America It flourished exceedingly in the preceeding age but since the finding out of Peru it hath lost much of its spendour as being lesse frequented by Merchants The inhabitants hereof according to the Spaniards own relation doth not exceed 600. families of Spaniards the Moores and Mungrels which are begot of Spanish and Moores amounting to as many more It was taken in the yeer 1586 by Sir Francis Drake with 1200. men but the spoil came far short of expectation there being found great store of brasse coyne but little gold To the North of this prime City in the same Province is the City De La Conception wherein is a Cathedrall and a Monastry as also the Towne Gotuy Not farre from San Domingo the Province of Cayagua beginneth and extendeth it selfe on the South coast near 160 miles and in this Province is Azna commonly called Compostella very rich in Sugers and five convenient havens Nizao Formoso Ocoa Caligna and Yagnion it selfe all greatly frequented especially Nizao and Ocoa by the Dutch for the abundance of Suger and hides untill of latter yeers trading there hath beene utterly prohibited by the King of Spaine Upon this coast are three little Islands little better then Rocks Beta Alta Vela Frayles wherein though there be nothing worth observation yet are they carefully to be observed for the preventions of Shipwracke The next Province to the West and more to the North is Baoca very mountaines and so hard of accesse as it cost the Spaniard very dear before he could gaine it The most Southwest Province is Hanigvagia very plaine pleasant and fruitfull wherein standeth Savana just opposite to Baqua a small but very considerable Island to furnish navigatours hath also in it Cape Tuburo and the promontory Dona and many safe harbours for Ships From the last of these the Land turning to the East many leagues admitteth of a great inlet of Sea upon which bordereth Zagua a Province no lesse fruitfull and pleasant then the former in which standeth the Towne called Iaguana well provided with store of excellent Salt And neer unto the North is the Island Guanabo The most Northwest is Cape Saint Nicholas where beginneth the first Northside Province of the Island Marien where Christophorus Columbus built Navidad hereunto belong two Islands Mosquites and Port Palma the one to the East the other to the West The next Province is Lawega Reall extending it selfe 70 leagues in length twenty in breadth admirable rich in medowes and Pastures Between this Northerne Province and Yaquimo to the South lie to other Cibao sometime abounding with golden mines and Maguana with in comparable meadowes as being almost incompassed with two wide Rivers Niba and Yaquen There are belonging to this spacious Province two Townes of good note Saint Iago and Port de Plata besides four convenient havens Cape Francis Port Riall Mons Christi and Port Isabell The most Northeast is Samana unto which belongeth one onely haven of note bearing the same name Lucaick Ilands TO the North of Hispaniola and Cuba between them and the Continent of Florida lye the many small Lucaick Ilands so neer one another as they make those Seas very rough heady and dangerous besides this there is nothing worth noting in them I shall therefore herein returne the Readers whom it may concerne I meane those who are to passe those seas to advise with that Map which the most judicious Author Mr. De Laet hath made and placed in that his great and exact Collection of all America almost out of all Authors Latine English Spanish Dutch or French who have written in this kinde From him by whom I have been most assisted in this my short Compendium they shall finde their severall names and be sufficiently informed how they fall betweene the forefaid Ilands and the Continent which for me here to insâ—rt would be both needlesse and troublesome they are so many and of so little worth Porto-Rico Portorico lying to the North short of the 19 Degree of the North latitude is to the East of Hispaniola neare sixteene leagues To the West of Virgo Gorda and Anagado the most West of the Carib Ilands seventeen leagues from Cogui Bocoa a Promontory of Vnezuella in the Continent of America to the Northeast it is distant one hundred thirty leagues The Climate is very pleasant only sometimes in the moneths of December and January it is infefted with too much raine in June July and August with somewhat immoderate heat and terrible tempests which they call Huracanes The land for the most part riseth and falleth with convenient small fruitfull hils and vallies though the fruitfulnesse thereof is much hindred with the over-great store of Guiabo trees The Townes and Ports of this Iland are but few about the middle of the North side lyeth Porto-Rico the only Towne of note built after the Spanish fashion and divided into fair streets it hath in it a safe Haven for ships a stately Cathedrall and a Monastery and though it hath no wals it is well fortified by land and sea yet not so but that it was taken by our countrey man the Earle of Cumberland who found there a rich booty and at least seventy great peeces of Ordnance which he brought away Anno 1597. It hath since in the yeare 1625 beene assaulted by Henricides the Dutch Generall who though he demeaned himself very valiantly in the attempt could not obtaine it The other Ports on the North side of the Iland as Visa Canaba and Cabeca to the East of Portorico are not safe as being exposed to the Northern tempests and shelves and sands which lye before them In the Northwest corner lyeth Agada a very oportune Haven to water in between which and Portorico the Rivers Cami and Cabuco fall into the sea Directly to the West side of the Iland somewhat about the middle lyeth