishop Ralph Newberie and Robert Barker ANNO 1599. TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE MY SINGVLAR GOOD LORD THE LORD CHARLES HOVVARD Erle of Notingham Baron of Effingham Knight of the noble Order of the Garter Lord high Admirall of England Ireland and Wales c. one of her Maiesties most honourable priuie Counsell RIght Honourable and my very good Lord after I had long since published in Print many Nauigations and Discoueries of Strangers in diuers languages as well here at London as in the citie of Paris during my fiue yeeres abode in France with the woorthie Knight Sir Edward Stafford your brother in lawe her Maiesties most prudent and carefull Ambassador ligier with the French King and had waded on still farther and farther in the sweet studie of the historie of Cosmographie I began at length to conceiue that with diligent obseruation some thing might be gathered which might commend our nation for their high courage and singular actiuitie in the Search and Discouerie of the most vnknowen quarters of the world Howbeit seeing no man to step forth to vndertake the recording of so many memorable actions but euery man to folow his priuate affaires the ardent loue of my countrey deuoured all difficulties and as it were with a sharpe goad prouoked me and thrust me forward into this most troublesome and painfull action And after great charges and infinite cares after many watchings toiles and trauels and wearying out of my weake body at length I haue collected three seuerall Volumes of the English Nauigations Traffiques and Discoueries to strange remote and farre distant countreys Which worke of mine I haue not included within the compasse of things onely done in these latter dayes as though litle or nothing woorthie of memorie had bene performed in former ages but mounting aloft by the space of many hundred yeeres haue brought to light many very rare and worthy monuments which long haue lien miserably scattered in mustie corners retchlesly hidden in mistie darkenesse and were very like for the greatest part to haue bene buried in perpetuall obliuion The first Volume of this worke I haue thus for the present brought to light reseruing the other two vntill the next Spring when by Gods grace they shall come to the Presse In the meane season bethinking my selfe of some munificent and bountifull Patrone I called to mind your honorable Lordship who both in regard of my particular obligation and also in respect of the subiect and matter might iustly chalenge the Patronage thereof For first I remembred how much I was bound and how deeply indebted for my yongest brother Edmund Hackluyt to whom for the space of foure whole yeeres your Lordship committed the gouernment and instruction of that honorable yong noble man your sonne heire apparant the lord William Howard of whose high spirit and wonderful towardlinesse full many a time hath he boasted vnto me Secondly the bounden duetie which I owe to your most deare sister the lady Sheffield my singular good lady honorable mistresse admonished me to be mindfull of the renoumed familie of the Howards Thirdly when I found in the first Patent graunted by Queene Marie to the Moscouie companie that my lord your âather being then lord high Admirall of England was one of the first fauourers and furtherers with his purse and countenance of the strange and wonderfull Discouerie of Russia the chiefe contents of this present Volume then I remeÌbred the sage saying of sweet Isocrates That sonnes ought not onely to be inheriters of their fathers substance but also of their commendable vertues and honours But what speake I of your ancestors honors which to say the trueth are very great and such as our Chronicles haue notably blazoned when as your owne Heroicall actions from time to time haue shewed themselues so admirable as no antiquitie hath affoorded greater and the future times will not in haste I thinke performe the like To come to some particulars when the Emperors sister the spouse of Spaine with a Fleete of an 130. sailes stoutly and proudly passed the narow Seas your Lordship accompanied with ten ships onely of her Maiesties Nauie Roiall enuironed their Fleet in most strange and warrelike sort enforced them to stoope gallant and to vaile their bonets for the Queene of England and made them perfectly to vnderstand that olde speach of the prince of Poets Non illi imperium pelagi saeuúmque tridentem sed tibi sorte datum Yet after they had acknowledged their dutie your lordship on her Maiesties behalfe conducted her safely through our English chanell and performed all good offices of honor and humanitie to that forren Princesse At that time all England beholding your most honorable cariage of your selfe in that so weightie seruice began to cast an extraordinarie eie vpon your lordship and deeply to conceiue that singular hope which since by your most worthie wonderfull seruice your L hath more then fully satiâfied I meane among others that glorious triumphant and thrise-happy victory atchieued against that huge and haultie Spanish Armada which is notably described in the ende of this volume wherein being chiefe and sole Commander vnder her sacred and roiall Maiestie your noble gouernment and worthy behauior your high wisedom discretion and happinesse accompanied with the heauenly blessing of the Almightie are shewed most euidently to haue bene such as all posteritie and succeeding ages shall neuer cease to sing and resound your infinite prayse and eternall commendations As for the late renoumed expedition
To ende this matter let mee now I beseech you speake vnto your Lordship as in times past the elder Scipio spake to Cornelius Scipio Africanus Quò sis Africane alacrior ad tutandam Rempublicam sic habeto Omnibus qui patriam conseruauerint adiuuerint auxerint certum esse in coelo ac definitum locum vbi beati aeuo sempiterno fruantur It remaineth therefore that as your Lordship from time to time vnder her most gracious and excellent Maiestie haue shewed your selfe a valiant protectour a carefull conseruer and an happy enlarger of the honour and reputation of your Countrey so at length you may enioy those celestial blessings which are prepared to such as tread your steps and seeke to aspire to such diuine and heroical vertues And euen here I surcease wishing all temporal and spirituall blessings of the life present and that which is to come to be powred out in most ample measure not onely vpon your honourable Lordship the noble and vertuous Lady your bedfellow and those two rare iewels your generous off-springs but also vpon all the rest wheresoeuer of that your noble and renowmed family From London the 7. day of this present October 1598. Your honours most humble alwayes to be commanded Richard Hakluyt Preacher ¶ A preface to the Reader as touching the principall Voyages and discourses in this first part HAuing for the benefit and honour of my Countrey zealously bestowed so many yeres so much traueile and cost to bring Antiquities smothered and buried in darke silence to light and to preserue certaine memorable exploits of late yeeres by our English nation atchieued from the greedy and deuouring iawes of obliuion to gather likewise and as it were to incorporate into one body the torne and scattered limmes of our ancient and late Nauigations by Sea our voyages by land and traffiques of merchandise by both and hauing so much as in me lieth restored ech particular member being before displaced to their true ioynts and ligaments I meane by the helpe of Geographie and Chronologie which I may call the Sunne and the Moone the right eye and the left of all history referred ech particular relation to the due time and place I do this second time friendly Reader if not to satisfie yet at least for the present to allay and hold in suspense thine expectation presume to offer vnto thy view this first part of my threefold discourse For the bringing of which into this homely and rough-hewen shape which here thou seest what restlesse nights what painefull dayes what heat what cold I haue indured how many long chargeable iourneys I haue traueiled how many famous libraries I haue searched into what varietie of ancient and moderne writers I haue perused what a number of old records patents priuileges letters c. I haue redeemed from obscuritie and perishing into how manifold acquaintance I haue entred what expenses I haue not spared and yet what faire opportunities of priuate gaine preferment and ease I haue neglected albeit thy selfe canst hardly imagine yet I by daily experience do finde feele and some of my entier friends can sufficiently testifie Howbeit as I told thee at the first the honour and benefit of this Common weale wherein I liue and breathe hath made all difficulties seeme easie all paines and industrie pleasant and all expenses of light value and moment vnto me For to conteine my selfe onely within the bounds of this present discourse and in the midst thereof to begin wil it not in all posteritie be as great a renowme vnto our English nation to haue bene the first discouerers of a Sea beyond the North cape neuer certainly knowen before and of a conuenient passage into the huge Empire of Russia by the bay of S. Nicolas and the riuer of Duina as for the Portugales to haue found a Sea beyond the Cape of Buona Esperanza and so consequently a passage by Sea into the East Indies or for the Italians and Spaniards to haue discouered vnknowen landes so many hundred leagues Westward and Southwestward of the streits of Gibraltar of the pillers of Hercules Be it granted that the renowmed Portugale Vasquez de Gama trauersed the maine Ocean Southward of Africke Did not Richard Chanceler and his mates performe the like Northward of Europe Suppose that Columbus that noble and high-spirited Genuois escried vnknowen landes to the Westward of Europe and Africke Did not the valiant English knight sir Hugh Willoughby did not the famous Pilots Stephen Burrough Arthur Pet and Charles Iackman accoast Noua Zembla Colgoieue and Vaigatz to the North of Europe and Asia Howbeit you will say perhaps not with the like golden successe not with such deductions of Colonies nor attaining of conquests True it is that our successe hath not bene correspondent vnto theirs yet in this our attempt the vncertaintie of finding was farre greater and the difficultie and danger of searching was no whit lesse For hath not Herodotus a man for his time most skilfull and iudicial in Cosmographie who writ aboue 2000. yeeres ago in his 4. booke called Melpomene signified vnto the Portugales in plaine termes that Africa except the small Isthmus between the Arabian gulfe and the Mediterran sea was on all sides enuironed with the Ocean And for the further confirmation thereof doth he not make mention of one Neco an AEgyptian King who for trials sake sent a Fleet of Phoenicians downe the Red sea who setting forth in Autumne and sailing Southwardâ till they had the Sunne at noonetide vpon their sterbourd that is to say hauing crossed the AEquinoctial and the Southerne tropique after a long Nauigation directed their course to the North and in the space of 3. yeeres enuironed all Africk passing home through the Gaditan streites and arriuing in AEgypt And doth not Plinie tel them that noble Hanno in the flourishing time and estate of Carthage sailed from Gades in Spaine to the coast of Arabia foelix and put downe his whole iournall in writing Doth he not make mention that in the time of Augustus Cesar the wracke of certaine Spanish ships was found âloating in the Arabian gulfe And not to be ouer-tedious in alleaging of testimonies doth not Strabo in the 2. booke of his Geography together with Cornelius Nepos and Plinie in the place before named agree all in one that one Eudoxus fleeing ârom king Lathyrus and valing downe the Arabian bay sailed along doubled the Southern point of Africk and at length arriued at Gades And what should I speake of the Spaniards Was not diuine Plato who liued so many ages ago and plainely described their West Indies vnder the name of Atlantis was not he I say in stead of a Cosmographer vnto them Were not those Carthaginians mentioned by Aristotle lib. de admirabil auscult their forerunners And had they not Columbus to stirre them vp and pricke them forward vnto their Westerne discoueries yea to be their chiefe loads-man and Pilot Sithens therefore these two worthy
Nations had those bright lampes of learning I meane the most ancient and best Philosophers Historiographers and Geographers to shewe them light and the loadsâarre of experience to wit those great exploits and voyages layed vp in store and recorded whereby to shape their course what great attempt might they not presume to vndertake But alas our English nation at the first setting foorth for their Northeasterne discouery were either altogether destitute of such cleare lights and inducements or if they had any inkling at all it was as misty as they found the Northren seas and so obscure and ambiguous that it was meet rather to deterre them then to giue them encouragement But besides the foresaid vncertaintie into what dangers and difficulties they plunged themselues Animus meminisse horret I tremble to recount For first they were to expose themselues vnto the rigour of the sterne and vncoâth Northren seas and to make triall of the swelling waues and boistrous winds which there commonly do surge and blow then were they to saile by the ragged and perilous coast of Norway to frequent the vnhaunted shoares of Finmark to double the dreadfull and misty North cape to beare with Willoughbies land to rân along within kenning of the Countreys of Lapland and Corelia and as it were to open and vnlocke the seuen-fold mouth of Duina Moreouer in their Northeasterly Nauigations vpon the seas and by the coasts of Condora Colgoieue Petzora Ioughoria Samoedia Noua Zembla c. and their passing and returne through the streits of Vaigatz vnto what drifts of snow and mountaines of yee euen in Iune Iuly and August vnto what hideous ouerfals vncertaine currents darke mistes and fogs and diuers other fearefull inconueniences they were subiect and in danger of I wish you rather to learne out of the voyages of sir Hugh Willoughbie Stephen Burrough Arthur Pet and the rest then to expect in this place an endlesse cataloque thereof And here by the way I cannot but highly commend the great industry and magnanimity of the Hollanders who within these few yeeres haue discouered to 78. yea as themselues affirme to â1 degrees of Northerly latitude yet with this prouiso that our English nation led them the dance brake the yee before them and gaue them good leaue to light their candle at our âorch But nowe it is high time for vs to weigh our ancre to hoise vp our sailes to get cleare of these boistrous frosty and misty seas and with all speede to direct our course for the milde lightsome temperate and warme Atlantick Ocean ouer which the Spaniards and Portugales haue made so many pleasant prosperous and golden voyages And albeit I cannot deny that both of them in their East and West Indian Nauigations haue indured many tempests dangers and shipwracks yet this dare I boldly affirme first that a great number of them haue satisfied their fame-thirsty and gold-thirsty mindes with that reputation and wealth which made all perils and misaduentures seeme tolerable vnto them and secondly that their first attempts which in this comparison I doe onely stand vpon were no whit more difficult and dangerous then ours to the Northeast For admit that the way was much longer yet was it neuer barred with yee miââ or darknes but was at all seasons of the yeere open and Nauigable yea and that for the most part with fortunate and fit gales of winde Moreouer they had no forren prince to intercept or molest them but their owne Townes Islands and maine lands to succour them The Spaniards had the Canary Isles and so had the Portugales the Isles of the Açores of Porto santo of Madera of Cape veâd the castle of Mina the fruitfull and profitable Isle of S. Thomas being all of them conueniently situated and well fraught with commodities And had they not continuall and yerely trade in some one part or other of Africa for getting of slaues for sugar for Elephants teeth graines siluer gold and other precious wares which serued as allurements to draw them on by little and litle and as proppes to stay them from giuing ouer their attempts But nowe let vs leaue them and returne home vnto our selues In this first Volume friendly Reader besides our Northeasterne Discoueries by sea and the memorable voyage of M. Christopher Hodson and M. William Burrough Anno 1570. to the Narue wherein with merchants ships onely they tooke fiue strong and warrelike ships of the Freebooters which lay within the sound of Denmark of purpose to intercept our English Fleete besides all these I say thou maiest find here recorded to the lasting honor of our nation all their long and dangerous voyages for the aduauncing of traffique by riuer and by land to all parts of the huge and wide Empire of Russia as namely Richard Chanceler his first fortunate arriuall at Newnox his passing vp the riuer of Dwina to the citie of Vologda for the space of 1100. versts and from thence to Yaruslaue Rostoue Peraslaue and so to the famous citie of Mosco being 1500. versts trauell in all Moreouer here thou hast his voiage penned by himselfe which I hold to be very authentical for the which I do acknowledge my selfe beholding vnto the excellent Librarie of the right honorable my lord Lumley wherein he describeth in part the state of Russia the maners of the people and their religion the magnificence of the Court the maiestie power and riches of the Emperour and the gracious entertainment of himselfe But if he being the first man and not hauing so perfect intelligence as they that came after him doeth not fullie satisfie your expectation in describing the foresayd countrey and people I then referre you to Clement Adams his relation next following to M. Ienkinsons discourse as touching that argument to the smooth verses of M. George Turberuile and to a learned and excellent discourse set downe pag. 475. of this volume and the pages following Vnto all which if you please you may adde Richard Iohnsons strange report of the Samoeds pag. 283. But to returne to our voyages performed within the bounds of Russia I suppose among the rest that difficult iourney of Southam and Sparke from Colmogro and S. Nicholas Baie vp the great riuer of Onega and so by other riuers and lakes to the citie of Nouogrod velica vpon the West frontier of Russia to be right woorthy of obseruation as likewise that of Thomas Alcock from Mosco to Smolensko and thence to Tirwill in Polonia pag. 304. that also of M. Hierome Horsey from Mosco to Vobsko and so through Liefland to Riga thence by the chiefe townes of Prussia and Pomerland to Rostok and so to Hamburg Breme Emden c. Neither hath our nation bene contented onely throughly to search into all parts of the Inland and to view the Northren Southerne and Westerne frontiers but also by the riuers of Moscua Occa and Volga to visite Cazan and Astracan the farthest Easterne and Southeasterne bounds of that huge Empire
to the Ambassages Letters Traffiques and prohibition of Traffiques concluding and repealing of leagues damages reprisals arrests complaints supplications compositions and restitutions which happened in the time oâ king Richard the 2. and king Henry the 4. between the said kings and their subiects on the one partie and Conradus de Zolner Conradus de Iungingen and Vlricus de Iungingen three of the great masters of Prussia and their subiects with the common societie of the Hans-townes on the other partie In all which discourse you may note very many memorable things as namely first the wise discreet and caâtelous dealing of the Ambassadors and Commissioners of both parts then the wealth of the foresaid nations and their manifold and most vsuall kinds of wares vttered in those dayes as likewise the qualitie burthen and strength of their shipping the number of their Mariners the maner of their combates at sea the number and names of the English townes which traded that way with the particular places as well vpon the coast of Norway as euery where within the sound of Denmark which they frequented together with the inâeterate malice and craftie crueltie of the Hanse And because the name office and dignitie of the masters generall or great Masters of Prussia would otherwise haue bene vtterly darke and vnknowen to the greater part of Readers I haue set downe immediatly before the first Prussian ambassage pagina 144 a briefe and orderly Catalogue of them all contayning the first originall and institution of themselues and of their whole knightly order and brotherhood with the increase of reuenues and wealth which befell them afterward in Italy and Germany and the great conquests which they atchieued vpon the infidels of Prussia Samogitia Curland Liefland Lituania c. also their decay and finall ouerthrow partly by the reuolt of diâers Townes and Castles vnder their iurisdiction and partly by the meanes of their next mightie neighbour the King of Poland After all these out of 2. branches of 2. ancient statutes is partly shewed our trade and the successe thereof with diuers forren Nations in the time of K. Henry the sixt Then followeth the true processe of English policie I meane that excellent and pithy treatise de politia conseruatiua maris which I cannot to any thing more fitly compare then to the Emperour of Russia his palace called the golden Castle and described by Richard Chanceller pag. 238. of this volume whereof albeit the outward apparance was but homely and no whit correspondent to the name yet was it within so beautified and adorned with the Emperour his maiesticall presence with the honourable and great assembly of his rich-attired Peers and Senatours with an inualuable and huge masse of gold and siluer plate with other princely magnificence that well might the eyes of the beholders be dazeled and their cogitations astonished thereat For indeed the exteriour habit of this our English politician to wit the harsh and vnaffected stile of his substantiall verses and the olde dialect of his wordeâ is such as the first may seeme to haue bene whistled of Pans oaten pipe and the second to haue proceeded from the mother of Euander but take you off his vtmost weed and beholde the comelinesse beautie and riches which lie hid within his inward sense and sentence and you shall finde I wisse so much true and sound policy so much delightfull and pertinent history so many liuely descriptions of the shipping and wares in his time of all the nations almost in Christendome and such a subtile discouery of outlandish merchants fraud and of the sophistication of their wares that needes you must acknowledge that more matter and substance could in no wise be comprised in so little a roome And notwithstanding as I said his stile be vnpolished and his phrases somewhat out of vse yet so neere as the written copies would giue me leaue I haue most religiously without alteration obserued the same thinking it farre more conuenient that himselfe should speake then that I should bee his spokesman and that the Readers should enioy his true verses then mine or any other mans fained prose Next after the conclusion of the last mentioned discourse the Reader may in some sort take a vieu of our state of merchandise vnder K. Edward the fourth as likewise of the establishing of an English company in the Netherlands and of all the discreet prouisoes iust ordinations gratious priuileges conteined in the large Charter which was granted for the same purpose Now besides our voyages and trades of late yeeres to the North and Northeast regions of the world and our ancient traffique also to those parts I haue not bene vnmindefull so farre as the histories of England and of other Countreys would giue me direction to place in the fore-front of this booke those forren conquests exploits and trauels of our English nation which haue bene atchieued of old Where in the first place as I am credibly informed out of Galfridus Monumetensis and out of M. Lambert his ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã I haue published vnto the world the noble actes of Arthur and Malgo two British Kings Then followeth in the Saxons time K. Edwin his conquest of Man and Anglesey and the expedition of Bertus into Ireland Next succeedeth Octher making relation of his doings and describing the North Countreys vnto his soueraigne Lord K. Ecfrid After whom Wolstans Nauigation within the Sound of Denmark is mentioned the voyage of the yong Princes Edmund and Edward into Sweden and Hungarie is recorded as likewise the mariage of Harald his daughter vnto the Russian duke Ieruslaus Neither is that Englishman forgotten who was forced to traueile with the cruel Tartars into their Countrey and from thence to beare them company into Hungary and Poland And because those Northeasterne Regions beyond Volga by reason of the huge deserts the colde climate and the barbarous inciuilitie of the people there inhabiting were neuer yet throughly traueiled by any of our Nation nor sufficiently knowen vnto vs I haue here annexed vnto the said Englishmans traueile the rare memorable iournals of 2. Friers who were some of the first Christians that trauailed farthest that way and brought home most particular intelligence knowledge of all things which they had seene These Friers were sent as Ambassadours vnto the sâuage Tartars who had as then wasted and ouerrunne a great part of Asia and had pierced farre into Europe with fire and sword to mitigate their fury and to offer the glad tidings of the Gospel vnto them The former namely Iohannes de Plano âarpini whose iourney because he road sixe moneths poste directly beyond Boristhenes did I thinke both for length and difficultie farre surpasse that of Alexander the great vnto the riuer of Indus was in the yeere 1246. sent with the authoritie and commission of a Legate from Pope Innocentius the fourth who passed through more garisons of the Tartars and wandered ouer more vast barren and cold deserts
the Whale 413. 113 The deposition of William Burrough to certeine Interrogatories mooued vnto him concerning the Narue and Kegor 414. 114 The reasons of M. William Burrough to disswade the vse of a trade to the Narue by the way through Sweden 416. 115 A remembrance of aduise giuen to the Moscouie merchants touching a voyage for Cola abouesaid 416. 116 An Epistle dedicatorie vnto the Queenes most excellent Maiestie written by M. William Burrough 417. 117 The Queenes Maiesties letters to Shaugh Thamas the great Sophy of Persia. 418. 118 The Latitudes and Meridian Altitudes of diuers places in Russia from the North to the South 431. 119 Directions giuen by M. Richard Hakluyt Esquire to Morgan Hubblethorne Dier sent into Persia. 432. 120 A Commission giuen by sir Rowland Heyward knight and George Barne Aldermen and gouernours of the Moscouie Companyâ to Arthur Pet and Charles Iackman for the discouery by Sea towards Cathay 433. 121 Rules and orders giuen to be obserued by them in that Discouery 435. 122 Briefe aduises giuen by M. Iohn Dee to that purpose 437. 123 Instructions giuen them by Richard Hakluyt Esquire to that purpose also 437,438 124 The letter of Gerard. Mercator to Richard Hakluyt of Oxford touching that discouery 443. 125 Instructions giuen by the Moscouie Company vnto Richard Gibbs William Biggat Iohn Backhouseâ c. Masters of their ships 453. 126 The opinion of M. William Burrough sent to a friend requiring his iudgement for the fittest time of the departure of our ships toward S. Nicolas in Russia 455. 127 The Queenes Maiesties Commission giuen to sir Ierome Bowes authorizing him her highnesse Ambassadour with the Emperour of Moscouie 455. 128 The Queenes Maiesties letters written to the Emperour by sir Ierome Bowes in his commendation 457. 129 The discourse of the Ambassage of sir Ierome Bowes to the aforesaid Emperour 458. 130 The maner of preferring suites in Russia 463. 131 A letter of M. Henry Lane to M. William Sanderson merchant of London conteyning a briefe discourse of all things passed in our Northren discoueries for the space of 33. yeeres 464. 132 The most solemne and magnificent Coronation of Pheodor Iuanowich Emperour of Russia set downe by M. Ierome Horsey 466. 133 The Priuileges graunted by the newe Emperour to the English merchants and obteined by the foresaid Ierom Horsey 470. 134 The Ambassage of M. Giles Fletcher Doctor of the Ciuil lawe from her Maiestie to the Emperour of Russia 473. 135 A notable description of Ruââia 475 c. 136 A speciall note gathered by the excellent Venetian Cosmographer M. Iohn Baptista Ramusius concerning the Northeast passage 495. 137 The Lord Boris Pheodorowich his letter to the right honourable William Burghley Lord high Treasurer of England 498. 138 The Queenes Maiesties letter to Pheodor Iuanowich Emperour of Russia 499. 139 The Queenes Maiesties letters to the Lord Boris Pheodorowich 501. 140 The L. Treasurer sir William Cecil his letter to the Lord Boris Pheodorowich 502. 141 A letter of Pheodor Iuanowich to the Queenes Maiestie 502. 142 An other letter to the Queenes most excellent Maiestie from the Lord Boris Pheodorowich 503. 143 A second letter from the Lord Boris Pheodorowich to the L. William Burghley 504. 144 A most gracious letter of Priuileges giuen to the English merchants by Pheodor Iuanowich 505. 145 The contents of M. Garlands Commission vnto Thomas Simkinson for the bringing of M. Iohn Dee to the Emperour of Russia his Court. 508. 146 A letter to the right worsh. M. Iohn Dee Esquier conteyning the summe and effect of M. Garland his message 508. 147 A branch of a letter from Iohn Merick touching the death of Pheodor Iuanowich 509. 148 A learned Epistle written vnto the famous Cosmographer M. Gerardus Mercator concerning the Countreys Riuers and Seas towards the Northeast 510. 149 The honourable testimonies of diuers strangers touching the notable discoueries of the English made in the North-east parts 513. 150 A briefe Commentarie of the true state of Island 515. 550. 151 A letter written by the graue and learned Gudbrandus Thorlacius Bishop of Holen in Island concerning the ancient state of Island and Gronland 590. THE FIRST VOLVME OF THE principall Nauigations Voyages Traffiques and Discoueries of the English nation made to the North and Northeast quarters of the World with the directions letters priuiledges discourses and obseruations incident to the same Certeine testimonies concerning K. Arthur and his conquests of the North regions taken out of the historie of the Kings of Britaine written by Galfridus Monumetensis and newly printed at Heidelberge Anno 1587. Lib. 9. cap. 10. ANno Christi 517. Arthurus secundo regni sui anno subiugatis totius Hyberniae partibus claslem suam direxit in Islandiam eámque debellato populo subiugauit Exin diuulgato per caeteras insulas rumore quod eâ nulla Prouincia resistere poterat Doldauius rex Gotlandiae Gunfacius râx Orcadum vltrò venerunt promissoque vectigali subiectionem feceiunt Emensa deinde hyeme reuersus est in Britanniam statúmque regni in firmam pacem renouans moram duodecim annis ibidem fecit The same in English IN the yere of Christ 517. king Arthur in the second yeere of his reigne hauing subdued all parts of Ireland sailed with his fleet into Island and brought it and the people thereof vnder his subiection The rumour afterwards being spread thorowout all the other Islands that no countrey was able to withstand him Doldauius the king of Gotland and Gunfacius the king of Orkney came voluntarily vnto him and yeelded him their obedience promising to pay him tribute The Winter being spent he returned into Britaine and establishing his kingdome in perfect peace he continued there for the space of twelue yeres Lib. 9 cap. 12. MIssis deinde in diuersa regna Legatis inuitantur tam ex Gallijs quà m ex collatetalibus Insulis Oceani qui ad curiam venire deberent c. Et paulò post Ex collateralibus autem Insulis Guillaumurius rex Hyberniae Maluasius rex Islandiae Doldauius rex Gotlandiae Gunnasius rex Orchadum Lot rex Noruegiae Aschilius rex Danorum The same in English AFter that king Arthur sending his messengers into diuers kingdomes he summoned such as were to come to his Court aswell out of France as out of the adiacent Islands of the sea c. and a little after From those adiacent Islands came Guillaumurius king of Ireland Maluasius king of Island Doldauius king of Gotland Gunnasius king of Orkney Lot the king of Norway and Aschilius the king of Denmarke Lib. 9 cap. 19. AT reges caeterarum Insularum quoniam non duxerant in morem equites habere pedites quot quisque debebat promittunt ita vt ex sex Insulis videlicet Hyberniae Islandiae Gotlandiae Orcadum Noruegiae atque Daciae sexies viginti millia essent annumerata The same in English BUt the kings of the other Islands because it was not their custome
created knight In y e yere 1257. the Church of S. Maries of Russin was dedicated by Richard bishop of Soder In the yeere 1260. Haco king of Norway came into the parts of Scotland and without atchieuing ought turning his course towards the Orcades he there deceased at Kirwas and was buried at Bergen In the yeere 1265. Magnus the sonne of Olauus king of Man and of the Islands died at the castle of Russin and was buried at the Church of S. Mary at Russin In the yere 1266. the kingdome of the Islands was translated vnto Alexander king of Scots That which followeth was written in a new character or letter and of a diuers kinde from the former IN the yeere 1270. vpon the seuenth day of October the Fleete of Alexander king of Scots arriued at Roghalwath and the next day before the Sunne rising there was a battell fought betweene the Mannians and the Scots in the which conflict there were slaine 535. Mannians whereupon a certaine versifier writeth to this effect Fiue hundreth fourtie men are slaine against ill haps Yee Mannians arme your selues for feare of afterclaps In the yeere 1313. Robert king of Scots besieged the castle of Russin which Dingawy Dowil held against him howbeit at the last the king tooke the castle In the yeere 1316. vpon the feast of Ascension Richard le Mandeuile and his brethren with diuers great personages of Irland arriued at Ramaldwath demaunding to haue victuals and money ministred vnto them because they had bene spoyled by their enemies which made continuall warre vpon them But when the whole company of the Mannians answered that they would giue nothing they proceeded against them in warlike maner with two bands till they were come vnder the side of the hill called Warthsel in the fielde where Iohn Mandeuile remained and there hauing fought a battell the Irish ouercame the people of Man and spoiled the Island and the Abbey of Russin also and when they had reueled a whole moneth in the Island lading their ships they returned home The mariage of the daughter of Harald slaine by VVilliam the Conquerour vnto Ieruslaus duke of Russia taken out of the 9. Booke of the Danish historie written by Saxo Grammaticus An. D. 1067. HAraldo caefo filij eius duo confestim in Daniam cum sorore migrarunt Quos Sweno paterni illorum meriti oblitus consanguineae pietatis more accepit puellamque Ruthenorum regi Waldemaro qui ipse Iarislaus a suis est appellatus nuptum dedit Eidem postmodùm nostri temporis dux vâ sanguinis ita nominis haeres ex filia nepos obuenit Itaque hinc Britannicus indè Eous sanguis in salutarem nostri principis ortum confluens communem stirpem duarum gentium ornamentum effecit The same in English HArald being slaine his two sonnes with their sister sped themselues immediatly into Denmarke Whom Sweno forgetting their fathers deserts receiued in most kinde and friendly maner and bestowed the yong damosell in mariagâ vpon Waldemarus king of Russia who was also called by his subiects Iarislaus Afterward the said Waldemarus had by his daughter a nephew being duke at this present who succeeded his predecessour both in line al descent and in name also Wherefore the English blood on the one side and the Russian on the other side concurring to the ioyfull birth of our prince caused that mutual kinred to be an ornament vnto both nations The state of the shipping of the Cinque ports from Edward the Confessour and William the Conquerour and so downe to Edward the first faithfully gathered by the learned Gentleman M. William Lambert in his Perambulation of Kent out of the most ancient Records of England I Finde in the booke of the generall suruey of the Realme which William the Conquerour caused to bee made in the fourth yeere of his reigne and to be called Domesday because as Matthew Parise saith it spared no man but iudged all men indifferently as the Lord in that great day wil do that Douer Sandwich and Rumney were in the time of K. Edward the Confessour discharged almost of all maner of impositions and burdens which other townes did beare in consideration of such seruice to bee done by them vpon the Sea as in their special titles shall hereafter appeare Whereupon although I might ground reasonable coniecture that the immunitie of the hauen Townes which we nowe call by a certaine number the Cinque Ports might take their beginning from the same Edward yet for as much as I read in the Chartre of K. Edward the first after the conquest which is reported in our booke of Entries A recitall of the graunts of sundry kings to the Fiue Ports the same reaching no higher then to William the Conquerour I will leaue my coniecture and leane to his Chartre contenting my selfe to yeelde to the Conquerour the thankes of other mens benefits seeing those which were benefited were wisely contented as the case then stood to like better of his confirmation or second gift then of K. Edwards first graunt and endowment And to the ende that I may proceed in some maner of array I will first shewe which Townes were at the beginning taken for the Fiue Ports and what others be now reputed in the same number secondly what seruice they ought and did in times passed and lastly what priuiledges they haue therefore and by what persons they haue bene gouerned If I should iudge by the common and rude verse Douer Sandwicus Ry Rum Frigmare ventus I must say that Douer Sandwich Rie Rumney and Winchelsey for that is Frigmare ventus be the Fiue Ports Againe if I should be ruled by the Rolle which reciteth the Ports that send Barons to the Parliament I must then adde to these Hastings and Hyde for they also haue their Barons as well as the other and so should I not onely not shew which were the first Fiue but also by addition of two others increase both the number and doubtfulnesse Leauing the verse therefore for ignorance of the authour and suspition of his authoritie and forsaking the Rolle as not assured of the antiquitie I will flee to Henry Bracton a man both ancient learned and credible which liued vnder K. Henry the thirde and wrote aboue three hundreth yeeres since learnedly of the lawes of this Realme He I say in the third booke of his worke and treatise of the Crowne taking in hand to shewe the articles inquirable before the Iustice in Eire or Itinerent as we called them because they vsed to ride from place to place throughout the Realme for administration of iustice setteth forth a special fourme of writs to be directed seuerally to the Bailifes of Hastings Hithe Rumney Douer and Sandwich commanding them that they should cause twentie foure of their Barons for so their Burgesses or townesmen and the citizens of London likewise were wont to be termed to appeare before the Kings Iustices at Shipwey in
English lawes that the people and the lawes were in reputation and then were the wisest of the people worship-worthy euery one after his degree Earle and Churle Thein and vnder-Thein And if a churle thriued so that hee had fully five hides of his owne land a Church and a Kitchin a Belhouse and a gate a seate and a seuerall office in the Kings hall then was he thenceforth the Theins right worthy And if a Thein so thriued that he serued the king and on his message rid in his houshold if he then had a Thein that followed him the which to the kings iourney fiue hides had and in the kings seate his Lord serued and thrise with his errand had gone to the king he might afterward with his forâoth his lords part play at any great neede And if a Thein did thriue so that he became an Earle then was he afterward an Earles right worthie And if a Marchant so thriued that he passed thrise ouer the wide seas of his owne craft he was thencefoorth a Theins right worthie And if a scholar so prospered thorow learning that he degree had and serued Christ he was then afterward of dignitie and peace so much worthie as thereunto belonged vnlesse he forfaited so that he the vse of his degree vse ne might A testimonie of certaine priuiledges obtained for the English and Danish Marchants of Conradus the Emperour and Iohn the Bishop of Rome by Canutus the King of England in his iourney to Rome extracted out of a letter of his written vnto the Cleargie of England SIt vobis notum quia magna congregatio nobilum in ipsa solemnitate Pascali Romae cum Domino Papa Ioanne imperatore Conrado erat scilicet omnes principes gentium a monte Gargano vsque ad iâtum proximum Marââ qui omnes me honorifice suscepere magnificis donis honorauere Maxime autem ab imperatore donis varijs muneribus pretiosis honoratus sum tam in vasis aureis argenteis quam in pallijs vestibus valde pretiosis Locutus sum igitur cum ipso imperatore Domino Papa principibus qui ibi erant de necessitatibus totius populi mei tam Angli quam Dani vt eis concederetur lex aequior pax securior in via RomaÌ adeundi ne tot clausuris per viam arcerentur propter iniustum teloneuÌ fatigarentur Annuitque postulatis Imperator Rodulphus Rex qui maxime ipsarum clausurarum dominatur cunctique principes edictis firmarunt vt homines mei tam Mercatores quà m alij orandi gratia viatores absque omni anguria clausurarum teloneaâiorum cum firma pace Romam eant redeant The same in English YOu are to vnderstand that at the feast of Easter there was a great company of Nobles with Pope Iohn and Conradus the Emperour assembled at Rome namely all the princes of the nations from mount Garganus vnto the West Ocean sea Who all of them honourably interteined me and welcomed mee with rich and magnificent gifts but especially the Emperour bestowed diuers costly presents and rewards vpon mee both in vessels of golde and siluer and also in cloakes and garments of great value Wherefore I conferred with the Emperour himselfe and the Pope and with the other Princes who were there present concerning the necessities of all my subiects both Englishmen and Danes that a more fauourable law secure peace in their way to Rome might bee graunted vnto them and that they might not bee hindered by so many stops impediments in their iourney and wearied by reason of iniust exactions And the Emperour condescended vnto my request and king Rodulphus also who hath greatest authoritie ouer the foresaid stops and streights and all the other princes confirmed by their Edicts that my subiects as well Marchants as others who trauailed for deuotions sake should without all hinderance and restraint of the foresaid stops and customers goe vnto Rome in peace and returne from thence in safetie The flourishing state of Marchandise in the Citie of London in the dayes of Willielmus Malmesburiensis which died in the yeere 1142. in the reigne of K. Stephen HAud longe a Rofa quasi viginti quinque milliarijs est Londonia Ciuitas nobilis opima ciuium diuitijs constipata negociatorum ex omni terra maxime ex Germania venientium commercijs Vnde fit vt cum vbique in Anglia caritas victualium pro sterili prouentu messium sit ibi necessaria distrahantur emantur minore quà m alibi vel vendentium compendio vel ementium dispendio Peregrinas inuehit merces Ciuitatis sinibus Tamesis fluuius famosus qui citra vrbem ad ' 80. milliaria fonticulo fusus vltra plus 70. nomen profert The same in English NOt farre from Rochester about the distance of fiue and twenty miles standeth the Noble Citie of London abounding with the riches of the inhabitants and being frequented with the traffique of Marchants resorting thither out of all nations and especially out of Germanie Whereupon it commeth to passe that when any generall dearth of victuals falleth out in England by reason of the scarcitie of corne things necessary may there be prouided and bought with lesse gaine vnto the sellers and with lesse hinderance and losse vnto the buyers then in any other place of the Realme Outlandish wares are conueighed into the same Citie by the famous riuer of Thames which riuer springing out of a fountaine 80. miles beyond the Citie is called by one and the selfe same name .70 miles beneath it The aforesaid William of Malmesburie writeth of traffike in his time to Bristowe in his fourth booke degestis pontificum Anglorum after this maner IN eadem valle est vicus celeberrimus Bristow nomine in quo est nauium portus ab Hibernia Norwegia caeteris transinarinis terris venientium receptaculum ne scilicet genitalibus diuitijs tam fortunata regio peregrinarum opum frauderetur commercio The same in English IN the same valley stands the famous Towne of Bristow with an Hauen belonging thereunto which is a commodious and safe receptacle for all ships directing their course for the same from Ireland Norway and other outlandish and foren countreys namely that a region so fortunate and blessed with the riches that nature hath vouchsafed thereupon should not bee destitute of the wealth and commodities of other lands The league betweene Henry the second and Fredericke Barbarossa Emperour of Germanie wherein is mention of friendly traffike betweene the Marchants of the Empire and England confirmed in the yeere of our Lord 1157. recorded in the first Booke and seuenteenth Chapter of Radeuicus Canonicus Frisingensis being an appendix to Otto Frisingensis IBidem tunc affuere etiam Henrici Regis Angliae missi varia preciosa donaria multo lepore verborum adornata praestantes Inter quae papilionem vnum quantitate maximum qualitate optimum perspeximus