the River Guiabo by which they passe to Saint Germin four leagues remote from the Westerne sea the Towne is but small and hath been often taken by the French Between the harbour belonging to it which is the mouth of Guiabo and Aguada directly to the west side of the Iland lyeth the Rock Zacheo inconvenient and dangerous There are other small villages in the Island but none other of great worth or note On the Southside most to the West lieth Cape Roxo neer which our English have found some salt pits very usefull for those who travaile those parts From Cape Roxo lie the havens of Guaima Xaria Guadianilla and Guaiama distant five or six leagues the one from the other On the Southeast-side lie the small Islands Bieque on the East coast then are onely these two Ports Saint Iames and Yabucoa The prime commodities of this Island are great store of Sugars Ginger Cassia and Neats hides It did abound with silver and gold but those mines are either exhausted or neglected for want of worke men Burmudos THere is another Island called Burmudos which because it falleth much
in no respect is the Province of Bogota inferiour in which Saint Fayth the Metropolis of all Granadâ— is scituated 22 leagues directly to the South inhabited with 600 Spanish Families being the usuall residing place of the Deputy Bishop and all their Officers Beyond this City to the South-east I find mention onely of one more called Saint Iohns remote neere fifty leagues for nothing much commended but for the store of gold it affordeth To the North-east fifteene leagues from Saint Fayth lyeth the Towne Tocaymai neere adjoyning upon the River Paty where it falleth into Magdalena equall to the foresaid Provinces Tunia Bogota in regard of all provision necessary and delighfull but much to be preferred in respect of the wholesome wel-pleasing temperature of the Climate beside some Bathes which by long experience have beene proved right good for the curing of many dangerous diseases Having thus briefly discovered Granada I conceive it most convenient for the more cleere discription of the next adjacent government which is Popaian to begin with it as it lyeth on the south-South-west of Tocayma and Saint Fe and as it bordereth neere upon the rising of the River Magdalena and so falleth for two degrees directly South to the equiâ—octiall where it is devidâ—d from Peru and then returneth backe to the West rising of the great River Martha distant from that of Magdalena full forty leagues Hereby having continuall referrence to the chiefe City 〈◊〉 it selfe seated not farre from the head of the said West 〈◊〉 we shall the better understand and the scituation of the whole government The first Towne of Popaian neerest â—djoyning to Granada is Saint Sebactian standing within three leauges from Onda the highest Inland Port belonging to Magdalena much frequented by the Merchants of Cartagena and Martha in respect of the exceeding profitable importation of the necessary Commodities of Europe into these parts and the transporting of abundant treasure from hence This Towne standeth from Saint Fe of Bogota in Granada thirty leagues from the City Popaian 35 the fields about it are fruitfull and have many silver Mines in them Above the rising of Magdalena in the Valley of Neyâ—â— the Natives are so numerous as that they hitherto have stoutly defended themselves against the Spanish and inforced them to retire from some Townes they had built there Timana in the most South-west part of the said Valley of Neyva forty leagues from Popaian the Spanish as yet with much adoe hold but thrive very well by reason of the richnesse of the soyle to feâ—d Cattell and the abundance of sugar and honey which it affordeth To the North-west of Timana and as many short of Popaian upon the rising of the West arme of Martha here called Cauca standeth Almager in a hilly Country yet fertill and very rich in golden Mines Hence the government of Popâ—â—an extendeth it selfe either directly to the West or to the North It is convenient I first finish the Western part as being in this book to fall no farther to the South which will bring us by the confines of â—eru to the South sea of America the knowledge whereof may much further us in the better understanding not onely of the scituation of its governments but also of the other parts of the North America that yet remaine to be described To the West of Almager about twelve leagues beginneth the Valley of Mastel whereunto bending somewhat to the South are the Valleys of Abades and Madrigal adjoyning Of which this onely can be certainly affirmed that they are of great extent full of many little Villages and those well peopled with the Natives a good signe they are not unfruitfull Beyond these Valleys standeth Pasto in the riâ—h Vale of Atris remote from Popaian fifty leagues The rest of the Province of Pasto reaching yet fifty leagues more to the West even to the South sea of America is very mountainous in which there be many rich mines but it is well knowne to be very barren either for graine or Cattell The Promontaries Rivers and Havens of this large Province of Pasto upon which the South sea beateth are Saint Mathews Bay Cape Frâ—ncis and Los Quiximires nearer bordering to Peru. Higher to the North where the Sea gaineth greatly upon the Land Eastward are Port Manglares the River Nicardo and Saint Iohn To returne where we left to the the rising of the River Caâ—ca fifty leagues before it commeth to the North sea where it is called Martha upon both sides whereof lye the better part of Popaian From Almaguer where this great River first springeth on the East side thereof lyeth the Province of Gâ—anaca on the West the Valley of 〈◊〉 both rich in treasure and exceeding fit for the feeding of Cattell Betweene these with the falling of the River for the space of ten leagues before we come to the City of Popaian on either side doe intervene two other Vaâ—â—eys Cocomici to the East and Barauca to the West much of the same condition with the two former The Metropolis of Popaian it selfe standeth from the Equinoâ—tiall two degrees and a half to the North from the Meridian of Toledo in Sâ—aine towards the West seventy degrees and thirty scruples it standeth in a very healthfull Climate and fruitfull soyle it hath two Winters and Sommers and both so tâ—mperate as it injoyeth a kind of perpetuall Spring and evâ—ry yeer affordeth two plentifull Crops the fields on both sides the River Cauca are very large affording ample maintainance for innumerable Cattell and incredible variety and store of most delicate fruits besides the first risings of the Andion mountaines to the East and the Tamban mountaines to the West yeeld abundance of courâ—e gold Aboâ—t 22 leagues from Popaian doâ—ne the said River Cauca one leagâ—e on the West side of the River lâ—eth Cakâ— a Spanish Towne of great trade in a large fruitfull Valley in some places twelve leagues wide knowne by the same name whether great store of treasure and other â—ich Commodâ—ies are continually brought from rich Peru and Câ—yâ—y out of the south sea especially by the Bay of Bonaventure remote 28 leagues which great distance of place is a great part of it taken up with the wide rough and little inhabited mountaines of Timba and by many boggy places caused by a frequent fall of many waters which make the passage very difficult with horse but this defect the Spanish supplieth by the helpe of poore Indians whom they cruelly enforce for five dayes hard travaile to beare upon their shoulders through thicke and thin through sharâ—e cutting stones and piercing thornes neere upon a hundred weight and yet affordeth those miserable creatures not necessary sustentation Betweene the teâ—iâ—ories of Cali and the south sea mountaine more to the North-â—est mountaines is the Province Conchi inhabited by a Giant-like people in regard of stature but otherwise as little to be feâ—red as the rest whom the Spaniard hath driven higher into the mountaines on both sides the
yet for all this it wanteth not store of all kind of victuall continually supplyed from other places by reason it so aboundeth with treasure in hope whereof the Spanish Merchants make that the chiefe place of trading by the River Chagre out of the North and by the River Chepo out of the south sea Both which though they come short of the City yet are they of very great use to bring the Merchants Commodities so neere which are afterwards much more easily conveyed thither by land Conceâ—ning the land passage from one sea to the other a most remarkable attempt of Captaine Oxenhaw a countryman of ours Anno 1573. must not be forgotten for though in the conclusion it proved not succesfull yet it may be a great encouragement of singular concernment to those who with greater strength shall make the like enterprize It was briefly thus Captaine Oxenham induced by the fame of the vast treasure which fortunate Drake obtained in those parts provided a ship of a 120 Tun in which having with him neere a hundred men the winds favouring him he came sooner then he could well expect on the North Sea-coast of Panima where getting as neere as he could conveniently for the shortest cut over to the North sea he landed his men drew up his ship into a cranny where he left her and his great Ordnance covered all over with bowes Then he and his men taking sufficient victuall with two field pieces and other necessary armes after twelve leagues march they came to a River which falleth into the South sea where he built a barge 45 foot long in which he conveyed his men into an Island called the Isle of Pearles close by the side whereof they who come our of the South sea to Panima must needs passe Here they closely concealed themselves for ten dayes at the end whereof they seized upon two Pinnaces comming from Peru wherein was little lesse then 200000 .li. of gold and silver besides great store of rich Pearles they took from the Islanders both which they might certainly have conveyed to their ship and so into England had not both Captain souldiers in their comming back in three particulars dealt very foolishly First in too sudden discharging the two Pinnaces they had taken by whom the Governour of Panima being much sooner informed of the exploit then otherwise he could have been made the more quick pursuit after them with twice as many forces as they had Secondly in casting the feathers of hens they had pillaged over board whereby they gave perfect notice to the pursuers Of the particular River they returned by of which before they were very much to seek But most of all did they forget themselves in an unseasonable contention concerning the dividing of the prize the Souldiers refusing to beare it upon their shoulders over the land unlesse the might know how much should come to every mans particular share which demand of theirs being as undiscreetly denied the convention lasted so long as the forces from Panima came upon them recovered the treasure and cut them all off or took them prisoners whom they forthwith brought to Panima and there cruelly executed some few escaped whom by reason of their youth they spared Beyond Panima to the South-sea are some but not many Ports and Rivers To the South-east is the River Chiepo the River de Labalsa Saint Miguels gulf Port de Pinas and the River Balsas neer about which groweth great store of timber fit for shipping whereof singular use may be made in the South sea On