Cuius si quantitatem requitis non nisi machinis instrumentorum genere adminiculo leuari poterat si qualitatem nec maâeria nec opere ipsum putem aliquando ab aliquo huiusce apparatu superatum iri Literas quoque mellito sermone plenas pariter direxerat quarum hic tenor fuit Praecordiali amico suo Frederico Dei gratia Romanorum imperatori inuictissimo Henricus Rex Angliae dux Normanniae Aquitaniae Comes Andegauensis salutem verae dilectionis concordiam Excellentiae vestrae quantas possumus referimus grates dominantium optime quod nos nuncijs vestris visitare salutare literis muneribus praeuenire quod his charius amplectimur pacis amoris inuicem dignatus estis foedera inchoare Exultauimus quodammodo animum nobis crescere in maius sensimus euehi dum vestra promissio in qua nobis spem dedistis in disponendis Regni nostri negocijs alacriores nos reddidit promptiores Exultauimus in quam tota mente magnificentiae vestrae assurreximus id vobis in sincero cordis affectu respondentes quod quicquid ad honorem vestrum spectare nouerimus pro posse nostro effectui mancipare parati sumus Regnum nostrum quicquid vbique nostrae subijcitur ditioni vobis exponimus vestre committimus potestari vt ad vestrum nutum omnia disponantur in omnibus vestri fiat voluntas imperij Sit igitur inter nos populos nostros dilectionis pacis vnitas indiuisa commercia tuta Ita tamen vt vobis qui dignitate praeminetis imperandi cedat authoritas nobis non deerit voluntas obsequendi Et sicut vestrae Serenitatis memoriam vestrorum excitat in nobis munerum largitio sic vos nostri quoque reminisci praeoptamus mittentes quae pulchriora penes nos erant vobis magis placitura Attendite itaque dantis affectum non data eo animo quo dantur accipite De manu beati Iacobi super qua nobis scripsistis in ore magistri Hereberti Guilielmi Clerici nostri verbuÌ posuimus Teste Thoma Cancellario apud Northanton The same in English THere were present also the same time the messengers of Henry king of England presenting diuers rich and precious gifts and that with great learning eloquence of speech Amongst the which we saw a pauilion most large in quantity most excellent in quality For if you desire to know the quantitie therof it could not be erected without engines and a kinde of instruments and maine force if the qualitie I thinke there was neuer any furniture of the same kinde that surpassed the same either in stuffe or workemanship The said king directed his letters also full of sugred speeches the tenour whereof was this that followeth To his entirely beloued friend Frederick by the grace of God Emperour of the Romanes most inuincible Henry king of England duke of Normandie and Aquitaine Earle of Anjou wisheth health and concord of sincere amitie We doe render vnto your highnes most renowmed and peerelesse Prince exceeding great thanks for that you haue so graciously vouchsafed by your messengers to visite vs in your letters to salute vs with your gifts to preuent vs and which wee doe more highly esteeme of then all the rest to beginne a league of peace and friendship betweene vs. We reioyced and in a maner sensibly felt our selues to bee greatly emboldened and our courage to encrease whilest your promise whereby you put vs in good comfort did make vs more cheerefull and resolute in managing the affaires of our kingdome We reioyced I say in our secret cogitations did humble obeisance vnto your Maiestie giuing you at this time to vnderstand froÌ the sincere vnfained affection of our heart that whatsoeuer we shal know to tend vnto your honour we are to our power most ready to put in practise Our kingdome and whatsoeuer is vnder our iurisdiction we doe offer vnto you and commit the same vnto your highnesse that all matters may be disposed according to your direction and that your pleasure may in all things be fulfilled Let there be therefore betweene our selues and our subiects an indiuisible vnitie of friendship and peace and safe trade of Marchandize yet so as that vnto you who excell in dignitie authoritie in commanding may bee ascribed and diligence in obeying shall not want in vs. And as the liberalitie of your rewards doeth often put vs in remembrance of your Maiestie euen so in like maner sending vnto your Highnesse the most rare things in our custodâe and which we thought should be most acceptable vnto you wee doe most heartily with that your selfe also would not altogether bee vnmindefull of vs. Haue respect therefore not vnto the gifts but vnto the affection of the giuer and accept of them with that minde wherewith they are offered vnto you Concerning the hand of S. Iames about which you wrote vnto vs we haue sent you word by M. Herbert and by William the Clerke Witnes Thomas our Chancelour at Northanton A generall safe conduct graunted to all forreine Marchants by king Iohn in the first yeere of his reigne as appeareth in the Records of the Tower Anno 1. Regis Ioannis IOannes Dei gratia c. Maiori Communitati Londinensi salutem Sciatis voluntatem esse nostram quod omnes Mercatores de quacunque fuerint terra saluum habeant conductum ire redire cum mercibus suis in Angliam Volumus etiam quod ean dem habeant pacem in Anglia quam Mercatores de Anglia habent in terris illis vnde fuerunt egressi Et ideo vobis praecipimus quod hoc faciatis denunciati in Balliua vestra firmiter teneri permittentes eos ire redire sine impedimento per debitas rectas solitas consuetudines in Balliua vestra Teste Galfredo silio Perri comite Essexiae apud Kinefard 5. die Aprilis In eadem forma scribitur vicecomiti Sudsex Maiori communitati Ciuitatis Winton Balliuo de Southampton Balliuo de Lenne Balliuo Kent Vicecomiti Norffolciae Suffolciae Vicecomiti dorset Sommerset Baronibus de quinque portubus Vicecomiti de Southampton sire Vicecomiti de Herteford Essex Vicecomiti Cornubiae Deuon The same in English IOhn by the grace of God c. to the Maior and communaltie of London greeting You are to vnderstand that it is our pleasure that all Marchants of what nation soeuer shall haue safe conduct to passe and repasse with their Marchandize into England It is our will also that they be vouchsafed the same fauour in England which is granted vnto the English Marchants in those places from whence they come And therefore we giue you in charge that you cause this to be published and proclaimed in your bailiwicke firmely to be obserued permitting them to goe come without impediment according to the due right and ancient customes vsed
thankfull mind accept and by the tenour of the said letters of yours totally approue the concord of a certaine satisfaction to be performed with the payment of certaine summes of money howsoeuer due vnto your subiects as well of Prussia as of Liuonia expressed in our former letters within the termes prefixed by our consent and limited in our said letters aud also of other summes which within one whole yeare immediatly following the feast of Easter last past by sufficient proofes on their part to bee made before our chauncelour at our citie of London shall be found due vnto them conditionally that without inconuenience of delay and impediments the premisses be performed as they ought to be And that your selfe also will without fayle vpon the termes appoynted for the said payments procure satisfaction âo be made accordingly vnto our endamaged subiects with the summes due vnto them by reason of their losses whereof they haue sufficient information Wherefore in regard of those your friendly letters and your courteous auswere returned by them vnto vs as is aforesaid wee doe yeelde vnto you right vnfained thanks But because it will vndoubtedly be most acceptable and pleasing both vnto vs and vnto our people and vnto you and your subiects that the zeale and ferueâcie of loue which hath from auncient times growen and increased betweene our progenitours for them and their subiects and your predecessors and their subiects and which by the insolencie of of certayne lewde persons without any consent of the principall lords hath often bene violated betweene vs and you and mutually betweene the subiects of vs both may be put in perpetuall vre and obtaine full strength in time to come sithens hereupon by Gods assistance it is to be hoped that vnspeakeable commodity and quiet will redound vnto both parts may it seeme good vnto your discretion as it seemeth expedient vnto vs that some messengers of yours sufficiently authorised to parle agree and conclude with our deputy about the mutuall contraction of a perpetuall league and confirmation of friendship may with all conuenient speede be sent vnto our presence At whose arriuall not onely in this busines so profitable and behoouefull but also in certaine other affaires concerning the former treaties and conclusions they may yea and of necessitie must greatly auayle Wherefore our entirely beloued friend euen as vpon confidence of the premisses we haue thought good to grant vnto the marchants and subiects of our realme full authority to resort vnto your dominions so we doe in like maner graunt vnto your marchants and subiects free licence and liberty with their marchandises and goods securely to come into our realmes and dominions there to stay and at their pleasures thence to returne home Moreouer if Arnold Dassel who last of all presented your foresayd letters vnto vs shal thinke good in the meane season to make his abode here in our dominions as in very deede it is expedient he may both by serious consideration and deliberate consulting with our commissioners more conueniently and prosperously finde out wayes and meanes for the more speedy expedition of all the premisses Fare ye well in Christ. Giuen vnder our priuie seale at our palace of Westminster the seuenth of March in the yere of our lord 1408 according to the computation of the Church of England and in the tenth yere of our reigne A new concord concluded between king Henry the 4. and Vlricus de Iungingen Master generall of Prussia in the yeare of our Lord 1409. BY this indenture or letters indented be it euidently knowen for the perpetual memory of the matter vnto all faithfull Christians that the noble honourable personages Richard Merlowe Maior and citizen of London Master Iohn Kington clerke and William Askham citizen and Alderman of the same citie the commissioners of the most soueraigne prince and lord L. Henrie by the grace of God king of England and France and lord of Ireland and Tidericus de Longenthorpe knight Lefardus de Hereford burgomaster of Elbing and Iohn Crolowe citizen of the citie of Dantzik the procurators commissioners deputies and messengers of the right noble and religious personage Fr. Vlricus de Iungingen Master general of the order of the Dutch knights of S. Maries hospital of Ierusalem hauing in the names of the sayd king and Master by vertue of the power on both parts committed vnto them sufficient authority haue appointed and with one consent agreed vpon all and singular the things vnder written Imprimis for the conseruation of mutuall loue and wonted amiâie and for the tranquilitie of sweete amiable peace it is decreed and ordained that all and singular the liege people subiects of the Realme of England and the Marchants of the territories dominions of the said Realme and all other persons of what state or condition soeuer shall and may safely and securely as well by land as by water enter into the parts of Prussia and there mutually conuerse and freely after the maner of Marchants exercise traffique aswell with the Prussians as with others of what nation or qualitie soeuer there also make their abode and thence vnto their owne homes and dwelling places returne and depart vnto any place whither and so often as they shall thinke good as well by land as by water with their goods marchandize and wares whatsoeuer faithfully paying in the meane time all rights customes due in regard of their said wares and marchandize Reserued alwaies vnto the said Master and his successours all right and remedie ordained granted and vouchsafed in certaine obligations by our Lord the king whereof mention shall be made in the articles following Item it is ordained that all and singular the subiects of the said Master generall and of his order of what state and condition soeuer shall and may as well by water as by land enter into the kingdome of England and into the territories and dominions thereof and there mutually conuerse and freely after the maner of Marchants exercise traffique as well with all English people as with others of what nation or qualitie soeuer and there also make their abode and thence returne vnto their owne habitations and dwelling places and to depart whither they will and as oft as they shall thinke good as well by land as by water with their goods marchandize and wares whatsoeuer truely paying in the meane time all rights and customes due in regard of their said wares and Marchandize Reserued alwayes vnto the said soueraigne king his heires and successours all rights and remedies ordained and graunted vnto them in certaine obligations by the commissioners and procurators of the said Master generall aboue-named and in the name of the said Master generall Item it is with one consent agreed vpon promised and graunted that for all and singular damages grieuances and robberies howsoeuer done and committed before the date of these presents against the foresaid soueraigne Prince and his subiects whatsoeuer and all others which at the time
places at their pleasure and liberty by sea land or fresh waters may depart and exercise all kinde of merchandizes in our empire and dominions and euery part thereof freely and quietly without any restraint impeachment price exaction prest straight custome âoll imposition or subsidie to be demanded taxed or paid or at any time hereafter to be demaÌded taxed set leuied or inferred vpon them or any of them or vpon their goods ships wares marchandizes and things of for or vpon any part or parcell thereof or vpon the goods ships wares merchandizes and things of any of them so that they shall not need any other safe conduct or licence generall ne speciall of vs our heires or successours neither shall be bound to aske any safe conduct or licence in any of the aforesaid places subiect vnto vs. 2 Item we giue and graunt to the said marchants this power and liberty that they ne any of them ne their goods wares marchandizes or things ne any part thereof shal be by any meanes within our dominions landes countreyes castles townes villages or other place or places of our iurisdiction aâ any time heereafter attached staied arrested ne disturbed for anie debt duetie or other thing for the which they be not principall debters or sureties ne also for any offence or trespasse committed or that shall be committed but onely for such as they or any of them shall actually commit and the same offences if any such happen shall bee by vs onely heard and determined 3 Item we giue and graunt that the said Marchants shal and may haue free libertie power and authoritie to name choose and assigne brokers shippers packers weighers measurers wagoners and all other meet and necessary laborers for to serue them in their feat of marchandises and minister and giue vnto them and euery of them a corporall othe to serue them well and truely in their offices and finding them or any of them doing contrary to his or their othe may punish and dismisse them and from time to time choose sweare and admit other in their place or places without contradiction let vexation or disturbance either of vs our heires or successors or of any other our Iustices officers ministers or subiects whatsoeuer 4 Item we giue and graunt vnto the saide Marchants and their successours that such person as is or shal be commended vnto vs our heires or successors by the Gouernour Consuls and assistants of the said fellowship restant within the citie of London within the realme of England to be their chiefe Factor within this our empire and dominions may and shal haue ful power and authoritie to gouerne and rule all Englishmen that haue had or shall haue accesse or repaire in or to this said Empire and iurisdictions or any part thereof and shal and may minister vnto them and euery of them good iustice in all their causes plaints quarrels and disorders betweene them moued and to be moued and assemble deliberate consult conclude define determine and make such actes and ordinancesâ as he so commended with his Assistants shall thinke good and meete for the good order gouernment and rule of the said Marchants and all other Englishmen repairing to this our saide empire and dominions or any part thereof and to set and leuie vpon all and euery Englishmenâ offender or offenders of such their acts and ordinances made and to be made penalties and mulâts by fine or imprisonment 5 Item if it happen that any of the saide Marchants or other Englishman as one or more doe rebell against such chiefe Factor or Factors or his or their deputies and will not dispose him or themselues to obey them and euery of them as shall appertaine if the saide Rebels or disobedients doe come and bee founde in our saide Empire and iurisdictions or any part and place thereof then wee promise and graunt that all and euery our officers ministers and subiects shall effectually ayde and assist the saide chiefe Factour or Factours and their deputies and for their power shall really woorke to bring such rebell or disobedient rebels or disobedients to due obedience And to that intent shall lende vnto the same Factour or Factours and their deputies vpon request therefore to be made prisons and instruments for punishments ârom time to time 6 Item we promise vnto the saide Marchants and their successours vpon their request to exhibite and doe vnto them good exact and fauourable iustice with expedition in all their causes and that when they or any of them shall haue accesse or come to or before any of our Iustices for any their plaints mooued and to bee mooued betweene any our subiects or other stranger and them or any of them that then they shal be first and forthwith heard as soon as the party whâch they shal find before our Iustices shal be depeached which party being heard forthwith and assoone as may be the said English marchants shall be ridde and dispatched And if any action shall be moued by or against any of the said Marchants being absent out of our saide empire and dominions then such Marchants may substitute an âtturney in all and singular his causes to be followed as need shall require and as shall seeme to him expedient 7 Item wee graunt and promise to the saide Marchants and to their successours that if the same Marchants or âny of them shall bee wounded or which God forbid slaine in any part or place of our Empire or dominions then good information thereof giuen Wee and our Iustices and other officers shall execute due correction and punishment without delay according to the exigence of the case so that it shall bee an example to all other not to commit the like And if it shall chaunce the factors seruants or ministers of the saide Marchants or any of them to trespasse or offende whereby they or any of them shall incurre the danger of death or punishment the goods wares marchandizes and things of their Masters shall not therefoore bee forfaited confiscated spoiled ne seised by any meanes by vs our heires or successours or by any our officers ministers or subiects but shall remaine to their vse franke free and discharged from all punishment and losse 8 Item we graunt that if any of the English nation be arrested for any debt he shal not be laid in prison so farre as he can put in sufficient suretie and pawne neither shall any sergeant or officer leade them or any of them to prison before he shall haue knowen whether the chiefe Factor or factors or their deputies shal be sureties or bring in pawne for such arrested then the officers shal release the partie and shall set hâm or them at libertie 9 Moreouer wee giue graunt and promise to the saide Marchants that if any of their ships or other vessels shall bee spoyled robbed or damnified in sayling anckoring or returning to or from our saide Empires and Dominions or any part thereof by any Pirats Marchants or other person
nostra hoc Angliae nostrae regnum excedere in Persiam vsque vestrásque alias ditiones Dei benignitate penetrare constituerit hoc illius institurum perlaudabile quidem grato nostro fauore prosequi promouere studuimus id quod eo nos libentiùs facimus quoniam hoc eius propositum ex honesto studio commercij constituendi potissimum cùm vestris subditis alijsque peregrinis hominibus ad vestra regna confluentibus omninò exortum sit Proptereà nobis scribendum ad vestram Maiestatem ab eaque petendum esse duximus vt nostro rogatu dignetur concedere huic famulo nostro Antonio Ienkinson literas publicae fidei salui conductus quarum authoritate aâque praesidio licitum liberúmque sââ illi vnà cum suis familiaribus seruis sarcinis mercibus bonis vniuersis per vestra regna domicilia ditiones atque prouincias liberè sine impedimento proficisci ire transire redire abiâe istic morari quamdiu placuerit inde recedere quandocunque illi vel suis lubitum fuerit Si haec sancta hospitalitatis iura dulcia communis humanitatis officia inter nos nostra regna nostrósque subditos libentèr constitui sincerè coli constantèr conseruari queant speramus nos Deum Optimum Maximum effecturum vtab hijs paruis initijs grandiora rerum momenta nobis ad magna ornamenta atque decus nostris ad summa commoda atque vsus aliquando sint oritura siquidem vt non terra non mare non coelum ad nos longissimè seperandos quà m diuina ratio communis humanitatis mutuae beneuolentiae ad nos firmissimè coniungendos plus virium habuisse videatur Deus salutem omnem foelicem in terris perpetuam in coelis vestrae concedat Maiestari Datum in Anglia in celebrinostra vâbe Londino 25 die mensis Aprilis anno mundi 5523 Domini ac Dei nostri Iesu Christi 1561 regnorum verò nostrorum tertio The same in English ELizabeth by the grace of God Queene of England c. To the right mightie and right victorious Prince the great Sophie Emperour of the Persians Medes Parthians Hircans Carmanians Margians of the people on this side and beyond the riuer of Tygris and of all men and nations betweene the Caspian sea and the gulfe of Persia greeting and most happie increase in all prosperitie By the goodnesse of the Almightie God it is ordeined that those people which not onely the huge distance of the lands and the inuincible widenesse of the seas but also the very quarters of the heauens do most farre separate and set asunder may neuerthelesse through good commendation by writing both case and also communicate betweene them not onely the conceiued thoughts or deliberations and gratefull offices of humanitie but also many commodities of mutuall intelligence Therefore whereas our faithfull and right welbeloued seruant Anthonie Ienkinson bearer of these our letters is determined with our licence fauour and grace to passe out of this our Realme and by Gods sufferance to trauell euen into Persia and other your iurisdictions we minde truely with our good fauour to set forward and aduance that his right laudable purpose and that the more willingly for that this his enterprise is onely grounded vpon an honest intent to establish trade of merchandise with your subiects and with other strangers traffiking in your realmes Wherfore we haue thought good both to write to your Maiestie and also to desire the same to vouchsafe at our request to grant to our sayd seruant Anthonie Ienkinson good pasports and safe conducts by meanes and authoritie whereof it may be free and lawfull for him together with his familiars seruants cariages merchandise and goods whatsoeuer thorow your Realmes Dominions Iurisdictions and Prouinces freely and without impeachment to iourney go passe repasse and tary so long as he shall please and from thence to returne whensoeuer he or they shall thinke good If these holy dueties of entertainment and sweet offices of naturall humanitie may be willingly concluded sincerely embraced and firmely obserued betweene vs and our Realmes and subiects then we do hope that the Almightie God will bring it to passe that of these small beginnings greater moments of things shall hereafter spring both to our furniture and honours and also to the great commodities and vse of our peoples so it will be knowen that neither the earth the seas nor the heauens haue so much force to separate vs as the godly disposition of naturall humanity and mutuall beneuolence haue to ioyne vs strongly together God grant vnto your Maiestie long and happy felicity in earth and perpetuall in heauen Dated in England in our famous citie of London the 25 day of the moneth of April in the yere of the creation of the world 5523 and of our Lord and God Iesus Christ 1561 and of our reigne the third A remembrance giuen by vs the Gouernours Consuls and Assistants of the company of Merchants trading into Russia the eight day of May 1561 to our trustie friend Anthonie Ienkinson at his departure towards Russia and so to Persia in this our eight iourney FIrst you shall vnderstand that we haue laden in our good ship called the Swallow one Chest the keyes whereof we doe heere deliuer you and also a bill wherein are written particularly the contents in the sayd Chest and what euery thing did cost and because as you know the sayd Chest of charge we desire you to haue a speciall regard vnto it and when God shall send you vnto Mosco our mindes and will is that you with the aduise of our Agents there doe appoint some such presents for the Emperour and his sonne either wine cloth of golde scarlet or plate as to your good discretion shall be thought meet and when you haue deliuered vnto him the Queenes Maiesties Letters and our sayd present in the name of the Company we thinke it good that you make your humble sute vnto his Highnesse in our name to get his licence or safe conduct for you and all other our seruants or Agents at all times hereafter with such wares and merchandise as you at this time or they hereafter at all other times shall thinke good to passe out of his dominions towards Tartaria Persia or other places and also to returne vnto Mosco with such wares and merchandises as you shall bring or send from any land or countrey that is not in his dominions and if it be thought good by you and our Agents there to make composition with the emperor or his officers for some certeine custome or âole vpon such goods as we shall passe that way to the intent we might be the better fauored we refer it to your descretion foreseeing that y e opening of this matter be not preiudiciall vnto our former priuileges And for the sale of our cloth of gold plate pearles saphyres and other iewels we put our trust and
throughout all the kingdomes subiect to his empire free power might be giuen to Will. Garrard Thomas Ofley William Chester knights Rowland Haiward Lionel Ducket William Allen Thomas Bannister Gefferey Ducket Lawrence Chapman Merchants and vnto their societie to enter into his lands and countreys at al times when they would and could there to exercise vse their trade of merchandise and from thence likewise after exchange or sale made of those wares which they should bring with them with his like good leaue and fauour to carie from thence those things wherwith his dominions do abound with vs be scant Which our petition the most noble prince your father took so thankfully and in such good part that he not onely graunted franke and commodious leaue as was desired but the same he would to bee vnto them most free and beneficiall and to haue continuance for many yeeres and times The benefite of the which his wonderfull liberality our subiects did enioy with such humanitie freedome as there could be no greater till the time that by reason of wars more and more increasing in those partes by the which our subiects were to make their iourney into Persia they were debarred and shut from that voyage traffique The which traffique the said societie being eftsoones desirous to renew to the weale and commoditie of both our dominions they haue now sent into Persia their factors Agents Arthur Edwards William Turnbull Matthew Tailbois Peter Gerrard merchants with their associats whom we beseech your inuincible maiesty to entertaine with that fauour wherewith your father did imbrace Tho. Bannister Geffrey Ducket and to enfranchise their whole societie with that freedome that neither they through any their misdemeanours towards your subiects may thereof seeme vnworthy as we hope they will not neither we our selues otherwise enioy them then with the perpetuall remembrance of your good affection towards vs and with the like fauourable inclination of our part towards you The matter it selfe tract of time shall sufficiently proue the foresaid maner of trafâike vnprofitable to neither of vs. For so hath one God the chiefe gouernor of all things disposed of our affaires on earth that ech one should need other And as for our people subiects of the English nation in verie deed your maiesty shal find them made and fashioned so pliant to the perfourmance of all dueties of humanity that it can neuer repent you to haue graunted them this franke traffike nor shame vs to haue obteined it for them at your hands That therefore it may please your maiesty to yeeld vnto them this at our request most earnestly we beseech you And we as it wel beseemeth a prince if euer hereafter we may wil shew our selfe not to bee vnmindfull of so great a benefit We wish your maiesty wel prosperously to fare Giuen at our palace of Westminster the 10. day of Iune in the yere of our Lord 1579 and of our reigne the 21. Aduertisements and reports of the 6. voyage into the parts of Persia and Media for the companie of English merchants for the discouerie of new trades in the yeeres 1579.1580 and 1581. gathered out of sundrie letters written by Christopher Burrough seruant to the saide companie and sent to his vncle Master William Burrough FIrst it is to be vnderstood that the ships for the voiage to S. Nicholas in Russia in which the factors and merchandise for the Persian voiage were transported departed from Grauesend the 19. of Iune 1579. which arriued at S. Nicholas in Russia the 22. of Iuly where the factors and merchants landed and the merchandise were discharged laden into doshnikes that is barkes of the countrey to be caried from thence vp by riuer vnto Vologda And the 25. day of y e said Iulie the doshnikes departed from Rose Island by S. Nicholas vp the riuer Dwina Peremene that is to say in poste by continual sailing rowing setting with poles or drawing of meÌ which came to Colmogro the 27. day and departed thence the 29. of Iulie vp the said riuer Dwyna and came to Vsâyoug which is at the head of the riuer Dwina and mouth of Sughano the 9. of August where they stayed but a small time prouiding some victuals and shifting certaine of their cassacks or barkmen so departed thence the same day vp the riuer Sughano and came to Totma which is counted somewhat more then halfe the way from Vstioug the 15. day where they shifted some of their cassaks and departed thence the same day and came to the citie Vologda the 19. of August where they landed their goods and staied at that place till the 30. of the same Hauing prouided at Vologda Telegas or wagons whereupon they laded their goods they departed thence with the fame by land towards Yeraslaue the said 30. of August at eight of the clocke in the morning and came to the East side of the riuer Volga ouer against Yeraslaue with 25. Telegas laden with the said goods the seuenth of September at fiue of the clocke afternoone Then the three stroogs or barks prouided to transport the saide goods to Astracan where they should meete the ship that should carie the same from thence into Persia came ouer from Yeraslaue vnto the same side of the riuer Volga and there tooke in the said goods And hauing prepared the said barks ready with all necessary furniture they departed with them from Yeraslaue downe the riuer of Volga on the 14 day of September at nine of the clocke in the morning and they arriued at Niznouogrod the 17 day at three of the clocke afternoone where they shewed the Emperors letters to passe free without paying any custome and taried there about three houres to prouide necessaries and then departing arriued at Cazan or neere the same towne on the 22. of September at fiue of the clock afternoone where through contrary windes and for prouiding new cassaks in the places of some that there went from them they remained till the 26. day at what time they departed thence about two of the clocke after noone and arriued at Tetushagorod which is on the Crim side of Volga and in latitude 55. degrees 22. minutes the 28. day at ten in the forenoone where they ankered and remained about 3. houres and departing thence came to Oueak which is on the Crims side on the Westerne side of Volga the fift of October about fiue of the clocke in the morning This place is accounted halfe the way betweene Cazan and Astracan and heere there groweth great store of Licoris the soile is very fruitfull they found there apple trees and cherrie trees The latitude of Oueak is 51. degrees 30. minutes At this place had bene a very faire stone castle called by the name Oueak adioyning to the same was a towne called by y e Russes Sodom this towne part of the castle by report of the Russes was swalowed into the earth by the iustice of
in vse in England which the ambassadour caused to be done accordingly and sent them vnto him who seemed so well to like them as he caused them with much good allowance to be publikely read before diuers of his councell and many others of his nobility Now he drew hotly againe in question to marry some kinsewoman of her Maiesties that he would send againe into England to haue some one of them to wife and if her Maiestie would not vpon his next ambassage send him such a one as he required himselfe would then goe into England and cary his treasure with him and marry one of them there Here you must vnderstand that the yeere before this ambassage he had sent to her Maiesty by his ambassador to haue had the lady Mary Hastings in marriage which intreaty by meanes of her inability of body by occasion of much sicknesse or perhaps of no great liking either of herselfe or friends or both âooke no place The ambassador was now so farre growen into the Emperors fauor his affection so great to England as those great counsellers that were the ambassadors great enemies before were now desirous of some publike courtesies at his hands for their aduantage to the Emperour neither durst they now any more interpose themselues twixt the Emperour and him for not long before this the Emperor for abusing the ambassador had to shew his fauor towards him beaten Shalkan the chanceller very grieuously and had sent him word that he would not leaue one of his race aliue Now whilest the ambassador was thus strongly possest of the Emperours fauor he imployed himselfe in all he might not onely for the speedy dispatch of the negotiation he had in hand but laboured also by all the good meanes he might further to benefit his countrey and countreymen and so not long after wanne at the Emperours hands not onely all those things he had in commission to treat for by his instructions but also some other of good and great importance for the benefit of the merchants Priuate sutes obteined of the Emperor by the ambassador LEaue for Richard Fransham an English man and apothecary to the Emperour his wife and children to come home into England and to bring with him all such goods as he had gotten there He obteiâed like leaue for Richard Elmes an Engliâhman one of the Emperours surgions He also got leaue for Iane Richards the widow of Doctor Bomelius a Dutchman and physician to the Emperour who for treason practised with the king of Pole against the sayd Emperour was rosted to death at the city of Mosco in the yere 1579. These following he obteined for the behoofe of the merchants HE procured for the merchants promise of recompense for certaine goods taken from their factors by robbery vpon the Volga He obtained likewise the payment of fiue hundred marks which was payd for ten yeeres before his going into Russia into the Emperours receit for a rent of a house that they had at Vologda He also got granted for them the repayment of fifteene hundred marks which had bene exacted of them the two last yeres before his comming thither He got also for them order for the repayment of an olde and desperate debt of three thousand marks a debt so desperate as foure yeeres left out of their accounts and by the opinion of them all not thought fit to be dealt with for too much offending the Emperor or impeaching his other businesse which was thought at least otherwise sufficient and was therefore left out of his instructions from her Maiesty He obteined that all strangers were forbidden to trade any more into Russia and that the passage and trade to all the Emperors Northren coasts and countries from the Wardhouse to the riuer of Ob should be onely free to the English nation Lastly of a great desire he had to do the merchants good without motion either of themselues here or their Agents there or any other of them he obteined of the Emperour the abatement of all their custome which they had long before payd and agreed still to continue which custome the Dutchmen and strangers being remooued as now it was agreed amounted to two thousand pounds yerely All thâse were granted some already payd before his comming from Mosco the olde priuilege ratified newly written signed and sealed and was to be deliuered to the ambassadour at his next comming to Court before when the Empeâor fell sicke of a surfet and so died After whose death the case was woondrously altered with the ambassador for whereas both in his owne conceit and in all mens opinion els he was in great forwardnes to haue growen a great man with the Emperor what for the loue he bare to her Maiesty and the particular liking he had of himselfe he now fell into the hands of his great enemies Mekita Romanouich and Andre Shalkan the chanceller who after the death of the Emperour tooke the speciall gouernment vpon themselues and so presently caused the ambassadour to be shut vp a close prisoner in his owne house for the space of nine weeks and was so straightly guarded and badly vsed by those that attended him as he dayly suspected some further mischiefe to haue followed for in this time there grew a great vprore in Mosco of nigh twenty thousand persons which remembring that his enemies reigned somewhat amazed the ambassadour but yet afterwards the matter fell out against that great counsellor Bodan Belskoy whom I noted before to be a special man in the old Emperors fauor who was now notwithstanding so outragiously assaulted as that he was forced to seeke the Emperors chamber for his safety and was afterwards sent away to Cazan a place he had in gouernment fiue hundred miles from Mosco where he hath remained euer since and neuer as yet called againe to court at which time the ambassador expected some such like measure and prepared himselfe aswell as he could for his defence yet happily after this was sent for to court to haue his dispatch and to take his leaue of the Emperor whither being conducted not after the woonted maner and brought to the councell chamber came to him onely Shalkan the chanceller and a brother of his who without more adoe tolde him for the summe of his dispatch that this Emperour would not treat of further amity with the Queene his mistresse then such as was betweene his late father and her before his comming thither and would not heare any reply to be made by the ambassadour but presently caused both himselfe and all his company to be disarmed of their weapons and go towards the Emperor In which passage there were such outrages offered him as had he not vsed more patience then his disposition afforded him or the occasion required he had not in likelihood escaped with life but yet at length was brought to the presence of the Emperour who sayd nothing to him but what the chanceller had already done but offered him a
part of Scotland vpon a rocke was also lost and Master Chanceller with diuers other drowned The sayd Russe ambassadour hardly escaping with other his men mariners some goods sauer were sent for into Scotland from the King Queene and Merchants the messenger being M. Doctor Laurence Hussie and others And then as in the chronicles appeareth honorably enterteined and receiued at London This yeere also the company furnished and sent out a pinnesse named the Serchthrift to discouer the harborowes in the North coast from Norway to Wardhouse and so to the Bay of S. Nicholas There was in her Master and Pilot Stephen Burrough with his brother William and eight other Their discouery was beyond the Bay towarde the Samoeds people dwelling neare the riuer of Ob and found a sound or sea with an Island called Vaigats first by them put into the Carde or Mappe In that place they threw snowe out of their said pinnesse with shouels in August by which extremitie and lacke of time they came backe to Russia and wintred at Colmogro Anno 1557. The company with foure good ships sent backe the said Russe ambassadour and in company with him sent as an Agent for further discouery Master Anthony Ienkinson who afterward anno 1558 with great fauour of the prince of Moscouia and his letters passed the riuer Volga to Cazan and meaning to seeke Cathay by land was by many troupes and companies of vnciuil Tartarians encountred and in danger but keeping company with merchants of Bactria or Boghar and Vrgeme trauelling with camels he with his company went to Boghar and no further whose entertainment of the king is to be had of master Ienkinson which returned anno 1559. to Moscouie And in anno 1560. he with Henry Lane came home into England which yeere was the first safe returne without losse or shipwracke or dead fraight burnings And at this time was the first traffike to the Narue in Liuonia which confines with Lituania all the dominions of Russia and the markets faires commodities great townes riuers were sent vnto by diuers seruants the reports were taken by Henry Lane Agent and deliuered to the companie 1561. The trade to Rie and Reuel of old time hath bene long since frequented by our English nation but this trade to the Narue was hitherto concealed from vs by the Danskers and Lubeckers Anno 1561. the said Master Anthony Ienkinson went Agent into Russia who the next yeere after passing all the riuer of Volga to Astracan and ouer the Caspian sea arriued in Persia and opened the trade thither Also betweene the yeeres of 1568. and 1573. sundry voyages after Master Ienkinsons were made by Thomas Alcock Arthur Edwards Master Thomas Bannister and Master Geffrey Ducket whose returne if spoyle neere Volga had not preuented by rouing theeues had altogether salued and recouered the companies called the olde companies great losse charges and damages but the saying is trueâ By vnitie small things grow great by contention great things become small This may be vnderstood best by the company The frowardnesse of some few and euill doing of some vniust factors was cause of much of the euill successe Arthur Edwards was sent againe 1579. and died in the voyage at Astracan About which matters are to be remembred the voyages of Master Thomas Randolph Esquire Ambassador anno 1567. And late of Sir Ierome Bowes anno 1583. both tending and treating for further discoueries freedomes and priuileges wherewith I meddle not But in conclusion for their paines and aduentures this way as diuers do now adayes other wayes as worthy Gentlemen sent from princes to doe their countrey good I put them in your memorie with my hearty farewell From S. Magarets neere Dartforth in Kent Yours Henry Lane The most solemne and magnificent coronation of Pheodor Iuanowich Emperour of Russia c. the tenth of Iune in the yeere 1584. seene and obserued by Master Ierom Horsey gentleman and seruant to her Maiesty a man of great trauell and long experience in those parts wherwith is also ioyned the course of his iourney ouer land from Mosco to Emden WHen the old Emperour Iuan Vasiliwich died being about the eighteenth of Aprill 1584. after our computation in the citie of Mosco hauing raigned 54. yeeres there was some tumult annd vprore among some of the nobilitie and cominaltie which notwithstanding was quickly pacified Immediately the same night the Prince Boris Pheodorowich Godonoua Knez Iuan Pheodorowich Mesthis Slafsky Knez Iuan Petrowich Susky Mekita Romanowich Bodan Iacoulewich Belskoy being all noble men and chiefest in the Emperors Will especially the Lord Boris whom he adopted as his third sonne was brother to the Empresse who was a maÌ very wel liked of al estates as no lesse worthy for his valure wisedome all these were appointed to dispose settle his sonne Pheodor Iuanowich hauing one sworne another and all the nobilitie and officers whosoeuer In the morning y e dead Emperor was layd into the Church of Michael the Archangel into a hewen sepulcre very richly decked with vestures fit for such a purpose and present Proclamation was made Emperor Pheodor Iuanowich of all Ruâsia c. Throughout all the citie of Mosco was great watch and ward with souldiers and gunners good orders established and officers placed to subdue the tumulters and mainteine quietnes to see what speede and policie was in this case vsed was a thing worth the beholding This being done in Mosco great men of birth and accompt were also presently sent to the bordering Townes as Smolensko Vobsko Kasan Nouogorod c. with fresh garrison and the old sent vp As vpon the 4. of May a parliament was held wherein were assembled the Metropolitane Archbishops Bishops Priors and chiefe clergie men and all the nobility whatsoeuer where many matters were determined not pertinent to my purpose yet all tended to a new reformation in the gouernmentâ but especially the terme and time was agreed vpon for the solemnizing of the new Emperors coronation In the meane time y e Empresse wife to the old Emperor was with her child the Emperors sonne Charlewich Demetrie Iuanowich of one yeres age or there abouts sent with her father Pheodor Pheodorowich Nagay that kindred being 5. Brothers to a towne called Ouglets which was giuen vnto her and the young Prince her sonne with all the lands belonging to it in the shire with officers of all sortes appointed hauing allowance of apparell iewels diet horse c. in ample maner belonging to the estate of a princesse The time of mourning after their vse being expired called Sorachyn or fortie orderlie dayes the day of the solemnizing of this coronation with great preparations was come being vpon the 10. day of Iune 1584. and that day then Sunday he being of the age of 25. yeeres at which time Master Ierom Horsey was orderly sent for and placed in a fit roome to