the south-South-west are two Ports Perico and Nata whereof the first is not far remote the other twelve leagues distant from Panima from whence as being the most Westerne parts of all Panima governments I am now to proceed with the Province of Veragua as neerest adjoyning to the West formerly belonging to the government of Nova Hispania but now in the jurisdiction of the Governour of Guatemala since that Province and many more thereunto belonging are upon the matter exempted from the Viceroy of Nova Hispania I might here following Hâ—rea and others fall upon the generall description of the government in respect of the Climate Soyle and of the severall commodities and discommodities of the same but to what purpose seeing it is evident and all Authors agree that in particular they differ extreamly I shall therefore in my particular descriptions of them taking them according to my constant method as they lye by the North Sea-coast passe through them froâ— sea to sea where it can be done conveniently and as I proceed I shall endeavouâ— in all respects to give you such account of their severall qualities and conditions as is requisite To begin therefore with Veragua as it hath Panima government to the East so Costo Rica to the West fiâ—ty leagues in length and where it is narrowest 25 in bredth from the North sea to the South which on both sides it is bounded The Soylâ— for the most part is barren as being mountainous and full of briers unfit for graine and pastoring yet very rich in all kind of mettals especially with gold The inhabitants are many very stout men and great opposers of the the Spaniard The first who found out Veragua was Christopher Columbus who at his first arivaâ—l found some opposition by the Natiâ—es but he soon pacified them with toyes and as Herâ—a reporteth for 36 brasse bels he gained 80. li. whereby we may easily guesse â—hat an aâ—ple returne he there made for things of very small worth The north Sea-coast belonging to this Province affordeth but few good harbours the neerest from the coast of Panima is the River â—elen distant from Port Bâ—lo 2â— leagues neere which it built the Towne la Conception where the Governour resideth A second is a little within the River Veragua from which the Province is denominated The last a pretty large gulfe called Caravaro Between which and Belen lieth an Island ten mileâ— from the continent called Escudo an Island carefully to be observed in regard of the many rocks and shelves that are about it The Spanish inland Towns to omit all the poor Hamblets possessed by the Natives are onely Trinidad and Saint Fayth the one three the other twelve leagues remote From la Conception close to the South sea is Carlos another Spanish Towne five leagâ—es from Saint Fayth over against which and to the East and West of it are 20 small Islands or rather rocks which goe by the name of Zebaco so as in the South sea of Veragua we read of no good Haven but onely Port Gâ—era neere cape Maria in the South-east corner thereof The next adjoyning Province lying as Veragua between both seas 40 leagues in bredth and if Herea reckon right 90 leagues to the West in length up to the continent of Nicaragua is Costarica much of the same condition of the former mountainous and barren but full of rich mines To the North sea it hath
from East to West are first Trugillo a league remote from sea standing between two Rivers whereunto belongeth a port strongly fortified by nature and art which though it was taken by our English Anno 1576. yet was it in vaine attempted by them under the command of Sir Anthony Sherley in the yeere 1596. the region about is temperate both in winter and summer the soyle exceeding fertill maintaining great store of Cattell graine and great variety of excellent fruit The Vines here in great abundance bring forth Grapes in wonderfull plenty twice a yeere The Towne lyeth to the North-east of port Cavallos forty of Validolid the chiefe City fifty leagues A second Town thirty leagues to the south of Trugillo is Saint George in the rich Valley of Olancho whereunto the hils adjoyning are lately found so full of gold mines as that the Governour of Honduras and Nicuragua have often drawne their Forces into the field and fought for it untill the King of Spaine was pleased to decide it by adjudging it a parcell of this Province The chiefe City forty leagues to the south within the Land is Valadolid where the Governour and his Officers a Bishop and his Cathedrall men reside very amply provided for with all kind of provision that the goodly Valleyes neere adjoyning afford and greatly enriched by the gold and silver mines there lately discovered Upon the North sea in the Valley de Naco every way comparable with Valadolid but for unhealthfulnesse foure leagues severed lyeth the Haven Towne de Cavallos in the fifteenth degree of latitude and between them somewhat more to the West are two other Spanish Townes that yeeld many mules and great horses as doth also the Country about Cavallos whence the name is taken The government of Guatimala and two other small Provinces Saint Salvator and Gulpho Dolce lye one after another to the south of Honduras towards the south sea in few places lesse then thirty leagues in bredth in respect of fertility â—â—ore of Cattell and graine they come not farre short of it but much in regard of healthfulnesse and the temperature of Aire and season they being in some moneths over hot in most infested with too much raine and which is the usuall consequence thereof with incredible multitudes of pestilent Flyes Bees Horners scorpions and other though small yet deadly venemous serpents Besides these provinces especially Guatimala so properly called is extraordinary subject to continuall Earthquakes horrible thundering and lightning and which is much worse to usuall breaking out of flames of fire from the sulpherous mountaines which sometime cast them downe in huge lumps to the overwhelming of the Townes and Villages adjoyning but never are these strange breakings out of fire but to the great annoyance of man and beast by the loathsome smoak and vapours that necessarily issue upon them not without much spoyle of Corne and fruits by reason of many thousand quarters of ashes which at those times are thickly dispersed round about The chiefe City in these parts is Saint Iago de Guatimala fourteen degrees in laâ—â—tude 93 in longitude From the Meridian of Toledo in Spaine to East whereof stand Trinidad and Saint Salvador two other Spaâ—iâ—h Towns the first 36. the second forty leagues remote both very convenient for trading out of the South-sea From Nova Hispania and Peru by the port Acaxulta in a very safe channell and not above five or six leagues from sea the two most Easterne Townes of Guatimala are Saint Miguel 22. leagues from Saint Salvador within two leagues of Fonseca Bay Then Xeres eighteen leagues farther neere to the lake of Nicoagua which having a short recourse to the sea affordeth a good Haven called Port possâ—ssion between which and port Guatimala that goeth up to Saint Iago for the space of eighty one leagues there are no other considerable Havens then have been mentioned The Havens and Rivers about Guatimala to the West that we may here make an end with the South sea coast belonging to this government are â—oatlam Govetlan Colate Haziaclan belonging to Soconusco a Province extended upon the south-sea westward thirty leagues in length and as many in bredth towards Verapaz and Chiapa two midland Provinces to the North The Inhabitants thereof not being very many and having few Spaniards among them live plentifully by reason of the great store of Cacao a fruit like Almonds which the Merchants of Nova Hispania fetch from thence at good rates as being of great use and high esteem as well with the Spaniards as Natives inhabiting those parts both to eat and drinke but especially to drink it yeelding a liquor exceeding wholsome and pleasant with some composition tâ—ey use maketh it no way inferiour to high-country white-wine or Shery-sack Out of this Cacao commodity in this little Province the King of Spain hath for tribute every yeere at least 400 frayles of them every frayle being worth thirty silver Royals The next Province to the North of Soconusco and the South of Yucatan having Chiapa Province to the West is Verapaz so called for that the Natives came freely in upon the preaching of the Gospell but having so little profited therein under such covetous corrupt Tutors as they know scarce any thing aright of Christrianity and would be very glad they could be freed from such tyrannicall Lords The middle part of it is somewhat temperate the residue is extreame hot and extreamly perplexed with Mosquitos usually swarming in other parts of the Indies which are hot and over moist as these are Neither doth the soyle by reason of eight moneths raine which most an end happeneth continually yeeld any store of Indian wheat but little or none of ours and yet it bringeth forth abundance of medicinall herbs beautifull flowers and trees most usefull and profitable both for nourishment and building but withall it harbours many wild beasts as Lyons Tygers Beares but very few for the use of man Nor yet so farre as I heare have gold or silver mines been here discovered by the Spaniard The most Westerne Province of all Guatimala bordering upon the East of Nova Hispania is Chiapa full forty leagues long and almost as broad every place from South to North in regard of over great heat and moysture of great store of wild beasts and dangerous serpents much like Verapaz as also in respect of the innumerable profitable Trees there the fruit whereof affordeth toothsome and wholsome nourishment the bodies speciall timber the gumme which in great quantities come from them precious Balsome and sweet odours the bark gumme and fruit very rich materials to dye colours of the best esteeme with us But herein it farre exceedeth all the Provinces of Guatimala in that being competently provided with graine it doth breed and maintaine great store of excellent Horses Kine Sheep and Swine besides incredible variety of the best Fish and Fowle onely for Mines it must give place to Honduras Province Thus I have passed through the government of Guatimala I
for repairing the mounds of the lake was in the yeer 1629. miserably overflown to the drowning of many thousand Inhabitants and to the losse of the greatest and best part of their houshold-stuffe and other goods which were either driven away or corrupted by the waters A second thing here to be noted is that this last yeere as it was constantly reported in London the Viceroy of Mexico and with him all Nova Hispania were revolted and in open Rebellion against the King of Spaine which if it shall as yet it is verily beleeved prove true it will be of high concernment to this Nation or any other into whose hearts it shall please God to put an effectuall desire of dispossesing the Spaniard of his usurped stewardship so unfaithfully imployed in respect of the fincere promoting of the Gospell in the purity thereof and so tyrannically exercised in regard of incredible oppressions rapines and murthers there as their owne Authors confesse inhumanely committed by them Now for the two other greater Provinces under the command of Mexico government Panaco to the North the Mechoacan to the South-west I will briefly set downe so much as is of any concernment to be