death or other misfortunes of this life or no. So that it seemeth they haue euer or long time bene of that minde to value things no further then by the vse and necessitie for which they serue For person and complexion they haue broade and flatte visages of a tanned colour into yellowe and blacke fierce and cruell lookes thinne haired vpon the vpper lippe and pitte of the thinne light and nimble bodied with short legges as if they were made naturally for horsemen whereto they practise themselues from their childhood seldome going afoot about anie businesse Their speech is verie sudden and loude speaking as it were out of a deepe hollowe throate When they sing you woulde thinke a kowe lowed or some great bandogge howled Their greatest exercise is shooting wherein they traine vp their children from their verie infancie not suffering them to eate till they haue shot neere the marke within a certaine scantling They are the very same that sometimes were called Scythae Nomades or the Scythian shepheards by the Greekes and Latines Some thinke that the Turks took their beginning from the nation of the Crim Tartars Of which opinion is Laonicus Calcocondylas the Greek Historiographer in his first booke of his Turkish storie Wherein hee followeth diuers verie probable coniectures The first taken from the verie name it selfe for that the worde Turk signifieth a Shepheard or one that followeth a vagarant and wilde kinde of life By which name these Scythian Tartars haue euer beene noted being called by the Greekes ãâ¦ã or the Scythian shepheards His second reason because the Turkes in his time that dwelt in Asia the lesse to wit is Lydia Caria Phrygia and Cappadocia spake the very same language that these Tartars did that dwelt betwixt the riuer Tanais or Don and the countrey of Sarmatia which as is well knowen are these Tartars called Crims At this time also the whole nation of the Turkes differ not much in their common speech from the Tartar language Thirdly because the Turke and the Crim Tartar agree so well together as well in religion as in matter of traffique neuer inuading or inurying one another saue that the Turke since Laonicus his time hath encroched vpon some Townes vpon the Euxin Sea that before perteined to the Crim Tartar Fourthly because Ortogules sonne to Oguzalpes and father to Otoman the first of name of the Turkish nation made his first roads out of those parts of Asia vpon the next borderers till hee came towardes the countreys about the hill Taurus where hee ouercame the Greekes that inhabited there and so enlarged the name and territorie of the Turkish nation till hee came to Eubaea and Attica and other partes of Greece This is the opinion of Laonicus who liued among the Turkes in the time of Amurat the sixt Turkish Emperour about the yeere 1400. when the memorie of their originall was more fresh and therefore the likelier hee was to hit the trueth There are diuers other Tartars that border vpon Russia as the Nagayes the Cheremissens the Mordwites the Chircasses and the Shalcans which all differ in name more then in regiment or other condition from the Crim Tartar except the Chircasses that border Southwest towardes Lituania and are farre more ciuill then the rest of the Tartars of a comely person and of a stately behauiour as applying themselues to the fashion of the Polonian Some of them haue subiected themselues to the Kings of Poland and professe Christianitie The Nagay lieth Eastwarde and is reckoned for the best man of warre among all the Tartars but verie sauage and cruell aboue all the rest The Cheremessen Tartar that lieth betwixt the Russe and the Nagay are of two sorts the Lugauoy that is of the valley and the Nagornay or of the hilly countrey These haue much troubled the Emperours of Russia And therefore they are content now to buy peace of theÌ vnder pretence of giuing a yeerely pension of Russe commodities to their Morseys or Diuoymorseis that are chiefe of their tribes For which also they are bound to serue them in their wars vnder certaine conditions They are said to be iust and true in their dealings and for that cause they hate the Russe people whom they account to be double and false in al their dealing And therefore the common sort are very vnwilling to keepe agreement with them but that they are kept in by their Morseis or Dukes for their pensions sake The most rude barbarous is counted the Mordwit Tartar that hath many selfe-fashions and strange kinds of behauiour differing from the rest For his religion though he acknowledge one God yet his maner is to worship for God that liuing thing y t he first meeteth in the morning to sweare by it all that whole day whether it be horse dog cat or whatsoeuer els it bee When his friend dieth he killeth his best horse and hauing flayed off the skinne hee carieth it on high vpon a long pole before the corpes to the place of buriall This hee doeth as the Russe saieth that his friend may haue a good horse to carie him in heauen but it is likelier to declare his loue towards his dead friend in that he will haue to die with him the best thing that he hath Next to the kingdome of Astracan that is the farthest part Southeastward of the Russe dominion lyeth the Shalcan and the countrey of Media whither the Russe marchants trade for rawe silkes syndon saphion skinnes and other commodities The chiefe Townes of Media where the Russe tradeth are Derbent built by Alexander the great as the inhabitants say and Zamachi where the staple is kept for rawe silkes Their maner is in the âpring time to reuiue the silke-wormes that lie dead all the Winter by laying them in the warme sunne and to hasten their quickening that they may sooner goe to worke to put them into bags and so to hang them vnder their childrens armes As for the woorme called Chrinisin as wee call it Chrymson that maketh coloured silke it is bred not in Media but in Assyria This trade to Derbent and Samachi for rawe silkes and other commodities of that Countrey as also into Persia and Bougharia downe the riuer of Volga and through the Caspian sea is permitted aswell to the English as to the Russe merchants by the Emperours last grant at my being there Which he accounteth for a very speciall fauour and might proue indeede very beneficiall to our English merchants if the trade were wel and orderly vsed The whole nation of the Tartars are vtterly voide of all learning and without written Law yet certaine rules they haue which they hold by tradition common to all the Hoords for the practise of their life Which are of this sort First To obey their Emperour and other Magistrates whatsoeuer they commaund about the publike seruice 2 Except for the publike behoofe euery man to be free and out of controlment
of Norway called Stad lying betweene the townes of Nidrosia or Trondon and Bergen as we finde in the ancient records of these nations The second section In this Iland at the Summer solstiâiuâ the Sun passing thorow the signe of Cancer there is no night and therefore at the Winter solstitium there is no day Also Vadianus But in that Iland which farre within the arctic circle is seated in the maine Ocean at this day called Island and next vnto the lands of the frozen sea which they call Engâontland there be many moneths in the yere without nights AT the solstitium of winter that there is no day that is to say no time wherein the Sunne is seene aboue the horizon we confesse to be true onely in that angle of Island if there be any such angle where the pole is eleuated full 67 degrees But at Holen which is the bishops seat for the North part of Island and lieth in a most deepe valley the latitude is about 65 degrees and 44 minutes as I am enformed by the reuerend father Gudbrand bishop of that place aâd yet there the shortest day in all the yere is at least two houres long and in South-Island longer as it appeareth by the tables of Mathematicians Heerehence it is manifest first that Island is not situate beyond the arctic circle secondly that in Island there are not wanting in Summer solstitium many nights nor in Winter solstitium many dayes The third section It is named of the ice which continually cleaueth vnto the North part thereof Another writeth From the West part of Norway there lieth an Iland which is named of the ice enuironed with an huge sea and being a countrey of ancient habitation c. Zâeglerus This is Thyle whereof most of the ancient writers haue made mention IT is named of ice c. Island hath beene called by three names one after another For one Naddocus a Noruagian borne who is thoughâ to be the first Discouerer of the same as he was sailing towards the Faar-Ilands through a violent tempest did by chance arriue at the East shore of Island where staying with his whole company certaine weeks he beheld abundance of snow couering the tops of the mountaines and thereupon in regard of the snow called this Iland Sneland After him one Gardarus being mooued thereunto by the report which Naddocus gaue out concerning Island went to seeke the sayd Iland who when he had found it called it after his owne name Gardars-holme that is to say Gardars Isle There were more also desirous to visit this new land For after the two former a certaine third Noruagian called Flok went into Island and named it of the ice wherewith he saw it enuironed Of ancient habitation c. I gather not this opinion out of these wordes of Saxo as some men do that Island hath bene inhabited from the beginning or to speake in one word that the people of Island were autochthones that is earth-bred or bred out of their owne soile like vnto trees and herbs sithens it is euident that this Iland scarse began to be inhabited no longer agoe then about 718 yeres since This is Thyle c. Grammarians wrangle about this name and as yet the controuersie is not decided Which notwithstanding I thinke might easily grow to composition if men would vnderstand that this Iland was first inhabited about the yeere of our Lord 874. Unlesse some man will say that Thule King of Aegypt who as it is thought gaue this name thereunto passed so farre vnto an Iland which was at that time vntilled and destitute of inhabitants Againe if any man will denie this he may for all me that it may seeme to be but a dreame while they are distracted into so many contrary opinions One affirmes that it is Island another that it is a certeine Iland where trees beare fruit twise in a yeere the third that it is one of the Orcades or the last Iland of the Scotish dominion as Iohannes Myritius and others calling it by the name of Thylensey which Virgil also seemeth to haue meant by his vltima Thyle If beyond the Britans by which name the English men and Scots onely at this day are called he imagined none other nation to inhabit Which is euident out of that verse of Virgil in his first Eclogue And Britans whole from all the world diuided The fourth writeth that it is one of of the Faar-Ilands the fist that it is Telemark in Norway the sixt that it is Schrichfinnia Which continually cleaueth to the North part of the Iland That clâuse that ice continually cleaueth c. or as Munster affirmeth a little after that it cleaueth for the space of eight whole moneths are neither of them both true when as for the most part the ice is thawed in the moneth of April or May and is driuen towards the West neither doth it returne before Ianuarie or Februarie nay often times it commeth later What if a man should recken vp many yeeres wherein ice the sharpe scourge of this our nation hath not at all bene seene about Island which was found to be true this present yeere 1592. Heereupon it is manifest how truely Frisius hath written that nauigation to this Iland lieth open onely for foure moneths in a yeere and no longer by reason of the ice and colde whereby the passage is shut vp when as English ships euery yere sometimes in March sometimes in April and some of them in May the Germans and Danes in May and Iune doe vsually returne vnto vs and some of them depart not againe from hence till August But the last yere being 1591 there lay a certeine shippe of Germanie laden with Copper within the hauen of Vopnasiord in the coast of Island about fourteene dayes in the moneth of Nouember which time being expired she fortunately set saile Wherefore seeing that ice neither continually nor yet eight moneths cleaueth vnto Island Munster and Frisius are much deceiued The fourth section The Iland is so great that it conteineth many people Item Zieglerus sayth The situation of the Iland is extended betweene the South and the North almost 200 leagues in length SO great c. One Wilstenius schoolemaster of Oldenburg in the yere 1591 sent vnto mine Uncle in West-Island a short treatise which he had gathered out of the fragments of sundrie writers concerning Island Where we found thus written Island is twise as great as Sicilie c. But Sicilie according to Munster hath 150 Germaine miles in compasse As for the circuit of our Iland although it be not exactly knowen vnto vs yet the ancient constant and receiued opinion of the inhabitants accounteth it 144 leagues namely by the 12 promontories of Island which are commonly knowen being distant one from another 12 leagues or thereabout which two numbers being multiplied produce the whole summe Many people c. One Gysserus about
neighbours as they doe in time of yeere prouide all things necessary for housholde so especially those things which belong to fires and bathes notwithstanding there be certaine among them of the basest sort of people who because they want those things at home and are not able to prouide them from other places are constrained to vse straw for the dressing of their meat But when the sharpe rigor of snowy Winter commeth on these poore people be take them to their ore stalles there setting vp sheds doing their necessary businesse in the day time when they are not able to make fires they borrow heat from their oxen as it hath beene reported to mee by others And so they onely being verie fewe in number doe not willingly enioye but are constrayned to vse the same common house with their oxen But for their liuelihoode and state it is farre otherwise with them then with their oxen of which thing I haue entreated before This is the lot pouertie of certaine men in those pettie parishes the condition whereof is therefore made a common by-worde of the people amongst vs though somewhat iniuriously Where I would willingly demaund with what honestie men can impute that vnto the whole nation which is hard and skantly true of these fewe poore men I am wearie to stay any longer in this matter onely because I haue to doe with Diuines let that of Salomon suffice Prouerbs 17. verse 5. Hee that mocketh the poore reprocheth him that made him And in very deede becauseâ this our nation is nowe and heretofore hath beene poore and needie and as it were a begger amongest many rich men it hath susteined so many taunts and scoffes of strangers But let them take heede whom they vpbraide Uerely if there were nothing else common vnto vs with them yet we both consist of the same elements and haue all one father and God The fourth section They leade their liues in holy simplicitie not seeking any more then nature doeth afforde A happie Nation whose pouertie no man doth enuie But the English and Danish merchants suffer not the nation to be at rest who frequenting that countrey to transport fishing haue conueighed thither our vices together with their manifolde wares For nowe they haue learned to brew their water with corne and beginne to despise and loath the drinking of faire water Now they couet golde and siluer like vnto our men SImplicitie c. I am exceedingly glad that the commendation of holy simplicitie is giuen vnto vs. But it grieueth vs that there is found so great a decay of iustice and good lawes and so great want of gouernement amongst vs which is the cause of many thousande haynous offences which all honest and godly men doe continually bewayle This inconuenience doth not happen through the negligence of the highest Magistrate that is of our most gracious King but rather by our owne fault who doe not present these thinges vnto his Maiestie which are disorderly committed without his knowledge and which are wanting in the inferiour Magistrate Merchants Moreouer Merchants not onely of England and Denmarke but especially of Germanie as at this time so heretofore frequenting our countrey not to transport fishing but fishes taught not Islanders the arte of brewing corne with water For y e Norvagians themselues the first to our knowledge that inhabited this Iland froÌ whom y â Islanders are lineally descended brought with them out of Norway that arte as also golde and siluer coine so that in old time there was no lesse vse of siluer and golde with vs then there is at this day And it is certaine that before the often nauigations of Danes Germans and English men vnto vs our land was much more fertile then nowe it is feeling the inconueniences of the ages and decayed worlde both from heauen and earth and brought foorth in certaine choyse places corne in abundance The fift section The King of Denmarke and Norway sendeth euery yeere a Lieutenant into the Countrey IN the yeere of our Lord eight hundred fortie and sixe Harald Harfagre which is to say golden haires or faire clockes was borne Who afterward in the yeere eight hundred fiftie and eight being chosen king of Norway when he was growen to age and full strength chaunged the forme of the Noruagian gouernment For whereas before it was deuided into pettie Prouinces which they called Fylki and the pettie kings that gouerned them Fylkis konga he reduced it by force of armes vnto a Monarchie But when some inhabitants of the countrie being mightie and descended of good parentages could not well brooke this hard dealing they chose rather to be banished their countrey then not to shake off the yoke of tyranny Whereupon they in the yeere aboue named eight hundred seuentie and foure transported colonies into Isâand being before discouered by some men and found out but vnpeopled as yet And so being the first founders of our nation they called themselues Islanders which name their posteritie reâeineth vnto this day And therefore the Islanders liued a long time namely three hundred eightie and sixe yeeres more or lesse acknowledging no submission to any other Nation And although Haquinus that crowned King of Norway who reigned longest of any Noruagian king namely aboue sixtie sixe yeares did oftentimes attempt by Ambassadours to make the Islanders become tributaries vnto him notwithstanding at all times they constantly withstoode him till at length about the yeere of our Lord 1260â they performed homage vnto him And afterward continued alwayes in their promised loyaltie being subiects to the king of Norway But now at this day since the Empire of the Noruagians was translated by Margaret Queene of Denmarke Suedeland and Norway vnto the Danes they doe honour as their soueraigne Lord and King the most gracious king of Denmarke The sixt section All things are common among them except their wiues HEre Krantzius in the first place beginneth with such agybe There be many notable things in their manners c. Moreouer your wit being too hastie in affirming things vnknowen doth here also deminish your credite The experience as well of all things as of persons and times proueth your ouer greedie desire of noueltie of fame and vaine-glorie and argueth your great negligence in maintaining the truth O worthy writers But whether the aforesayde things bee true or no wee call the lawes of our Countrey to witnesse which the Islanders from the beginning haue vsed all one with the Norwayes of the King and his subiects of the seate of iustice and of law-cases which come to be decided there of inheritances of adoptions marriages theft extortions lending bargaines and the rest all which to what purpose should they be enioyned vnto them with whom all things are common We call to witnesse so many broyles and contentions in our courts and places of iudgement in Island concerning goods mooueable and immooueable we call to witnesse our kings now of
it be some fewe relations Moreouer as touching Gronland we holde this from the opinion of our auncestours that from the extreeme part of Norway which is called Biarmlandia and from whence the saide Gronland is not farre distant it fetcheth about the Northren coast of Island with an huge circuit in maner of an halfe Moone Our Chronicles likewise doe testifie that our owne countreymen in times past resorted thither for traffique and also that the very same countrey of Gronland had certaine Bishops in the dayes of Poperie More then this we cannot auouch But now it is reported that your Englishmen whom I may almost call the lordes of the Ocean sea make yeerely voyages vnto Gronland concerning which matter if you please to giue me further aduertisement you shall doe me an especial fauour Moreouer whatsoeuer newes you heare concerning the affaires of England or of other Countreys thereabout I pray you make vs acquainted therewith Thus reuerend six wishing you long life for the seruice of God for the increase of learning and the benefit of the people committed to your charge I bid you farewel From Island vpon the feast of the visitation of the blessed Uirgine Mary Anno Dom. 1595. Yours Gudbrandus Thorlacius Bishop of Hola in Island The miraculous victory atchieued by the English Fleete vnder the discreet and happy conduct of the right honourable right prudent and valiant lord the L. Charles Howard L. high Admirall of England c. Vpon the Spanish huge Armada sent in the yeere 1588. for the inuasion of England together with the wofull and miserable successe of the said Armada afterward vpon the coasts of Norway of the Scottish Westerne Isles of Ireland of Spaine of France and of England c. Recorded in Latine by Emanuel van Meteran in the 15. booke of his history of the low Countreys HAuing in part declared the strange and wonderfull euents of the yeere eightie eight which hath bene so long time foretold by ancient prophesies we will now make relation of the most notable and great enterprise of all others which were in the foresaid yeere atchieued in order as it was done Which exploit although in very deed it was not performed in any part of the low Countreys was intended for their ruine and destruction And it was the expedition which the Spanish king hauing a long time determined the same in his minde and hauing consulted thereabout with the Pope set foorth and vndertooke against England and the low Countreys To the end that he might subdue the Realme of England and reduce it vnto his catholique Religion and by that meanes might be sufficiently reuenged for the disgrace contempt and dishonour which hee hauing 34. yeeres before enforced them to the Popes obedience had endured of the English nation and for diuers other iniuries which had taken deepe impression in his thoughts And also for that hee deemed this to bee the most readie and direct course whereby hee might recouer his heredetarie possession of the lowe Countreys hauing restrained the inhabitants from sayling vpon the coast of England Which verily vpon most weighty arguments and euident reasons was thought would vndoubtly haue come to passe considering the great aboundance and store of all things necessary wherewith those men were furnished which had the managing of that action committed vnto them But now let vs describe the matter more particularly The Spanish King hauing with small fruite and commoditie for aboue twentie yeeres together waged warre against the Netherlanders after deliberation with his counsellers thereabout thought it most conuenient to assault them once againe by Sea which had bene attempted sundry times heretofore but not with forces sufficient Unto the which expedition it stoode him nowe in hand to ioyne great puissance as hauing the English people his professed enemies whose Island is so situate that it may either greatly helpe or hinder all such as saile into those parts For which cause hee thought good first of all to inuade England being perswaded by his Secretary Escouedo and by diuers other well experienced Spaniards and Dutchmen and by many English fugitiues that the conquest of that Iland was lesse difficult then the conquest of Holland and Zeland Moreouer the Spaniards were of opinion that it would bee farre more behoueful for their King to conquere England and the lowe Countreys all at once then to be constrained continually to maintaine a warlike Nauie to defend his East and West Indie Fleetes from the English Drake and from such like valiant enemies And for the same purpose the king Catholique had giuen commandement long before in Italy and Spaine that a great quantitie of timber should be felled for the building of shippes and had besides made great preparation of things and furniture requisite for such an expedition as namely in founding of brasen Ordinance in storing vp of corne and victuals in trayning of men to vse warlike weapons in leauying and mustering of souldiers insomuch that about the beginning of the yeere 1588. he had finished such a mightie Nauie and brought it into Lisbon hauen as neuer the like had before that time sailed vpon the Ocean sea A very large and particular description of this Nauie was put in print and published by the Spaniards wherein were set downe the number names and burthens of the shippes the number of Mariners and souldiers throughout the whole Fleete likewise the quantitie of their Ordinance of their armour of bullets of match of gun-poulder of victuals and of all their Nauall furniture was in the saide description particularized Unto all these were added the names of the Gouernours Captaines Noblemen and gentlemen voluntaries of whom there was so great a multitude that searce was there any family of accompt or any one principall man throughout all Spaine that had not a brother sonne or kinseman in that Fleete who all of them were in good hope to purchase vnto themselues in that Nauie as they termed it inuincible endlesse glory and renowne and to possesse themselues of great Seigniories and riches in England and in the lowe Countreys But because the said description was translated and published out of Spanish into diuers other languages we will here onely make an abridgemeut or briefe rehearsall thereof Portugal furnished and set foorth vnder the conduct of the duke of Medina Sidonia generall of the Fleete ten Galeons two Zabraes 1300. Mariners 3300. souldiers 300. great pieces with all requisite furniture Biscay vnder the conduct of Iohn Martines de Ricalde Admiral of the whole Fleete set forth tenne Galeons 4. Pataches 700. mariners 2000. souldiers 250. great pieces c. Guipusco vnder the conduct of Michael de Oquendo tenne Galeons 4. Pataches 700. mariners 2000. souldiers 310. great pieces Italy with the Leuant Islands vnder Martine de Vertendona 10. Galeons 800. mariners 2000. souldiers 310. great pieces c. Castile vnder Diego Flores de Valdez 14. Galeons two Pataches 1700. mariners 2400. souldiers and 380. great pieces
that God miraculously preserued the English nation For the L. Admirall wrote vnto her Maiestie that in all humane reason and according to the iudgement of all men euery circumstance being duly considered the English men were not of any such force whereby they might without a miracle dare once to approch within sight of the Spanish Fleet insomuch that they freely ascribed all the honour of their victory vnto God who had confounded the enemy and had brought his counsels to none effect The same day the Spanish ships were so battered with English shot that that very night and the day following two or three of them suncke right downe and among the rest a certaine great ship of Biscay which Captaine Crosse assaulted which perished euen in the time of the conflict so that very few therein escaped drowning who reported that the gouernours of the same shippe slew one another vpon the occasion following one of them which would haue yeelded the shippe was suddenly slaine the brother of the slaine party in reuenge of his death slew the murtherer and in the meane while the ship suncke The same night two Portugall galeons of the burthen of seuen or eight hundreth tunnes a piece to wit the Saint Philip and the Saint Matthew were forsaken of the Spanish Fleet for they were so torne with shotte that the water entered into them on all sides In the galeon of Saint Philip was Francis de Toledo brother vnto the Count de Orgas being Colonell ouer two and thirty bands besides other gentlemen who seeing their mast broken with shotte they shaped their course aswell as they could for the coast of Flanders whither when they could not attaine the principall men in the ship committing themselues to their skiffe arriued at the next towne which was Ostend and the ship it selfe being left behinde with the residue of their company was taken by the Ulishingers In the other galeon called the S. Matthew was embarked Don Diego Pimentelli another camp-master and colonell of 32 bands being brother vnto the marques of Tamnares with many other gentlemen and captaines Their ship was not very great but exceeding strong for of a great number of bullets which had batterd her there were scarse 20 wherewith she was pierced or hurt her vpper worke was of force sufficient to beare off a musket shot this shippe was shot thorow and pierced in the fight before Greueling insomuch that the leakage of the water could not be stopped whereupon the duke of Medina sent his great skiffe vnto the gouernour thereof that he might saue himselfe and the principal persons that were in his ship which he vpon a hault courage refused to do wherefore the Duke charged him to saile next vnto himselfe which the night following he could not performe by reason of the great abundance of water which entered his ship on all sides for the auoiding wherof and to saue his ship from sincking he caused 50 men continually to labor at the pumpe though it were to small purpose And seeing himselfe thus forsaken separated from his admirall he endeuored what he could to attaine vnto the coast of Flanders where being espied by 4 or 5 men of warre which had their station assigned them vpon the same coast he was admonished to yeeld himselfe vnto them Which he refusing to do was strongly assaulted by them altogether and his ship being pierced with many bullets was brought into farre worse case then before and 40 of his souldiers were slaine By which extremity he was enforced at length to yeeld himselfe vnto Peter Banderduess other captaines which brought him and his ship into Zeland and that other ship also last before mentioned which both of them immediatly after the greater and better part of their goods were vnladen suncke right downe For the memory of this exploit the foresayd captaine Banderduess caused the banner of one of these shippes to be set vp in the great Church of Leiden in Holland which is of so great a length that being fastened to the very roofe it reached downe to the ground About the same time another small ship being by necessity driuen vpon the coast of Flanders about Blankenberg was cast away vpon the sands the people therein being saued Thus almighty God would haue the Spaniards huge ships to be presented not onely to the view of the English but also of the Zelanders that at the sight of them they might acknowledge of what small ability they had beene to resist such impregnable forces had not God endued them with courage prouidence and fortitude yea and fought for them in many places with his owne arme The 29 of Iuly the Spanish fleet being encountered by the English as is aforesayd and lying close together vnder their fighting sailes with a Southwest winde sailed past Dunkerk the English ships stil following the chase Of whom the day following when the Spaniards had got sea roome they cut their maine sailes whereby they sufficiently declared that they meant no longer to fight but to flie For which cause the L. Admirall of England dispatched the L. Henrie Seymer with his squadron of small ships vnto the coast of Flanders where with the helpe of the Dutch ships he might stop the prince of Parma his passage if perhaps he should attempt to issue forth with his army And he himselfe in the meane space pursued the Spanish fleet vntill the second of August because he thought they had set saile for Scotland And albeit he followed them very neere yet did he not assault them any more for want of powder and bullets But vpon the fourth of August the winde arising when as the Spaniards had spread all their sailes betaking themselues wholly to flight and leauing Scotland on the left hand trended toward Norway whereby they sufficiently declared that their whole intent was to saue themselues by flight attempting for that purpose with their battered and crazed ships the most dangerous nauigation of the Northren seas the English seeing that they were now proceeded vnto the latitude of 57 degrees and being vnwilling to participate that danger whereinto the Spaniards plunged themselues and because they wanted things necessary and especially powder shot returned backe for England leauing behinde them certaine pinasses onely which they enioyned to follow the Spaniards aloofe and to obserue their course And so it came to passe that the fourth of August with great danger and industry the English arriued at Harwich for they had bene tossed vp and downe with a mighty tempest for the space of two or three dayes together which it is likely did great hurt vnto the Spanish fleet being as I sayd before so maimed and battered The English now going on shore prouided themselues foorthwith of victuals gunne-powder and other things expedient that they might be ready at all assayes to entertaine the Spanish fleet if it chanced any more to returne But being afterward more certainely informed of the Spaniards course
coine of Siluer and brasse to be stamped which on the one side contained the armes of Zeland with this inscription GLORY TO GOD ONELY and on the other side the pictures of certeine great ships with these words THE SPANISH FLEET and in the circumference about the ships IT CAME WENT AND WAS. Anno 1588. That is to say the Spanish fleet came went and was vanquished this yere for which glory be giuen to God onely Likewise they coined another kinde of money vpon the one side whereof was represented a ship fleeing and a ship sincking on the other side foure men making prayers and giuing thanks vnto God vpon their knees with this sentence Man purposeth God disposeth 1588. Also for the lasting memory of the same matter they haue stamped in Holland diuers such like coines according to the custome of the ancient Romans While this woonderfull and puissant Nauie was sayling along the English coastes and all men did now plainely see and heare that which before they would not be perswaded of all people thorowout England prostrated themselues with humble prayers and supplications vnto God but especially the outlandish Churches who had greatest cause to feare and against whom by name the Spaniards had threatened most grieuous torments enioyned to their people continuall fastings and supplications that they might turne away Gods wrath and fury now imminent vpon them for their sinnes knowing right well that prayer was the onely refuge against all enemies calamities and necessities and that it was the onely solace and reliefe for mankinde being visited with affliction and misery Likewise such solemne dayes of supplication were obserued thorowout the vnited Prouinces Also a while after the Spanish Fleet was departed there was in England by the commandement of her Maiestie and in the vnited Prouinces by the direction of the States a solemne festiuall day publikely appointed wherein all persons were enioyned to resort vnto the Church and there to render thanks and praises vnto God and the Preachers were commanded to exhort the people thereunto The foresayd solemnity was obserued vpon the 29 of Nouember which day was wholly spent in fasting prayer and giuing of thanks Likewise the Queenes Maiestie herselfe imitating the ancient Romans rode into London in triumph in regard of her owne and her subiects glorious deliuerance For being attended vpon very soleââely by all the principall estates and officers of her Realme she was carried thorow her sayd City of London in a tryumphant chariot and in robes of triumph from her Palace vnto the Cathedrall Church of Saint Paul out of the which the ensignes and colours of the vanquished Spaniards hung displayed And all the Citizens of London in their Liâeries stood on either side the street by their seuerall Companies with their ensignes and banners and the streets were hanged on both sides with Blew cloth which together with the foresayd banners yeelded a very stately and gallant prospect Her Maiestie being entered into the Church together with her Clergie and Nobles gaue thanks vnto God and caused a publike Sermon to be preached before her at Pauls crosse wherein none other argument was handled but that praise honour and glory might be rendered vnto God and that Gods name might be extolled by thanksgiuing And with her owne princely voice she most Christianly exhorted the people to doe the same whereupon the people with a loud acclamation wished her a most long and happy life to the confusion of her foes Thus the magnificent huge and mighty fleet of the Spaniards which themselues termed in all places inuincible such as sayled not vpon the Ocean sea many hundreth yeeres before in the yeere 1588 vanished into smoake to the great confusion and discouragement of the authours thereof In regard of which her Maiesties happy successe all her neighbours and friends congratulated with her and many verses were penned to the honour of her Maiesty by learned men whereof some which came to our hands we will here annexe AD SERENISSIMAM ELIZABETHAM ANGLIAE REGINAM THEODOR BEZA STrauerat innumeris Hispanus nauibus aequor Regnis iuncturus sceptra Britanna suis. Tanti huius rogitas quae motus causa superbos Impulit Ambitio vexit Auaritia Quà m bene te ambitio mersit vanissima ventus Et tumidos tumidae vos superastis a quae Quà m bene totius raptores orbis auaros Hausit in exhausti iusta vorago maris At tu cui venti cui totum militat aequor Regina ô munditotius vna decus Sic regnare Deo perge ambitione remota Prodiga sic opibus perge iuuare pios Vt te Angli longùm longùm Anglis ipsa fruaris Quà m dilecta bonis tam metuenda malis The same in English THe Spanish Fleet did flote in narrow Seas And bend her ships against the English shore With so great rage as nothing could appease And with such strength as neuer seene before And all to ioyne the kingdome of that land Unto the kingdomes that he had in hand Now if you aske what set this king on fire To practise warre when he of peace did treat It was his Pride and neuer quencht desire To spoile that Islands wealth by peace made great His Pride which farre aboue the heauens did swell And his desire as vnsuffic'd as hell But well haue windes his proud blasts ouerblowen And swelling waues alayd his swelling heart Well hath the Sea with greedie gulfs vnknowen Deuoured the deuourer to his smart And made his ships a pray vnto the sand That meant to pray vpon anothers land And now O Queene aboue all others bless For whom both windes and waues are prest to fight So rule your owne so succour friends opprest As farre from pride as ready to do right That England you you England long enioy No lesse your friends delight then foes annoy THE SECOND VOLVME OF THE PRINCIPAL NAVIGATIONS VOYAGES TRAFfiques and Discoueries of the English Nation made by Sea or ouer-land to the South and South-east parts of the World at any time within the compasse of these 1600. yeres Diuided into two seuerall parts Whereof the first containeth the personall trauels c. of the English through and within the Streight of Gibraltar to Alger Tunis and Tripolis in Barbary to Alexandria and Cairo in AEgypt to the Isles of Sicilia Zante Candia Rhodus Cyprus and Chio to the Citie of Constantinople to diuers parts of Asia minor to Syria and Armenia to Ierusalem and other places in Indaea As also to Arabia downe the Riuer of Euphrates to Babylon and Balsara and so through the Persian gulph to Ormuz Chaul Goa and to many Islands adioyning vpon the South parts of Asia And likewise from Goa to Cambaia and to all the dominions of Zelabdim Echebar the great Mogor to the mighty Riuer of Ganges to Bengala Aracan Bacola and Chonderi to Pegu to Iamahai in the kingdome of Siam and almost to the very frontiers of China The second comprehendeth the Voyages Trafficks c. of
the English Nation made without the Streight of Gibraltar to the Islands of the Açores of Porto Santo Madera and the Canaries to the kingdomes of Barbary to the Isles of Capo Verde to the Riuers of Senega Gambra Madrabumba and Sierra Leona to the coast of Guinea and Benin to the Isles of S. Thomé and Santa Helena to the parts about the Cape of Buona Esperanza to Quitangone neere Mozambique to the Isles of Comoro and Zanzibar to the citie of Goa beyond Cape Comori to the Isles of Nicubar Gomes Polo and Pulo Pinaom to the maine land of Malacca and to the kingdome of Iunsalaon ¶ By RICHARD HACKLVYT Preacher and sometime Student of Christ-Church in Oxford Imprinted at London by George Bishop Ralph Newbery and Robert Barker ANNO 1599. TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE Sir Robert Cecil Knight principall Secretarie to her Maiestie master of the Court of Wardes and Liueries and one of her Maiesties most honourable priuie Counsell RIght honorable hauing newly finished a Treatise of the long Voyages of our Nation made into the Leuant within the Streight of Gibraltar from thence ouer-land to the South and Southeast parts of the world all circumstances considered I found none to whom I thought it fitter to bee presented then to your selfe wherein hauing begun at the highest Antiquities of this realme vnder the gouernment of the Romans next vnder the Saxons and thirdly since the conquest vnder the Normans I haue continued the histories vnto these our dayes The time of the Romans affoordeth small matter But after that they were called hence by âorren inuasions of their Empire and the Saxons by degrees became lords in this Iland and shortly after receiued the Christian faith they did not onely trauell to Rome but passed further vnto Ierusalem and therewith not contented Sigelmus bishop of Shireburne in Dorcetshire caried the almes of king Alfred euen to the Sepulcher of S. Thomas in India which place at this day is called Maliapor and brought from thence most fragrant spices and rich iewels into England which iewels as William of Malmesburie in two sundry treatises writeth were remaining in the aforesayd Cathedrall Church to be seene euen in his time And this most memorable voyage into India is not onely mentioned by the aforesayd Malmesburie but also by Florentius Wigorniensis a graue and woorthy Author which liued before him and by many others since and euen by M. Foxe in his first volume of his Acts and Monuments in the life of king Alfred To omit diuers other of the Saxon nation the trauels of Alured bishop of Worcester through Hungarie to Constantinople and so by Asia the lesse into Phoenicia and Syria and the like course of Ingulphus not long afterward Abbot of Croiland set downe particularly by himselfe are things in mine opinion right worthy of memorie After the comming in of the Normans in the yeere 1096 in the reigne of William Rufus and so downward for the space of aboue 300 yeeres such was the ardent desire of our nation to visite the Holy land and to expell the Saracens and Mahumetans that not only great numbers of Erles Bishops Barons and Knights but euen Kings Princes and Peeres of the blood Roiall with incredible deuotion courage and alacritie intruded themselues into this glorious expedition A sufficient proofe hereof are the voiages of prince Edgar the nephew of Edmund Ironside of Robert Curtois brother of William Rufus the great beneuolence of king Henry the 2. and his vowe to haue gone in person to the succour of Ierusalem the personall going into Palestina of his sonne king Richard the first with the chiualrie wealth and shipping of this realme the large contribution of king Iohn and the trauels of Oliuer Fitz-Roy his sonne as is supposed with Ranulph Glanuile Erle of Chester to the siege of Damiata in AEgypt the prosperous voyage of Richard Erle of Cornwall elected afterward king of the Romans and brother to Henry the 3 the famous expedition of prince Edward the first king of the Norman race of that name the iourney of Henry Erle of Derbie duke of Hereford and afterward king of this realme by the name of Henry the 4 against the citie of Tunis in Africa and his preparation of ships and gallies to go himselfe into the Holy land if he had not on the sudden bene preuented by death the trauel of Iohn of Holland brother by the mothers side to king Richard the 2 into those parts All these either Kings Kings sonnes or Kings brothers exposed themselues with inuincible courages to the manifest hazard of their persons liues and liuings leauing their ease their countries wiâes and children induced with a Zelous deuotion and ardent desire to protect and dilate the Christian faith These memorable enterprises in part concealed in part scattered and for the most part vnlooked after I haue brought together in the best Method and breuitie that I could deuise Whereunto I haue annexed the losse of Rhodes which although it were originally written in French yet maketh it as honourable and often mention of the English natioÌ as of any other Christians that serued in that most violent siege After which ensueth the princely promise of the bountifull aide of king Henry the 8 to Ferdinando newly elected king of Hungarie against Solyman the mortall enemie of Christendome These and the like Heroicall intents and attempts of our Princes our Nobilitie our Clergie our Chiualry I haue in the first place exposed and set foorth to the view of this age with the same intention that the old Romans set vp in wax in their palaces the Statuas or images of their worthy ancestors whereof Salust in his treatise of the warre of Iugurtha writeth in this maner Saepe audiui ego Quintum maximum Publium Scipionem praeterea ciuitatis nostrae praeclaros viros solitos ita dicere cum maiorum imagines intuerentur vehementissimè animum sibi ad virtutem accendi Scilicet non ceram illam neque figuram tantam vim in sese habere sed memoria rerum gestarum flammam eam egregijs viris in pectore crescere neque prius sedari quà m virtus eorum famam gloriam adaequauerit I haue often heard quoth he how Quintus maximus Publius Scipio and many other worthy men of our citie were woont to say when they beheld the images and portraitures of their ancestors that they were most vehemently inflamed vnto vertue Not that the sayd wax or portraiture had any such force at all in it selfe but that by the remembring of their woorthy actes that flame was kindled in their noble breasts and could neuer be quenched vntill such time as their owne valure had equalled the fame and glory of their progenitors So though not in wax yet in record of writing haue I presented to the noble courages of this English Monarchie the like images of their famous predecessors with hope of like effect in their posteritie And here by the way if any man shall think
the imprisonment of M. Newbery and M. Fitch at Goa and of their escape from thence which happened while himselfe was in Goa 265 70 The money weights measures and customes vsed in Babylon Balsara Ormuz Goa Cochin and Malacca written from Alepo in Syria by M. William Barret Anno 1584. 271 71 The charge of a iourney by land and riuer from Alepo in Syria to Goa in the East India 276 72 A declaration of all the places from whence each particular commoditie of the East Indies commeth 277 73 The times or seasonable windes called Monsons wherein the ships depart from place to place in the East Indies 278 74 A description of the Isle of S. Helena frequented by the Portugales in their returne from the East India 280 75 A Priuiledge granted by Peter Prince of Moldauia to the English merchants Anno 1588. pag. 290 76 A briefe extract specifying the certaine dayly payments answered quarterly in time of peace by the Grand Signor out of his treasury to the officers of his Seraglio or Court successiuely in degrees pag. 290 77 The chiefe officers of the great Turkes Empire the number of souldiers attending vpon each of his Beglerbegs the principal officers in his Seraglio or Court his yeerely reuenues and his allowances to forren Ambassadours 292,293,294 78 The letters of Sinan Bassa chiefe counsellor to Sultan Murad Can the Grand Signor An. 1590 to the sacred Maiestie of Elizabeth Queene of England signifying that vpon her request and for her sake especially he granted peace vnto the king of Poland 294 79 The second letters patents granted by the Queenes Maiestie to the right wor. company of the English merchants for the Leuant in the yere of our Lord 1592. 295 80 A letter written by the most high and mighty Empresse the wife of the Grand Signor Sultan Murad Can to her most sacred Maiesty of England Anno 1594. 311 A briefe Catalogue of the principall English Voyages made without the Straight of Gibraltar to the South and Southeast quarters of the world contayned in the second part of this second volume immediatly following Wherein also mention is made of certaine Sea-fights and other memorable acts performed by the English Nation 1 THe voyage of Macham the first discouerer of the Isle of Madera in the yeere 1344. pag. 1 2 The first voyage to Barbary Anno 1551. pag. 7.8 3 The second voyage to Barbary Anno 1552. pag. 8.9 4 The voyage of M. Thomas Windam to Guinea and the kingdom of Benin Anno 1553. pag. 9 5 The voyage of M. Iohn Lok to Guinea Anno 1554. 14 6 The first voyage of Master William Towrson marchant of London to Guinea in the yeere of our Lord 1555. 23 7 The second voyage of M. William Towrson to Guinea and the castle of Mina An. 1556. 36 8 The third voyage of the sayd M. William Towrson to the coast of Guinea and the riuer of Seâtos Anno 1557. 44 9 A voyage made to Guinea at the charges of Sir William Gerard Sir William Chester c. Anno 1562. 54 10 The successe of another voyage made to Guinea at the direction of the said Sir William Gerard and others Anno 1564. 56 11 The voyage of M. George Fenner to Guinea and to the Isles of Capo Verde An. 1566. 57 12 The voyage and ambassage of Master Edmund Hogan to the Emperour of Marocco Anno 1577. 64 13 The voyage of Thomas Stukeley into Barbary 1578. 67 14 The voyage of Thomas Steuens about the Cape of Buona Esperanza vnto Goa in the East India Anno 1579. 99 15 The memorable voyage of M. Iames Lancaster about the Cape of Buona Esperanza along the Easterne coast of Africa beyond Cape Comori as far as the maine land of Malacca and from thence home againe begun in the yeere 1591. 102 16 The voyage and ambassage of Master Henry Roberts to Mully Hamet Emperour of Marocco Anno 1585. 117 17 The voyage made by two of sir Walter Raleghs Pinasses called The Serpent and The Mary Spark of Plimouth to the Azores which tooke the gouernour of the Isle of S. Michael and Pedro Sarmiento gouernour of the Streights of Magellan in the yere 1586. 120 18 The voyage of Sir Francis Drake to Cadiz and the memorable exploits and seruices performed by him as well there as at diuerse other places vpon the coast of Spaine and Portugale and his taking of the great East Indian Carak called The Sant Philip neere the Isle of S. Michael Anno 1587. 121 19 A voyage to Benin beyond the countrey of Guinea made by Master Iames Welsh who set foorth in the yeere 1588. 126 20 The second voyage made by M. Iames Welsh to Benin in Africa An. 1590. 130 21 The voyage to Spaine and Portugale written as it is thought by Colonell Anthonie Wingfield An. 1589. 134 22 The voyage of the Right honourable the Earle of Cumberland to the Azores in the yeere 1589. 155 23 A fight performed by ten marchants ships of London against 12 Spanish gallies in the Streit of Gibraltar An. 1590. 166 24 The valiant fight performed in the Streit of Gibraltar by the Centurion of London against fiue Spanish gallies An. 1591. 168 25 A true report of the fight about the Isles of the Azores betweene the Reuenge one of her Maiesties ships vnder the conduct of Sir Richard Grinuile and an Armada of the king of Spaine An. 1591. 169 26 A voyage of certaine ships of London to the coast of Spaine and the Azores Anno. 1591 Reported by M. Robert Flick 176 27 The voyage of Richard Rainolds and Thomas Dassell to the riuers of Senega and Gambra neere the coast of Guinea Anno 1591. 188 28 The taking of two Spanish ships laden with quicksiluer and with the Popes Bulles bound for the west Indies by M. Thomas White in the Amitie of London An. 1592. 193 29 The taking of the mightie and rich Carak called The Madre de Dios and of the Santa Clara a Biskaine of 600 tunnes as likewise the firing of another great Carak called The Santa Cruz Anno 1592. 194 30 The firing and sinking of the stout and warlike Carak called The Cinquo Chaguas or The fiue woundes by three ships of the R. H. the Earle of Cumberland Anno 1594. 199 The Ambassages Letters Priuileges Discourses and other necessary matters of circumstance appertaining to the voyages in the second part of this second volume next ensuing 1 A Note concerning the ayde and assistance giuen to king Iohn the first of Portugale by certaine English merchants for the winning of Ceut in Barbary Anno 1415. pag. 1 2 2 The Ambassage of Iohn the second king of Portugale to Edward the 4. king of England to stay Iohn Tintam and William Fabian Englishmen preparing for a voyage to Guinea Anno 1481. pag. 2. 3 A briefe note concerning an ancient trade of English marchants to the Canarie Isles Anno 1526. 3 4 A description of the Canarie Islands with their strange fruits and