knowne That part of Panuco which is said to be both in length and bredth fifty leagues toward the Arch-bishoprick of Mexico is very habitable and fertill and in times past of great note for silver mines that are now thought to be neere exhausted But the other part which bendeth to the North-east for fifty leagues to Florida so farre as it is yet discovered is found overgrowne with woods and barren The Spanish Townes here not greatly inhabited beside Panuco it selfe by them called Saint Steven are Saint Iago 25. leagues to the West and Lewis de Tampice eight to the North not farre from the gulfe of Mexico The most westerne Province belonging to the Mexico government is Mecoachan lying between Mexico and the Provinces of Galaecia bending into the continent towards the North sixty and being bounded to the South by the South-sea full 80. leagues whereunto belong the Port towne called Zacatulca thirty leagues from Acapulco then Saint Iago and Malaccan 50. more from thence to the North-west There are belonging to this large Province two other little ones Taximaroa within 30. leagues of Mexico and Colima to the south-South-west upon the confines of Galaecia 50. leagues from Valadâ—lid the chiefe City of Mecoachan This Colima is constantly reported to be very healthfull apt for graine and Cattell but abounding with the choisest fish and fruit and not without some gold mines though it hath more brasse which is there so common that since the Spaniards comming thither they make all those instruments of brasse that we usually make of iron And though this South-west part be the best of all yet is there none unlesse high to the North not yet so fully discovered but is as rich and every way as convenient to be inhabited Besides Valadolid which the Natives call Guagangareo standing upon a great lake as big as that of Mexico there are many other Spanish Townes of note First Leon very famous for the golden mines that have been found about it Then Salaya St. Miguell and Saint Philippo up to the North both of Mexico and Valadolid though between them bending still Westward all built by the Viceroyet many league distant the one from the other of great use to secure the vast treasute which is constantly conveyed from the most plentifull silver mines of Elerema and many other of which hereafter against the Pocacars the most barbarous of all Savages who live as wild men in Woods and cannot as yet be brought under by the Spaniard though yet in hath beene long endeavoured not without great losse on either side Galaecia I Am now come to Nova Galaecia to the West of Mecoachaâ— bounded to the West with the sea of California but to the North and North-west though large and spatious Countryes are discovered yet it is concluded by the learned in this kind that there resteth much more to be discovered This government hath annexed unto it divers other Provinces Guaidalaâ—ara Xalâ—sco Zacatecas Chiametla Biscaia as also California Câ—bola Quivira and Nova Mexico of which when I have briefly spoken you have all that I thought fit in so short a compendium to communicate touching the Northerne America Guadalaira the principall and most Southerne Province of Galaecia is bounded to the East with some parts of the Provinces of Mexico and Mecoachan to the West with Xalisco to the North with Zacatecas where the most plentifull silver mines are thought to begin but of late it is found that about Guadaliarae the chiefe and indeed the onely Towne here there are more plentifull silver mines â—ere they as the other so well searched which for want of men they have not as yet been discovered And it is further to be observed that this inland Province is for temperature and fruitfulnesse in most respects second to none Xalisco is to the West of Guadaliara upon that Sea-cost called Mare Pacificum that is the still sea The onely thing of observation here is an herbe which the Native call Curcas highly extolled by Monardes the great Herbalist to be of singular use against most diseases Cametla likewise lyeth upon the same sea-coast but a degree or two higher to the North The great store of Inhabitants which Herrea mentioneth to have been there shew it to be fertiâ—â— And Ybara who in the yeere 1554. built Saint Sebastian the onely Spanish Towne there found many silver mines and of late more have been discovered Culacan a degree more to the North bending to the West and coasting upon the foresaid sea was found out by Nonnius Gusmanus who Anno 1531. did build a Towne there called Del Esparâ—u Sancto This Province as the former is very fruitfull and rich in silver mines the women here are reported to be very comely and beautifull and to goe modestly attired a thing not usuall in these Countryes Cinoloa yet four degrees further to the North in the full extent of it towards the West was discovered by the same Gusmanus but I doe not read of any thing which after his long travails and search was worth his labour The maritimate places belonging to these Provinces in North latitude of no lesse extent then from the 19. to the 27. degrees are Cape de Corientes at the turning of the continent then Port de Singuiquipaque upon the 22. degree then Saint Sebastian in Chametla Saint Miguel in Culica the Rivers de Pascua and Petatlan in Cinaloa still higher to the North Calfornia though it be esteemed to be of very large extent yet hath it not been as yet discovered Sir Francis Drake in his admirably happy voyage compassing the World fell upon it and was from such Savages as there inhabiting more kindly entertained then he expected he took possession thereof in the name of the Queen of England A good presage that the most