commodities 3 5 The commodities and wares that are most desired in Guinea betwixt Sierra Leona and the furthest place of the Mina 52 6 Certaine articles of remembrance deliuered to M. Iohn Lok touching a voyage to Guinea Anno 1561. 52 7 A letter of M. Iohn Lok to the worshipfull company of marchants aduenturers of Guinea Anno 1561. 53 8 The relation of one William Rutter concerning a voyage set out to Guinea Anno 1562. Described also in verse by Robert Baker 54 9 A meeting at Sir William Gerards house for the setting foorth of a voyage to Guinea with the Minion of the Queenes The Iohn Baptist of London and the Merline of M. Gorson Anno 1564. 55 10 A relation of the successe of the same voyage taken out of a voyage of Sir Iohn Haukins to the West Indies 56 11 Certaine reports of the mighty kingdome of China deliuered by Portugales which were there imprisoned 68 12 A discourse of the Isle of Iapan and of other Isles in the East Ocean c. 80 13 An excellent description of the kingdome of China and of the estate and gouernement thereof pag. 88 14 A briefe relation of the great magnificence and rich trafficke of the kingdom of Pegu beyond the East India 102 15 Certaine remembrances of a voyage intended to Brasil and to the riuer of Plate but miserably ouer throwen neere Rio grande in Guinea in the yeere 1583. 110,111 16 The escape of the Primrose a ship of London from before the towne of Bilbao in Biscay and the taking of the Corrigidor Anno 1585. 112 17 The king of Spaines Commission for the generall imbargment or arrest of the English c. Anno 1585. 114 18 The Letters patents granted by her Maiestie to certaine noblemen and merchants of London for a trade to Barbary Anno 1585. 114 19 An edict from the Emperour of Maâocco in fauour of all Englishmen trading throughout his dominions Anno 1587. 118 20 A letter of the sayd emperour written to the Erle of Leicester in the yeare 1587. 118 21 A letter of the Queenes Maiestie written to the emperour of Marocco in the yere 1587. 119 22 A patent graunted to certaine merchants of Exceter and others of the VVest parts and of London for a trade to the riuers of Senega and Gambra in Guinea Anno 1588. 123 23 A relation concerning a voyage set foorth by M. Iohn Newton and M. Iohn Bird merchants of London to the kingdome and citie of Benin written by Antony Ingram An. 1588. 129 24 An aduertisement to king Philip the 2. of Spaine from Angola touching the state of the same countrey An. 1591. 133 25 A particular note of the VVest Indian fleete expected to haue arriued in Spaine An. 1592 with the number of ships of the same fleete that perished and suffered shipshrack c. 175 26 A large testimony of Iohn Huighen van Linâchoten concerning the worthy exploits atchieued by the right hon the erle of Cumberland by Sir Martin Frobisher Sir Richard Grinuile and diuers other English Captains about the Isles of the Açores and vpon the coastes of Spaine and Portugale in the yeares 1589,1590,1591 178 27 A relation concerning the estate of the Island and Castle of Arguin and touching the rich and secret trade from the inland of Africa thither written in the yere 1491. 188 28 Two briefe relations concerning the Cities and Prouinces of Tombuto and Gago and concerning the exceeding great riches of the sayd Prouinces and the conquest thereof by the king of Marocco and of the huge masse of gold which he yerely receiueth thence for tribute VVritten Anno 1594. 192 29 A briefe extract of a patent granted to M. Thomas Gregory of Tanton and others for traffick betweene the riuer of Nonnia and the riuers of Madrabumba and Sierra Leona on the coast of Guinea An. 1592. 193 30 A report of the casting away of the Tobie a ship of London neere Cape Espartel on the coast of Barbary without the Streight of Gibraltar in the yere of our Lord 1593. 201 31 The letters of the Queens Maiestie sent by Laurence Aldersey vnto the Emperour of Ethiopia Anno 1597. 203 THE SECOND VOLVME OF THE principall Nauigations Voyages Traffiques and Discoueries of the English nation made to the South and Southeast quarters of the world within the Straight of Gibraltar with the Directions Letters Priuiledges Discourses and Obseruations incident to the same That the Brittons were in Italie and Greece with the Cimbrians and Gaules before the incarnation of Christ. M. Wil. Camden pag. 33. BRitannos autem cum Cimbris Gallis permistos fuisse in expeditionibus illis in Italiam Graeciam videtur Nam praeter nomen commune in Britannico Triadum libro vetustissimo vbi tres maximi exercitus qui è Britannis conscripti erant memorantur proditum est exterum quendam ducem longè maximum exercitum hinc contraxisse qui populata magna Europae parte tandem ad Graecum mare forsitan Gallatiam innuit confederit Britomarum item ducem inter illos militarem cuius meminit Florus Appianus Britonem fuisse nomeÌ euincit quod Britonem magnum significat Nec torquebo illud Strabonis qui Brennum natione Praâsum fuisse scribit vt natione Britonem faciam The same in English IT is not vnlike that the Britons accompanied the Cimbrians and Gaules in those expeditions to Italy and Greece For besides the common name it is recorded in that most ancient British booke called Liber Triadum wherein also mention is made of three huge armies that were leuied out of Britaine that a certaine outlandish Captaine gathered from hence a mightie armie who hauing wasted a great part of Europe at length tooke vp his abode perhaps the Author meaneth in Gallatia neere vnto the sea of Greece Likewise that the warrelike captaine Britomarus of whom Florus and Appian doe make report was himselfe a Briton his very name doeth testifie which signiâieth A great Briton Neither will I wrest that testimonie of Strabo who reporteth Brennus to haue bene a Prause by birth that I may prooue him also to haue bene a Briton borne ¶ The trauaile of Helena HElena Flauia Augusta serenissimi Coelâ Britannici Regis Haeres vnica filia Magni Constantini Caesaris mater incomparabili decôre fide religione bonitate ac magnificentiâ piâ Eusebio etiam teste per totum resplenduit orbem Inter omnes aetatis suae soeminas nulla inueniebatur eà in liberalibus artibus doctior nulla in instrumentis musicis peritior aut in linguis nationum copiosior Innatam habebat ingenij clariâudinem oris facundiam ac morum ornatissimam compositionem Hebraicè Graecè Latinè erudita Caruerat pater alia sobole inquit Virumnius quae Regni solio potiretur Illam propterea his instrui fecit per optimos preceptores vt eò commodius Regni tractaret negotia Vnde ob incredibilem eius pulchritudinem atque alias eximias animi
monitions and reasons of the false traitor being vnderstood and pondered by the great Turke and his counsell it was considered of them not to loose so good occasion and time Wherefore hee made most extreme diligence to rigge and apparell many ships vessels of diuers sorts as galliasses gallies pallandres fustâs and brigantines to the number of 350. sailes and moe When the prisoner that the sayd de Merall did send into Turkie had done his câmmission hee returned into Rhodes whereof euery man had maruell And many folkes deemâd âuil of his comming againe as of a thing vnaccustomed but none durst say any thing seeing the sayd de Merall of so great authoritie and dignitie and he cherished the sayd prisoner more then he was woont âo doe Therefore belike hee had well done his message and had brought good tidings to the damnable and shamefull mind of âhe sayd traitor de Merall How the great Turke caused the passages to be kept that none should beare tidings of his hoste to Rhodes THe great Turke intending with great diligence to make readie his hoste both by sea and by land the better to come to his purpose and to take the towne vnwarily as hee was aduertised thought to keepe his doings as secret as hee might and commaunded that none of his subiects should goe to Rhodes for any maner of thing And likewise he tooke all the barkes and brigantines out of the hauens and portes in those coastes because they should giue no knowledge of his armie And also hee made the passages by land to bee kept that none should passe Howbeit so great apparell of an armie could not bee long kept close for the spies which the lord great master had sent into Turkie brought tidings to the castle of saint Peter and to Rhodes of all that was sayd and done in Turkie Neuerthelesse the sayd lord gaue no great credence to all that was brought and told because that many yeeres before the predecessours of the great Turke had made great armies and alway it was sayd that they went to Rhodes the which came to none effect And it was holden for a mocke and a by-word in many places that the Turke would goe to besiege Rhodes And for this reason doubt was had of this last armie and some thought that it should haue gone into Cyprus or to Cataro a land of the lordship of Venice Howbeit the great master not willing to bee taken vnwarily but the meane while as carefull and diligent for the wealth of his towne his people vnderstanding these tidings of the Turkes armie did all his diligence to repaire and strengthen the towne Amongst all other things to build vp and raise the bulwarke of Auuergne and to cleanse and make deeper the ditches And the more to cause the workemen to haste them in their businesse they sayd lord ouersawe them twice or thrise euery day How the lord great master counselled with the lordes for prouision for the towne THen the sayd reuerend lord thought to furnish and store the towne with more vitailes for the sustenance thereof and for the same many times hee spake with the lordes that had the handling and rule of the treasurie and of the expenses thereof in his absence and since his comming That is to wit with the great Commander Gabriel de pommerolles lieutenant of the sayd lord The Turcoplier Sir Iohn Bourgh of the English nation and the Chanceller Sir Andrew de Meral of whom is spoken afore and of his vntruth agaynst his religion The which three lordes sayd that hee should take no thought for it for the towne was well stored with vitailes for a great while and that there was wheate ynough till new came in Notwithstanding it were good to haue more or the siege were laide afore the towne and therefore it were behoouefull to send for wheate and other necessaries into the West for succours of the towne and at that time to puruey for euery thing Of the prouision for vitailes and ordinance of warre AS touching the store and ordinance of warre the sayd lordes affirmed that there was ynough for a yeere and more whereof the contrary was found for it failed a moneth or the citie was yeelded It is of trueth that there was great store and to haue lasted longer then it did But it was needfull to spend largely at the first comming of the enemies to keepe them from comming neere and from bringing earth to the ditches sides as they did And moreouer you are to consider the great number of them and their power that was spred round about the towne giuing vs so many assaults and skirmishes in so many places as they did and by the space of sire whole moneths day and night assailing vs that much ordinance and store was wasted to withstand them in all points And if it failed it was no maruell Howbeit the noble lord great master prouided speedily for it and sent Brigantines to Lango to the castle of saint Peter and to the castels of his isle Feraclous and Lyndo for to bring powder and saltpeter to strength the towne but it suffised not And for to speake of the purueiance of vitailes it was aduised by the lord great master and his three lords that it was time to send some ships for wheat to places thereabout before the Turks hoste were come thither And for this purpose was appointed a ship named the Gallienge whose captaine hight Brambois otherwise called Wolfe of the Almaine nation an expert man of the sea the which made so good diligence that within a moneth he performed his voiage and brought good store of wheat from Naples and Romania which did vs great comfort How a Brigantine was sent to Candie for wine and of diuers ships that came to helpe the towne AFter this a motion was made to make prouision of wine for the towne for the men of Candie durst not saile for to bring wine to Rhodes as they were woont to doe for feare of the Turkes hoste and also they of the towne would send no ship into Candie fearing to be taken and enclosed with the sayd hoste by the way Howbeit some merchants of the towne were willing to haue aduentured themselues in a good ship of the religion named the Mary for to haue laden her with wine in Candie But they could not agree with the three lordes of the treasure and their let was but for a little thing and all the cause came of the sayd traitour de Merall faining the wealth of the treasure for he intended another thing and brake this good and profitable enterprise and will of the sayd merchants seeing that it was hurtfull to the Turke whose part the said traitour held in his diuelish heart that notwithstanding the reuerend lord great master that in all things from the beginning to the ende hath alway shewed his good will and with all diligence and right that might bee requisite to a soueraigne captaine and head of warre
the Captaine of the guard was passed by and all his guard with him part before him and part behinde him some on horsebacke and somâ on foot but the most part on foot carrying on their shoulders the money before mentioned and so we passed home There was in the Court during our abode there for the most part a foole resembling the first but not naked as was the other at the Bassas but he turned him coÌtinually cried Hough very hollowly The third of May I saw the Turke go to the church he had more then two hundred and fifty horses before and behinde him but most before him There were many empty horses that came in no order Many of his Nobilitie were in cloth of golde but himselfe in white sattin There did ride behinde him sixe or seuen youches one or two whereof carried water for him to drinke as they sayd There were many of his guard running before him and behinde him and when he alighted they cried Hough very hollowly as the aforesayd fooles A letter of Mustapha Chaus to the Queenes most excellent Maiestie SErenissima prudentissima sacra Regia Maiestas domina mihi semper clementissima meorum fidelium officiorum promptam paratissimámque commendationem Generosus virtuosus Gulielmus Hareborne legatus vestrae sacrae Maiestatis venit ad portam excelsissimam potentissimi inuictissimi semper Augustissimi Caesaris Sultan Murad Can cui Deus omnipotens benedicat Et quanto honore quanta dignitate quantáque humanitate aliorum confoederatorum legati accipiuntur praefatus quoque legatus vester tanta reuerentia tantáque amplitudine acceptus collocatus est in porta excelsissima Et posthac subditi homines vestrae sacrae Maiestatis ad ditiones omnes Caesareas venire sua negocia tractare ad suam patriam redire sine impedimento vt in literis excelsissimi potentissimi inuictissimi semper Augustissimi Caesaris ad vestram sacram Regiam Maiestatem datis facile patet tranquillè pacificè possunt Ego autem imprimis diligentem operam fidele studium nunc eodem confirmando nauaui in futurum quoque vsque in vltimum vitae spiritum in negotijs potentissimi inuictissimi Caesaris vestrae sacrae Regiae Maiestatis egregiam nauabo operam Quod Deus omnipotens ad emolumentum vtilitatem vtriúsque Reipublicae secunder Amen Sacram Regiam Maiestatem foelicissim è valere exopto Datum Constantinopoli anno 1583 die octauo Maij. A letter of the English Ambassadour to M. Haruie Millers appointing him Consull for the English nation in Alexandria Cairo and other places of Egypt HAuing to appoint our Consull in Cayro Alexandria Egypt and other parts adiacent for the safe protection of body and goods of her Maiesties subiects being well perswaded of your sufficient abilitie in her Maiesties name I doe elect and make choise of you good friend Haruie Millers to execute the same worshipfull office as shall be required for her Maiesties better seruice the commodity of her subiects and my contentation hauing and inioying for merit of your trauell in the premisses the like remuneration incident to the rest of ours in such office in other parts of this Empire Requiring you all other affaires set aside to repaire thither with expedition and attend vpon this your charge which the Almighty grant you well to accomplish For the due execution whereof we heerewith send you the Grand Signiors Patent of priuilege with ours and what els is needfull therefore in so ample maner as any other Consull whosoeuer doeth or may enioy the same In ayd whereof according to my bounden duety to her Maiesty our most gracious Mistresse I will be ready alwayes to employ my selfe to the generall benefit of her Maiesties subiects for your maintenance in all iust causes incident to the same And thus eftsoones requiring and commanding you as abouesayd to performe my request I bid you most heartily well to fare and desire God to blesse you From my mansion Rapamat nigh Pera this 25 of April 1583. Commission giuen by M. VVilliam Hareborne the English Ambassadour to Richard Forster authorising him Consul of the English nation in the parts of Alepo Damasco Aman Tripolis Ierusalem c. I William Harborne her Maiesties Ambassadour Ligier with the Grand Signior for the affaires of the Leuant doe in her Maiesties name confirme and appoint Richard Forster Gentleman my Deputie and Consull in the parts of Alepo Damasco Aman Tripolis Ierusalem and all other ports whatsoeuer in the prouinces of Syria Palestina and Iurie to execute the office of Consull ouer all our Nation her Maiesties subiects of what estate or quality soeuer giuing him hereby full power to defend protect and maintaine all such her Maiesties subiects as to him shall be obedient in all honest and iust causes whatsoeuer and in like case no lesse power to imprison punish and correct any and all such as he shall finde disobedient to him in the like causes euen in such order as I my selfe might doe by vertue of her Maiesties Commission giuen me the 26 of Nouember 1582 the copie whereof I haue annexed to this present vnder her Maiesties Seale deliuered me to that vse Straightly charging and commanding all her Maiesties subiects in those parts as they will auoid her Highnesse displeasure and their owne harmes to honour his authoritie and haue due respect vnto the same aiding and assisting him there with their persons and goods in any cause requisit to her Maiesties good seruice and commoditie of her dominions In witnesse whereof I haue confirmed and sealed these presents at Rapamat my mansion house by Pera ouer against Constantinople the 20 of Iune 1583. A letter of directions of the English Ambassadour to M. Richard Forster appointed the first English Consull at Tripolis in Syria COusin Forster these few words are for your remembrance when it shall please the Almighty to send you safe arriuall in Tripolis of Syria When it shall please God to send you thither you are to certifie our Nation at Tripolis of the certaine day of your landing to the end they both may haue their house in a readinesse and also meet you personally at your entrance to accompany you being your selfe apparelled in the best maner The next second or third day after your comming giue it out that you be crazed and not well disposed by meanes of your trauell at Sea during which time you and those there are most wisely to determine in what maner you are to present your selfe to the Beglerbi Cadi and other officers who euery of them are to be presented according to the order accustomed of others formerly in like office which after the note of Iohn Blanke late Uice-consull of Tripolis for the French deliuered you heerewith is very much and therefore if thereof you can saue any thing I pray you doe it as I doubt not but you will They are to giue you there also
his dishonest dealing in translating of three of the Grand Signior his commandements DOmine Mustapha nescimus quid sibi velit cum nobis mandataad finem vtilem concessa perperà m reddas quae male scripta plus damni quam vtilitatis adferant quemadmodum constat ex tribus receptis mandatis in quibus summum aut principale de est aut aufertur In posterum noli itanobiscum agere Ita enim ludibrio erimus omnibus in nostrum tuum dedecus Cum nos multarum actionum spem Turcicè scriptarum in tua prudentia reponimus ita prouidere debes vt non eueniant huius modi mâla Quocirca deinceps cum mandatum aut scriptum aliquod accipias verbum ad verbum conuertatur in Latinum sermonem ne damnum insequatur Nosti multos habere nos inimicos conatibus nostris inuidentes quorum malitiae vestrae est prudentiae aduersari Hi nostri Secretarius minimus interpres ex nostra parte dicent in tribus illis receptis mandatis errata Vt deinceps similes errores non eueniant precamur Ista emendes caetera Serenissimae regiae Maiestatis negocia vti decet vestrae conditionis hominem meliùs cures Nam vnicuique suo officio strenue est laborandum vt debito tramite omnia succedant quod spero te facturum Bene vale The Pasport in Italian granted to Thomas Shingleton Englishman by the king of Algier 1583. NOi Assan Basha Vicere lochotenente e capitan dellae iurisditicne de Algier doniamo e concediamo libero saluo condutto a Thomas Shingleron mercadante che possi con suo vassello e marinari de che natione se siano emercadantia di qualsi voglia natione andare venire e negotiare e contrattare liberamente in questa citta de Algier altri lochi de la nostra iurisditione cosi di ponente comi di Leuante cosi anchora commandiamo al capitan di mare di Algier dâaltri lochi de nostra iurisditione Rais de Vasselli capitani de Leuante altri capitani di vasselli tanto grossi como picholi si commanda a qual si voglia che trouando il sopradetto Thomas Shingleton Inglese nellâ mari di Genua Francia Napoli Calabria e Sardigna con suo vassello e mercantia homini de che nationi si siano non gli debba molestare nepiggliare ne toccare cosa de nessuna manera tanto di denare como di qualsi voglia alâra robba sotto la pena e disgratia di perdir la vita larâbba Et per quanto hauete a caro la grà tia del Gran Signor nostro patrone Soltan Murates Ottomano lo lasciarete andare per suo camino senza dargli nessuno impedimento Dato in Algieri in nostro reggio Palazzo sigillato del nostro reggio sigillo e sermato della gran ferma scritto del nostro reggio Secretario il di 23 de Ienaro 1583. The same in English WE Assan Bassha Uiceroy and lieutenant and captaine of the iurisdiction of Algier giue and grant free safeconduct to Thomas Shingleton marchant that with his ship and mariners of what nation so euer they be with his marchandize of what countrey soeuer he may go and come and trade traffike freely in this city of Algier and other places of our iurisdiction as well of the West as of the East And in like sort we further command the captaine of the sea of Algier and other places of our iurisdiction the Reiz of vessels captaines of the Leuant other captaines of vessels aswell great as small whosoeuer they be we do command them that finding the foresayd Thomas Shingleton Englishman in the seas of Genua France Naples Calabria and Sardinia with his ship and merchandize and men of what nation soeuer they be that they molest theÌ not neither take nor touch any kind of thing of theirs neither money nor any other kind of goods vnder paine and peril of loosing of their liues and goods and as you make account of the fauour of the Grand Signor our lord Sultan Murates Hottoman so see you let him passe on his way without any maner of impediment Dated at Alger in our kingly palace signed with our princely Signet and sealed with our great seale and written by our Secretarie of estate the 23. of Ianuarie 1583. A letter written in Spanish by Sir Edward Osborne to the king of Alger the 20. of Iuly 1584. in the behalfe of certaine English captiues there detained MVy alto y poderoso Rey Sea seruida vostra alteza Como la muy alta y potentissima magestad del Gran Senor tiene hecho articulos de priuilegios con la Serenissima Magestad de nuestra Reyna d'Inglatierra para los vassallos della poder libremente yr y boluer y tratar por mar y tierra en los dominios de su potentissima Magestad Como a la clara paresee por los dichos articulos de che embiamos el tractado al Senor Iuan Tipton nuestro commissario parale muestrar a vostra Alteza Contra el tenor de los quales articulos por dos galeras de su ciudad de Alger hasido hechado al fondo en la mar vn des nuestros nauios que venia de Patras que es en la Morea cargado de corintes y otras mercaderias que allá se compraron y las mas de la gente del la matados y abogados en la mar y el resto estan detenidospor esclauos cosa muy contraria a los dichos articulos y priuilegios Que es occasion que por esto supplicamos a vostra Alteza muy humilmente que pues que la potentissima magestad del Gran Sennor es seruida nos fauorescer por los dichos articulos tambien sea seruida vostra Alteza assistirnos en ellos otorg andonos por vostra autoridad su aiuda y fauor segun que esperamos para que puedan estar libres y boluer para aca aquellos pobres hombres ansi hechor esclauos como dicho es Y ansi mismo que mande vostra Alteza dar orden a los capitanes maestres y gente de las galeras que nos dexen de aqui adelante hazer nuestro trafico conseys naos cada anno para Turquia a los dominios del gran Sennor a paz y asaluo por no coÌtrariar a los dichos nuestros priuilegios Lleuando cada vna de nuestras dichas naos por se conoscer vn salno condutto de su alta potentissima magestad Y con esta vostra tan senallada merced y fauor que en esso reciberemos quedaremos nosotros congrandissima obligation a vostra Alteza de seruirla por ello segun que el dicho Sennor Iuan Tipton a quien nos reportamos de todo lo demas mejor informera vostra Alteza Cuya serenissima persona y estado supplicamos y
due effect 3 That whereas sundry exactions and oppressions be offered ours by such Byes Sanjacbies iustices and Cadies Ianizaries Capagies and others officers of the kings comming downe into those parts who finding there resident no other nation but only ours will vnder the name of presents forceable take from them what they please We do require to obuent these harmes it may be specified by a commandement from the king to which of such his officers presents may be giuen and their sundry values whereby both they and ours may rest contented seuerely prohibiting in the said commandement that they take no more then that appointed them and that no other officers but those onely specified in that commaundement doe forcibly require of them any thing whatsoeuer 4 That the Nadir and Customer of the port hauing permitted our ship to lade doe not after demand of the marchants any other then the outward custome due to the king for the same goods And being so laden may by them and the Cadie with other their inferiour officers be visued requiring for the visiting no more then formerly they were accustomed to pay at their first comming After which the said ship to depart at the Consuls pleasure without any molestation of them or any other officer whatsoeuer 5 That Mahomet Chaus sometime Nadir of Lepanto and Azon Agon his substitute being with him may be seuerely punished to the example of others for often and vniustly molesting our nation contrarie to the kings commandement which they disdainefully contemned as also that the said Mahomet restore and pay vnto ours thirtie for 300 sackâs of currants nowe taken forcibly out of a barke comming thither from the higher partes of Morea to pay the king his custome and that from hence forth neither the said Mahomet Azon Agon nor any other officer or person whatsoeuer doe hinder or trouble any of ours going thither or to any other place about ther affaires 6 That whereas certaine Iewes of Lepanto owing money to our marchants for commodities solde them haue not hitherto satisfied them notwithstanding ours had from the king a commandement for the recouery of the same debts but fled and absented themselues out of the Towne at the comming of the same another more forcible commaundement may be graunted ours that for nonpaiment whatsoeuer may be foâid of theirs in goods houses vineyards or any other thing may be sold and ours satisfied of their said debt according to equitie and reason A commandement to Patrasso in Morea VVHen this commandement shall come vnto you know you that the Consull of the English Nation in our port of Patrasso hath giuen vs to vnderstand that formerly we granted him a commandement that hauing paied once custome for the currants bought to lade in their ships they shall not pay it againe according to which they bringing it to the port of Petrasso informing thereof Mahomet the Nadir of Lepanto he contrary to the tenor thereof and former order doth againe take another custome of him and requiring him to know why he so did contrary to our commandement he answered vs he tooke it not for custome but for a present Moreouer the sayd Consull certified vs how that the said Nadir contrary to to ancient custome doth not take for the kings right as he ought currents but will haue of the poore men money at his pleasure and therewith buyeth currents at a very low price which after he doth forcibly sell to vs at a much higher price saying it is remainder of the goods of the king and by this meanes doth hurt the poore men and do them wrong Wherefore I command you by this my commandement that you looke to this mâtter betweene this Consull the Nadir and this people and do therein equally according to right And see that our coÌmandement in this matter be obserued in such sort as they hauing once in the port paied full custome do not pay it againe neither that this Nadir do take any more money of them by the way of present for that therein it is most certaine he doth them iniurie contrary to the Canon And if with you shall be found to the value of one Asper taken heretofore wrongfully of them see it presently restored to them without any default And from hencefoorth see that he doe neither him nor his people wrong but that he deale with them in all things according to our Canon that the Consull and his hereafter haue no occasion any more to complaine here in our Court and that the Nadir proceed in gathering corants of the people after the old order and not otherwise This know you for certaine and giue credit to this my commaundement which hauing read deliuer againe into the Consuls handes From Constantinople the yeere of Mahomet 993. A commandement for Chio. VObis Beg Cadi Ermini qui estis in Chio significamus quòd serenissimae Regineae Maiestatis Angliae orator qui est in excelsa porta per literas significauit nobis quod ex nauibus Anglicis vna nauis venisâec ad portum Chio illinc Constantinopolim recto cursu voluisser venire contra priuilegium derinuistis non siuistis venire Hec praedictus orator significauit nobis petiuit a nobis in hoc negocio hoc mandatum vt naues Anglicae veniant redeant in nostras ditiones Caesareas Priuilegium datum concessum est ex parte Serenitatis Caesareae nostrae huius priuilegij copia data est sub insigni nostro Et contra nostrum priuilegium Caesareum quodita agitur quae est causa Quando cum hoc mandato nostro homines illorum ad vos venerint ex praedicta Anglia si nauis venerit ad portum vestrum sires merces ex naue exemerint vendiderint tricessimam secundam partem reddiderint res quae manserint Constantinopolim auferre velint patiantur Et si aliquis contra priuilegium arriculos eius aliquid ageret non sinatis nec vos facite impediri non sinatis eos vt rectà Constantinopolim venientes in suis negotiationibus sine molestia esse possint Et quicunque contra hoc mandatum priuilegium nostrum aliquid fecerit nobis significate Huic mandato nostro insigni fidem adhibete In principio mensis Decembris A commandement for Baliabadram SErenissimae Reginae Angliae orator literis supplicatorijs in porta nostra fulgida significauit quod Baliaâadram venientes mercatores naues homines eorum contra priuilegium impedirentur molestarentur Inter nos enim Reginam cum foedus sit vt mercatores homines naues eorum contra priuilegium impediantur aut molestentur nullo vnquam pacto concedimus Mandamus igitur vt literae nostrae Caesareae quà m primum tibi exhibitae fuerint has in persona propria cures secundum quod conuenit videasque ex Anglia Baliabadram cum mercibus venientibus mercatoribus alias ob causas venientibus hominibus in summa
onely Italians which dayly traffique ouer land and vse continuall trade going and comming that way The voyage of M. Iohn Eldred to Trypolis in Syria by sea and from thence by land and riuer to Babylon and Balsara 1583. I Departed out of London in the ship called the Tiger in the company of M. Iohn Newbery M. Ralph Fitch and sixe or seuen other honest marchants vpon Shroue munday 1583 and arriued in Tripolis of Syria the first day of May next insuing at our landing we went on Maying vpon S. Georges Iland a place where Christians dying aboord the ships are woont to be buried In this city our English marchants haue a Consull and our nation abide together in one house with him called Fondeghi Ingles builded of stone square in maner like a Cloister euery man hath his seuerall chamber as it is the vse of all other Christians of seuerall nations This towne standeth vnder a part of the mountaine of Libanus two English miles distant from the port on the side of which port trending in forme of an halfe Moone stand fiue blocke houses or small forts wherein is some very good artillery and the forts are kept with about an hundred Ianisaries Right before this towne from the seaward is a banke of mouing sand which gathereth and increaseth with the Westerne winds in such sort that according to an olde prophesie among them this banke is like to swallow vp ouerwhelme the towne for euery yere it increaseth and eateth vp many gardens although they vse all policy to diminish the same and to make it firme ground The city is about the bignesse of Bistow and walled about though the walles be of no great force The chiefe strength of the place is in a Citadell which standeth on the South side within the walles and ouerlooketh the whole towne and is strongly kept with two hundred Ianisaries and good artillery A riuer passeth thorow the midst of the city where with they water their gardens and mulbery trees on which there grow abundance of silke wormes wherewith they make great quantity of very white silke which is the chiefest naturall commodity to be found in and about this place This rode is more frequented with Christian marchants to wit Uenetians Genouois Florentines Marsilians Sicilians Raguses and lately with English men then any other port of the Turks dominions From Tripolis I departed the 14 of May with a carauan passing three dayes ouer the ridge of mount Libanus at the end whereof we arriued in a city called Hammah which standeth on a goodly plaine replenished with corne cotton wooll On these mountaines which we passed grow great quantity of gall trees which are somewhat like our okes but lesser and more crooked on the best tree a man shall not finde aboue a pound of galles This towne of Hammah is fallen and falleth more and more to decay and at this day there is scarse one halfe of the wall standing which hath bene very strong and faire but because it cost many mens liues to win it the Turke will not haue it repaired and hath written in the Arabian tongue ouer the castle gate which standeth in the midst of the towne these words Cursed be the father and the sonne that shall lay their hands to the repairing hereof Refreshing our selues one day here we passed forward with camels three dayes more vntill we came to Aleppo where we arriued the 21 of May. This is the greatest place of traffique for a dry towne that is in all those parts for hither resort Iewes Tartarians Persians Armenians Egyptians Indians and many sorts of Christians and inioy freedome of their consciences and bring thither many kinds of rich marchandises In the middest of this towne also standeth a goodly castle raised on high with a garison of foure or fiue hundred Ianisaries Within some miles round about are goodly gardens and vineyards and trees which beare goodly fruit neere vnto the riuers side which is but small the walles are about three English miles in compasse but the suburbs are almost as much more The towne is greatly peopled We departed from thence with our camels the last of May with M. Iohn Newbery and his company and came to Birrah in three dayes being a small towne situated vpon the riuer Euphrates where it beginneth first to take his name being here gathered into one chanell whereas before it commeth downe in manifolde branches and therefore is called by the people of the countrey by a name which signifieth a thousand heads Here is plenty of victuals wherof we all furnished our selues for a long iourney downe the aforesayd riuer And according to the maner of those that trauell downe by water we prepared a small barke for the conueyance of our selues and of our goods These boats are flat bottomed because the riuer is shallow in many places and when men trauell in the moneth of Iuly August and September the water being then at the lowest they are constrained to cary with them a spare boat or two to lighten their owne boats if they chance to fall on the sholds We were eight and twenty dayes vpon the water betweene Birrah and Felugia where we disimbarked our selues and our goods Euery night after the Sun setteth we tie our barke to a stake go on land to gather sticks and set on our pot with rice or brused wheat and hauing supped the marchants lie aboord the barke and the mariners vpon the shores side as nere as they can vnto the same In many places vpon the riuers side we met with troops of Arabians of whom we bought milke butter egges and lambs and gaue them in barter for they care not for money glasses combes corall amber to hang about their armes and necks and for churned milke we gaue them bread and pomgranat peeles wherewith they vse to tanne their goats skinnes which they churne withall Their haire apparell and colour are altogether like to those vagabond Egyptians which heretofore haue gone about in England Their women all without exception weare a great round ring in one of their nostrels of golde siluer or yron according to their ability and about their armes and smalles of their legs they haue hoops of golde siluer or yron All of them aswel women and children as men are very great swimmers and often times swimming they brought vs milke to our barke in vessels vpon their heads These people are very theeuish which I proued to my cost for they stole a casket of mine with things of good value in the same from vnder my mans head as he was asleepe and therefore trauellers keepe good watch as they passe downe the riuer Euphrates at Birrah is about the breadth of the Thames at Lambeth and in some places narrower in some broader it runneth very swiftly almost as fast as the riuer of Trent it hath diuers sorts of fish in it but all are scaled some
our selues with rice butter bisket hony made of dates onions and dates and euery marchant bought a proportion of liue muttons and hired certaine shepheards to driue them with vs we also bought vs tents to lie in and to put our goods vnder and in this our carauan were foure thousand camels laden with spices and other rich marchandises These camels will liue very well two or three dayes without water their feeding is on thistles wormewood magdalene and other strong weeds which they finde vpon the way The gouernment and deciding of all quarels and dueties to be payed the whole carauan committeth to one speciall rich marchant of the company of whose honesty they conceiue best In passing from Babylon to Aleppo we spent forty dayes trauelling twenty or foure and twenty miles a day resting ourselues coÌmonly from two of the clocke in the afternoone vntil three in the morning at which time we begin to take our iourney Eight dayes iourney from Babylon toward Aleppo were vnto a towne called Heit as we crosse the riuer Euphrates by boates about 3. miles from the town there is a valley wherein are many springs throwing out abundantly at great mouths a kind of blacke substance like vnto tarre which serueth all the countrey to make stanch their barkes and boates euery one of these springs maketh a noise like vnto a Smiths forge in the blowing puffing out of this matter which neuer ceaseth night nor day and the noise may be heard a mile off continually This vale swaloweth vp all heauie things that come vpon it The people of the countrey cal it in their language Babil gehenham that is to say Hell doore As we passed through these deserts we saw certaine wild beasts as wild asses all white Roebucks wolfes leopards foxes and many hares whereof we chased and killed many Aborise the king of the wandring Arabians in these deserts hath a dutie of 40. s. sterling vpon euery Camels lode which he sendeth his officers to receiue of the Carauans and in consideration hereof he taketh vpon him to conduct the sayd Carauans if they need his helpe and to defend them against certaine prowling thieues I and my companion William Shales came to Aleppo with the Carauan the eleuenth of Iune 1584. where we were ioyfully receiued 20. miles distant from the towne by M. William Barret our Consull accompanied with his people and Ianissaries who fell sicke immediately and departed this life within 8. dayes after and elected before his death M. Anthonie Bate Consul of our English nation in his place who laudably supplied the same roome 3. yeeres In which meane time I made two voyages more vnto Babylon and returned by the way aforesayd ouer the deserts of Arabia And afterwards as one desirous to see other parts of the countrey I went from Aleppo to Antioch which is thence 60. English miles and from thence went downe to Tripolis where going aboord a small vessell I arriued at Ioppe and trauelled to Rama Lycia Gaza Ierusalem Bethleem to the riuer of Iordan and the sea or lake of Zodome and returned backe to Ioppe from thence by sea to Tripolis of which places because many others haue published large discourses I surcease to write Within few dayes after imbarking my selfe at Tripolis the 22. of December I arriued God be thanked in safety here in the riuer of Thames with diuers English marchaÌts the 26. of March 1588 in the Hercules of London which was the richest ship of English marchants goods that euer was knowen to come into this realme The money and measures of Babylon Balsara and the Indies with the customes c. written from Aleppo in Syria An. 1584. by M. Will. Barret BABYLON The weight measure and money currant there and the customes of merchandize A Mana of Babylon is of Aleppo I roue 5 ounces and a halfe and 68 manas and three seuenth parts make a quintall of Aleppo which is 494 li. 8 ounces of London and 100 manas is a quintall of Babylon which maketh in Aleppo 146 roues and of London 722 li. and so much is the sayd quintall but the marchants accord is by so much the mana and in the sayd place they bate the tare in all sorts of commodities according to the order of Aleppo touching the tare The measure of Babylon is greater then that of Aleppo 21 in y e 100. For bringing 100 pikes of any measurable ware from Aleppo thither there is found but 82 pikes in Babylon so that the 100 pikes of Babylon is of Aleppo 121 pikes very litle lesse The currant mony of Babylon are Saies which Say is 5 medines as in Aleppo and 40 medines being 8 Saies make a duckat currant and 47 medines passe in value as the duckat of gold of Venice and the dollars of the best sort are worth 33 medines The roials of plate are sold by the 100 drams at prise according as they be in request but amongst the marchants they bargaine by the 100 metrals which are 150 drams of Aleppo which 150 drams are 135 single roials of plate but in the mint or castle they take theÌ by the 100 drams which is 90 roials of plate and those of the mint giue 5 medines lesse in each 100 drams then they are woorth to be sold among the marchants and make paiment at the âerme of 40 dayes in Sayes The custome in Babylon as wel inward as outward is in this maner Small wares at 6 per 100 Coral and amber at 5 and a halfe per 100 Venice cloth English cloth Kersies Mockairs Chamblets Silks Ueluets Damasks Sattins such like at 5 per 100 they rate the goods without reason as they lust themselues The Toafo Boabo and other exactions 6 medines per bale all which they pay presently in ready mony according to the custome and vse of the emperor To the Ermin of the mind y e ordinarie vse is to giue 30 Saies in curtesie otherwise he would by authoritie of his office come aboord for despight make such search in the barke that he would turne all things topsie turuie BALSARA The weight measure and money in the citie of Balsara A Mana of Balsara answereth 5 roues 2 ounces a halfe of Aleppo weight 19 manas and one 4 part of Balsara answereth the quintall of Aleppo which is 494 roues 8 ounces English and 20 manas is the quintall of Balsara which is 104 Alepine and of London 514 li. 8 ouÌces and so much is the sayd quintall but the marchants bargaine at so much the mana or wolsene which is all one and they abate the care in euery mana as the sort of spice is and the order taken therefore in that place The measure of Balsara is called a pike which is iust as the measure of Babylon to say 100 pikes of Balsara make of Aleppo 121 pikes vt supra in the rate of Babylon The currant mony of Balsara is as foloweth There is a sort of
no Englishmen there but then my guide brought mee aboord a ship of Alderman Martins called the Tyger of London where I was well receiued of the Master of the said ship whose name was Thomas Rickman and of all the company The said Master hauing made me good cheere and made me also to drinke of the water of Nilus hauing the keyes of the English house went thither with me himselfe appointed mee a faire chamber and left a man with me to prouide me all things that I needed and euery day came himselfe to me and caried me into the City and shewed me the monuments thereof which be these He brought mee first to Pompey his pillar which is a mighty thing of gray marble and all of one stone in height by estimation aboue 52. yards and the compasse about sixe fadome The City hath three gates one called the gate of Barbaria the other of Merina and the thirde of Rossetto He brought me to a stone in the streete of the Citie whereupon S. Marke was beheaded to the place where S. Katherine died hauing there hid herselfe because she would not marry also to the Bath of S. Katherine I saw there also Pharaos needle which is a thing in height almost equall with Pompeys pillar and is in compasse fiue fadome and a halfe and all of one stone I was brought also to a most braue and daintie Bath where we washed our selues the Bath being of marble and of very curious workemanship The Citie standeth vpon great arches or vawtes like vnto Churches with mightie pillars of marble to holde vp the foundation which arches are built to receiue the water of the riuer of Nilus which is for the vse of the Citie It hath three Castles and a hundred Churches but the part that is destroyed of it is siâe times more then that part which standeth The last day of Iuly I departed from Alexandria towards Cayro in a passage boate wherein first I went to Rossetto standing by the riuer side hauing 13. or 14. great churches in it their building there is of stone and bricke but as for lodging there is litle except we bring it with vs. From Rossetto wee passed along the riuer of Nilus which is so famous in the world twise as broad as the Thames at London on both sides grow date trees in great abundance The people be rude insomuch that a man cannot traueile without a Ianizary to conduct him The time that I stayed in AEgypt was the Turkes and Moores Lent in all which time they burne lamps in their churches as many as may hang in them their Lent endureth 40. dayes and they haue three Lents in the yere during which time they neither eate nor drink in the day time but all the night they do nothing else Betwixt Rossetto and Cayro there are along the water side three hundred cities and townes and the length of the way is not aboue three hundred miles To this famous Citie of Cayro I came the fift day of August where I found M. William Alday and William Caesar who intertained me in very good sort M. Caesar brought me to see the Pyramides which are three in number one whereof king Pharao made for his owne tombe the tombe it selfe is almost in the top of it the monuments bee high and in forme 4. square and euery of the squares is as long as a man may shoote a rouing arrowe and as high as a Church I sawe also the ruines of the Citie of Memphis hard by those Pyramides The house of Ioseph is yet standing in Cayro which is a sumptuous thing hauing a place to walke in of 56. mighty pillars all gilt with gold but I saw it not being then lame The 11. day of August the lande was cut at Cayro to let in the water of the riuer of Nilus which was done with great ioy and triumph The 12. of August I set from Cayro towards Alexandria againe and came thither the 14. of August The 26. day there was kept a great feast of the Turkes and Moores which lasted two dayes and for a day they neuer ceased shooting off of great Ordinance From Alexandria I sailed to Argier where I lay with M. Typton Consull of the English nation who vsed me most kindly and at his owne charge Hee brought mee to the kings Court and into the presence of the King to see him and the maners of the Court the King doeth onely beare the name of a King but the greatest gouernment is in the hands of the souldiers The king of Potanca is prisoner in Argier who comming to Constantinople to acknowledge a duety to the great Turke was betrayed by his owne nephew who wrote to the Turke that hee went onely as a spy by that meanes to get his kingdome I heard at Argier of seuen Gallies that were at that time cast away at a towne called Formentera three of them were of Argier the other foure were the Christians We found here also 13. Englishmen which were by force of weather put into the bay of Tunis where they were very ill vsed by the Moores who forced them to leaue their barke whereupon they went to the Councell of Argier to require a redresse and remedy for the iniurie They were all belonging to the shippe called the Golden Noble of London whereof Master Birde is owner The Master was Stephen Haselwood and the Captaine Edmond Bence The thirde day of December the pinnesse called the Mooneshine of London came to Argier with a prize which they tooke vpon the coast of Spaine laden with sugar hides and ginger the pinnesse also belonging to the Golden Noble and at Argier they made sale both of shippe and goods where wee left them at our comming away which was the seuenth day of Ianuarie and the first day of February I landed at Dartmouth and the seuenth day came to London with humble thankes to Almightie God for my safe arriuall A true report of a worthy fight performed in the voyage from Turkie by fiue Ships of London against 11. Gallies and two Frigats of the King of Spaines at Pantalarea within the Streights Anno 1586. Written by Philip Iones THe Marchants of London being of the incorporation of the Turky trade hauing receiued intelligences and aduertisements from time to time that the King of Spaine grudging at the prosperitie of this kingdome had not onely of late arrested al English ships bodies and goods in Spaine but also maligning the quiet trafique which they vsed to and in the dominions and prouinces vnder the obedience of the Great Turke had giuen order to the Captaines of his gallies in the Leuant to hinder the passage of all English ships and to endeuour by their best meanes to intercept take and spoile them their persons and goods they hereupon thought it their best course to set out their fleete for Turkie in such strength and abilitie for their defence that the purpose of their Spanish enemie might
fragrant sepulture all honour is performed He which is emperour of the seuen climats and of the foure parts of the world the inuincible king of Graecia Agiamia Hungaria Tartaria Valachia Rossia Turchia Arabia Bagdet Caramania Abessis Giouasir Siruan Barbaria Alger Franchia Coruacia Belgrade c. alwayes most happy and possessour of the crowne from twelue of his ancestours and of the seed of Adam at this present emperour the sonne of an emperour preserued by the diuine prouidence a king woorthy of all glory and honour Sultan Murad whose forces the Lord God alwayes increase and father of him to whom the imperiall crowne is to descend the paradise and woonderfull call cypresse worthy of the royall throne and true heire of the imperiall authority most woorthy Mehemet Can the sonne of Sultan Murad Can whose enterprises God vouchsafe to accomplish and to prolong his happy dayes on the behalfe of whose mother this present letter is written to the most gracious and most glorious the wisest among women and chosen among those which triumph vnder the standard of Iesus Christ the most mighty and most rich gouernour and most rare among womankinde in the world the most gracious Queene of England which follow the steps of the virgine Mary whose end be prosperous and perfect according to your hearts desire I send your Maiesty so honorable and sweet a salutation of peace that al the flocke of Nightingales with their melody cannot attaine to y e like much lesse this simple letter of mine The singular loue which we haue conceiued one toward the other is like to a garden of pleasant birds and the Lord God vouchsafe to saue and keepe you and send your Maiesty an happy end both in this world and in the world to come After the arriuall of your honourable presents from the Court of your Maiesty your Highnesse shall vnderstand that they came in such a season that euery minute ministred occasion of long coÌsolation by reason of the comming of your Maiesties Ambassadour to the triumphant Court of the Emperour to our so great contentment as we could possibly wish who brought a letter from your Maiesty which with great honour was presented vnto vs by our eunuks the paper whereof did smell most fragrantly of camfor and ambargriese and the incke of perfect muske the contents whereof we haue heard very attentiuely from point to point I thinke it therefore expedient that according to our mutuall affection in any thing whatsoeuer may concerne the countreys which are subiect to your Maiesty I neuer faile hauing information giuen vnto me in whatsoeuer occasion shall be ministred to gratiue your Maiesty to my power in any reasonable and conuenient matter that all your subiects businesses and affaires may haue a wished and happy end For I will alwayes be a sollicitour to the most mighty Emperour for your Maiesties afaires that your Maiesty at all times may be fully satisfied Peace be to your Maiesty and to all such as follow rightly the way of God Written the first day of the Moone of Rabie Liuol in the yere of the Prophet 1002. THE SECOND PART OF THIS Second volume containing the principall Nauigations Voyages Traffiques and Discoueries of the English nation made to the South and Southeast quarters of the world without the Straights of Gibraltar namely to the Ilands of Madera and of the Canaries to the kingdome of Barbarie to the Iles of Capo Verde to the riuer of Senega to the coast of Ghinea and Benin about the cape of Buona Esperansa and so to Goa in the East Indies and likewise beyond cape Comori to the Iles of Nicubar to Sumatra to the chanell of Sincapura ouer against the city of Malacca and to diuers other places The voyage of Macham an English man wherein he first of any man discouered the Iland of Madera recorded verbatim in the Portugall history written by Antonio Galuano IN the yeere 1344 King Peter the fourth of that name reigning in Aragon the Chronicles of his age write that about this time the Iland of Madera standing in 32 degrees was discouered by an English man which was named Macham who sailing out of England into Spaine with a woman that he had stollen arriued by tempest in that Iland and did cast anker in that hauen or bay which now is called Machico after the name of Macham And because his louer was sea-sicke he went on land with some of his company and the shippe with a good winde made saile away and the woman died for thought Macham which loued her dearely built a chapell or hermitage to bury her in calling it by the name of Iesus and caused his name and hers to be written or grauen vpon the stone of her tombe and the occasion of their arriuall there And afterward he ordeined a boat made of one tree for there be trees of a great compasse about and went to sea in it with those men that he had and were left behinde with him and came vpon the coast of Afrike without saile or oare And the Moores which saw it tooke it to be a maruellous thing and presented him vnto the king of that countrey for a woonder and that king also sent him and his companions for a miracle vnto the king of Castile In the yeere 1395 King Henry the third of that name reigning in Castile the information which Macham gaue of this Iland and also the ship of his company mooued many of France and Castile to go and discouer it and also the great Canaria c. In the yeere 1417 King Iohn the second reigning in Castile and his mother Lady Katherine being Regent one Monsieur Ruben of Bracamont which was Admirall of France demanding the conquest of the Ilands of the Canaries with the title of King for a kinsman of his named Monsieur Iohn Betancourt after that the Queene had giuen him them and holpen him he departed from Siuil with a good army And they affirme also that the principall cause which moued him to this was to discouer the Iland of Madera which Macham had found c. ibidem pag. 2. of Anthonio Galuano This note following concerning the ayde and assistance of the English Marchants giuen to King Iohn the first of Portugall for the winning of Ceuta in Barbarie which was the first occasion of all the Portugall discoueries is taken out of Thomas Walsingham his Latine Chronicle Anno 1415. HOc anno Ioannes primus Rex Portugalliae fretus auxilio Mercatorum Angliae quà m maximè Alemannorum vicit Agarenos in terra Regis Betinarinorum multis eorum millibus ad generum Cereris destinatis cepÃtque ciuitatem eorum quà m amplissimam supra mare sitam vocatam Ceut eorum lingua The same in English THis yere Iohn the first king of Portugall being principally assisted by the helpe of the English Marchants and Almaines ouercame the Moores in the dominion of the king of Barbary putting many thousands of them to the
he saith were so sicke and diseased that he iudgâth them to be long before this time dead The escape of the Primrose a tall ship of London from before the towne of Bilbao in Biscay which ship the Corrigidor of the same Prouince accompanied with 97 Spaniards offered violently to arrest and was defeated of his purpose and brought prisoner into England Whereunto is added the Kings Commission for a generall imbargment or arrest of all English Netherlandish and Easterlings ships written in Barcelona the 19 of May 1585. IT is not vnknowen vnto the world what danger our English shippes haue lately escaped how sharpely they haue beene intreated and howe hardly they haue beene assaulted so that the valiancie of those that mannaged them is worâhy remembrance And therefore in respect of the couragious attempt and valiant enterprise of the ship called the Primrose of London which hath obteined renowne I haue taken in hande to publish the trueth thereof to the intent that it may be generally knowen to the rest of the English ships that by the good example of this the rest may in time of extremitie aduenture to doe the like to the honour of the Realme and the perpetuall remembrance of themselues The maner whereof was as followeth VUon Wednesday being the sixe and twentieth day of May 1585 the shippe called the Primrose being of one hundred and fiftie tunnes lying without the bay of Bilbao hauing beene there two dayes there came a Spanish pinnesse to them wherein was the Corrigidor and sixe others with him these came aboord the Primrose seeming to be Marchantes of Biscay or such like bringing Cherries with them and spake very friendly to the Maister of the ship whose name was Foster and he in courteous wise bad them welcome making them the best cheere that he could with beere beefe and bisket wherewith that ship was well furnished and while they were thus in hanquetting with the Maister foure of the seuen departed in the sayd Pinnesse and went backe againe to Bilbao the other three stayed and were very pleasant for the time But Master Foster misdoubting some danger secretly gaue speech that he was doubtfull of these men what their intent was neuerthelesse he sayd nothing nor seemed in any outward wise to mistrust them at all Foorthwith there came a ship-boate wherein were seuentie persons being Marchants and such like of Biscay and besides this boate there came also the Pinnesse which before had brought the other three in which Pinnesse there came foure and twentie as the Spaniards themselues since confessed These made towards the Primrose and being come thither there came aboord the Corrigidor with three or foure of his men but Master Foster seeing this great multitude desired that there might no more come aboord but that the rest should stay in their boates which was grunted neuerthelesse they tooke small heede of these wordes for on a suddaine they came foorth of the boate entring the shippe euery Spaniarde taking him to his Rapier which they brought in the boate with other weapons and a drumme wherewith to triumph ouer them Thus did the Spaniards enter the shippe plunging in fiercely vpon them some planting themselues vnder the dâcke some entring the Cabbeâs and a multitude attending their pray Then the Corrigidor hauing an officer with him which bare a white wand in his hand sayd to the master of the ship Yeeld your selfe for you are the kings prisoner whereat the Maister sayd to his men We are betrayed Then some of them set daggers to his breast and seemed in furious manner as though they would haue slaine him meaning nothing lesse then to doe any such act for all that they sought was to bring him and his men safe aliue to âhore Whereat the Maister was amazed and his men greatly discomfited to see themselues readie to be conueyed euen to the slaughter notwithstanding some of them respecting the daunger of the Maister and seeing how with themselues there was no way but present death if they were once landed among the Spaniards they resolued themselues eyther to defend the Maister and generally to shunne that daunger or else to die and be buried in the middest of the sea rather then to suffer themselues to come into the tormentors hands and therefore in very bold and manly sort some âooke them to their iauelings lances bore-speares and shot which they had set in readinesse before and hauing fiue Calieuers readie charged which was all the small shot they had those that were under the hatches or the grate did shoote vp at the Spaniards that were ouer their heads which shot so amazed the Spaniards on the suddaine as they could hardly tell which way to escape the daunger fearing this their small shot to be of greater number then it was others in very manlike sort dealt about among them shewing themselues of that courage with bore-speares and lances that they dismayed at euery stroke two or three Spaniards Then some of them desired the Maister to commaund his men to cease and holde their handes but hee answered âhat such was the courage of the English Nation in defence of their owne liues that they would stay them and him also and therefore it lay not in him to doe it Now did their blood runne about the ship in great quantitie some of them being shot in betweene the legges the bullets issuing foorth at their breasts some cut in the head some thrust into the bodie and many of them very sore wounded so that they came not so fast in on the one side but now they tumbled as fast ouer boord on both sides with their weapons in their handes some falling into the sea and some getting into their boates making haste towardes the Citie And this is to be noted that although they came very thâcke thither there returned but a small companie of them neither is it knowen as yet how many of them were slaine or drowned onely one English man was then slaine whose name was Iohn Tristram and sixe other hurt It was great pitie to behold how the Spaniards lay swimming in the sea and were not able to saue their liues Foure of them taking holde of the shippe were for pities sake taken vp againe by Maister Foster and his men not knowing what they were all the Spaniards bosomes were stuft with paper to defend them from the shot and these foure hauing some wounds were drest by the surgion of the shippe One of them was the Corrigidor himselfe who is gouernour of a hundred Townes and Cities in Spaine his liuing by his office being better then sixe hundred pound yerely This skirmish happened in the euening about sixe of the clocke after they had laden twentie Tunne of goods and better out of the sayd ship which goods were deliuered by two of the same ship whose names were Iohn Burrell and Iohn Brodbanke who being on shore were apprehended and stayed After this valiant enterprise of eight and twentie English men against 97 Spaniardes
and cary away his barks and Carauels was content to suffer vs there quietly to tary and likewise to depart and neuer charged vs with one Canon-shot And when our Generall sent him worde that hee was there ready to exchange certaine bullets with him the marques refused his chalenge sending him word that he was not then ready for him nor had any such Commission from his King Our Generall thus refused by the Marques and seeing no more good to be done in this place thought it conuenient to spend no longer time vpon this coast and therefore with consent of the chiefe of his Company he shaped his course toward the Isles of the Açoâes and passing towards the Isle of Saint Michael within 20. or 30. leagues thereof it was his good fortune to meete with a Portugale Carak called Sant Philip being the same shippe which in the voyage outward had caried the 3. Princes of Iapan that were in Europe into the Indies This Carak without any great râsistance hee tooke bestowing the people thereof in certaine vessels well furnished with victuals and sending them courteously home into their Countrey and this was the first Carak that euer was taken comming foorth of the East Indies which the Portugals tooke for an euil signe because the ship bare the Kings owne name The riches of this prize seemed so great vnto the whole Company as in trueth it was that they assured themselues euery man to haue a sufficient reward for his trauel and thereupon they all resolued to returne home for England which they happily did and arriued in Plimouth the same Sommer with their whole Fleete and this rich booty to their owne profite and due commendation and to the great admiration of the whole kingdome And here by the way it is to be noted that the taking of this Carak wrought two extraordinary effects in England first that it taught others that Caracks were no such bugs but that they might be taken as since indeed it hath fallen out in the taking of the Madre de Dios and fyreing and sinking of others and secondly in acquainting the English Nation more generally with the particularities of the exceeding riches and wealth of the East Indies whereby themselues and their neighbours of Holland haue bene incouraged being men as skilfull in Nauigation and of no lesse courage then the Portugals to share with them in the East Indies where their strength is nothing so great as heretofore hath bene supposed A Patent granted to certaine Marchants of Exeter and others of the West parts and of London for a trade to the Riuer of Senega and Gambra in Guinea 1588. ELlizabeth by the grace of God Queene of England France and Ireland defender of the faith c. To our Treasurer and Admirall of England our Treasurer and Barons of our Exchequer and all and euery our Officers minâsters and subiects whatsoeuer greeting Whereas our welbeloued subiects William Brayley Gilbert Smith Nicolas Spicer and Iohn Doricot of our City of Exeter marchants Iohn Yong of Coliton in our country of Deuon marchant Richard Doderige of Barnestable in our saide Countie of Deuon Marchant Anthonie Dassell and Nicolas Turner of our Citie of London Marchants haue bene perswaded and earnestly moued by certaine Portugals resident within our Dominions to vndertake and set forward a voyage to certaine places on the coast of Guinea Videlicet from the Northermost part of the Riuer commonly called by the name of the Riuer of Senega and from and within that Riuer all along that coast vnto the Southermost part of another Riuer commonly called by the name of Gambra and within that Riuer which as we are informed they haue already once performed accordingly And for that we are credibly giuen to vnderstand that the further prosecuting of the same voyage and the due and orderly establishing of an orderly trafique and trade of marchandize into those Countreis wil not only in time be very beneficial to these our Realmes and dominions but also be a great succour and reliefe vnto the present distressed estate of those Portugals who by our princely fauour liue and continue here vnder our protection And coÌsidering that the aduenturing and enterprising of a newe trade cannot be a matter of small charge and hazard to the aduenturers in the beginning we haue therefore thought it conuenient that our said louing subiects William Brayley Gilbert Smith Nicholas Spicer Iohn Doricot Iohn Yong Richard Doderige Anthonie Dassell and Nicholas Turner for the better incouragement to proceede in their saide aduenture and trade in the said Countreis shal haue the sole vse and exercise thereof for a certaine time In consideration whereof and for other waightie reasons and considerations vs specially moouing of our speciall grace certaine knowledge and meere motion we haue giuen and graunted and by these presents for vs our heires and successors doe giue and graunt vnto the said William Brayley Gilbert Smith Nicholas Spicer Iohn Doricot Iohn Young Richard Doderide Anthony Dassell and Nicholas Turner and to euery of them and to such other our Subiects as they or the most part of them shall thinke conuenient to receiue into their Company and society to be the traders with them into the said Countreis that they and euery of them by themselues or by their seruants or Factors and none others shall and may for and during the full space and terme of tenne yeeres next ensuing the date of these presents haue and enioy the free and whole trafique trade and feat of marchandise to and from the said Northermost part of the said Riuer commonly called by the name of the Riuer of Senega and from and within that Riuer all along the coast of Guinea vnto the Southermost part of the said Riuer commonly called by the name of the Riuer of Gambra and within that Riuer also And that they the said William Brayley Gilbert Smith Nicholas Spicer Iohn Doricot Iohn Yong Richard Doderige Anthony Dassel and Nicholas Turner euery of them by themselues or by their seruants or Factors such as they or the most part of them shall receiue into their Company and societie to be traders with them into the sayd Countreis as is aforesaid and none others shall and may for and during the said space and terme of 10. yeres haue and enioy the sole whole trafique or trade of marchandize into and from the said places afore limitted and described for the buying selling bartering and changing of and with any goods wares and marchandizes whatsoeuer to be vented had or found at or within any the cities townes or places situated or being in the countries parts coastes of Guinea before limitted any law statute or graunt matter custome or priuileges to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding And for the better ordering establishing gouerning of the said societie and Company in the said trade and trafique of marchandizes the quiet orderly lawfull exercise of the same We for vs our
himselfe taken and beheaded by a souldier of his owne nation and his land giuen by a Parliament to her Maiestie and possessed by the English His other cosen Sir Iohn of Desmond taken by Master Iohn Zouch and his body hanged ouer the gates of his natiue Citie to be deuoured by rauens the thirde brother Sir Iames hanged drawne and quartered in the same place If hee had withall vaunted of his successe of his owne house no doubt the argument would haue mooued much and wrought great effect which because hee for that present forgot I thought it good to remember in his behalfe For matter of Religion it would require a particuler volume if I should set downe how irreligiously they couer their greedy and ambicious pretenses with that veile of pietie But sure I am that there is no kingdome or common-wealth in all Europe but if they be reformed they then inuade it for religion sake if it bee as they terme Catholique they pretend title as if the Kings of Castile were the naturall heires of all the world and so betweene both no kingdome is vnsought Where they dare not with their owne forces to inuade they basely entertaine the traitours and vacabonds of all Nations seeking by those and by their runnagate Iesuits to winne parts and haue by that meane ruined many Noble houses and others in this lande and haue extinguished both their liues and families What good honour or fortune euer man yet by them atchieued is yet vnheard of or vnwritten And if our English Papists doe but looke into Portugall against which they haue no pretence of Religion how the Nobilitie are put to death imprisoned their rich men made a praye and all sorts of people captiued they shall finde that the obedience euen of the Turke is easie and a libertie in respect of the slauerie and tyrannie of Spaine What haue they done in Sicill in Naples Millaine and in the Low countreis who hath there bene spared for Religion at all And it commeth to my remembrance of a certaine Burger of Antwerpe whose house being entred by a company of Spanish souldiers when they first sacked the Citie hee besought them to spare him and his goods being a good Catholique and one of their owne partie and faction The Spaniards answered that they knew him to be of a good conscience for himselfe but his money plate iewels and goods were all hereticall and therefore good prize So they abused and tormented the foolish Fleming who hoped that an Agnus Dei had bene a sufficient target against all force of that holy and charitable nation Neither haue they at any time as they protest inuaded the kingdomes of the Indies and Peru and elsewhere but onely led thereunto rather to reduce the people to Christianitie then for either gold or Emperie When as in one onely Island called Hispaniola they haue wasted thirtie hundred thousand of the naturall people besides many millions else in other places of the Indies a poore and harmelesse people created of God and might haue bene wonne to his knowledge as many of them were and almost as many as euer were perswaded thereunto The storie whereof is at large written by a Bishop of their owne nation called Bartholomew de las Casas and translated into English and many other languages intituled The Spanish cruelties Who would therefore repose trust in such a nation of rauenous strangers and especially in those Spaniards which more greedily thirst after English blood then after the liues of any other people of Europe for the many ouerthrowes and dishonours they haue receiued at our hands whose weakenesse wee haue discouered to the world and whose forces at home abroad in Europe in India by sea and land wee haue euen with handfulles of men and shippes ouerthrowen and dishonoured Let not therefore any English man of what religion soeuer haue other opnion of the Spaniards but that those whom hee seeketh to winne of our Nation he esteemeth base and trayterous vnworthy persons or vnconstant fooles and that he vseth his pretence of religion for no other purpose but to bewitch vs from the obedience of our naturall Prince thereby hoping in time to bring vs to slauery and subiection and then none shall be vnto them so odious and disdayned as the traitours themselues who haue solde their Countrey to a stranger and forsaken their faith and obediânce contrarie to nature religion and contrarie to that humane and generall honour not onely of Christians but of heathen and irreligious nations who haue alwayes sustayned what labour soeuer and embraced euen death it selfe for their countrey Prince or common-wealth To conclude it hath euer to this day pleased God to prosper and defend her Maiestie to breake the purposes of malicious enemies of forsworne traytors and of iniust practises and inuasions She hath euer beene honoured of the worthiest kings serued by faithfull subiects and shall by the fauour of God resist repell and confound all whatsoeuer attempts against her sacred person or kingdome In the meane time let the Spaniard and traytour vaunt of their successe and wee her true and obedient vassals guided by the shining light of her vertues shall alwayes loue her serue her and obey her to the end of our liues A particular note of the Indian fleet expected to haue come into Spaine this present yeere of 1591. with the number of shippes that are perished of the same according to the examination of certaine Spaniards lately taken and brought into England by the ships of London THe fleete of Noua Hispania at their first gathering together and setting foorth were two and fiftie sailes The Admirall was of sixe hundred tunnes and the Uice Admirall of the same burthen Foure or fiue of the shippes were of nine hundred and 1000 tunnes a peece some fiue hundred and some foure hundred and the least of two hundred tuns Of this fleet 19 were cast away and in them 2600 men by estimation which was done along the coast of Noua Hispania so that of the same fleet there came to the Hauana but 33 sailes The fleete of Terra Firma were at their first departure from Spaine fiftie sailes which were bound for Nombre de Dios where they did discharge their lading and thence returned to Cartagena for their healths sake vntill the time the treasure was readie they should take in at the said Nombre de Dios. But before this fleete departed some were gone by one or two at a time so that onely 23 sayles of this fleete arriued in the Hauana At the Hauana there met 33 sailes of Noua Hispania 23 sailes of Terra Firma 12 sailes of San Domingo 9 sailes of the Hunduras The whole 77 shippes ioyned and set sailes all together at the Hauana the 17 of Iuly according to our account and kept together vntill they came into the height of thirtie fiue degrees which was about the tenth of August where they found the winde at Southwest chaunged suddenly to the North so that
countreys being as yet enflamed with a desire more throughly to surueigh and contemplate the world and now at length to vndertake a long and daungerous iourney into your territories and regions both the sayd Laurence thought and our selues also deemed that it would very much auaile him as well for his owne safetie as for the attayning of your fauour if being protected with our broad seale hee might transport vnto your Highnesse a testimony of our louing affection of his departure from hence For sithence almightie God the highest creatour and gouernour of the world hath allotted vnto kings and princes his vicegerents ouer the face of the whole earth their designed portions and limits to be ruled and administred by them and by this his gift hath established among them a certaine law of brotherly kindnesse and an eternall league by them to be obserued it will not we hope seeme vnpleasant vnto your highnesse when you shall haue intelligence of our louing letters sent so huge a distance ouer sea and land euen from the farthest realme of England vnto you in Aethiopia On the other side our selues shall take great solace and delight when as by the relation of our owne subiects the renowme of your name shall be brought vnto vs from the fountains of Nilus and from those regions which are situate vnder the Southerne Tropike May it please you therefore of your princely clemencie to vouchsafe so much fauour on this our subiect that he may vnder the safeguard and protection of your name enter into your highnesse dominions and there remaine safe and free from danger Which fauour and courâesie wee doe likewise most earnestly request at the hands of other princes through whose Seigniories our said subiect is to passe and we shall esteeme it as done vnto ourselfe and for our honours sake Neither do we require any greater fauour in this behalfe then we are vpon the like occasion most ready to graunt vnto the subiects of all princes and the people of all Nations traueiling into our dominions Giuen at London the fift day of Nouember in the thirtie and ninth yeere of our reigne and in the yeare of our Lorde 1597. THE THIRD AND LAST VOLVME OF THE VOYAGES NAVIGATIONS TRAFfiques and Discoueries of the English Nation and in some few places where they haue not been of strangers performed within and before the time of these hundred yeeres to all parts of the Newfound world of America or the West Indies from 73. degrees of Northerly to 57. of Southerly latitude As namely to Engronland Meta Incognita Estotiland Tierra de Labrador Newfoundland vp The grand bay the gulfe of S. Laurence and the Riuer of Canada to Hochelaga and Saguenay along the coast of Arambec to the shores and maines of Virginia and Florida and on the West or backside of them both to the rich and plesant countries of Nueua Biscaya Cibola Tiguex Cicuic Quiuira to the 15. prouinces of the kingdome of New Mexico to the bottome of the gulfe of California and vp the Riuer of Buena Guia And likewise to all the yles both small and great lying before the cape of Florida The bay of Mexico and Tierra firma to the coasts and Inlands of Newe Spaine Tierra firma and Guiana vp the mighty Riuers of Orenoque Dessekebe and Marannon to euery part of the coast of Brasil to the Riuer of Plate through the Streights of Magellan forward and backward and to the South of the said Streights as farre as 57. degrees And from thence on the backside of America along the coastes harbours and capes of Chili Peru Nicaragua Nueua Espanna Nueua Galicia Culiacan California Noua Albion and more Northerly as farre as 43. degrees Together with the two renowmed and prosperous voyages of Sir Francis Drake and M. Thomas Candish round about the circumference of the whole earth and diuers other voyages intended and set forth for that course Collected by RICHARD HAKLVYT Preacher and sometimes student of Christ-Church in Oxford ¶ Imprinted at London by George Bishop Ralfe Newberie and ROBERT BARKER ANNO DOM. 1600. IEHOVA To the right honourable sir Robert Cecil knight principall Secretary to her Maiestie master of the Court of Wards and Liueries and one of her Maiesties most honourable priuie Councel RIght honourable your fauourable acceptance of my second volume of The English voyages offred vnto you the last yere your perusing of the same at your conuenient leasure your good testimony of my selfe and of my trauailes therein together with the infallible signes of your earnest desire to doe mee good which very lately when I thought least thereof brake forth into most bountiful and acceptable effects these considerations haue throughly animated and encouraged me to present vnto your prudent censure this my third and last volume also The subiect and matter herein contained is the fourth part of the world which more commonly then properly is called America but by the chiefest authors The new world New in regard of the new and late discouery thereof made by Christopher Colon alias Columbus a Genouois by nation in the yere of grace 1492. And world in respect of the huge extension thereof which to this day is not throughly discouered neither within the Inland nor on the coast especially toward the North and Northwest although on the hither side it be knowen vnto vs for the space of fiue thousand leagues at the least compting and considering the trending of the land and for 3000. more on the backeside in the South Sea from the Streight of Magellan to Cape Mendoçino and Noua Albion So that it seemeth very fitly to be called A newe worlde Howbeit it cannot be denied but that Antiquitie had some kinde of dimme glimse and vnperfect notice thereof Which may appeare by the relation of Plato in his two worthy dialogues of Timaeus and Critias vnder the discourse of that mighty large yland called by him Atlantis lying in the Ocean sea without the Streight of Hercules now called the Streight of Gibraltar being as he there reporteth bigger then Africa Asia And by that of Aristotle in his booke De admirandis auditionibus of the long nauigation of certaine Carthaginians who sayling forth of the aforesaid Streight of Gibraltar into the maine Ocean for the space of many dayes in the ende found a mighty and fruitfull yland which they would haue inhabited but were forbidden by their Senate and chiefe gouernours Moreouer aboue 300. yeeres after these wee haue the testimony of Diodorus Siculus lib. 5. cap. 7. of the like mighty yland discouered in the Westerne Ocean by the Tyrrheni who were forbidden for certaine causes to inhabite the same by the foresaid Carthaginians And Seneca in his tragedie intituled Medea foretold aboue 1500. yeeres past that in the later ages the Ocean would discouer new worlds and that the yle of Thule would no more be the vttermost limite of the earth For whereas Virgile had said to Augustus Caesar Tibi seruiat vltima Thule
the chiefe places in the Admiraltie and marine causes of England Certaine briefe extracts of the orders of the Contractation house of Siuil in Spaine touching their gouernment in sea-matters together with The streight and seuere examination of Pilots and Masters before they be admitted to take charge of ships aswell by the Pilot mayor and brotherhood of ancient Masters as by the Kings reader of The lecture of the art of Nauigation with the time that they be enioyned to bee his auditors and some part of the questions that they are to answere vnto Which if they finde good and beneficial for our seamen I hope they wil gladly imbrace and imitate or finding out some fitter course of their owne will seeke to bring such as are of that calling vnto better gouernment and more perfection in that most laudable and needfull vocation To leaue this point I was once minded to haue added to the end of these my labours a short treatise which I haue lying by me in writing touching The curing of hot diseases incident to traueilers in long and Southerne voyages which treatise was written in English no doubt of a very honest mind by one M. George Wateson and dedicated vnto her sacred Maiestie But being carefull to do nothing herein rashly I shewed it to my worshipfull friend M. doctour Gilbert a gentleman no lesse excellent in the chiefest secrets of the Mathematicks as that rare iewel lately set foorth by him in Latine doeth euidently declare then in his owne profession of physicke who assured me after hee had perused the said treatise that it was very defectiue and vnperfect and that if hee might haue leasure which that argument would require he would either write something thereof more aduisedly himselfe or would conferre with the whole Colledge of the Physicions and set downe some order by common consent for the preseruation of her Maiesties subiects Now as the foresaid treatise touched the cure of diseases growing in hot regions so being requested thereunto by some in authoritie they may adde their iudgements for the cure of diseases incident vnto men employed in cold regions which to good purpose may serue our peoples turnes if they chance to prosecute the intermitted discouery by the Northwest whereunto I finde diuers worshipfull citizens at this present much inclined Now because long since I did foresee that my profession of diuinitie the care of my family and other occasions might call and diuert me from these kinde of endeuours I haue for these 3. yeeres last past encouraged and furthered in these studies of Cosmographie and forren histories my very honest industrious and learned friend M. IOHN PORY one of speciall skill and extraordinary hope to performe great matters in the same and beneficial for the common wealth Thus Sir I haue portrayed out in rude lineaments my Westerne Atlantis or America assuring you that if I had bene able I would haue limned her and set her out with farre more liuely and exquisite colours yet as she is I humbly desire you to receiue her with your wonted and accustomed fauour at my handes who alwayes wil remaine most ready and deuoted to do your honour any poore seruice that I may and in the meane season will not faile vnfainedly to beseech the Almighty to powre vpon you the best of his temporall blessings in this world and after this life ended with true and much honour to make you partaker of his ioyes eternall From London the first of September the yeere of our Lord God 1600. Your Honours most humble to be commanded RICHARD HAKLVYT Preacher ¶ A general Catalogue diuided according to the methode obserued in this present volume into 14. special branches briefly conteyning all the Voyages Nauigations Traffiques and Discoueries of the English nation and where they haue not bâne or not perfectly discouered of strangers within the said volume intreâted of which haue been perfârmed to euery part of America hitheâto knowen or discouered by any Christian whereunto are annexed in their due and proper places all the Patents discourses ruttiers letters aduertisements instructions obseruations and other particulars incident or belonging to the foresaid Voyages THe most ancient voyage and discouery of the West Indies performedly Madoc the sonne of Owen Guined prince of North Wales Anno 1170 taken out of the history of Wales c. Pag. 1. The testimonies and relations immediatly ensuing vpon this voyage THe verses of Meredith the sonne of Rhesus making mention of Madoc the sonne of Owen Guined and of his Nauigation vnto vnknowen lands pag. 1 The offer of the discouery of the West Indiâs by Christopher Columbus to K. Henry the 7. February the 13. Anno 1488 with the Kings acceptance of the said offer pag. 2 Another testimony concerning the foresaid offer made by Barâholomew Columbus to K. Henry the seuenth on the behalfe of his brother Chrisââpher Columbus pag. 3. 4. A catalogue of the English voyages vndertaken for the finding of a Northwest passage to the North parts of America to Meta incognita and the backeside of Groenland as farre as 72. degrees and 12. minutes THe voyage of Sebastian Cabota to the North part of America for the discouery of a North west passage as farre as 58. degrees of latitude and from thence back againe all along the coast till he fell with some part of Florida anno 1497 confirmed by 6. testimonies The first taken out of the mappe of Sebastian Cabota cut by Clement Adamâs the second vsed by Galeacius Butrigarius the Popes legate and reported by him the third out of the preface of Baptista Ramusius before his third volume of Nauigations the 4. out of the thirde decade of Peter Marty rab Angleria the 5. out of the general history of Lopez de Gomara and the 6. out of Fabians chronicle pag. 6.7.8 and 9. The first voyage of M. Martin Frobisher to the Northwest for the search of a passage to China anno 1576. pag. 29. 57. The second voyage of M. Martin Frobisher to the West and Northwest regions in the yeere 1577. pag. 32. and 60. The third and last voyage of M. Martin Frobisber for the discouery of a Northwest passage in the yeâe 1578. Pag. 39. and 74. The first voyage of M. Iohn Dauis for the discouery of a Northwest passage 1585. pag. 98. The second voyage of M Iohn Dauis for the discouery of the Northwest pass 1586. pag. 103. The voyage and course which the Sunshine a barke of 50 tunnes the Northstarre a small pinnesse being 2. vessels of the Fleete of M. Iohn Dauis held after hee had sent them from him to discouer a passage betweene Groenland and Isleland 1587. pag. 111 The voyage of M. Nicolas Zeno and M. Anthony his brother to the yles of Frisland Island Engronland Estotiland Drogeo and Icaria begun in the yeere 1380. pag. 121. The patents letters discourses obseruations and dependences vpon the Northwestern voyages next before mentioned THe letters patents of K. Henry the 7.