more where the Gulph of Mexico beginneth to turne from the West directly South from the degrees of 29 to 25. I might here proceed with the description of Nova Hispania a countrey of highest esteem with the Spaniard for riches and fruitfulnesse but having passed as far as the Northwest Seas of America will permit I take it to be our best course to returne back againe to view the Ilands and the more Southeast parts of the Continent lying far nearer and every way of as good consequence for the propagating of the Gospell and the setling of some weake Plantations which we have there already for the continuall sending forth more Colonies and for the obtaining store of treasure and many rich merchantable commodities Cuba THE first great Iland in our returne lying most to the West is Cuba having Hispaniola Easternly to usward distant from the first Easterne part thereof which is Cape Mayzi twelve leagues to the West it is divided from Nova Hispania by a long and large interposition of Sea called Mexico To the North it hath the Lucayicke Islands The neerest parts to the South is the Island Iamaica From the East promontory of Mazi to Cape Anthony full West it extendeth it self no lesse then 230 leagues but in breadth where it is largest it exceedeth not forty leagues where narroest not fifteene A very large Island and fruitfull soyle able abundantly to sustaine many thousand men for the Natives are well nigh utterly destroyed by the Spaniard And the few Spanish inhabitants at this time there remaining are not able to make use of the fifth part thereof The Climate is somewhat hot but yet healthfull and reasonable temperate it is so over stored with kine as they kill them meerely for their hides and so with hogges as they know not what to doe with them It hath in it a Cathedrall and a Monestery To the East thirty leagues distant and within ten leagues of the Northern Sea lieth a Towne called Baracoa neer to which runneth the River Mares To the North West likewise thirty leagues lieth Baiamo which though it be an inland towne yet it is well furnished with usefull commodities by meanes of the great river Cante which falleth into the Sea on the South-side of the Island A fourth Towne whereunto belongeth a good haven Porto del Principe lying to the Northside neer forty leagues from Saint Iages On the Southfide more then fiftie leagues from Iages lieth the Town Spiritus Sanctus And betweene these lie the great mountaines Tarquino Cape de Crus and a great inlet of the Sea the Land bending to the North and to the North-east no lesse then a degree but the coming up unto them by reason of the many rockes and shelves is somewhat dangerous From hence being more then halfe the length of the Island unto Cape Anthony the most Westerne promontory of great note with mariners On the South-side also lieth the Town Seas Port Xagua and Cape Corrientes opportune places to harbour and take in water and wood The West end of Cuba from Cape Anthony bendeth Northward where lie the Organes observed by Saylors to be dangerous touching upon in regard of many sands rockes and shallowes but after the Land falling into the East not above nine miles from Habana there are two very convenient Ports Port Puercos and Port Marien but of all the Ports of Cuba Habana on the Northside neer the West end of the Iland is farre the largest the safest and most renowned It is strongly Fortified both by nature and by Arte by a narrow coming up unto it by Sea and with strong Castles as it is thought to be invincible and therefore hither as to a most secure harbour from all parts of America the Spanish Fleet meeteth yeerly and so being gathered together returne about the beginning of September with there farre greater treasure collected then considerable Forces to conduct it safely into Spaine Neither indeed is Habana so impregnable but that a Navy Royall landing some of their Forces at Port Marien or Port Puercos aforesaid may take both Town treasure before the Spanish Navy can put from thence if they could in a seasonable time somewhat about September light upon the Spanish Fleet And if the Grandes of Spaine have by reason of the large pension of 3. or 4000. pounds yeerly paid to many pensioners here such intelligence of an intendment that way yet though we should misse of the Fleet for one yeer we might be sure to seize upon the Towne and so greatly straighten them in their yeerly returnes and in few yeers become Commanders of those narrow Seas through which their vast treasure is yearly conveighed Hispaniola HIspaniola lyeth between the degree of eighteen and twenty one of the North latitude The most East end of it at Cape Enganno is very narrow the most West end between Saint Nicholas to the North and Cape Dona Maria to the Southside is broader then any other part of the Island The length from East to West 120. leagues the breadth as it is related by Spanish Authors is 60. leagues where it is widest where narrowest thirty The temperature of the aire till noone is somewhat over hot but after continually temperate The commodities of Suger and Cow-hides are more abundaut here then in any of these Islands Acosta reporteth that from hence in the yeer 1587. were brought into Spaine 9000. Chests of Suger they though kill their Beasts most for their hides yet they multiply to fast upon them and such is the increase of horse and hogges which sufficiently proveth the exceeding fertillity of their soyle there having been neither Neat horse nor hogges in the whole Ile before it was stored by the Spanish not above 150 yeers since Now to begin the particular description of the I le of the Townes Rivers and Ports according to the severall Provinces as they lie from East to West betweene North and South The most Easterne Province called