The third voyage of Iaques Cartier vnto the countries of Canada Hochelaga and Saguenay Anno 1540. pag. 232 The voyage of Iohn Francis de la Roche knight lord of Roberual with three tall ships to the countries of Canada Hochelaga and Saguenay 1542. pag. 240 Certaine notes and obseruations depending vpon the voyages next before mentioned together with an excellent Ruttier for some part of Newfoundland for The grand bay and the Riuer of Canada DIuers words of the language spoken in New France with the interpretation thereof pag. 211. and 231. A description of the riuer and hauen of Saincte Croix pag. 234 A description of the 3. saults or falles of water in the riuer of Canada pag. 235 A letter written to M. Iohn Groute student in Paris by Iaques Noel of Saint Malo the nephew of Iaques Cartier touching the dâscouerie of his vncle in the partes of Canada 1587. pag. 236 Part of another letter written by Iaques Noel of Saint Malo to the foresayde M. Iohn Groute student in Paris pag. 236 An excellânt ruttier shewing the course from Belle isle Carpont and the Grand bay vp the riuer of Canada for the space of 230 leagues obserued by Iohn Alphonse of Xanctoigne chiefe Pilote to Monsieur Roberual 1542. pag. 237 A description of the Saluages in Canada pag. 242 A catalogue of the voyages and nauigations of the English nation to Virginia and of the seuerall discoueries thereof chiefly at the charges of the honourable sir Walter Ralegh knight THe first voyage made to the coast of Virginia by M. Philip Amadas and M. Arthur Barlow 1584. pag. 246 The second voyage made to Virginia by sir Richard Grinuile for sir Walter Ralegh Anno 1585 at what time the first colonie of English was there left vnder the gouernment of M. Ralfe Lane now knight pag. 251 The third voyage to Virginia made by a ship sent in the yeere 1586. for the reliefe of the colonie planted in Virginia at the sole charges of sir Walter Ralegh pag. 265 The fourth voyage made to Virginia with 3. ships Anno 1587. wherein was traâsported the second colonie pâg 280 The fifth voyage to Virginia made by master Iohn White in the yeere 1590. pag. 288 The letters patents discourses obseruations and aduertisements belonging to the foresaid voyages made vnto Virginia THe letters patents granted by the Queenes Maiestie to sir Walter Ralegh for the discouering and planting of new lands and countries Anno 1584. pag. 243 The names of those aswell gentlemen as others that remained one whole yeere in Virginia vnder the gouernment of M. Ralph Lane pag. 254 An extract of M. Ralph Lanes letter to M. Richard Hakluyt esquire and another Gentleman of the middle Temple from Virginia 1585. pag. 255 An account of the particular employments of the Englishmen left in Virginia by S. Richard Grinuile vnder M. Ralph Lane their generall from the 17. of August 1585. vntill the 1â of Iune 1586. at which time they departed the countrey pag. 255 A briefâ and true report of the commodities aswell marchantable as others which are to be found and raised in the countrey of Virginia written by M. Thomas Harriot together with Master Ralph Lane his approbation thereof in all points pag. 266 A description of the nature and maners of the people of Virginia pag. 276 The names of all âhe men women and children which safely arriued in Virginia and remayned to inhabite there Anno 1587. pag. 287 A letter of M. Iohn White to M. Richard Hakluyt written in February 1593. pag. 287 A catalogue of certaine voyages to the coast and inland of Florida THe voyage of Iohn de Verrazzano a Florentine to the coast of Florida sailing from thence Northeâly to the latitude of 50. degrees Anno 1524. pag. 295 The voyage of captaine Iohn Ribault to Floridaâ 1562. pag. 308 The voiage of captaine René Laudonniere to Florida 1564. where he fortified and inhabited two Summers and one whole winter pag. 319 A second voyage of captaine Iohn Ribault to Florida 1565. pag. 349 The voyage of captaine Dominique Gourgues to Florida 1567. where he most valiantly iustly and sharpely reuenged the bloody and inhumane massacre committed by the Spaniards vpon his countreymen in the yeere 1565. pag. 356 Diuers particulars worthy the consideration intermingled among the voyages of Florida AN Epistle Dedicatorie to sir Walâer Raleghâ prefixed by master Richard Hakluyt before the history of Florida which he translated out of French 1587. pag. 301 The Prefâce of master René Laudonniere before the sayd Historie pag 303 A description of the West Indies in general but more chiefly particularly of Florida pag. 304 An oration of captaine Iohn Ribault to his company pag. 312 An oration of Laudonniere to his mutinous souldiers pag. 336 A letter of the lord admirall of France vnto M. Laudonniere pag. 351 The relation of Pedro Morales a Spaniard whom sir Francis Drake brought from S. Augustines in Florida touching the state of those parts pag. 361 The relation of Nicolas Burgoignon alià s Holy whom sir Francis Drake brought also from S. Augustines pag. 361 A catalogue of certeine voyages made from Nueua Galicia and Nueua Biscaya in New Spaine to the 15 prouinces of New Mexico and to Cibola and Quiuira THe voyage of frier Marco de Niça from the towne of S. Michael in the prouince of Culiacan to the kingdome of Ceuola or Cibola situate about 30 degrees of latitude to the North of Nueua Espanna begun the 7 of March 1539. pag. 366 The voyage of Francis Vasquez de Coronado from Nueua Galicia to Cibola Acuco Tiguex Quiuira to the Westerne Ocean begun the 22 of April 1540. pag. 373 380 The voyage of Frier Augustin Râis to the 15 prouinces of New Mexico begun in the yeere 1581. pag. 383 389 The voyage of Antonio de Espejo from the valley of S. Bartholomew in Nueua Galicia to the foresayd 15 prouinces of New Mexico begun the 10 of Nouemb. 1582. pag. 383 390 The discourses letters c. depending vpon the former voyages to New Mexico Cibola and Quiuira A Briefe discourse of the famous cosmographer M. Iohn Baptista Ramusius concerning the three voyages of frier Marco de Niça Francis Vasquez de Coronado and that of Fernando Alarchon c. pag. 362 An extract of a letter of C. Francis Vasquez de Coronado written froÌ Culiacan the 8 of March 1539 to a secretary of Don Antonio de Mendoça the viceroy of Nueua Espanna pag. 362 A letter of the sayd Francis Vasquez de Coronado gouernour of Nueua Galicia to Don Antonio de Mendoça the viceroy of Nueua Espanna written from Culiacan the 8 of March 1539. pag. 363 A letter written by Don Antonio de Mendoça viceroy of Nueua Espanna to the emperour Charles the fift pag. 364 A testimony of Francis Lopez de Gomara concerning the strange crook-backed oxen the great sheepe and the mighty dogs of Quiuira pag. 308 A letter intercepted of Bartholomew del Cano written
testimonies concerning the mighty kingdome of Coray tributary to the king of China and bordering vpon his Northeast frontiers and also touching the warres of Quabacondono the monarch of Iapan against China by the way of Coray pag. 854 A briefe note concerning an extreame Northerly prouince of Iapan called Zuegara situate 30 dayes iourney from Mâacó also of a certeine nation of Tartars called Iezi inhabiting on the maine to the North of China pag. 861 Aduertisements touching the ships that goe from Siuil to the Indies of Spaine together with some sea-orders of the Contractation house of Siuil pag. 862 The order of the Carena giuen to the ships that goe out of Spaine to the West Indies pag. 864. The examination of the Masters and Pilots which saile in the fleetâ of Spaine to the West Indies written in Spanish by Pedro Dias a Spanish Pilot. pag. 864 and 866 THE THIRD AND LAST Volume of the principall Nauigations Voyages Traffiques and Discoueries of the English Nation made to the Northwest West and Southwest parts of the World with the Letters Priuileges Discourses Obseruations and other necessary things concerning the same The most ancient Discouery of the VVest Indies by Madoc the sonne of Owen Guyneth Prince of North-wales in the yeere 1170 taken out of the history of Wales lately published by M. Dauid Powel Doctor of Diuinity AFter the death of Owen Guyneth his sonnes fell at debate who should inherit after him for the eldest sonne borne in matrimony Edward or Iorwerth Drwydion was counted vnmeet to gouerne because of the maime vpon his face and Howell that tooke vpon him all the rule was a base sonne begotten vpon an Irish woman Therefore Dauid gathered all the power he could and came against Howel and fighting with him slew him and afterwards inioyed quietly the whole land of Northwales vntil his brother Iorwerâhs sonne came to age Madoc another of Owen Guyneth his sonnes left the land in contention betwixt his brethren prepared certaine ships with men and munition and sought aduentures by Seas sailing West and leauing the coast of Ireland so farre North that he came vnto a land vnknowen where he saw many strange things This land must needs be some part of that Countrey of which the Spanyards affirme themselues to be the first finders since Hannos time Whereupon it is manifest that that countrey was by Britaines discouered long before Columbus led any Spanyards thither Of the voyage and returne of this Madoc there be many fables fained as the common people doe vse in distance of place and length of time rather to augment then to diminish but sure it is there he was And after he had returned home and declared the pleasant and fruitfull countreys that he had seene without inhabitants and vpon the contrary part for what barren wild ground his brethren and nephewes did murther one another he prepared a number of ships and got with him such men and women as were desirous to liue in quietnesse and taking leaue of his friends tooke his iourney thitherward againe Therefore it is to be supposed that he and his people inhabited part of those countreys for it appeareth by Francis Lopez de Gomara that in Acuzamil and other places the people honored the crosse Wherby it may be gathered that Christians had bene there before the comming of the Spanyards But because this people were not many they followed the maners of the land which they came vnto vsed the language they fouÌd there This Madoc arriuing in that Westerne country vnto the which he came in the yere 1170 left most of his people there and returning backe for more of his owne nation acquaintance friends to inhabit that faire large countrey went thither againe with ten sailes as I find noted by Gutyn Owen I am of opinion that the land whereunto he came was some part of the West Indies Carmina Meredith filij Rhesi mentionem facientia de Madoco filio Oweni Guynedd de sua nauigatione in terras incognitas Vixit hic Meredith circiter annum Domini 1477. MAdoc wyf mwyedic wedd Iawn genau Owyn Guynedd Ni fynnum dir fy enaid oedd Na da mawr ond y moroedd The same in English Madoc I am the sonne of Owen Gwynedd With stature large and comely grace adorned No lands at home nor store of wealth me please My minde was whole to search the Ocean seas The offer of the discouery of the VVest Indies by Christopher Columbus to king Henry the seuenth in the yeere 1488 the 13 of February with the kings acceptation of the offer the cause whereupon hee was depriued of the same recorded in the thirteenth chapter of the history of Don Fernand Columbus of the life and deeds of his father Christopher Columbus CHristophoro Colon temendo se parimente i Re di Castiglia non assentissero alla sua impresa non gli bisognasse proporla di nuouo à qualche altro prâncipe cosi in cio passasse lungo tempo mando in Inghilterra vn suo fratello che haueua appresso dâ se chiamato Bartholomeo Colon il qual quantunque non hauesse lettere Latine erà però huomo praâtico giudicioso nelle cose del mare sapea molto bene far carte da nauigare sphere altri instrumenti di quella professione come dal suo fraâello era instrutto Partito adunque Bartholomeo Colon per Inghilterra volle la sua sorte che desse in man di cor sali i quali lo spogliarono insieme con gli altri della sua naue Per la qual cosa per la sua pouertà infirmità che in cosi diuerse terre lo assalirono crudelmente prolungo per gran tempo la sua ambasciata fin che aquistata vn poco di faculta con le carte ch' ei fabricaua comincio a far pratiche co ' il Re Enrico settimo padre de ãâ¦ã al presente regna a cui appresentò vn mappamondoâ nel quale erano scritti questi versi che frale sue scriture Io trouas dame saranno qui posts piu tosto per l' antichità che per la loro eleganza Terrarum quicunque cupis foeliciter oras Noscere cuncta decens doctè pictura docebit Quam Strabo affirmat Ptolomaeus Plinius atque Isidorus non vna tamen sententia cuique Pingitur hîc etiam nuper sulcata carinis Hispanis Zona illa priùs incognita genti Torrida quae tandem nunc est notissima multis Et piu di sotto diceua Pro Authore siue Pictore Ianua cui patriae est nomen cui Bartholomaeus Columbus de Terra Rubra opus edidit istud Londonijs anno Domini 1480 atque insuper anno Octauo decimáque die cùm tertia mensis Februarij Laudes Christo cantentur abundè Et percioche auuertirà alcuno che dice Columbus de Terra Rubra dico che medesimamente Io viddi alcune
also the riuers on both sides of Engroneland for that I see it particularly described in the sea card but the discourse or narration is lost The beginning of the lettââ is thus Concerning those things that you desire to know of me as of the men and their maners and customes of the beasts and of the countries adioyning I haue made therof a particuler booke which by Gods help I will bring with me wherein I haue described the countrey the monstrous fishes the customes and lawes of Frisland Island Estland the kingdome of Norway Estoâiland Drogio and in the end the life of M. Nicolo the knight our brother with the discouery which he made and the state of Groneland I haue also written the life and acts of Zichmni a prince as worthy of immortall memory as any that euer liued for his great valiancie and singuler humanitie wherein I haue described the discouery of Engroneland on both sides and the citie that he builded Therefore I will speake no further hereof in this letter hoping to be with you very shortly and to satisfie you in sundry other things by word of mouth All these letters were written by M. Antonio to Messer Carlo his brother and it grieueth me that the booke and diuers other writings concerning these purposes are miserably lost for being but a child when they came to my hands and not knowing what they were as the maner of children is I tore them and rent them in pieces which now I cannot cal to remembrance but to my exceeding great griefe Notwithstanding that the memory of so many good things should not bee lost whatsoeuer I could get of this matter I haue disposed and put in order in the former discourse to the ânde that this age might be partly satisfied to the which ââ are more beholding for the great discoueries made in those partes then to any other of the time past being most studious of the newe relations and discoueries of strange counteries made by the great mindes and industrie of our ancestours For the more credite and confirmation of the former Historie of Messer Nicolas and Messer Antonio Zeni which for some fewe respects may perhaps bee called in question I haue heere annexed the iudgement of that famous Cosmographer Abraham Ortelius or rather âhe yealding and submitting of his iudgement thereunto who in his Theatrâm Orbis fol. 6. next before the map of Mar del Zur boroweth proofe and authoritâe out of this relation to shew that the Northeast parte of America called Estoâiland and in the original alwayes affirmed to bee an Islande was about the yeere 1390 discouered by the aforesayd Venetian Gentleman Messer Antonia Zenâ aboue 100 yeeres before euer Christopher Columbus set saile for those Westerne Regions and that the Northren Seas were euen then sayled by our Europaean Pilots through the helpe of the loadstone with diuers other particulars concerning the customes religion and wealth of the Southern Americans which are most euidenâly confirmed by all the late and moderne Spanish Histories of Nueua Espanna and Peru. ANd here I shall not as I suppose commit any great inconuenience or absurditie in adding vnto this History of the new world certaine particulars as touching the first discouery therof not commonly known Which discouerie al the writers of our time ascribe that not vnworthily vnto Christopher Columbus For by him it was in a maner first discouered made knowenâ and profitably communicated vnto the Christian world in the yeere of our Lord 1492. Howbeit I finde that the North part thereof called Estrotiland which most of all extendeth toward our Europe and the Islands of the same namely Groneland Island and Frisland was long ago found out by certaine fishers of the Isle of Frisland driuen by tempest vpon the shore thereof and was afterward about the yeere 1390 discouered a new by one Antonio Zeno a gentleman of Venice which sayled thither vnder the conduct of Zichmni king of the saide Isle of Frisland a prince in those parts of great valour and renowned for his martiall exploits and victories Of which expedition of Zichmni there are extant in Italian certaine collections or abridgements gathered by Francisco Marcolino out of the letters of M. Nicolo and Antonio Zeni two gentlemen of Venice which liued in those partes Out of which collections I doe adde concerning the description of Estoââland aforesaid these particulars following Estotiland saith he aboundeth with all things necessary for mankinde In the mids thereof standeth an exceeding high mountaine from which issue foure riuers that moisten all the countrie The inhabitans are wittie and most expert in all Mechanicall arts They haue a kinde of peculiar language and letters Howbeit in this Kings Librarie are preserued certaine latine bookes which they vnderstand not being perhaps left there not many yeeres before by some Europaeans which traffiqued thither They haue all kinde of mettals but especially golde wherewith they mightily aboând They trafficke with the people of Groneland from whence they fetch skinnes pitch and brimstone The inhabitants report that towardes the South there are regions abounding with gold and very populous they haue many and huge woods from whence they take timber for the building of ships and cities whereof and of castles there are great store The vse oâ the loadstone for Nauigation is vnknowen vnto them They make relation also of a certaine region toward the South called Drogio which is inhabited by Canibals vnto whom mans flesh is delicate meat wherof being destitute they liue by fishing which they vse very much Beyond this are large regions and as it were a newe world but the people are barbarcus and goe naked howbeit against the colde they cloth themselues in beastes skinnes These haue no kinde of metall and they liue by hunting Their weapons are certaine long staues with sharpe points and bowes They wage warres one against another They haue gouernours and obey certaine lawes But from hence more towardes the South the climate is much more temperate and there are cities and temples of idoles vnto whom they sacrifice liuing men whose flesh they afterwards deuoute These nations haue the vse of siluer and gold Thus much of this tract of landes out of the aforesaide collections or abridgements Wherein this also is worthy the obseruation that euen then our Europaean Pilots sayled those seas by the helpe of the loadstone For concerning the vse thereof in Nauigation I suppose there is not to be found a more ancient testimonie And these things I haue annexed the rather vnto this table of Mar del Zur considering that none of those Authours which haue written the Histories of the Newe world haue in any part of their writings mentioned one word thereof Hitherto Ortelius THE VOYAGES OF THE ENGLISH NATION TO NEVVFOVND LAND TO the Isles of Ramea and the Isles of Assumption otherwise called Natiscotec situate at the mouth of the Riuer of Canada and to the Coastes of Cape Briton and
shares of fish or any other reward benefit or aduantage whatsoeuer it be for any licence to passe this Realme to the sayd voyages or any of them nor vpon any respect concerning the said voyages nor any of them vpon paine to forfeit for the first offence treble the summe or treble the value of the reward benefite or aduantage that any such officer or minister shall hereafter haue or take of any such Marchants or fishermen For the which forfââââre the party gâieued and euery other person or persons whatsoeuer he or they be shall and may sue for the same by information bill plaint or action of debt in any of the kings courts of recorde The king to haue the one moitie and the party complaining the other moitie in which suite no essoigne protection or wager of law shall be allowed And for the second offence the party so offending not only to lose and forfeite his or their office or offices in the Admiraltie but also to make fine and ransome at the kings will and pleasure By this acte it appeareth that the trade out of England to Newfound land was common and frequented about the beginning of the raigne of Edward the 6. namely in the yeere 1548. and it is much to be marueiled that by the negligence of our men the countrey in all this time hath bene no better searched A letter written to M. Richard Hakluyt of the middle Temple conteining a report of the true state and commodities of Newfoundland by M. Anthonie Parkhurst Gentleman 1578. MAster Hakluyt after most heartie commendations with like thankes for your manifold kindnesse to me shewed not for any merits that hitherto haue beene mine but wholly proceeding I must needs confesse of your owne good nature which is so ready prest to benefit your countrey and all such poore men as haue any sparke in them of good desires that you do not onely become their friend but also humble your selfe as a seruaunt in their affaires for which I would to God I were once in place where I might cause your burning zeale to bee knowen to those that haue authoritie power and abilitie to recompense your trauelling mind and pen wherewith you cease not day nor night to labour and trauell to bring your good and godly desires to some passe though not possibly to that happy ende that you most thirst for for such is the malice of wicked men the deuils instruments in this our age that they cannot suffer any thing or at least few to proceed and prosper that tendeth to the setting forth of Gods glory and the amplifying of the Christian faith wherein hitherto princes haue not bene so diligent as their calling required Alas the labourers as yet are few the haruest great I trust God hath made you an instrument to increase the number and to mooue men of power to redeeme the people of Newfoundland and those parts from out of the captiuitie of that spirituall Pharao the deuill Now to answer some part of your letter touching the sundry nauies that come to Newfoundland or Terra noua for fish you shal vnderstand that some fish not neere the other by 200. leagues and therefore the certaintie is not knowen and some yeres come many more then other some as I see the like among vs who since my first trauell being but 4. yeeres are increased from 30. sayle to 50. which commeth to passe chiefly by the imagination of the Westerne men who thinke their neighbours haue had greater gaines then in very deed they haue for that they see me to take such paines yeerely to go in proper person they also suppose that I find some secret commoditie by reason that I doe search the harbors creekes and hauens and also the land much more then euer any Englishman hath done Surely I am glad that it so increaseth whereof soeuer it springeth But to let this passe you shall vnderstand that I am informed that there are aboue 100. saile of Spaniards that come to take God who make all wet and do drie it when they come home besides 20. or 30. more that come from Biskaie to kill Whale for Traine These be better appoynted for shipping and furniture of munition then any nation sauing the Englishmen who commonly are loâds of the harbors where they fish and do vse all strangers helpe in fishing is need require according to an old custome of the countrey which thing they do willingly so that you take nothing srom them more then a boat or twaine of salt in respect of your protection of them against âouers or other violent intruders who do often put them from good harbor c. As touching their tunnage I thinke it may be neere fiue or sixe thousand tunne But of Portugals there are not lightly aboue 50. saile and they make all wet in like sorte whose tunnage may amount to three thousand tuns and not vpwaâde Of the French nation and Britons are about one hundred and fiftie sailes the most of their shipping is very small not past fortie tunnes among which some are great and reasonaâly well appointed better then the Portugals and not so well as the Spaniards and the burden of them may be some 7000. tunne Their shipping is from all parts of France and Britaine and the Spaniards from most parts of Spaine the Portugals from Auiero and Viana and from 2. or 3. ports more The trade that our nation hath to Island maketh that the English are not there in such numbers as other nations Now to certifie you of the fertilitie and goodnesse of the countrey you shall vnderstand that I haue in sundry places sowen Wheate Barlie Rie Oates Beanes Pâase and seedes of herbes kernels Plumstones nuts all which haue prospered as in England The countrey yeeldeth many good trees of fruit as Filberds in some places but in all places Cherie trees and a kind of Peare-tree meet to graffe on As for Roses they are as common as brambles here Strawberies Dâwberies and Raspis as common as grasse The timber is most Firrâ yet plentie of Pineapple trees fewe of these two kinds meete to maste a ship of threescore and ten but neere Cape Briton and to the Southward big and sufficient for any ship There be also Okes thornes there is in all the countrey plentie of Birch and Alder which be the meetest wood for cole and also Willow which will serue for many other pâââoses As touching the kindes of Fish beside Cod there are Herrings Sahnons Thornebacke Plase or rather wee should call them Flounders Dog fish and another most excellent of taste called of vs a Cat Oisters and Muskles in which I haue found pearles aboue 40. in one Muskle and generally all haue some great or small I heard of a Portugall that found one woorth 300. duckets There are also other kinds of Shel-fish as âââmpets cockles wilkes lobsters and crabs also a fish like a Smelt which commeth on shore and
à magno ostendit sua vela COLVMBO Haeâ neque vicina nimiùm frigescit ab arcto Sole nec immodico in steriles torretur arenas Frigus aestatem iusto moderamine seruat Siue leues auras grati spiracula coeli Seu diae telluris opes munera curas Pone agete digno tua sceptra in honore meoquâ Iunge salutarem propius cum littore dextram Sit mihi fas aliquam per âesperare quietem Vicinoque bono laetum illucescere Solem. Quòd si consilijs superûm fatisque negatum est Durare immensum magna infortunia tempus Quòd si de immerita iustum est ceruice reuelli Ignarum imperij dominum populique regendi Quòd si nulla vnquam potuit superesse potestas Ni pia flexilibus pareret clementia frenis Obsequium A miti quae sita potentia CYRO Amissa est saeuae soboli Parcendo subegit Tot reges MACEDVM virtus tot postera sensim Abscidit a parto tandem inclementia regno Et quod ROMVLEIS creuit sub patribus olim Imperium dirisemper minuêre NERONES A report of the voyage and successe thereof attempted in the yeere of our Lord 1583 by sir Humfrey Gilbert knight with other gentlemen assisting him in that action intended to discouer and to plant Christian inhabitants in place conuenient vpon those large and ample countreys extended Northward from the cape of Florida lying vnder very temperate Climes esteemed fertile and rich in Minerals yet not in the actuall possession of any Christian prince written by M. Edward Haies gentleman and principall actour in the same voyage who alone continued vnto the end and by Gods speciall assistance returned home with his retinue safe and entire MAny voyages haue bene pretended yet hitherto neuer any thorowly accomplished by our nation of exact discouery into the bowels of those maine ample and vast countreys extended infinitely into the North from 30 degrees or rather from 25 degrees of Septentrionall latitude neither hath a right way bene taken of planting a Christian habitation and regiment vpon the same as well may appeare both by the little we yet do actually possesse therein by our ignorance of the riches and secrets wiâhân those lands which vnto this day we knâw chiefly by the trauell and report of other nations and most of the French who albeit they can not challenge such right and interest vnto the sayd countreys as we neither these many yeeres haue had oâportunity nor meanes so great to discouâr and to plant being veâed with the calamities of iâtestââe warres as we haue had by the inestimable benefit of our long and happy peace yet haue they both waies performed more and had long since attained a sure possession and setled gouernment of many prouinces in âhose Northerly parts of America if their many attempts into those forren and remote lands had not bene impeached their garboils at home The first discouery of these coasts neuer heard of âefore was well begun by Iohn Cabot the father and Sebastian his sonne an Englishman borne who were the first finders out of all that great tract of land stretching from the cape âf Florida vnto those Islands which wâ now call the Newfoundland all which they brought and anâeârd vnto the crowne of England Since when if with like diligence the seaâch of inland countreys had bene follâwed as the discouery vpon the coast and out-parts therof was performed by those two men no doubt her Maiesties territories and reuenue had bene mightily inlarged and aduanced by this day And which is more the seed of Christian râligion had bene fowed amongst those pagans which by this time might haue brought foorth a most plântifull haruest and copious congregation of Christians which must be the chiefe intent of such as shall make any attempt that way or els whatsoeuer is builded vpon othâr foundation shall neuer obtaine happy successe nor continuance And although we can not precisely iudge which onely belongeth to God what haue bene the humouâs of men stirred vp to great attempts of discouering and planting in those remote countreys yet the euents do shew that either Gods cause hath not bene chiefly preferred by them or els God hath not permitted so abundant grace as the light of his word and knowledge of him to be yet reuealed vnto those infidels before the appointed time But most aââuredly âhe only cause of religion hitherto hath kept backe and will also bring forward at the time assââneâ by God an effectuall and compleat discouery possession ââ Christians both of those ample countreys and the riches within them hithârto concealed âhereof notwithstanding Gâd in his wisdome hath permitted to be reuealed frâm tiâe to time a certaine oâscure and mâsty knowledâe by little and little to allure the mindes of men that way which els will be dull enough in the zeale of his cause and thereby to prepare vs vnto a readinesse for the execution of his wâll against the due tâme ordâinedâ of calling those pagans vnto Christâanity In the meane while ât behâoueth euery man of great calling in whom is any instinct of inclination vnto this atââmpâ to ââamine his owne motions which is the same proceed of ambitâon or auarice hâ may assure himselfe it commeth not of God and therefore can not haue cânfidence of Gods protection and assistance against the âiolence els irresistable both oâ sea and infinite perils vpân the land wâom God yet may vse an instrument to further his cause and glory some way but not to build vpon so bad a foundatâon Othârwâse if hâs motiues be dâriued from a bertuous heroycall minde preferring chiâfly the honour oâ Godâ compassâon of poore infidels captiued by the deuill tyrannizing in most woonderfull and dreadfull maner ouer their bodies and soules aduancement of his honest and well disposed countreymen willing to accompany him in such honourable actions reliefe of sundry pâople wâthin this realme distressed all these be honorable purposes imitating the naâure of the muââficenâ God wheâwith he is well pleased who will assist such an actour beyond âxpectation of man And thâ samâ who feeleth this inclination in himselfe by all likelihood may hope or rather confidently râpose in the preordinance of God that in this last age of the world or âikely neuer the time is câmpleat of receiuing also these Gentiles into his mârcy and that God will râise him an instrumeât to âffâct the same it seeming probable by euent of precedent attempts made by the Spanyards and French sundry times that the countreys lyâng North oâ Florida God hath reserued the same to be reduced vnto Christian ciuility by the English nation For not long after that Christopher Columbus had discouered the Islands and continent âf thâ Wesâ Indies for Spaine Iohn and Sebastian Cabot made discouery also of the rest from Florida Nortâwards to the behoofe of England And whensoâuer afterwards the Spanyards very prosperous in all their Southerne discoueries did
attâmpt any thing into Florida and those regions inclining towards the North they proued moât vnhappy and were at length discouraged vtterly by the hard and lamentable successe of many both religious and valiant in armes ândeuouring to bring those Norâherly regions also vnder the Spaâish iurisdicâion as if God had prescribed lâââts vnâo the Spanish nation which they might not exceed as by their owne gests recorded may be aptly gatherâd The French as they can pretend lesse title vnto these Northerne parts then the Spanyard by how much the Spanyard made the first discouery of the same continent so far Northward as vnto Florida and the French did âut reuiew that before discouered by the English nation vsurping vpon our right and imposing names vpon countreys riuers bayes capes or headlands as if they had bene the first finders of those coasts which iniury we offered not vnto the Spanyards but left off to discouer when we approched the Spanish limits euen so God hath not hitherto permitted them to establish a possession permanent vpon anothers right notwithstanding their manifolde attempts in which theâ issue hath bene no lesse tragicall then that of the Spanyards as by their owne reports is extant Then sâeing the English nation onely hath right vnto these countreys of America from the cape of Florida Northward by the priuilege of first discouery vnto which Cabot was authorised by regall authority and set forth by the expense of our late famous king Henry the seuenth which right also seemeth strongly defended on our behalfe by the powerfull hand of almighty God withstanding the enteâprises of other nations it may greatly incourage vs vpon so iust ground as is our right and vpon so sacred an intent as to plant religion our right and intent being meet foundations for the same to prosecute effectually the full possession of those so ample and pleasant countreys apperteining vnto the crowne of England the same as is to be coniectured by infallible arguments of the worlds end approching being now arriued vnto the time by God prescribed of their vocation if âuer their calling vnto the knowledge of God may be expâcted Which also is very probable by the reuolution and course of Gods word and religion which from the beginning hath moued from the East towards at last vnto the West where it is like to end vnlesse the same begin againe where it did in the East which were to expect a like world againe But we are assured of the contrary by the prophesie of Christ whereby we gather that after his word preached thorowout the world shal be the end And as the Gospel when it descended Westward began in the South and afterward spread into the North of Europe euen so as the same hath begunne in the South countreys of America no lesse hope may be gathered that it will also spread into the North. These considerations may helpe to suppresse all dreads rising of hard euents in attempts made this way by other nations as also of the heauy successe and issue in the late enterprise made by a worthy gentleman our countryman sir Humfrey Gilbert knight who was the first of our nation that caried people to erect an habitatioâ and gouernment in those Northerly countreys of America About which albeit he had consumed much substance and lost his life at last his people also perishing for the most part yet the mystery thereof we must leaue vnto God and iudge charitably both of the cause which was iust in all pretence and of the person who was very zealous in prosecuting the same deseruing honourable remembrance for his good minde and expense of life in so vertuous an enterprise Whereby neuerthelesse least any man should be dismayd by example of other folks calamity and misdeeme that God doth resist all attempts intended that way I thought good so farre as my selfe was an eye witnesse to deliuer the circumstance and maner of our proceedings in that action in which the gentleman was so infortunately incumbred with wants and woorse matched with many ill disposed people that his rare iudgement and regiment premedicated for those affaires was subiected to tolerate abuses in sundry extremities to holde on a course more to vpholde credit then likely in his owne conceit happily to succeed The issue of such actions being alwayes miserable not guided by God who abhorreth confusion and disorder hath left this for admonition being the first attempt by our nation to plant vnto such as shall take the same cause in hand hereafter not to be discouraged from it but to make men well aduised how they handle his so high and excellent matters as the cariage is of his word into those very mighty and vast countreys And action doubtlesse not to be intermedled with base purposes as many haue made the same but a colour to shadow actions otherwise scarse iustifiable which doth excite Gods heauy iudgements in the end to the terrifying of weake mindes from the cause without pondering his iust proceedings and doth also incense forren princes against our attempts how iust soeuer who can not but deeme the sequele very dangerous vnto their state if in those parts we should grow to strength seeing the very beginnings are entred with spoile And with this admonition denounced vpon zeale towards Gods cause also towards those in whom appeareth disposition honourable vnto this action of planting Christian people and religion in those remote and barbarous nations of America vnto whom I wish all happinesse I will now proceed to make relation briefly yet particularly of our voyage vndertaken with sir Humfrey Gilbert begun continued and ended aduersly When first Sir Humfrey Gilbert vndertooke the Westerne discouery of America and had procured from her Maiesty a very large commission to inhabit possesse at his choice all remote and heathen lands not in the actuall possession of any Christian prince the same commission exemplified with many priuileges such as in his discretion he might demand very many gentlemen of good estimation drew vnto him to associate him in so commendable an enterprise so that the preparation was expected to grow vnto a puissant fleet able to encounter a kings power by sea neuerthelesse amongst a multitude of voluntary men their dispositions were diuers which bred a iarre and made a diuision in the end to the confusion of that attempt euen before the same was begun And when the shipping was in a maner prepared men ready vpon the coast to go aboord at that time some brake consort and followed courses degenerating from the voyage before pretended Others failed of their promises contracted and the greater number were dispersed leauing the Generall with few of his assured friends with whom he aduentured to sea where hauing tasted of no lesse misfortune he was shortly driuen to retire home with the losse of a tall ship and more to his griefe of a valiant gentleman Miles Morgan Hauing buried onely in a
to the world Gods iudgements inflicted vpon them as shal be declared in place conuenient Thus after we had met with the Swallow we held on our course Southward vntill we came against the harbor called S. Iohn about 5. leagues from the former Cape of S. Francis where before the entrance into the harbor we found also the Frigate or Squirrill lying at anker Whom the English marchants that were alwaies be Admirals by turnes interchangeably ouer the fleetes of fishermen within the same harbor would not permit to enter into the harbor Glad of so happy meeting both of the Swallow and Frigate in one day being Saturday the 3. of August we made readie our fights prepared to enter the harbor any resistance to the contrarie notwithstanding there being within of âll-nations to the number of 36 sailes But first the Generall dispatched a boat to giue thâm knowledge of his comming for no ill intent hauing Commission from her Maiestie for his voiage he had in hand And immediatly we followed with a slacke gale and in the very entrance which is but narrow not aboue 2 buts length the Admirall fell vpon a rocke on the larboord side by great ouersight in that the weather was faire the rocke much aboue water fast by the shore where neither went any sea gate But we found such readinesse in the English Marchants to helpe vs in that danger that without delay there were brought a number of boates which towed off the ship and cleared her of danger Hauing taken place conuenient in the road we let fall ankers the Captaines and Masters repairing aboord our Admirall whither also came immediatly the Masters and owners of the fishing fleete of Englishmân to vnderstand the Generals intent and cause of our arriuall there They were all satisfied when the General had shewed his commission and purpose to take possession of those lands to the behalfe of the crowne of England and the aduancement of Christian religion in those Paganish regions requiring but their lawfull ayde for repayring of his fleete and supply of some necessaries so farre as conueniently might be afforded him both out of that and other habors adioyning In lieu whereof he made offer to gratifie them with any fauour and priuiledge which vpon their better aduise they should demand the like being not to bee obteyned hereafter for greater price So crauing expedition of his demand minding to proceede further South without long detention in those partes he dismissed them after promise giuen of their best indeuour to satisfie speedily his so reasonable request The marchants with their Masters departed they caused foorthwith to be discharged all the great Ordinance of their fleete in token of our welcome It was further determined that euery ship of our fleete should deliuer vnto the marchants and Masters of that harbour a note of all their wants which done the ships aswell English as strangers were tared at an easie rate to make supply And besides Commissioners were appointed part of our owne companie and part of theirs to go into other harbours adioyning for our English marchants command all there to leauie our prouision whereunto the Portugals aboue other nations did most willingly and liberally contribute Insomuch as we were presented aboue our allowance with wines marmalads most fine ruske or bisket sweet oyles and sundry delicacies Also we wanted not of fresh salmons trouts lobsters and other fresh fish brought daily vnto vs. Moreouer as the maner is in their fishing euery weeke to choose their Admirall a new or rather they succeede in orderly course and haue weekely their Admirals feast solemnized euen so the General Captaines and masters of our fleete were continually inuited and feasted To grow short in our abundance at home the intertainment had bene delightfull but after our wants and tedious passage through the Ocean it seemed more acceptable and of greater contentation by how much the same was vnexpected in that desolate corner of the world where at other times of the yeare wilde beasts and birds haue only the fruition of all those countries which now seemed a place very populous and much frequented The next morning being Sunday and the 4 of August the Generall and his company were brought on land by English marchants who shewed vnto vs their accustomed walks vnto a place they call the Garden But nothing appeared more then Nature it selfe without art who confusedly hath brought foorth roses abundantly wilde but odoriferous and to sense very comfortable Also the like plentie of raspis berries which doe grow in euery place Munday following the General had his tent set vp who being accompanied with his own followers sommoned the marchants and masters both English and strangers to be present at his taking possession of those Countries Before whom openly was read interpreted vnto the strangers his Commission by vertue whereof he tooke possession in the same harbour of S. Iohn and 200 leagues euery way inuested the Queenes Maiestie with the title and dignitie thereof had deliuered vnto him after the custome of England a rod a turffe of the same soile entring possession also for him his heires and assignes for euer And signified vnto al men that from that time forward they should take the same land as a territorie appertaining to the Queene of England and himselfe authorised vnder her Maieâtie to possesse and enioy it And to ordaine lawes for the gouernement thereof agreeable so neere as conueniently might be vnto the lawes of England vnder which all people comming thither hereafter either to inhabite or by way of traffique should be subiected and gouerned And especially at the same time for a beginning he proposed deliuered three lawes to be in force immediatly That is to say the first for Religion which in publique exercise should be according to the Church of England The 2. for maintenance of her Maiesties right and possession of those territories against which if any thing were attempted preiudiciall the partie or parties offending should be adiudged and executed as in case of high treason according to the lawes of England The 3. if any person should vtter words sounding to the dishonour of her Maiestie be should loose his eares and haue his ship and goods confiscate These contents published obedience was promised by generall voyce and consent of the multitude aswell of Englishmen as strangers praying for continuance of this possession and gouernement begun After this the assembly was dismissed And afterward were erected not farre from that place the Armes of England ingrauen in lead and infixed vpon a pillar of wood Yet further and actually to establish this possession taken in the right of her Maiestie and to the behoofe of Sir Hâmfrey Gilbert knight his heires and assignes for euer the Generall granted in fee farme diuers parcels of land lying by the waterside both in this harbor of S. Iohn and elsewhere which was to the owners a great commoditie being
Lord God 1170. arriued and there planted himselfe and his Colonies and afterward returned himselfe into England leauing certaine of his people there as appeareth in an ancient Welsh Chronicle where he then gaue to certaine Ilands beastes and foules sundry Welsh names as the Iland of Pengwin which yet to this day beareth the same There is likewise a foule in the saide countreys called by the same name at this day and is as much to say in English as Whitehead and in trueth the said foules haue white heads There is also in those countreis a fruit called Gwynethes which is likewise a Welsh word Moreouer there are diuers other Welsh wordes at this day in vse as Dauid Ingram aforesaid reporteth in his relations All which most strongly argueth the sayd prince with his people to haue inhabiteâ there And the same in effect is confirmed by Mutezuma that mightie Emperour of Mexico who in an Oration vnto his subiects the better pacifying of them made in the presence of Hernando Cortes vsed these speeches following MY kinsmen friends and seruants you doe well know that eighteene yeres I haue bene your King as my fathers and grandfathers were and alwayes I haue bene vnto you a louing Prince and you vnto me good and obedient subiects and so I hope you will remaine vnto mee all the dayes of my life You ought to haue in remembrance that either you haue heard of your fathers or else our diuines haue instructed you that wee are not naturally of this countrey nor yet our kingdome is durable because our sorefathers came from a farre countrey and their King and Captaine who brought them hither returned againe to his naturall Countrey saying that he would send such as should rule and gouerne vs if by chance he himselfe returned not câ These be the very wordes of Mutezuma set downe in the Spanish Chronicles the which being throughly considered because they haue relation to some strange noble person who long before had possessed those countreys doe all sufficiently argue the vndoubted title of her Maiestie forasmuch as no other Nation can truely by any Chronicles they can finde make prescription of time for themselues before the time of this Prince Madoc Besides all this for further proofe of her highnesse title sithence the arriuall of this noble Briton into those parts that is to say in the time of the Queenes grandfather of worthy memory King Henry the seuenth Letters patents were by his Maiestie granted to Ioha Cabota an Italiau to Lewis Sebastian and Sancius his three sonnes to discouer remote barbarous and heathen Countreys which discouery was afterwardes executed to the vse of the Crowne of England in the sayde Kings time by Sebastian and Sancius his sonnes who were borne here in England in true testimony whereof there is a faire hauen in Newfoundland knowen and called vntill this day by the name of Sancius hauen which proueth that they first discouered vpon that coast from the height of 63 vnto the cape of Florida as appeareth in the Decades And this may stand for another title to her Maiesty but any of the foresayd titles is as much or more then any other Christian Prince can pretend to the Indies before such time as they had actuall possession thereof obtained by the discouery of Christopher Columbus and the conquest of Vasques Nunnes de Balboa Hernando Cortes Francisco Pizarro and others And therefore I thinke it needlesse to write any more touching the lawfulnesse of her Maiesties title The fourth chapter sheweth how that the trade traffike and planting in those countreys is likely to proue very profitable to the whole realme in generall NOw to shew how the same is likely to prooue very profitable and beneficiall generally to the whole realme it is very certaine that the greatest iewell of this realme and the chiefest strength and force of the same for defence or offence in marshall matter and maner is the multitude of ships masters and mariners ready to assist the most stately and royall nauy of her Maiesty which by reason of this voyage shall haue both increase and maintenance And it is well knowen that in sundry places of this realme ships haue beene built and set forth of late dayes for the trade of fishing onely yet notwâthstanding the fish which is taken and brought into England by the English nauy of fishermen will not suffice for the expense of this realme foure moneths if there were none els brought of strangers And the chiefest cause why our English men doe not goe so farre Westerly as the especiall fishing places doe lie both for plenty and greatnesse of fish is for that they haue no succour and knowen safe harbour in those parts But if our nation were once planted there or neere there abouts whereas they now fish but for two moneths in the yeere they might then fish so long as pleased themselues or rather at their comming finde such plenty of fish ready taken salted and dried as might be sufficient to fraught them home without long delay God granting that salt may be found there whereof Dauid Ingram who trauelled in those countreys as aforesayd sayth that there is great plenty and withall the climate doth giue great hope that though there were none naturally growing yet it might as well be made there by art as it is both at Rochel and Bayon or elsewhere Which being brought to passe shall increase the number of our shippes and mariners were it but in respect of fishing onely but much more in regard of the sundry merchandizes and commodities which are there found and had in great abundance Moreouer it is well knowen that all Sauages as well chose that dwell in the South as those that dwell in the North so soone as they shall begin but a little to taste of ciuility will take maruelous delight in any garment be it neuer so simple as a shirt a blew yellow red or greene cotten cassocke a cap or such like and will take incredible paines for such a trifle For I my selfe haue heard this report made sundry times by diuers of our countreymen who haue dwelt in the Southerly parts of the West Indies some twelue yeeres together and some of lesse time that the people in those parts are easily reduced to ciuility both in maners and garments Which being so what vent for our English clothes will thereby ensue and how great benefit to all such persons and artificers whose names are quoted in the margent I do leaue to the iudgement of such as are discreet And questionlesse heereby it will also come to passe that all such townes and villages as both haue beene and now are vtterly decayed and ruinated the poore people there of being not set on worke by reason of the transportation of raw wooll of late dayes more excessiuely then in times past shal by this meanes be restored to their pristinate wealth and estate all which doe likewise tend to the inlargement
impayred neither doe we passe the frozen seas which yeelde sundry extreme dangers but haue a temperate climate at all times of the yeere to serue our turnes And lastly there neede no delayes by the way for taking in of fresh water and fewell a thing vsually done in long iournies because as I sayd aboue the voyage is not long and the fresh waters taken in there our men here in England at their returne home haue found so wholsome and sweete that they haue made choise to drinke it before our beere and ale Behold heere good countreymen the manifold benefits commodities and pleasures heretofore vnknowen by Gods especiall blessing not onely reueiled vnto vs but also as it were infused into our bosomes who though hitherto like dormice haue stumbered in ignorance thereof being like the cats that are loth for their prey to wet their feet yet if now therefore at the last we would awake and with willing mindes setting friuolous imaginations aside become industrious instruments to our selues questionlesse we should not only hereby set forth the glory of our heauenly father but also easily attaine to the end of all good purposes that may be wished or desired And may it not much encourage vs to hope for good successe in the countrey of these Sauages being a naked kinde of people voyde of the knowledge of the discipline of warre seeing that a noble man being but a subiect in this realme in the time of our king Henry the second by name Strangbow then earle of Chepstow in South Wales by himselfe and his allies and assistants at their owne proper charges passed ouer into Ireland and there made conquest of the now countrey and then kingdome of Lynester at which time it was very populous and strong which History our owne chronicles do witnesse And why should we be dismayed more then were the Spanyards who haue bene able within these few yeeres to conquer possesse and enioy so large a trace of the earth in the West Indies as is betweene the two tropikes of Cancer and Capricorne not onely in the maine firme land of America which is 47. degrees in latitude from South to North and doth containe 2820. English miles at the least that the king of Spaine hath there in actuall possession besides many goodly and rich Islands as Hispaniola now called S. Domingo Cuba Iamaica and diuers other which are both beautifull and full of treasure not speaking any whit at all how large the said land is from East to West which in some places is accounted to be 1500. English miles at the least from East to West betweene the one Sea and the other Or why should our noble nation be dismaid more then was Vasques Nunnes de Valboa a priuate gentleman of Spaine who with the number of 70. Spaniards at Tichiri gaue an ouerthrow vnto that mighty king Chemacchus hauing an armie of an hundred Canoas and 5000. men and the said Vasques Nunnes not long after with his small number did put to flight king Chiapes his whole armie Likewise Hernando Cortes being also but a priuate gentleman of Spaine after his departure from the Islands of Cuba and Acuzââil and entring into the firme of America had many most victorious triumphant conquests as that at Cyntla where being accompanied with lesse then 500. Spanish footmen thirteene horsemen and sixe pieces of Ordinance only he ouerthrew 40000. Indians The same Cortes with his sayd number of Spanyards tooke prisoner that mighty Emperour Mutezâma in his most chiefe and famous citie of Mexico which at that instant had in it aboue the number of 50000. Indians at the least and in short time after obteined not onely the quiet possession of the said citie but also of his whole Empire And in like maner in the Countrey of Peru which the king of Spaine hath now in actuall possession Francisco Pysarro with the onely ayd of Diego de Almagro and Hernando Luche being all three but priuate gentlemen was the principall person that first attempted discouerie and conquest of the large and rich countrey of Peru which through the ayd of the almighty he brought to passe and atchieued in the Tambo of Caxamalca which is a large place of ground enclosed with walles in which place he tooke the great and mightie prince Atabalipa prisoner amidst the number of 60000. Indians his subiects which were euer before that day accounted to bee a warlike kind of people which his great victorie it pleased God to grant vnto him in the yeere of our Lord God 1533. he not hauing in his company aboue the number of 210. Spanyards wherof there were not past threescore horsemen in all after the taking of which prince Atabalipa he offered vnto Pyzarro for his ransome to fill a great large hall full of gold and siluer and such golde and siluer vessels as they then vsed euen as high as a man might reach with his arme And the sayd prince caused the same hall to be marked round about at the sayd height which ransome Pyzarro granted to accept And after when as this mighty prince had sent to his vassals subiects to bring in gold and siluer for the filling of the hall as aforesaid as namely to the cities or townes of Quito Paciacama and Cusco as also to the Calao of Lima in which towne as their owne writers doe affirme they found a large and faire house all slated and couered with gold and when as the said hall was not yet a quarter ful a mutinie arose amongst the Spanyards in which it was commonly giuen out that the said prince had politikely offered this great ransome vnder pretence to raise a much more mightie power whereby the Spanyards should be taken slaine and ouerthrowen whereupon they grew to this resolution to put the sayd prince to death and to make partition of the golde and siluer already brought in which they presently put in execution And comming to make perfect Inueutorie of the same as wel for the Emperour then king of Spaine his fift part as otherwise there was found to be already brought in into the sayd hall the number of 132425. pound weight of siluer and in golde the number of 1828125. pezos which was a riches neuer before that nor since seene of any man together of which there did appertaine to the Emperour for his fift part of golde 365625. pezos and for his fift part of siluer 26485. pound waight and to euery horseman eight thousand pezos of gold and 67. pound waight of siluer Euery souldiour had 4550. pezos of gold and 280. pound waight of siluer Euery Captaine had some 30000. some 20000. pezos of gold and siluer proportionally answerable to their degrees and calling according to the rate agreed vpon amongst them Francis Pizarro as their generall according to his decree and calling proportionally had more then any of the rest ouer and besides the massie table of gold which Atabalipa had in his Litter which waighed 25000.
their children with the breast and they sit continually and are wrapped about the bellies with skinnes of furre The voyage of Monsieur Roberual from his Fort in Canada vnto Sagueuay the fifth of Iune 1543. MOnsieur Roberual the kings Lieutenant generall in the Countries of Canada Saguenay and Hochelaga departed toward the said prouince of Saguenay on the Tuesday the 5. day of Iune 1543. after supper and he with all his furniture was imbarked to make the saijd voyage But vpon a certaine occasion they lay in the Rode ouer against the place before mentioned but on the Wednesday about sixe of the clocke in the morning they set sayle and sayled against the streame in which voyage their whole furniture was of eight barks aswell great as small and to the number of threescore and ten persons with the aforesayd Generall The Generall left behinde him in the aforesayde place and Fort thirtie persons to remayne there vntill his returne from Saguenay which hee appoynted to bee the first of Iuly or else they should returne into France And hee left there behinde him but two Barkes to cary the sayde thirtie persons and the furniture which was there while hee stayed still in the Countrey And for effectuating hereof he left as his Lieutenant a gentleman named Monsieur de Royeze to whom he gaue commission and charged all men to obey him and to be at the commandement of the sayd lieutenant The victuals which were left for their mayntenance vntill the sayd first day of Iuly were receiued by the sayd Lieutenant Royeze On Thursday the 14. of Iune Monsieur de l'Espiney la Brosse Monsieur Frete Monsieur Longeual and others returned from the Generall from the voyage of Saguenay And note that eight men and one Barke were drowned and lost among whom was Monsieur de Noirefontaine and one named la Vasseur of Constance On Tuesday the 19. of Iune aforesayd there came from the Generall Monsieur de Villeneusue Talebot and three others which brought sixescore pounds weight of their corne and letters to stay yet vntill Magdalentyde which is the 22. day of Iuly The rest of this Uoyage is wanting THE VOYAGES AND NAVIGATIONS OF the English nation to Virginia and the seuerall discoueries therof chiefly at the charges of the honourable Sir Walter Ralegh knight from 33 to 40 degrees of latitude together with the successe of the English colonies there planted as likewise a description of the Countrey wiâh the Inhabitants and the manifold commodities Whereunto are annexed the Patents letters dicourses c. to this part belonging The letters patents granted by the Queenes Maiestie to M. VValter Ralegh now Knight for the discouering and planting oâ new lands and Countries to continue the space of 6. yeeres and no more ELizabeth by the grace of God of England France and Ireland Queene defender of the faith c. To all people to whom these presents shal come greeting Know ye that of our especial grace certaine science meere motion we haue giuen and granted and by these presents for vs our hâires and successors doe giue and grant to our trusty and welbeloued seruant Walter Ralegh Esquire and to his heires and assignes for euer free liberty licence from time to time and at all times for euer hereafter to discouer search finde out and view such remote heathen and barbarous lands countreis and territories not actually possessed of any Christian prince nor inhabited by Christian people as to him his heires and assignes and to euery or any of them shall seeme good and the same to haue holde occupy enioy to him his heires and assignes for euer with all prerogatiues commodities iurisdictioÌs royalties priuiledges franchises and preeminences thereto or thereabouts both by sea and land whatsoeuer we by our letters paâents may grant and as we or any of our noble progenitors haue heretofore granted to any person or persons bodies politique or corporate and the saide Walter Ralegh his heires and assignes and all such as from time to time by licence of vs our heires and successors shal goe or trauaile thither to inhabite or remaine there to build and fortifie at the discretion of the said Walter Ralegh his heires assignes the statutes or act of Parliament made against fugitiues or against such as shall depart remaine or continue out of our Realme of England without licence or any other statute act law or âny ordinance whatsoeuer to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding And we do likewise by these presentsâ of our especial grace meere motion and certaine knowledge for vs our heires and successors giue and graunt full authoritie libertie and power to the said Walter Ralegh his heires and assignes and euery of them that he and they and euery or any of them shall and may at all and euery time and times hereafter haue take and leade in the sayde voyage and trauaile thitherward or to inhabite there with him or them and euery or any of them such and so many of our subiects as shall willingly accompany him or them and euery or any of them and to whom also we doe by these presents giue full libertie and authoritie in that behalfe and also to haue take and employ and vse sufficient shipping and furniture for the transportations and Nauigations in that behalfe so that none of the same persons or any of them be such as hereafter shall be restrained by vs our heires or successors And further that the said Walter Ralegh his heires and assignes and euery of them shall haue holde occupie and enioy to him his heires and assignes and euery of them for euer all the soyle of all such landes territories and Countreis so to be discouered and possessed as aforesayd and of all such Cities Castles Townes Uillages and places in the same with the right royalties franchises and iurisdictions as well marine as other within the sayd landes or Countreis or the seas thereunto adioyning to be had or vsed with full power to dispose thereof and of euery part in fee simple or otherwise according to the order of the lawes of England as neere as the same conueniently may be at his and their wil and pleasure to any persons then being or that shall remaine within the allegiance of vs our heires and successors reseruing alwayes to vs our heires and successors for all seruices dueties and demaunds the fift part of all the oare of golde and siluer that from time to time and at all times after such discouerie subduing and possessing shall be there gotten and obteined All which lands Countries and territories shall for euer be holden of the sayd Walter Ralegh his heires and assignes of vs our heires and successors by homage and by the sayd payment of the sayd fift part reserued onely for all seruices And moreouer we do by these presents for vs our heires and successors giue and grant licence to the said Walter Ralegh his heires and assignes and
out of the Indies in such great misery and infamy to the world should be prouided at Gods hand in one moment of more then in all my life before I could attaine vnto by my owne labour After we departed from Mexico our S. Benitoes were set vp in the high Church of the said Citie with our names written in the same according to their vse and custome which is and will be a momonent and a remembrance of vs as long as the Romish Church doth raigne in that country The same haue bene seene since by one Iohn Chilton and diuers others of our nation which were left in that countrey long since by Sir Iohn Hawkins And because it shal be knowen wherefore it was that I was so punished by the Clergies hande as before is mentioned I will in briefe words declare the same It is so that being in Mexico at the table among many principall people at dinner they began to inquire of me being an Englishman whether it were true that in England they had ouerthrowen all their Churches and houses of Religion and that all the images of the Saints of heauen that were in them were throwen downe broken and burned and in some places high wayes stoned with them and whether the English nation denied their obedience to the Pope of Rome as they had bene certified out of Spaine by their friends To whom I made answere that it was so that in deed they had in England put downe all the Religious houses of friers and monks that were in England and the images that were in their Churches and other places were taken away and vsed there no more for that as they say the making of them and putting of them where they were adored was cleane contrary to the expresse coÌmandement of Almighty God Thou shalt not make to thy selfe any grauen image c. and that for that cause they thought it not lawfull that they should stand in the Church which is the house of adoration One that was at the declaring of these words who was my master Gonsalo Cereso answered and said if it were against the commandement of God to haue images in the Churches that then he had spent a great deale of money in vaine for that two yeres past he had made in the monastery of Santo Domingo in the said citie of Mexico an image of our Lady of pure siluer golde with pearles and precious stones which cost him 7000. and odde pesos and euery peso is 4. s. 8. d. of our money which indeed was true for that I haue seene it many times my selfe where it stands At the table was another gentleman who presuming to defend the cause more then any other that was there saide that they knew well ynough that they were made but of stockes and stones and that to them was no worship giuen but that there was a certaine veneration due vnto them after they were set vp in the Church and that they were set there to a good intent the one for that they were books for the simple people to make them vnderstand the glory of the saints that were in heauen a shape of them to put vs in remembrance to cal vpon them to be our intercessors vnto God for vs for that we are such miserable sinners that we are not worthy to appeare before God that vsing deuotion to saints in heauen they may obtaine at Gods hands the sooner the thing that we demand of him As for example said he imagin that a subiect hath offended his king vpon the earth in any kind of respect is it for the party to go boldly to the king in person to demand pardon for his offences No saith he the presumptioÌ were too great possibly he might be repulsed and haue a great rebuke for his labour Better it is for such a person to seek some priuate man neere the king in his Court and make him acquainted with his matter let him be a mediator to his Maiesty for him for the matter he hath to do with him and so might he the better come to his purpose and obteine the thing which he doeth demand euen so saith he it is with God and his saints in heauen for we are wretched sinners and not worthy to appeare nor present our selues before the Maiesty of God to demand of him the thing that we haue need of therefore thou hast need to be deuout and haue deuotion to the mother of God and the saints of heauen to be intercessors to God for thee and so mayest thou the better obtaine of God the thing that thou dost demand To this I answered said sir as touching the comparison you made of the intercessors to the king how necessary they were I would but aske you this question Set the case that this king you speak of if he be so merciful as when he knoweth that one or any of his subiects hath offended him he send for him to his owne towne or to his owne house or palace say vnto him come hither I know that thou hast offended many lawes if thou doest know thereof and doest repent thee of the same with ful intent to offend no more I will forgiue thy trespasse and remember it no more said I if this be done by the kings owne person what then hath this man need to go seeke friendship at any of the kings priuat seruants hands but go to the principal seeing that he is readier to forgiue thee then thou art to demand forgiuenes at his hands Euen so is it with our gracious God who calleth and crieth out vnto vs throughout all the world by the mouth of his Prophets Apostles and by his owne mouth saying Come vnto me al ye that labour and are ouer laden and I wil refresh you besides 1000. other offers and prosters which hee doth make vnto vs in his holy Scriptures What then haue we need of the saints helpâ that are in heauen whereas the Lord himself doth so freely offer himselfe vnto vs At which sayings many of the hearers were astonied and said that by that reason I would giue to vnderstandâ that the inuocation of Saints was to be disanulled and by the Lawes of God not commanded I answered that they were not my words but the words of God himselfe looke into the Scriptures your selfe and you shall so finde it The talke was perceiued to be preiudiciall to the Romiâh doctrine and therefore it was commanded to be no more entreated of and all remained vnthought vpon had it not bene for a villanous Portugal that was in the company who said âasta les Ingles para saber todo esto ymas who the next day without impaâting any thing to any body went to the Bishop of Mexico and his Prouisor and said that in a place where he had bene the day before was an Englishman who had said that there was no need of Saints in the Church nor of any inuocation of Saints vpon whose
prouince of Tlapa to the riuer of Tlacolula For they may as I haue sayd carââe the timber in lighters or rafts downe the riuers and may vse the Indians in the townes thereabout to fell and draw the same out of the cold mountaines for in the warme countreyes the most is plaine ground whereas with very fewe men and oxen it may be brought vnto the place where it should be imbarqued There may come flat bottomes and canoas vnto the townes thereabout and lade themselues with victuals For they haue already come by that riuer to the rode of Ometepec made there prouision at the mansion of Don Mattheo and at the farmes at that time when his Maiestie did people the plaines which are betweene these riuers conteining a large and voyde countrey sufficient for the erecting of 20. manours being a countrey well furnished with water and pasture without any danger or perill according to the description hereunto annexed This small harbour of Tecuanapa being seene and viewed seemeth very commodious for to build shippes in by reason of the great abundance of mountaines full of good timber for that purpose with the commodities of riuers and with the seruice and victuals from the townes thereabout which be very good for coast townes The desire of him that made this relation hath bene with zeale to serue your excellencie who therewithall desireth the Lord God to giue the successe THE PRINCIPAL VOYAGES OF the English Nation to the Isles of Trinidad Margarita Dominica Deseada Monserrate Guadalupe Martinino and all the rest of the Antilles As likewise to S. Iuan de Puerto rico to Hispaniola Iamaica and Cuba and also to Tierra firma and all along the coast and Islands therof euen from Cumana and the Caracoâ to the neckland of Dariene and ouer it to the Gulfe of S. Michael and the Isle of Perles in the South sea and further to Cabeça Catiua Nombre de dios and Venta de cruzes to Puerto Belo Rio de Chagre and the Isle of Escudo along the maine of Beragua to the Cape and Gulfe of the Honduras to Truxillo Puerto de cauallos and all other the principall Townes Islands and harbours of accompt within the said Gulfe and vp Rio dolce falling into this Gulfe aboue 30. leagues As also to the Isle of Coçumel and to Cape Cotoâhe the towne of Campeche and other places vpon the land of Iucatan and lower downe to S. Iuan de Vllua Vera Cruz Rio de Panuco Rio de Palmas c. within the bay of Mexico and from thence to the Isles of the Tortugas the port of Hanana the Cape of Florida and the Gulfe of Bahama homewards With the taking sacking ransoming or burning of most of the principall Cities and townes vpon the coasts of Tierra sirma Nueua Espanna and all the foresaid Islands since the most traiterous burning of her Maiesties ship the Iesus of Lubeâ and murthering of her Subiects in the port of S. Iuan de Vllua and the last generall arrest other Highnesse people with their ships and goods throughout all the dominions of the King of Spaine in the moneth of Iune 1585. Besides the manifold and tyrannicall oppressions of the Inquisition inflicted on our nation vpon most light and friuolous occasionâ The voyage of Sir Thomas Pert and Sebastian Cabot about the eight yeere of King Henry the eight which was the yere 1516. to Brasil Santo Domingo and S. Iuan de Puerto rico THat learned and painefull writer Richard Eden in a certaine Epistle of his to the duke of Northumberland before a worke which he translated out of Munster in the yeere 1553 called A treatiâe of new India maketh mention of a voyage of discouerie vndertaken out of England by sir Thomas Pert and Sebastian Cabota about the 8. yere of King Henry the eight of famous memorie imputing the ouerthrow thereof vnto the cowardise and want of stomack of the said Sir Thomas Pert in maner following If manly courage saith he like vnto that which hath bene seene proued in your Grace as well in forreine realmes as also in this our countrey had not bene wanting in other in these our dayes at such time as our soueraigne lord of famous memorie king Henry the 8. about the same yeere of his raigne furnished and sent out certaine shippes vnder the gouernance of Sebastian Cabot yet liuing and one sir Thomas Pert whose faint heart was the cause that the voyage tooke none effect it I say such manly courage whereof wee haue spoken had not at that time beene wanting it might happily haue come to passe that that rich treasurie called Perularia which is nowe in Spaine in the citie of Siuill and so named for that in it is kept the infinite riches brought thither from the newfound land of Peru might long since haue beene in the âower of London to the kings great honour and wealth of this realme Hereunto that also is to bee referred which the worshipfull M. Robert Thorne wrote to the sayde king Henry the 8. in the yeere 1527. by doctor Leigh his ambassadour sent into Spaine to the Emperour Charles the fift whose wordes bee these Now rest to be discouered the North parts the which it seemeth vnto me is onely your highnes charge and dutie because the situation of this your realme is thereunto neerest and aptest of all other and also for that already you haue taken it in hand And in mine opinion it will not seeme well to leaue so great and profitable an enterprise seeing it may so easily and with so litle cost labour and danger be followed and obteined Though hitherto your grace haue made thereof a proofe found not the commoditie thereby as you trusted at this time it shal be none impediment for there may be now prouided remedies âor things then lacked and the inconueniences and lets remooued that then were cause your graces desire tooke no full effect which is the courses to be changed and to follow the aforesayd new courses And concerning the mariners ships and prouiâion an order may be deuised and taken meeâe and conuenient much better then hitherto by reason whereof by Gods grace no doubt youâ purpose shall take effect And whereas in the aforesayd wordes M. Robert Thorne sayth that he would haue the old courses to bee changed and the newe courses to the North to be followed It may plainely be gathered that the former voyage whereof twise or thrise he maketh mention wherein it is like that sir Thomas Pert and Sebastian Cabot were set foorth by the king was made towarde Brasill and the South parts Moreouer it seemeth that Gonsaluo de Ouiedo a famous Spanish writer assudeth vnto the sayde voyage in the beginning of the 13. chapter of the 19. booke of his generall and natural historie of the West Indies agreeing very well with the time about which Richard Eden writeth that the foresaid voyage was begun The authors wordes are these as I finde them translated
to haue wrought the same and whosoeuer hath seene with what strength of stone the best gold oare is inuironed hee will not thinke it easie to be had out in heapes and especially by vs who had neither men instruments nor time as it is said before to performe the same There were on this discouery no lesâe then 100. persons who can all witnesse that when we past any branch of the riuer to view the land within and staied from our boats but 6. houres wee were driuen to wade to the eyes at our returne and if wee attempted the same the day following it was impossible either to ford it or to swim it both by reason of the swiftnesse and also for that the borders were so pestred with tast woods as neither boat nor man could find place either to land or to imbarke for in Iune Iuly August and September it is impossible to nauigate any of those riuers for such is the fury of the current and there are so many trees and woods ouerflowne as if any boat but touch vpon any tree or stake it is impossible to saue any one person therein and yet we departed the land it ranne with such swiftnes as wee draue downe most commonly against the wind little lesse then 100. miles a day Besides our vessels were no other then whirries one little barge a small cockboat and a bad Galiota which we framed in hast for that purpose at Trinidad and those little boats had 9. or 10. men a piece with all their victuals and armes It is further true that we were about 400. miles from our ships and had bene a moneth from them which alâo we left weakly manned in an open road and had promised our returne in 15. dayes Others haue deuised that the same oare was had from Barbary and that we caried it with vs into Guiana surely the singularitie of that deuice I doe not well comprehând for mine owne part I am not so much in loue with these long voyages as to deuise therby to cozen my selfe to lie hard to fare worse to be subiected to perils to diseases to ill sauors to be parched withered and withall to sustaine the care labour of such an enterprize except the same had more comfort then the ferching of Marcasite in Guiana or buying of gold oare in Barbary But I hope the better sort wil iudge me by themselues that the way of deceit is not the way of honor or good opinion I haue herein consumed much time many crownes I had no other respect or desire then to serue her Maiâstie and my country thereby If the Spanish nation had bene of like beliâfe to these detracters we should litle haue feared or doubted their attempts wherewith we now are daily threatned But if we now coÌsider of the actions both of Charles the 5. who had the maiden head of Peru and the abundant treasures of Atabalipa together with the affaires of the Spanish king now liuing what territories he hath purchased what he hath added to the acts of his predecessors how many kingdoms he hath indangered how many armies garisons nauies he hath and doth mainteine the great losses which he hath repaired as in 88. aboue 100. saile of great ships with their artillery that no yere is lesse vnfortunate but that many vessels treasures and people are deuoured and yet notwithstanding he beginneth againe like a storme to threaten shipwrack to vs all we shall find that these abilities rise not froÌ the trades of sacks and Siuil oringes nor fâom ought els that either Spaine Portugal or any of his other prouinces produce it is his Indian gold that indangereth and disturbeth all the nations of Europe it puâchaseth intelligence creepeth into counsels and setteth bound loyaltie at libertie in the greatest Monarchies of Europe If the Spanish king can keepe vs from forren enterprizes from the impeachment of his trades either by offer of inuasion or by besieging vs in Britaine Ireland or elsewhere hee hath then brought the worke of our peril in great forwardnes Those princes which abound in treasure haue great aduantages ouer the rest if they once constraine them to a defensiue war where they are driuen once a yere or oftner to cast lots for their own garmeÌts and froÌ such shal all trades entercourse be taken away to the general losse and impouerishment of the kingdom and common weale so reduced besides when our men are constrained to fight it hath not the like hope as when they are prest incouraged by the desire of spoile riches Farther it is to be douted how those that in time of victory seeme to affect their neighbor nations wil remaine after the first view of misfortunes or il successe to trust also to the doubtfulnes of a battel is but a fearefull vncertaine aduenture seeing therein fortune is as likely to preuaile as vertue It shall not be necessary to alleage all that might bee said and therefore I will thus conclude that whatsoeuer kingdome shal be inforced to defend it selfe may be compared to a body dangerously diseased which for a âeason may be preserued with vulgar medicines but in a short time and by litle and litle the same must needs fall to the ground be dissolued I haue therefore laboured all my life both according to my smal power perswasion to aduance al those attempts that might either promise return of profit to our selues or at least be a let and impeachment to the quiet course and plentiâull trades of the Spanish nation who in my weake iudgement by such a warre were as easily indangered brought froÌ his powerfulnes as any prince of Europe if it be considered from how many kingdomes and nations his reuenues are gathered those so weake in their owne beings and so far seuered from mutual succour But because such a preparation and resolution is not to be hoped for in hast that the time which our enemies embrace cannot be had a gaine to aduaÌtage I wil hope that these prouinces and that Empire now by me discouered shal suffice to inable her Maiestie the whole kingdome with no lesse quantities of treasure then the king of Spaine hath in all the Indies East and West which he possesseth which if the same be considered and followed ere the Spaniards enforce the same and if her Maiestie wil vndertake it I wil be contented to lose her highnesse fauour good opinion for euer and my life withall if the same be not found rather to exceed then to equal whatsoeuer is in this discourse promised or declared I wil now referre the Reader to the following discourse with the hope that the perillous and chargeable labours and indeuors of such as thereby seeke the profit and honour of her Maiestie and the English nation shall by men of qualitie and vertue receiue such construction and good acceptance as themselues would looke to be rewarded withall in the like W. R. ¶
which M. Robert Duddeley tolde me he had seene Upon this sight and for the abundance of golde which he saw in the city the images of golde in their temples the plates armours and shields of gold which they vse in the warres he called it El Dorado After the death of Ordas and Martinez and after Orellana who was imployed by Gonzalo Piçarro one Pedro de Osua a knight of Nauarre attempted Guiana taking his way from Peru and built his brigandines vpon a riuer called Oia which riseth to the Southward of Quito and is very great This riuer falleth into Amazones by which Osua with his companies descended and came out of that prouince which is called Mutylonez and it seemeth to mee that this empire is resârued for her Maiesty and the English nation by reasân of the hard succese which all these and other Spanyards found in attempting the same whereof I will speake briefly though impertinent in some âort to my purpose This Pedro de Osua had among his troups a Biscain called Agiri a man meanly borne who bare no other office then a sergeant or alferez but after cârteine moneths when the souldiers were grieued with trauels and consumed with famine and that no entrance could be found by the branches or body of Amazones this Agiri raised a mutiny of which hee made himselfe the head and so preuailed as he put Osua to the sword and all his followers taking on him the whole charge and commandement with a purpose not onely to make himselfe emperour of Guiana but also of Peru of all that side of the West Indies he had of his party seuen hundred souldiers and of those many promised to draw in other captaines companies to deliuer vp townes and forts in Peruâ but neither finding by y e said riuer any passage into Guiana nor any possibility to returne towards Peru by the same Amazones by reason that y e descent of the riuer made so great a current he was inforced to disemboque at the mouth of the sayd Amazones which can not be lesse then a thousand leagues from the place where they imbarked from thence he coastâd the land till he arriued at Margarita to the North of Mompatar which is at this day called Puerto de Tyranno for that he there slew Don Iuan de villa Andreda gouernour of Margarita who was father to Don Iuan Sarmiento gouernor of Margarita when sir Iohn Burgh landed there and attempted the Island Agiri put to the sword all other in the Island that refused to be of his party and tooke with him certeine Simerones and other desperate companions From thence he went to Cumana and there slew the gouernour and dealt in all as at Margarita hee spoiled all the coast of Caracas and the prouince of Venezuela and of Rio de la hacha and as I remember it was the same yere that sir Iohn Hawkins sailed to Saint Iuan de Vllua in the Iesus of Lubeck for himselfe tolde me that he met with such a one vpon the coast that rebelled and had sailed downe all the riuer of Amazones Agiri from thence landed about Sancta Marta and sacked it also putting to death so many as refused to be his followers purposing to inuade Nueuo reyno de Granada and to sacke Pamplon Merida Lagrita Tunxa and the rest of the cities of Nueuo reyno and frâm thence againe to enter Peru but in a fight in the sayd Nueuo reyno he was ouerthrâwen and finding no way to escape he first put to the sword his owne children foretelling them that they should not to liue to be defamed or vpbraided by the Spanyards after his death who would haue termed them the children of a traitour or tyrant and that sithence hee could not make them princes hee would yet deliuer them from shame and reproch These were the ends and tragedies of Ordas Martinez Orellana Ozua and Agiri Also soone after Ordas followed Ieronimo Ortal de Saragosa with 130 souldiers who failing his entrance by sea was cast with the current on the coast of Paria peopled about S. Miguel de Neueri It was then attempted by Don Pedro de Silua a Portugues of the family of Ruigomes de Silua and by the fauour which Ruigomes had with the king he was set out but he also shot wide of the marke for being departed from Spaine with his fleet he entered by Marannon and Amazones where by the nations of the riuer and by the Amazones hee was vtterly ouerthrowen and himselfe and all his armie defeated onely seuen escaped and of those but two returned After him came Pedro Hernandez de Serpa and landed at Cumaná in the West Indies taking his iourney by land towards Orenoque which may be some 120 leagues but yeâ he came to the borders of the sayd riuer hee was set vpon by a nation of the Indians called Wikiri and ouerthrowen in such sort that of 300 souldiers horsemen many Indians and Negros there returned but 18. Others affirme that he was defeated in the very entrance of Guiana at the first ciuill towne of the empire called Macureguarai Captaine Preston in taking S. Iago de Leon which was by him and his companies very resolutely performed being a great towne and farre within the land held a gentleman prisoner who died in his ship that was one of the company of Hernandez de Serpa and saued among those that escaped who witnessed what opinion is held among the Spanyards thereabouts of the great riches of Guiana and El Dorado the city of Inga Another Spanyard was brought aboord me by captaine Preston who told me in the hearing of himselfe aâd diuers other gentlemen that he met with Berreos campe-master at Caracas when he came ârom the borders of Guiana and that he saw with him forty of most pure plates of golde curiously wrought and swords of Guiana decked and inlayed with gold feathers garnished with golde and diuers rarities which he caried to the Spanish king After Hernandez de Serpa it was vndertaken by the Adelantado Don Gonzales Ximenes de Casada who was one of the chiefest in the conquest of Nueuo reino whose daughter and heire Don Antonio de Berreo marâed Gonzales sought the passage also by the riuer called Papamene which riseth by Quito in Peru runneth Southeast 100 leagues and then falleth into Amazones but he also failing the entrance returned with the losse of much labour and cost I tooke one captaine George a Spanyard that followed Gonzales in this enterprise Gonzales gaue his daughter to Berreo taking his oth honour to follow the enterprise to the last of his substance and life who since as he hath sworne to me hath spent 300000 ducats in the same yet neuer could enter so far into the land as my selfe with that poore troupe or rather a handfull of men being in all about 100 gentlemen souldiers rewers boat-keepers boyes of all sorts neither could any of the forepassed
next day following before noone hee came to vs on foote from his house which was foureteene English miles himselfe being a hundreth and tenne yeeres olde and returned on foote the same day and with him many of the borderers with many women and children that came to wonder at our nation and to bring vs downe victuall which they did in great plentie as venison porke hennes chickens foule fish with diuers sorts of excellent fruites and rootes and great abundance of Pinas the princes of fruites that grow vnder the Sunne especially those of Guiana They brought vs also store of bread and of their wine and a sort of Paraquitos no bigger then wrennes and of all other sorts both small and great one of them gaue mee a beast called by the Spaniards Armadilla which they call Cassicam which seemeâh to be all barred ouer with smal plates somewhat like to a Rinoceros with a white horne growing in his hinder parts as bigge a great hunting horne which they vse to winde in stead of a trumpet Monardus writeth that a little of the powder of that horne put into the eare cureth deafenesse After this olde King had rested a while in a little tent that I caused to bee set vp I beganne by my interpreter âo discourse with him of the death of Morequito his predecessour and afterward of the Spaniards and ere I went any farther I made him knowe the cause of my comming thither whose seruant I was and that the Queenes pleasure was I should vndertake the voyage for their defence and to deliuer them from the tyrannie of the Spaniards dilating at large as I had done before to those of Trinidad her Maiesties greatnesse her iustice her chaââteâ to all oppressed nations with as many of the rest of her beauties and vertues as either I could expresse or they conceiue all which being with great admiration attentiuely heard and marueilously admired I beganne to sound the olde man as touching Guiana and the state thereof what sort of common wealth it was who gouerned of what strength and policie howe farre it extended and what nations were friendes or enemies adioyning and finally of the distance and way to enter the same hee tolde mee that himselfe and his people with all those downe the Riuer towards the Sea as farre as Emeria the prouince of Carapana were of Guiana but that they called themselues Orenoqueponi and that all the nations betweene the riuer and those mountaines in sight called Wacaâiâa were of the same cast and appellation and that on the other side of those mountaines of Wacatima there was a large plaine which after I discouered in my returne called the valley of Amariocapana in all that valley the people were also of the ancient Guianians I asked what nations those were which inhabited on the farther side of those mountaines beyond the valley of Amariocapana hee answered with a great sign as a man which had inward feeling of the losse of his Countrey and libertie especially for that his eldest sonne was sleine in a battell on that side of the mountaines whom hee most entirely loued that hee remembred in his fathers lifetime when hee was very olde and himselfe a yong man that there came downe into that large valley of Guiana a nation from so farre off as the Sunne slept for such were his owne wordes with so great a multitude as they coulde not bee numbred nor resisted and that they were large coates and hattes of crimson colour which colour hee expressed by shewing a piece of red wood wherewith my tent was supported and that they were called Orejones and Epuremei those that had slaine and rooted out so many of the ancient people as there were leaues in the wood vpon all the trees and had nowe made themselues Lords of all euen to that mountaine foote called Curaaâ sauing onely of two nations the one called Awarawaqueri and the other Cassipagotos and that in the last battell fought betweene the Epuremei and the Iwarawaqueri his eldest sonne was chosen to carry to the aide of the Iwarawaqueri a great troupe of the Orenoqueponi and was there slaine with all his people and friendes and that hee had now remayning but one sonne and farther tolde mee that those Epuremei had built a great Towne called Macureguarai at the said mountaine foote at the beginning of the great plaines of Guiana which haue no ende and that their houses haue many roomes one ouer the other and that therein the great King of the Orejones and Epuremei kept three thousande men to defend the borders against them and withall dayly to inuade and slay them but that of late yeeres since the Christians offered to inuade his territories and those frontiers they were all at peace and traded one with another sauing onely the Iwarawaqueri and those other nations vpon the head of the riuer of Caroli called Cassipagotos which we afterwards discouered each one holding the Spaniard for a common enemie After hee had answered thus farre he desired leaue to depart saying that hee had farre to goe that hee was olde and weake and was euery day called for by death which was also his owne phrase I desired him to rest with vs that night but I could not intreate him but hee tolde mee that at my returne from the countrey aboue hee would againe come to vs and in the meane time prouide for vs the best he could of all that his countrey yeelded the same night hee returned to Orocotona his owne towne so as hee went that day eight and twentie miles the weather being very hot the countrey being situate betweene foure and fiue degrees of the Equinoctial This Topiawari is helde for the prowdest and wisest of all the Orenoqueponi and so hee behaued himselfe towardes mee in all his answeres at my returne as I marueiled to finde a man of that grauitie and iudgement and of so good discourse that had no helpe of learning nor breede The next morning we also left the port and sailed Westward vp to the Riuer to view the famous Riuer called Caroli as well because it was marueilous of it selfe as also for that I vnderstoode it ledde to the strongest nations of all the frontiers that were enemies to the Epuremei which are subiects to Inga Emperour of Guiana and Manoa and that night we anckered at another yland called Caiama of some fiue or sixe miles in length and the next day arriued at the mouth of Caroli When we were short of it as lowe or further downe as the port of Morequito wee heard the great rore and fall of the Riuer but when wee came to enter with our barge and whirries thinking to haue gone vp some fourtie miles to the nations of the Cassipagotos wee were not able with a barge of eight oares to row one stones cast in an houre and yet the Riuer is as broad as the Thames at Wolwich and wee tried both sides and the middle and
our papers his Bulwarks nor so slow as to expect a precedent of our forwardnes His proceedings are sufficiently strengthened with the trauailes reports substantial proofes of his own men that haue aboue 60. yeres beaten round about this bush And to say a trueth the expedition that he hath vsed in sending so many ships in February last to people this country disappoint vs as it doth consequently shew that he findeth his chiefest force and sinewes to consist in golde so doeth he thereby plainly to our faces exprobrate our remisnesse long deliberations that in 12. moneths space haue done or sought to doe nothing worthy the ancient fame reputation of our English nation interessed in so weighty businesse His late prouision of a new supply of whole families to the number of 600. persons bound for Guiana but that it pleased God that by meanes of that right honourable seruice most resolutely performed in the sea-fight and sacking of Cadiz the ships wherein they should haue bin conueyed were conuerted into ashes what might it signifie Certes as it doth euidently proue that El Dorado hath vndoubted credit account in their iudgemeÌts so pointeth it at vs whilst we only to entertain idle time sit listening for Guiana newes instantly forget it as if it were nought els but a pleasing dreame of a goldeÌ fancy If we with our selues shall expostulate how this commeth to passe that the aduantage wholy resting on our side in respect that Berreo was this last yere beaten out the countrey throughly discouered the Inhabitants made desirous of her sacred Maiesties happy gouernment they notwithstanding by entring before vs haue now gotten y e start of vs what may we thinke Shal wee iudge that their natiue countrey is lesse deare or more wearisome vnto them then ours is vnto vs Their Peruleri who going bare empty out of Spaine do againe within 3. or 4. yeres returne from Peru rich and in good estate doe apparantly disproue all such conceits of them Shall wee say that they haue more spare men to be imployed in such actions It is no secret to know the contrary Are they subiect to periury In all parts of Christendom where money is not scant all other things are plentifull Or is their land not able to sustain their numbers of people They buy many slaues to follow their husbandry themselues disdaining base idlenes beggery do all honour military profession highly esteeming it in their mercenaries and strangers Is it then want of ability in those that are willing lacke of incouragement or default of speedy order and direction for those that doe voluntarily offer themselues their substance best indeuour to further this cause that maketh vs to be thus coated of the Spaniard The first is no question The later needeth no answere The profit then by their example to be gathered is not to loose opportunitie by delay or to seeme feareful and dismayed where there is no cause of doubt For as yet their post-haste doeth no way preiudice our aduised leisure in setting forward since their preparations of Negros to worke in the mynes their horses cattell and other necessaries may by the fauour of God at our first comming both store vs w t quantities of gold oare and ease vs of much trouble paines and trauaile If we should suppose our selues now to liue in the dayes of King Henry the seuenth of famous memory and the strange report of a West Indies or new world abounding with great treasure should entice vs to beleeue it perhaps it might be imputed for some blame to the grauity of wise men lightly to bee carried with the perswasion and hope of a new found Vtopia by such a one as Columbus was being an alien and many wayes subiect to suspition But since the penance of that incredulity lieth euen now heauy on our shoulders the example forethreatning I know not what repentance and that we haue the personal triall of so honourable and sufficient a Reporter our own Countriman let it be farre from vs to condemne our selues in that which so worthily we reproue in our predecessors and to let our idle knowledge content it selfe with naked contemplation like a barren wombe in a Monastery We cannot denie that the chiefe commendation of vertue doth consist in action we truely say that Otium is animae vinae sepultura we beleeue that perfect wisedome in this mobility of all humaine affaires refuseth not with any price to purchase safetie and we iustly do acknowledge that the Castilians from barelegged mountainers haue atteined to their greatnesse by labour industrie To sleepe then because it costeth nothing to imbrace the present time because it flattereth vs with deceitfull contentment and to kisse security saying What euill happeneth vnto vs is the plaine high way to a fearefull downfall from which the Lord in his mercy deliuer vs and giue vs an vnderstanding heart in time to see and to seeke that which belongeth vnto our peace De Guiana carmen Epicum WHat worke of honour and eternall name For all the world t'enuie and vs t' atchieue Filles me with furie and glues armed hands To my hearts peace that els would gladly turne My limmes and euery sense into my thoughts Rapt with the thirsted action of my mind O Clio Honors Muse sing in my voyce Tell the attempt and prophecie th'exploit Of his Elsza-consecrated sworde That in this peacefull charme of Englands sleepe Opens most tenderly her aged throte Offring to powre fresh youth through all her vaines That flesh of brasse and ribs of steeele retaines Riches and Conquest and Renowme I sing Riches with honour Conquest without blood Enough to seat the Monarchie of earth Like to Ioues Eagle on Elizas hand Guiana whose rich feete are mines of golde Whose forehead knockes against the roofe of Starres Stands on her tip-toes at faire England looking Kissing her hand bowing her mightie breast And euery signe of all submission making To be her sister and the daughter both Of our most sacred Maide whose barrennesse Is the true fruite of vertue that may get Beare and bring forth anew in all perfection What heretofore sauage corruption held In barbarous Chaos and in this affaire Become her father mother and her heire Then most admired Soueraigne let your breath Goe foorth vpon the waters and create A golden world in this our yron age And be the prosperous forewind to a Fleete That seconding your last may goe before it In all successe of profite and renowme Doubt not but your election was diuine Aswell by Fate as your high iudgement ordred To raise him with choise Bounties that could adde Height to his height and like a liberall vine Not onely beare his vertuous fruite aloft Free from the Presse of squint-eyd Enuies feete But decke his gracious Proppe with golden bunches And shroude it with broad leaues of Rule ore growne From all blacke tempests of inuasion Those Conquests that like generall earthquakes shooke
operation very medicinable against the flire and headach These riuers as also others neerer Raleana doe all fall out of the plaines of this empire ouer rocks as tâe riuer Caroli dâeth into Raleana and in most places within the vtmost hedge of woods the land within is plaine voyd of trees and beareth short grasse like Arromaiaties countrey Next adioyning vnto these are the riuers Cunauamma Vracco Mawari Mawarparo Amonna Marawiâ Oncowi Wiawiami Aramatappo Camaiwini Shurinama Shurama Cupanamma Inana Guâiuni Winitwari Berbice Wapari Maicaiwini Mahawaica Wappari Lemdrâre Dessekebe Câopui Pawrooma Moruga Waim Barima Amacur Aratcori Raleaâ From Cape Cecyl to Raleana the coast trendeth two hundred leagues next hand Westnorthwâst In this varietie of goodly riuers Amonna amongst the rest powreth himselfe ânto the sea in a large and deepe chanell his swifnesse suffereth no barre nor refuseth any shipping of what burthen soâuer they be within his mouth for good and hopefull respectes is port Burley placed The inhabitants that dwel Eastward doe neuer passe lower then Berbice to trade Aboue Curitinâ in the woods they gather great quantities of hony Farther to the Eastward then Dessekebe âo Spaniard euer trauelled In which respect and that no sea-card that I haue seene at any time doth in any sort neere a trueth describe this coast I thought the libertie of imposing English names to certaine places of note of right to belong vnto our labours the rather because occasion thereby offereth it selfe gratefully to acknowledge the honour due vnto them that haue beene and I hope will still continue fauourers of this enterprize The Indians to shew the worthinesse of Dessekebe for it is very large and full of Islands in the mouth doe call it the brother of Orenoque It lyeth Southerly into the land and from the mouth of it vnto the head they passe in twentie dayes then taking their prouision they carrie it on their shoulders one dayes iourney afterwards they returne for their Canoas and beare them likewise to the side of a lake which the Iaos call Roponowini the Charibes Paâime which is of such bignesse that they know no difference between it the maine sea There be infinite numbers of Canoas in this lake and as I suppose it is no other then that whereon Manoa standeth In this riuer which we now call Deuoriâia the Spaniards doe intend to build them a towne In Moruga it was that they hunted Wareo and his people about halfe a yere since Arromaiarie who wan so great credit by ouerthrowing the Tiuitiuas of Amana and making free the passage of that riuer but now againe liueth in disgrace by reason that the Charibes of Guanipa haue killed most of his followers and burnt his townes was present with them and tooke away many of the women of that place Arracurâ another Indian of the nation of the Arwaccas inhabiting in Barima was likewise present and conducted the Spaniards to all the Indian dwellings They were not of Anthonie de Berreo his companie that followed this chase but were the Spaniards of Margarita and the Caraccas with whom Santiago forsaking his gouernour Berreo ioyned himselfe For which fact he now lyeth in fetters at Trinidad euery day expecting sentence of death The occasion hereof grew as follâweth When Berreo hauing lost his men was left with Fasshardo at Cumana all alone as forlorne and neuer likely to câmpasse his intended conquest of Guiana the gouernours of the Caâaccas and Margarita consulting together sent with all speede into Spaine to aduertise their king that Berreo was vtterly vnable to folow this enterprise that he had giuen it ouer and did now soiorne in his old dayes at Fasshardo his house minding nothing else but his solace and recreation They farther declared of how great importance this matter was and that aâ English gentleman of such reckoning as they named your lordship to be hauing bene in Guiana and vnderstanding so much of the state thereof and the nations thereunto adioyning as Topiawarie being both olde and wise could informe you of who also in confirmation of friendship had giuen you his onely sonne to whome the inheritance of the countrey did belong after him there was no other likelihood but that you who aduentured so farre and in such sort as you did onely to see and knowe a certainty would leaue nothing vnattempted to possesse so rich a countrey and without all doubt would returne presently That meane time you had left this aged Sire aliue to bee a blocke in their way to whom after his decease this enterprise by patent did belong and to bee a weake aduersarie against your selfe whom at all times you knew easily how to disâresse and that therefore it might be behoouefull fâr his maiestie to reuoke Berreo his grant and to vse their seruice who were readie and willing without any delay to vndertake the charge These newes being at large amâlified and deliuered to the king Domingo de Vera Berreo his Camp-master who was sent into Spaine fiue moneths before your arriuall at Trinidad with a sufficient quantitie of gold gotten ouâ of Guiana to leuie and furnish 500. men hauing gotten knowledge of this practise so solicited this cause in Berreo his behalfe that present order was giuen for the victualling and manâing of tenne ships to be sent to Berreo and farther this gold bore such waight that âhe king câmmaââed âther 18. of his ships to stop at Trinidad and not to follow their other directions before ãâ¦ã place secured from enemies Berreo ãâã that these gouernours in sending with such speede into Spaine meant him no gâod to ãâã his care and consâancie and that he neuer would yeelde vnder the burthen of his aduerse ãâ¦ã giuing no time or breath to his aduersaries nor himselfe returned foorthwith to Carapana his port onely with fifteene men being the scattered remnant of those whom you lateây dispossessed of Trinidad These gouernours followed him and assuring themselues of prâsent imployment from their king preoccupating the time of their directions to bee returned from Spaine entered Guiana with their men with full deteâmination to murther Berreo and to dispatch all his company They indeed killed two or three but Berreo fledde towardes Caâoli where hee stayed hoping for succour from his sonne Antonie de Ximenes to come downe the riuer from Nueuo Reyno de Granada The Maâgaritanes with their accomplices busied themselues some in searching the countrey others in pârueying of victuals out of the riuers that doe lie Eastward of which number these were that entred into Moruga with twentie Canoas Santiago passed vp into Topiawaries countrey and there tooke Frâncis Sparrowe sir George Gifford his man prisoner who with plentie of go'd ransomed his life and is now abiding in Cumana This done they all returned to Trinadad and beganne to builde their towne there when vnhappily to their small comfort the eight and twentie sayles arriued and tooke Santiago prisoner The other Actors in this
and as wee haue at your request bene at great charges in sending these men so we pray you let vs haue lawful fauour in like courtesie to further all our causes And if any of our Mariners or passengers in any respect of displeasure against their company or in hope of preserment of mariage or otherwise would procure to tary and dwell there and leaue his charge and office that then you will bee a means to the Iustice that such fugitiues should bee sent abord the ship as prisoners for as you know without our men wee cannot bring home our ship Wee haue giuen order to our factours to vse your counsell and helpe in their affaires and to gratifie you for the same as to your courtesie and faithfull friendship shall appertaine to your good liking and in the meane time for a token of our good willes towards you we haue sent you a field-bed of walnut tree with the canopy valens curtaines and gilt knops And if there be any commoditie else that may pleasure you or your friends wee haue giuen order that they shall haue the refusing of it before any other giuing for it as it is worth And thus to conclude promising to performe all the foresaide things on our parts in euery condition we commit you to God whoeuer preserue you with all his blessings Your louing friends Christopher Hodsdon Anthonie Garrard Thomas Bramlie Iohn Bird. William Elkin Certaine notes of the voyage to Brasill with the Minion of London aforesaid in the yere 1580. written by Thomas Grigs Purser of the said ship THe thirde day of Nouember in the yeere abouesaid we departed in the Minioâ of London from Harwich from which time no great thing worth the knowledge or regard of others happened vntil the 22. of December the next moneth which day for our owne learning vse wee obserued the setting of the Sunne which was Westsouthwest we then being vnder the line Equinoctiall where we found the aire very temperate and the winde for the most part Southeast and East southeast The same day we also obserued the rising of the moone being one day after the full which rose at East northeast The first land that wee fell with vpon the coast of Brasill was the yland of S. Sebastian where we arriued the 14. day of Ianuary in the yeere 1581. The 16. day Thomas Babington and others in our pinnesse went a shoare to Guaybea where they met with Iohn Whithall his father and mother in lawe who hauing receiued letters from thence to be deliuered at Santos came abord and then we weyed and set saile and the 28. day wee arriued at the yland of Santa Catelina neere the entrance of Santos Our course from S. Sebastian was Southwest and by West and betwixt the Southwest and by West and West southwest This yland of Santa Catelina seemeth at the first to be a part of the yland of Girybia Wee ankâred at nine fathome blacke osâe ground Upon the yland there grow many Palmito-trees but no fresh water is there to be found The third day of February we arriued before the towne of Santos and were there well receiued and intertained of the Captaine the kings officers and all the people The fourth day we tooke into our ship a beâfe aliue which serued for the victualling of the ship and the refreshing of our men and to make vs the merrier at Shrouetide The eight day we deliuered to M. Iohn Whithall a bedstead with the appurtenances which were sent to him from our marchants of London The 18. day the captaine of Santos came abord our ship by whom we had knowledge of foure great French ships of warre that had bene at the riuer of Ienero which there tooke three Canoas but were driuen from thence by their castles sorts and were looked for here at Santos Whereupon the Captaine requested vs to lend them some armour and artillery and we lent them twentie caliuers and two barrels of powder The 19. day our skiffe which we had sent to Alcatrarzas and had bene away sixe dayes came againe and brought good store of great and good fish and tolde vs that there was good store of fish to be taken there by the hooke and as much wood as we would haue of the Palmito-tree The 20. day at night Nicholas Gale one of our company fell ouer our shippes side and was drowned in the port of Santos before the towne where our ship rode at anker The 22. day two of the Canoas which the Frenchmen tooke in the riuer of Ienero returned to Santos and reported that the foure French ships were past to the southwards as they thought for the Straights of Magellan and so into the South sea The 23. day the aforesaide Nicholas Gale who fell ouerbord two dayes before was found againe and taken vp three miles from our ship and our company went to his buriall in the Church at Santos This day the Captaine and Iustices of Santos wished vs to tary in their road till the last of April for they had sent a barke of Santos to Baya at the kings charges to know whether we should haue trade or no and this barke could not returne before that time About this time there arriued at Feânambuck a shippe from Portugall which brought newes that the Islands Indies and Portugall it selfe was molested and troubled by the Spaniârds and that the Portugales had both English and Frenchmen to Lisbone to defend them against Spaine The 25. day wee sent two of our men namely Thomas Michael and Simon Thorne to Baya in a barke that went thither from Santos The two and twentie day of Aprill our Master and Thomas Babington hauing some talke and conference with the Padres of Santos they our men being ready to go to the Riuer of Ienero tolde them that they were sorry for our banishment from the Church and that the Ministrador had written from Rio de Ienero that forasmuch as these twentie yeres or more the English nation had denied the Church of Rome and her proceedings therefore the Ministrador commanded that none of vs should come to their Church the Padres willed vs herein to haue patience and to take it in good part and promised to stand our friends in their word and writing both to the Ministrador and to the bishop at Baya and further requested all our English company to haue no ill opinion of them The 28. of April we laded sugars into our ship The 21. of May we tooke in fresh victuals from Santos The 10. day of Iune wee gratified one Iosto Thorno dwelling in Santos with some of our English victuals and intertained him in good sort in our ship and this day wee were promised to haue a Pilot at Santos to cary vs to Baya The 11. day we went to fish to make prouision for our ship and men and from that time till the eighteenth day wee fet water and cut wâod for our fire and trimmed
that watereth al the gardens in the citie A Bizantin is 6. d. sterling S. Sophia is a Cathedral church of Nicosia Monte de la Croce Limisâo Carrobi Vulture Great plenty of very fat birds The Famagustans obserue the French statutes Cauo Bianco Another Cion A ship called el Bonna A great tempest Candia Goâi Antonie Gelber dâparteth this life Cauo Matapan Cauo Gallo Modon Sapientia Coron Napolis de Romanâa Prodeno Zânâe and Cephalonia Castle Torneste vnder the Turke Cauo S. Maria on the coast of Albania Corâu Island The description of the âorâe of Corâu The Island of Coââu is very plââtiââll Câssopo A daâgeroâs ãâã in the ship Saseno Valona Meleda Curzola a fruitfull Iland In the Iland of Lesina are taken store of Sardinas The gulfe of Queânâro Rouignio Parenzo S. Nicolo an Iland Caorle standing at the eââry of the marshes of Venice Our arriuall at Venice 1569. The Pâince Pedro Doââa is captâiâe of 40 gallies ââdâââhe Empâroâ Iuanâââe Doâiââ The Mauneses put out of the Iland of Chio ây the Turkâ The ââsâoâââhorowe ââ all Tuâkie is âen in eâery hââdreth English men do buy more commodities of Chio then any other nation Great store of sundry commodities to be had in Chio. Diuers places where we may haue sweete oiles for our clothing farre cheaper then on t of Spaine Gaspar Campion maried in Chio 24 yeeres Store of hoops laden at Castilla de la mare for Candia Master Malim at Constantinople 1564. Rhodes lost Scio lost Cyprus lost * In Italy and other places the date of the yere of y e Lord is alwayes changed the first of Ianuary or on New yeres day and from that day reckoned vpon although wee heere in England especially the temporall lawyers âor certaine caâses are not woont to alâer the same vntill the Annunciation of our Ladie Carumusalini he vessels like vnto y e French Gabards sailing dayly vpon the riuer of Bordeaux which saile w t a misen or triangle saile * Maone be vessels like vnto y e great hulks which come hither froÌ Denmarke some of the which cary 7 oâ 8 hundred tunnes a piece flat and broad which saile some of them with seuen misens a piece * Palandrie be great flat vessels made like Feriboats to transport horse Nicosia otherwise called Licosia Sig. Bragaâino was Proâeditore that is Gouernour and Sig. Baglione Generall of the Christian armie * Baffo of the ancient writers named Paphos in the which Citie there was a sumptuous Church dedicated to Venus * Arsenall in Constantinople and Venice is the place for munition and artillery to lie in Two Venetian sonses or Soldi amount but to one peny English * Albannis souldiers souldiers of Albania otherwise called Epiâus who coÌmonly serue the Venetians both on horsebacke and foot very skilfull painfull Of this noble painfull Venetian gentleman M. Gio. Antonio Querini who was afterwardes hewen in sunder by the coÌmandement of Mustafa I was entertained very courteouslâ in my trauell at Corcyra now called Corâu he being then tâeâe Mag. Castellano or Captaine of one of the castles In extremities meÌ haue no regard to spare trifles Prouident carââull gouernours or magistrates seldome sleepe all the night at anâ time much lâsse in dangerous seasons A small thing at the beginning or in due tiâe done helpeth much That certaine women inhabating this Iland be âiragos or maÌkind I saw âufficient triall at my last being there in a city called Saline It is accouÌted a good warlike shilt to leaue that to our enemies with hinderance which we can not any longer keepe and vse to our owne commodity The forwardnes of the captaine at dangerous times not only much comforteth the common souldier but also increaseth greatly his credit commendation w t all men Teglia in Latine called Teda is a certanie wood which burneth easily and sauoreth vnpleasantly of the which there is great store in Sicilia sometime it is vsed for a torch No necessarie thing to bee done was lest vnattempted on either part Mans courage oft abateth but hope seldome forsaketh Saguntina âames In Iuly the heat is so extreme in this Iland that the inhabitants thereof are not woont to trauell but by night onley A letter or supplication exhibited by the Cypriottes vnto Sig. Bragadino The answere of the former letter It standeth with reason in hope of sauing the greater to let the lesser go Necessitie oft times presseth vs in the ând to that which âur will continually spurneth against Giannezerâ âe the gard of the great Turke iâ that Aga de Giannizetâ is the captaine of the Turkes gard Iust Turkish dealing to speake and not to meane sodainly to promise and neuer to perform the same The propertie of true fortitude is not to be broken with sudden terrors Mustafa cosin germaine to y e thiefe which hong on the left side of our Sauiour at his Passion * Zechini be certaine pieces of fine gold coined in Venice euery one of the which is in value sixe shillings eight pence of our mony somewhat better equal altogether to a Turkish Byâaltom His death answerable to his former life * A Foist is as it were a Brigandine being somewhat larger then halfe a galley much vsed of the Turkish Cursaros or as we call them Pirates of Rouers * The gate of the great Tuâke is as much to say as Constantinople the which they call in the Turkish language Sâanbâll Gli Venturierida spada are a kind of venturing souldiers who commonly are wont to âolow the army in hope of the spoile Aleppo a âamous riueâââ neere vnto Antiochia otherwise called in Greeke ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã the city of the Sunne * Bey in y e Turkish language signifieth knight with vs. * Begliarbei signifieth lord Admirall * Sangiaccho is that person w t the Turkes that gouerneth a prouince or countrey God suffereth much to be done to his seruants but neuer forsaketh them Necessitie oft times sharpeneth mens wits causeth boldnes The nature of euery commoditie is sooner vnderstood by lacking then by continuall enioying of the same * Candia of the old writers called Creta in latin ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã in Greek because it had once a 100. Cities in it now there remaining but onely 4. thus commonly named Candia la Cania Reâima and Scythia Iohn Foxe taken 1563. The valour death of their Boatswaine The Englishmen caried prisoners vnto an Hauen nere Alexandria The last of December Ianuariâ Extremity of famine Iohn Fox his sword kept as a monument in Gallipoli The voyage of Iohn Wight and Ioseph Clements to Constantinople The first voyage of M. William Harborne to Constantinople â These two were Sir Edward Osborne And M. Richard Staper â Ye calleth the Germaine emperor but king of Germanie The Turke demandeth like priuileges for his subiects in the Queenes dominions â With vs the yeere 1579. Foedus Turciâ Imperatoris cum Regina âaitum Artâculi âuiuâ priuilegij
day A full reuoluâion of the Monne aboue their Horizon The colleagues of the fellowship for the discouery of the Northwest passage Free Denization granted This Patent remaiâed in force fiue yeeres Authoritie to proceede at Sea against mutiners 1583. Musicians They depart from Silley Iuly Great store of whales The râuling of the yce together made a great roaring Yce turned into water The Land of Desolation Very blacke water Floting wood Colde by âeason of yce They saile Northwestward aboue foure dayes Land in 64 degrees 15 min. The sound where our ships did ride was called Gilberts sound Musicians The people of the countrey came and conferred with our men Thirty seuen Canoas Their musike Great familiârity with the Sauagesâ Diuers sorts oâ wood They may make much ârame if they had meanes how to vse itâ Moscouie glasse A fruit like corinths August Land in 66 degrees 40 min. Foure white beares A huge whiâe beare Timber sawen Fowle An image Probabilities for the passage Wee neuer came into any baâ before or after but the waters colour was altered very blackish Faulcons Their returne September They saile from The land of desolation to England in 14. dayes Land discouered in 60. degrees Gentle and louing Sauages In 100 Canoââ with diuers commodities Images trane ople and Seale skins in tan tubs A plaine champion countrey A goodly riuer A graue with a crosse layd ouer The Tartars and people of Iapon are also smal eyed Their manâr of kindling fire like to theirs in America A fire made of turfes Great theeues Their rude diet Their weapons Strange nets These Islanders warre with the people of the maine Copper oare Their language Muscles A strange whirlewinde Great Ilands Slings One oâ the people taken which afteâ dyed â huge quantitie of yce in 63. degrees of latitudâ The nature of foggâs Great heat 66. degrees 19. minutes Great hopâ oâ a passage 64. degr 20 min. A great âurrent to the West Ilandsâ They rânne 8. dayes Southward ârom 67 to 57. degrees vpon the coast A harborough in 56. degrees Faire woods Store of cod A perfect hope oââhe passage about 54. degrâes and an halfe Two oâ our men slaine by the Sauages May. M. Dauis in the latitude of 60. deg diuideth his fleete into 2. parts The 7. of Iune Island descryâd 66. degrees Their commodities Their dwellings Their boats M. Iohn Roydon of Ipâwich They departed from Island Northwest Iuly Groneland diââcouered The land of Desolation Groenland coasted from âhe 7. till the last of Iuly August The houses of Gronland Our men play at footeball with the Sauages Sweete wood found A skirmish between the Sauages and our men September The pinnesse neuer reâurned home Land descrââââ Salt kerned oâ the rockes Isles in 64. degrees Store oâ Whales in 67. degrees 7â deg 12. min. The great variation of the compasse London coast Betweene Gâonland the Noâth of America aboue 40. leagues A mighâie banke of yeâ lying North and South Extreme heatâ of the Sunne They were driuen West sixe points out of their course in 67. degrees 45. minutes Mount Raleigh The Earle oâ Cumbeâlands Isles The variation of the compasse 30. deg Westward The land trendeth from this place Southwest and by South My lord Lumleys Inlet Warwicks Foreland A very forciblâ current Westward ââidleys cape The lord Daâcies Island The fishing place betweene 54 and 55 degrees of latitude Abundance of whales in 52 degrees They arriue at Dartmouth the 15 of September The 1. voyage The 2. voyage The North parts of Americâ all Islands The 3. voyage The ship of M. N. Zeno casâ away vpon ârisland in Annâ 1380. A forraine prince hapning to be in Frisland with armed men when M. Zenâ suffered shipwracke therâ came vnto him and spakâ Latine Zichmni princâ of Poâland or Duke of Zorani ârisland the âing oâ Norâayeâ N. Zeno made ânight by Zichmni Ships laden with fish at Frisland âor Flanders Bâitain England Scotland Noâway and Denmarke But not to bâ proued that eâer any came thence A letter sent by M. N. Zeno from Fâisland to his brother M. Antonio in Venice The end of the first letter Engâonâlânâ Pâeaching Fryârs of Saint Thomââ Winter oâ 9. moneths Trade in summer âime from Trondon to S. Thomas Friers in Groneland Resâât of Fryârs from Norway and Sueden to the Monastery in Engroneland called S. Tho. M. Fâobisheâ brought these kinde of boats from âhese parâs inââ England In the Monastery of Saint Thomâs most of them spake the Latine tongue The end of the â letter N. Zeno dyed in Frisland The discouerie of Estoâiland Westward Sixe fishermen taken Fishermen of Frisland speake Latine Sixe were fiue ââeres in Esâotiland One of the fisherâ of Frisland reporteth of Estotiland Estotiland rich abounding with all âhe commodities of the world Abundance of golde Trade from Estotilând to Engroneland â Skins brimstone and pitch golde corne and âeere or ale Many cities and castles A countrey called Doâgio The 6 fishermen of Frisland onâly saued by shewing the maner to take fish The chiefest oâ the 6 fishers specified before and his companions In the space of 13 yeeres he serued 25 lords of Drogio He returned from Estotiland to Frisland Zichmni minded to send M. Antonio Zeno with a fleete towards thâsâ parts of Esâotiland The 4 letter The fisherman dyed that should haue bene interpreter Certaine mariners taken in his sâeede which came with him from Estotiland Isle Ilose Zichmni his discouerie of the Island Icaâia An Island man in Icaâia The kings of of Icaria called Icari after the name of the first king of that place who as they report was sonne to Dedalus king of Scots Icarian Sâa The people of Icaria destrous of the Italian tongue Ten men of ten sundry nations Infinite multitudes of armed men in Icaâiâ Zichmni departed from Icaria Wâstwards 100 men sent to discrie the countreâ The 100 souldiers returned which had bene through âhe Island report what they saw and found M. Anâonio Zeno made chiefâ captaine of those ships which went back to Frâsland The 5 letter Estotiland first discouered The second discouerie thereof Dâogio M. Aâmigil Wade Cape Briâon The Island of Penguin standeth about the latitude of 30. degrees M. Dawbneys report to M. Richard Hakluyt of the Temple They beheld the Sauges âf Newfounland Extrâme famine Our men âaâe one another foâ famine The Capâaines Oration The English surprise a French ship wherein they returned home Haâkes and other foules Foules supposed âo be storkes The French royally recompencâd by king Henry the 8. English Spaniards Portugals French Britons The fertility of Newfoundland Seueral sortes â of fish Called by the Spaniards Anchunas and by the Portugals Capelinas ãâã Albioâ Hugo Willobeius eques auratus Martinus Fâobisherus eques âuratuââ Antonius Ienkinsonuâ Franciscus Dracus eques ãâã Sebastianuâ Cabotus The coasts froÌ Fâorida Northward fiââ discouâred bâ the English natioÌ A ãâã consideration Probable confectâââ y t these lands North of Florida are
reserued for the English nation to possâsse The Spanyards prosperous in the Southerne discoueries yet vnhappy in thâse Northerne The French are but viuepers vpon our right The FreÌch also infortunate in those North parts of America A good incouragement for the English nation to proceed in the conquests of the North of America The due time approcheth by all likelihood of calling these heathens vnto Christianity The word of God moueth circularly The planting of Gods word must be handled with reuerence Ill actions coloured by pretence of planting vpon remote lands The fiâst and great preparation of sir HuÌfrey Gilbert A constant resolution of sir Humfey Gilbert A second preparation of sir Humfrey Gilbert Consultation about our course Comodities in discouering from South Northward Cause why we began our discouery froÌ the North. Incommodities in begining North. Beginning of the voyage Our fleet consisted of fiue sailes in which we had about 260 men Prouisions fit for such discoueries Iune 11. Iune 13. Obserue Iune 15. Iuly 20. Great fogges vpon the Ocean sea Northward Iuly 27. The banke in length vnknowen stretcheth from North into South in bredth 10. leagues in depth of water vpon it 30 fadome A great fishing vpon y e banke Abundance of foules Iuly 30. First sight of land Iland and a foule named Penguin An Iland called Baccalaos of the fish taken there Misdemeanor of them in the Swallow English ships are the strongest and Admirals of other fleetes fishing vpon the South parts of New-found land Good order taken by English marchaÌts for our supply in Newfound land Good entertainment in Newfound land No Sauages in the South part of New-found land August 4. August 5. Possession taken Three Lawes Actuall possession maintained in New-found land Men appointed to makâ search New found land is al Islands or brokeÌ lands Goodly roads and harbours New found land is habitable Cold by accidental meanes Commodities Fish of sea and fresh water Newfound land both minister commoditieâ abundantly for art industrie Siluer Ore brought vnto the Generall Reasons why no further search was made for the silver mine Misdemeanor in our companie God brought togither these men into the ship ordained to perish who before had coÌmitted such outrage Why sir Huââ Gilbert went in the Frigate Liberalitie of the Portugals August 20 S. Iohns in 47 deg 40 min. Cape Race in 46 degrees 25 minutes Fish large and plentifull Cattel in the Isle of Sablon Good soile August 27. Predictions before the wracke Losse of our Admirall Stephanus Parmenius a learned Hungarian Daniel a refiner of mettals A wonderfull scape and deliuerance A great distresse A desperate resolution Two men famished Causes inforcing vs to returne home againe August 31. A monster of the sea September 2. Our last conference with our Generall Circumstances to be well obserued in our Generall importing the Ore to be of a siluer Mine Wilfulnes in the Generall A token of a good mind A resolute and Christianlike saying in a distresse Sir Humfrey Gilbârt drowned Arriuall in England of the Golden Hindâ A fit motion of the Captain vnto sir Humââey Gilbert An ill recompense Constancie in sir Humfrey Gilbert His temeritie and presumption Afflictions needfull in the children of God Dominus Ralegh Insula Penguââ In the south side of Newe found land there is store of plaine and champion Countrey as Richard Clarke found The great heate of the sunne in summer 20. Leaguesâ from the Isle of Sablon 15. Leagues froâ the Isle of Sablon Herein Clarke ãâã chargethââ Hâmââey Gilbert The ship cast away on Châââaâ ãâã the ãâ¦ã â5â3 Sâxteene gate into the ship-boate Master Hâdlyes vngodly propâsââoâ They came on land the 7. day after theiâ shipwracke The fruitfulnesse of the south part of Newfoundland Foureteene oâ our men brought out of Newfound land in a ship of Sâ Iohn de Luz Master Edward Hays Sir Humfrey Gilbert did arriue at Saint Iohns Hauen in Neâfound land the 3. of August Anno 1583. Among these there was found the tract of a beast oâ 7. ynches and a halfe ouer Sir Humfrey tooke possâssion of the New-found land in right of the Crowne of England Three lawes estaâlished theâe by Sir âââfrey Sundry pârsons âecame Tenants to Sir Humfrey and doe mainteine possâssion ãâã in diuers places âhâre ãâã â Englishmen Master Iohn Hawkins Sir Francis Drake M. William Winter M. Iohn Chester M. Martin Frobisher Anthony Parkhurst William âaties Iohn Louel Dauid Iâgram Strangers French Iohn Kidault Iaques Carrieâ Andrew Theueâ Moâlitus Goutgues Monsieur Laudonniete Italians Christopher Columbus Iohn Verâzarus God doeth not alwayes begin his greatest workes by the greatest persons His custome was to bowe himselfe very lowe in making of courtesie Hernando Cortes Francisco Pizarâo A reasonable âequesâ The argument of the booke The principall causes why this voyage is vndertaken The seconde kinde of planting Iosua 4. Iosua 6. Iosua 8. Iosua 9. Iudg. 11.13 Iudg. 1. A good now for al Conquerers to be mercifull Iudg. 6.7 Ruffinus lib. cap. 9. Meâopius slaânâ Edesius and Frumenâius preserued by the Indians Frumentius in great fauour with y t Queene of the IndiaÌs An other great worke of God begunne by a man of meânâ birth Ruffinuâ the Author of this storie âusebâââ his ecclesiasticall Historie testifieth how that Conâtantine the great did enlarge his doâinions bâ subduing of Infidels and Idolatrous nations Eusebius lib. 1. de vita Constant. cap. 4. eâ cap. 9. Euseb. eâd lib. âap â9 ââeoâoâââ in eccle lib. 5. cap. ââ Theodoretus cap. 26. eodem ãâã 1170. Owen Gwyneth was then Prince of Northwales Nullum âemâus ãâã Regi This Islanâ was discouered by Sir Humfrey and his company in this hââ iourney Mutezuma hiâ Oration to his subiects in presence of Hernando Cortes which Oration was made about the yeere 152â M. Oliuer Dalbony M. Edward Reow. M.R.H. M.I.A. Cox the mââster Clothiââs Woolmân Carders Spââters Weauersâ Fiâlersâ Sheermeâ Diers Dâapeââ Cappers Yaâârs c. and many decayed townes reported The idle persons of this realme shall by occasion of this iourney hee well imployed a set on worke âempe doeth grow neere S. Laurence riuer naturally Head the beginning of the booke intituled Diuers voyages touching the discouery of America Beasts for pleasure Given ãâã for forty shillings a piece Great grapes Wine of the Palme tree Commodities found in August last 1. ãâ¦ã This ââargeâ cannot be vniust where both parties are gainers â Decad lib. â fol. 77. of the West Indies in English Canoa is a kind of boat â Decad lib. â fol 97. About the yere of our Lord 1511. Conquest at the West Indies fol. 43. and 45. English A marueilouâ victorie Ceffala accounted to be the place where the noble and wise king Salomon did fetch his gold These are the furthest parts of the world from England At these Ilands hath siâ Francis Drake bene where the same of the Queenes most excellent Maiestie was renowmed Moscouie Dutchmen Denmarke Easterlings Turkie Leuani Barbarie
to breed vp horses promised the king as many footmen as euery man was bound to send so that out of the six Islands namely of Ireland Island Gotland Orkney Norway and Denmarke the king had sixe score thousand souldiers sânt him A testimonie of the right and appendances of the crowne of the kingdome of Britaine taken out of M. Lambard his ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã fol. 137. pag. 2. ARthurus qui fuit quondam inclytissimus Rex Britonum vir magnus suit animosus miles illustris Parum fuit ei regnum istud non fuit animus eius contentus regno Britanniae Subiugauit igitur sibi strenuè Scantiam totam quae modo Norweia vocatur omnes insulas vltra Scantiam sâz Islandiam Grenlandiam quae sunt de appendicijs Norweiae Suechordam Hyberniam âuâlandiam Daciam Semelandiam Winlandiam Curlandiam Roe Femelandiam Wirelandiam Flandriam Cherelam Lappam omnes alias terras insulas Orientalis Oceani vsque Russiam in Lappa scilicet posuit Orientalem metam regni Britanniae multas insulas vltra Scantiam vsque dum âub Septentrione quae sunt de appendicibus Scantiae quae modo Norweia vocatur Fuerunt autem ibi Christiani occultè Arthurus autem Christianus optimus fuit fecit eos baptizari vnum Deum per totam Norweiam venerari vnam fidem Chriâti semper inuiolatam custodire suscipere Ceperunt vniuersi proceres Norweiae vxores suas de nobili gente Britonum tempore illo vnde Norwegienses dicunt se exijsse de gente sanguine regni huius Impetrauit enim temporibus illis Arthurus rex à domino Papa à Curia Romana quod confirmata sit Norweia in perpetuum coronae Britanniae in augmentum regni huius vocauÃtque illam dictus Arthurus Cameram Britannie Hac verò de causa dicunt Norwegienses se debere in regno isto cohabitare dicunt se esse de corpore regni huius scilicet de corona Britannie Maluerunt enim manere in regno isto quà m in terra eorum propria Terra enim eorum arida est montuosa sterilis non sunt ibi segetes nisi per loca Ista verò opulenta est fertilis crescunt hic segetes caetera vniuersa Qua ex causa saepius per vices gesta sunt bella atrocissima inter Anglos Norwegienses interfecti sunt innumerâbiles Occupauerunt verò Norwegienses terras multas insulas regni huius quas adhuc detinent occupatas nec potuerunt vnquam postea penitus euelli Tandem modò confederati sunt nobis fide sacramento per vxores suas quas postea ceperunt de sanguine nostro per affinitates coniugia Ita demum constituit eis concessic bonus rex Edouardus propinquus noster qui fuit optimus filius pacis per commune confilium totius regni Qua de causa possent debent predicti de caetero nobiscum cohabitare remanere in regno sicut coniurati fratres nostri The same in English ARthur which was sometimes the most renowmed king of the Britains was a mightie and valiant man and a famous warriour This kingdome was too litle for him his minde was not conteated with it He therefore valiantly subdued all Scantia which is now called Norway and all the Islands beyond Norway to wit Island and Greenland which are apperteining vnto Norway Sweueland Ireland Gotland Denmarke Semeland Windland Curland Roe Femeland Wireland Flanders Cherilland Lapland and all the other lands Islands of the East sea euen vnto Russia in which Lapland he placed the Easterly bounds of his Brittish Empire and many other Islands beyond Norway euen vnder the North pole which are appendances of Scantia now called Norway These people were wild and sauage and had not in them the loue of God nor of their neighbors because all euill commeth from the North yet there were among them certeine Christians liuing in secret But king Arthur was an exceeding good Christian and caused them to be baptized and thorowout all Norway to worship one God and to receiue and keepe inuiolably for euer faith in Christ onely At that time all the noble men of Norway tooke wiues of the noble nation of the Britaines whereupon the Norses say that they are descended of the race and blood of this kingdome The aforesayd king Arthur obteined also in those dayes of the Pope court of Rome that Norway should be for euer annexed to the crowne of Britaine for the inlargement of this kingdome and he called it the chamber of Britaine For this cause the Norses say that they ought to dwell with vs in this kingdome to wit that they belong to the crowne of Britaine for they had rather dwell here then in their owne natiue countrey which is drie and full of mountaines and barren and no graine growing there but in certeine places But this countrey of Britaine is fruitfull wherein corne and all other good things do grow and increase for which cause many cruell battels haue bene oftentimes fought betwixt the Englishmen and the people of Norway and infinite numbers of people haue bene slaine the Norses haue possessed many lands and Islands of this Empire which vnto this day they doe possesse neither could they euer afterwards be fully expelled But now at length they are incorporated with vs by the receiuing of our religion and sacraments and by taking wiues of our nation and by affinitie and mariages For so the good king Edward who was a notable mainteiner of peace ordeined and granted vnto them by the generall consent of the whole kingdome so that the people may and ought from hencefoorth dwell and remaine in this kingdome with vs as our louing sworne brethren A testimonie out of the foresayd Galfridus Monumetensis concerning the conquests of Malgo king of England Lib. 11. cap. 7. VOrtiporio successit Malgo omnium ferè Britanniae pulcherrimus multorum tyrannorum depulsor robustus armis largior caeteris vltra modum probitate praeclarus Hic etiam totam Insulam obtinuit sex conprouinciales Oceani Iusulas Hyberniam videlicet atque Islandiam Gotlandiam Orcades Noruegiam Daciam adiecit dirissimis praelijs potestati suae The same in English MAlgo succeeded Vortiporius which was the goodliest man in person of all Britaine a prince that expulsed many tyrants He was strong and valiant in warre taller then most men that then liued and exceeding famous for his vertues This king also obteined the gouernment of the whole Island of Britaine and by most sharpe battailes he recouered to his Empire the sixe Islands of the Ocean sea which before had bene made tributaries by king Arthur namely Ireland Island Gotland Orkney Norway and Denmarke The conquest of the Isles of Anglesey and Man by Edwin the Saxon king of Northumberland written in the second Booke and fift Chapter of Beda his Ecclesiasticall historie
put to death all which they thought would haue stirred vp seditions and factions Whenas therefore the Spanish fleeâ rode at anker before Caleis to the end they might consult with the Duke of Parma what was best to be done according to the Kings commandement and the present estate of their affaires and had now as we will afterward declare purposed vpon the second of August being Friday with one power and consent to haue put their intended businesse in practise the L. Admirall of England being admonished by her Maiesties letters from the Court thought it most expedient either to driue the Spanish fleet from that place or at leastwise to giue them the encounter and for that cause according to her Maiesties prescription he tooke forthwith eight of his woorst basest ships which came next to hand disburthening them of all things which seemed to be of any value filled them with gun-powder pitch ârimstone and with other combustible and firy matter and charging all their ordinance with powder bullets and stones he sent the sayd ships vpon the 28 of Iuly being Sunday about two of the clocke after midnight with the winde and tide against the Spanish fleet which when they had proceeded a good space being forsaken of the Pilots and set on fire were directly carried vpon the King of Spaines Nauie which fire in the dead of the night put the Spaniards into such a perpleâity and horrour for they feared lest they were like vnto those terrible ships which Frederic Ienebelli three yeeres before at the siege of Antwerpe had furnished with gun-powder stones and dreadfull engines for the dissolution of the Duke of Parma his bridge built vpon the riuer of Scheld that cutting their cables whereon their ankers were fastened and hoising vp their sailes they betooke themselues very confusedly vnto the maine sea In this sudden confusion the principall and greatest of the foure galliasses falling fowle of another ship lost her rudder for which cause when she could not be guided any longer she was by the force of the tide cast into a certaine showld vpon the shore of Caleis where she was immediatly assaulted by diuers English pinasses hoyes and drumblers And as they lay battering of her with their ordinance and durst not boord her the L. Admirall sent thither his long boat with an hundreth choise souldiers vnder the command of Captaine Amias Preston Upon whose approch their fellowes being more emboldened did offer to boord the galliasse against whom the gouernour thereof and Captaine of all the foure galliasses Hugo de Moncada stoutly opposed himselfe fighting by so much the more valiantly in that he hoped presently to be succoured by the Duke of Parma In the meane season Moncada after he had endured the conflict a good while being hitte on the head with a bullet fell downe starke dead and a great number of Spaniards also were slaine in his company The greater part of the residue leaping ouer-boord into the sea to saue themselues by swimming were most of them drowned Howbeit there escaped among others Don Anthonio de Manriques a principall officer in the Spanish fleet called by them their Veador generall together with a few Spaniards besides which Anthonio was the first man that carried certaine newes of the successe of their fleet into Spaine This huge and monstrous galliasse wherein were contained three hundred slaues to lug at the oares and foure hundred souldiers was in the space of three houres rifled in the same place and there were found amongst diuers other coÌmodities 50000 âucats of the Spanish kings treasure At length when the slaues were released out of their fetters the English men would haue set the sayd ship on fire which Monsieur Gourdon the gouernor of Caleis for feare of the damage which might thereupon ensue to the Towne and Hauen would not permit them to do but drâue them from thence with his great ordinance Upon the 29 of Iuly in the morning the Spanish Fleet after the foresayd tumult hauing arranged themselues againe into order were within sight of Greueling most brauely and furiously encountered by the English where they once againe got the winde of the Spaniards who suffered themselues to be depriued of the commodity of the place in Caleis rode and of the aduantage of the winde neere vnto Dunkerk rather then they would change their array or separate their forces now conioyned and vnited together standing onely vpon their defence And albeit there were many excellent and warlike ships in the English fleet yet scarse were there 22 or 23 among them all which matched 90 of the Spanish ships in bignesse or could conueniently assault them Wherefore the English shippes vsing their prerogatiue of nimble stirrage whereby they could turne and wield themselues with the winde which way they listed came often times very neere vpon the Spaniards and charged them so sore that now and then they were but a pikes length asunder so continually giuing them one broad side after another they discharged all their shot both great and small vpon them spending one whole day from morning till night in that violent kinde of conflict vntill such time as powder and bullets failed them In regard of which want they thought it conuenient not to pursue the Spaniards any longer because they had many great vantages of the English namely for the extraordinary bignesse of their ships and also for that they were so neerely conioyned and kept together in so good array that they could by no meanes be fought withall one to one The English thought therefore that they had right well acquited themselues in chasing the Spaniards first from Caleis and then from Dunkerkâ and by that meanes to haue hendered them from ioyning with the Duke of Parma his forces and getting the winde of them to haue driuen them from their owne coasts The Spaniards that day sustained great losse and damage hauing many of their shippes shot thorow and thorow and they discharged likewise great store of ordinance against the English who indeed sustained some hinderance but not comparable to the Spaniards losse for they lost not any one shippe or person of account For very diligent inquisition being made the English men all that time wherein the Spanish Nauy sayled vpon their seas are not found to haue wanted aboue one hundreth of their people albeit Sir Francis Drakes shippe was pierced with shot aboue forty times and his very cabben was twise shot thorow and about the conclusion of the fight the bedde of a certaine gentleman lying weary thereupon was taken quite from vnder him with the force of a bullet Likewise as the Earle of Northumberland and Sir Charles Blunt were at dinner vpon a time the bullet of a demi-culuering brake thorow the middest of their cabbin touched their feet and strooke downe two of the standers by with many such accidents befalling the English shippes which it were tedious to râhearse Whereupon it is most apparant
I gaue God prayse it was good and knewe how farre I was off the land and was in hâpe to come to the lande within two or three dayes and sayde they were but threescore leagues from the lande when they were seuentie all to put them in comfort Thus we continued the third and fourth day without any sustenance saue onely the weedes that swamme in the Sea and salt water to drinke The fifth day Hedly dyed and another moreouer then wee desired all to die for in all these fiue dayes and fiue nights we saw the Sunne but once and the Starre but one night it was so foule weaâher Thus we did remaine the sixt day then we were very weake and wished all to die sauing onely my selfe which did comfort them and promised they should come soone to land by the helpe of God but the company were very importunate and were in doubt they should neuer come to land but that I promised them the seuenth day they should come to shore or els they should cast me ouer boord which did happen true the seuenth day for at eleuen of the clocke wee had sight of the land and at 3. of the clocke at afternoone we came on land All these seuen dayes and seuen nights the wind kept continually South If the wind had in the meane time shifted vpon any other point wee had neuer come to land we were no sooner come to the land but the wind came cleane contrary at North within halfe an houre after our arriuall But we were so weake that one could scarcely helpe another of vs out of the boate yet with much adoe being come all on shore we kneeled downe vpon our knees and gaue God praise that he had dealt so mercifully with vs. Afterwards those which were strongest holpe their fellowes vnto a fresh brooke where we satisfied our selues with water and berries very well There were of al sorts of beâries plentie as goodly a Countrey as euer I saw we found a very faire plaine Champion ground that a man might see very farre euery way by the Sea side was here and there a little wood with goodly trees as good as âuer I saw any in Norway able to mast any shippe of pyne trees spruse trees âirre and very great birch trees Where we came on land we made a little house with boughes where wâ rested all that night In the morning I deuided the company three and three to goe euery way to see what foode they could find to sustaine themselues and appointed them to meete there all againe ât noone with such foode as they could get As we went aboord we found great store of peason as good as any wee haue in England a man would thinke they had bene sowed there We rested there three dayes and three nights and liued very well with pease and berries wee named the place Saint Lauâence because it was a very gâodly riuer like the riuer of S. Laurence in Canada and we found it very full of Salmons When wee had well rested our selues wee rowed our boate along the shore thinking to haue gone to the Grande Bay to haue come home with some Spanyards which are yeerely there to kill the Whale And when we were hungry or at âirst we put our boate on land and gathered pease and berries Thus wee rowed our boate along the shore fiuâ dayes about which time we came to a very goodly riuer that ranne farre vp into the Countrey and saw very goodly growen trees of all sortes There we happened vpon a ship of Saint Iohn de Luz which ship brought vs into Biskay to an Harborough called The Passage The Master of the shippe was our great friend or else we had bene put to death if he had not kept our counsayle For when the visitors came aboord as it is the order in Spaine they demaunding what we were he sayd we were poore fishermen that had cast away our ship ân Newfound land and so the visitors inquired no more of the matter at that time Assoone as night was come he put vs on land and bad vs shifâ for our selues Then had wee but tenne or twelue miles into France which we went that night and then cared not for the Spanyard And so shortly after we came into England toward the end of the yeere 1583. A true Report of the late discoueries and possession taken in the right of the Crowne of England of the Newfound Lands By that valiant and worthy Gentleman Sir Humfrey Gilbert Knight VVherein is also briefly set downe her highnesse lawfull Title thereunto and the great and manifold commodities that are likely to grow therby to the whole Realme in generall and to the Aduenturers in particular Together with the easinesse and shortnesse of the Voyage Written by Sir George Peckham Knight the chiefe aduenturer and furtherer of Sir Humfrey Gilberts voyage to Newfound Land The first Chapter wherein the Argument of the Booke is contained IT was my fortune good Reader not many dayes past to meete with a right honest and discreete Gentleman who accompanied that valiant and worthy Knight Sir Humfrey Gilbert in this last iourney for the Westerne discoueries and is owner and Captaine of the onely vessell which is as yet returned from thence By him I vnderstand that Sir Humfrey departed the coast of England the eleuenth of Iune last past with fiue sayle of Shippes from Caâshen bay neere Plimmouth whereof one of the best forsooke his company the thirteenth day of the same moneth and returned into England The other foure through the assistance of Almighty God did arriue at Saint Iohns Hauen in Newfound land the 3. of August last Upon whose arriuall all the Masters and chiefe Mariners of the English Fleet which were in the said Hauen before endeuoring to fraight themselues with fish repaired vnto Sir Humfrey whom he made acquainted with the effect of his Commission which being done he promised to intreat them and their goods well and honourably as did become her Maiesties Lieutenant They did all welcome him in the best sort that they could and shewed him aâd his all such courtesies as the place could affoord or yeelde Then he went to vâew the Countrey being well accompanied with most of his Captaines and souldiers They found the same very temperate but somewhat warmer then England at that season of the yeere râplenished with Beasts and great store of Foule of diuers kinds And Fish of sundry sortes both in the salt water and in the fresh in so great plentie as might suffice of victuall an Armie and they are very easily taken What sundry other commodities for this Realme right necessarie the same doeth yeelde you shall vnderstand in this treatise hereafter in place more conuenient On Munday being the fift of August the Generall cauâed his tent to be set vpon the side of an hill in the viewe of all the Fleete of English men and strangers which were in number betweene
thirtie and fourtie sayle then being accompanied with all his Captaines Masters Gentlemen and other souldiers he caused all the Masters and principall Officers of the ships aswell Engliâhmen as Spanyards Portugales and of other nations to repayre vnto his tent And then and there in the presence of them all he did cause his Commission vnder the great Seale of England to bee openly and solemnely read vnto them whereby were granted vnto him his hâirâs and assignes by the Queenes most excellent Maiestie many great and large royalties liberties and priuiledges The effect whereof being signified vnto the strangers by an Interpreter hee tooke possession of the sayde land in the right of the Crowne of England by digging of a Turâfe and receiuing the same with an Hasell wand deliuered vnto him after the maner of the law and customâ of England Then he signâfied vnto the company both strangers and others that from thencefoorth they were to liue in that land as the Territories appertayning to the Crowne of England and to be gouârned by such Lawâs as by good aduise should be set downe which in all points so neere as might be should be agreeable to the Lawes of England And for to put the same in execution presently he ordained and establâshed three Lawes First that Râligion publiquely exercised should be such and none other then is vsed in the Church of England The second that if any pârson should bee lawfully conuicted of any practise against her Maiestie âer Crowne and dignitie to be adiudged as traitors according to the Lawes of England The third if any should speake dishonourably of her Maiestie the partie so offendâng to loose his eares his ship and goods to be confiscate to the vse of the Generall All men did very willingly submit themselues to these Lawes Then he caused the Queenes Mâiesties Armes to be ingraued set vp and erected with great sâlemnitie After this diuârs Engliâhmen made sute vnto Sir Humfrey to haue of him by inheritance their accustomed stages standângs drying places in sundry places of that land for their fish as a thing that they doe make great accompt of which he granted vnto them in fee farme And by this mâanes he hath possâssâon maintained for him in many parts of that Countrey To be briefe he did let set giue and dispose of many things as absolute Gouernor there by vertue of her Maiesties leuers patents And after their ships were repaired whereof one he was driuen to leaue behind both for want of men sufficient to furnish her as also to carrie home such sicke persons as were not able to proceede any further He departed from thence the 20. of August with the other three namely the Delight wherein was appointed Captaine in M. William Winters place that thence returned immediatly for England M. Maurice Browne the Goldenhinde in which was Captaine and owner M. Edward Hays and the little Friget where the Generall himselfe did goe seeming to him most fit to discouer and approch the shore The 21. day they came to Cape Race toward the South partes whereof lying a while becalmed they tooke Cod in largenes and quantitie exceeding the other parts of Newfound land where any of them had bene And from thence trending the coast West toward the Bay of Placentia the Generall sent certaine men a shore to view the Countrey which to them as they sayled along seemed pleasant Whereof his men at their returne gaue great commendation liking so well of the place as they would willingly haue stayed and wintred there But hauing the wind âaire and good they proceeded on their course towards the firme of America which by reason of continuall fogs at that time of the yeere especially they could neuer see till Cox Master of the Golden Hinde did discerne landâ and presently lost sight thereof againe at what time they were all vpon a breaâh in a great and outragious storme hauing vnder 3. fathome water But God deliuered the Frigat and the Golden Hindâ from this great danger And the Delight in the presence of them all was lost to their vnspeakeable griefe with all their chiefe victuall munition and other necessary prouâsions and other things of value not fit here to be nâmed Whereupon by reason also that Winter was come vpon them and foule weather increased with fogs and mists that so couered the land as without danger of perishing they could not approch it Sir Humfrey Gilbert and M. Hays were compelled much against their willes to retyre homewards And being 300. leagues on their way were after by tempestuous weather sâparated the one from the other the ninth of September last since which time M. Hays with his Barke is safely arriued but of Sir Humfrey as yet they heare no certaine newes Upon this report together with my former intent to write some briefe discourse in the commendation of this so noble and worthy an enterprise I did call to my remembrance the Historie of Themystocles the Grecian who being a right noble and valiant Captaine signified vnto his Countreymen the Citizens of Athens that he had inuented a deuise for their common wealth very profitable but it was of such importance and secrecie that it ought not to be râuealed before priuate conference had with some particular prudent person of their choyse The Athenians knowing Aristides the Philosopher to be a man indued with singular wisedome and vertue made choyse of him to haue conference with Themystcles and thâreupon to yeelde his âpinion to the Citizens concerning the sayd deuise which was that they might set ân fire the Nauie of their enemies with great facilitie as he had layde the plot Aristides made relation to the Citizens that the stratageme deuised by Themystocles was a profitable practise for the common wealth but it was dishonest The Athenians without further demaund what the same was did by common consent reiect and condemne it preferring honest and vpright deâling before profite By occasion of this Historie I drewe my selfe into a more deepe consideration of this late vndertaken Uoyage whether it were as well pleasing to almightie God as profitable to men as lawfull as it seemed honourable As well gratefull âo the Sauages as gainefull to the Christians And vpon mature deliberation I found the action to be honest and profitable and therefore allowable by the opinion of Aristides if he wâre now aliue which being by me herein sufficiently prooued as by Gods grace I purpose to doe I doubt not but that all good mindes will endeuour themselues to be assistants to this so comâendable an enterprise by the valiant and worthy Gentlemen our Countrey men already attempted and vndertaken Now whereas I doe vnderstand that Sir Humfrey Gilbert his adherents associates and friends doe meane with a conuenient supply with as much speede as may be to maintaine pursue and follow this intended voyage already in part perfourmed and by the assistance of almightie God âo plant themselues and their people in