Hygvey is a rough and mountainous place yet well furnished with variety of fruitfull trees To the South lie two small Islands Catilina and Zybo well provided with good nature and store of cattell as also the Island Saona of a larger extent which though it be not now inhabited yet it is very commodious for Ships to furnish themselves with severall sorts of provision it abounding with great store of fruits and wholsome cattell The next province is Iagvagua upon the South Coast wherein standeth San Domingo the onely chiefe City of the Island built by Bartholomeus Collumbus Anno 1494. on the East-side of the River Osama but afterwards removed by Nicolas Obando to the Westside It is neatly built and stately with stones and environed with a strong wall It is the seat of an Archbishop and the place where the governour of the Island and all the Kings officers do reside and but that it is not conveniently supplied with water it might wel passe for one of the best cities in all
in the same longitude with Porto Rico though many degrees distant to the North in regard of latitude I must either here insert or leave out It lyeth within a degree and a halfe of South Virginia not so easie to be come unto in regard it hath but one and that none of the best Ports to land in Besides it is as much if not more then any other place infested with most tempestuous fearfull winds called Huracans The soyle and temperature is farre inferiour to any part of Virginia and yet is it inhabited no lesse then with a thousand English Who no doubt when the wisedome of the Kingdome shall thinke convenient to send a strong Navy into America will be forward to remove and improve their plaâ—â—â—â—ion into a more convenient and richer soyle Caribb Islands TO the the East of Porto-Rico begin the Carib or Caniball Islands so called for that the Natives are men-eaters for the most part they fall one within another sometimes in a double sometimes in a threefold squadron from the degree of eighteen and a halfe to somewhat more then the sixteenth degree of latitude I will onely mention them as they lye in their severall ranks from East to West Anegado and Virgines Angotllo and Virgin Granda Saint Martin Saba and Crus Saint Bartoline and Saint Estasio Barbada Nieves and Saint Christopher Antigua and Monserata Desseada and Gnadalupe Mary Glande Sanco and Aâ—stin From whence the Carib Islands Dominica Martimno Saint Lucia Saint Vincent Beria and Granada fall downe to the twelfth degree of latitude by a proportionable bending much like a bow towards the West from Anegado to Grâ—â—ada Onely Barbados lyeth to the East more then twenty leagues out of the foresaid bow-bending figure Of these Barbados Saint Christopher and Nieves now in possession of our Countrymen are most spatious and in all respects fitter for plantation except Dominica Matinino and Granada which though they be not inhabited by Spaniards yet beside the sustaining of 1000. Savages either of them affordeth the Spanish Navy in its yeerly voyage to the South Continent of America good stone of provision at very small rates foure Porkets and six Hens for one hatchet I say no more of these Islands but this though they be thought scarce worth looking after by the Spaniards yet would they sustaine 20000 men I might here passe Westward againe with the Islands of Margarita Cobana Coetz and many more which lye upon the matter directly Westward not farre remote from Granâ—da Andalusia and Veneuella the neerest part of the continent Southward by coasting whereof to Martha Nicuragua and so to Nova Hispania I might more perspicuously and conveniently have concluded this my present discovery of the North America but then I must leave out two great Islands of good note and which is of twenty times more concernment the most spatious Guiana by our judicious Countryman Sir Walter Raleigh and others most admired and applauded for health wealth and pleasure Though therefore it be somewhat out of my way and doe a little obscure my proposed method by the Mediterranian sea of America yet I may not by any meanes leave them out as falling many degrees on the North side of the equinoctiall unlesse it be one part of Guiana which to the South-east goeth over the line somewhat more then a degree taken up onely with severall branches of the great River Amazon and many small Islands dispersed in them of no great worth The Islands between Granada and Guiana to the South-west are Tabago and Trinidado I shall quickly have done with them and from thence begin in a second Booke my discovery of Guiana and the rest of the Continent taking it according to the severall regions thereof as I shall find them neerest agreeing to the Sea-coasts so farre as the Mediterranian will permit us that is as farre as Nava Hispania Tabago now in possession of the Dutch lyeth to the South-east full thirty leagues from Granada and upon eight miles to the East of Trinidado It hath many good harbours but the comming in unto them especially toward the West is dangerous by reason the seas there are very boystrous and not free from sands and shelves It is constantly reported by the Dutch who should best know it as having many yeeres possest it to afford many rare fruits and hearbs variety of Fowles and Fish and not to be utterly destitute of foure-footed beasts wholesome for nourishment as having good store of Indian Hogs and Armadillos both which afford good food Trinidado now possessed as is credibly reported by the Forces of the present most illustrious Admirall of England the Earle of Warwicke lyeth according to the severall farre distant parts and corners thereof betweene the eighth and tenth degree of latitudge For though Sir Walter Raleigh a judicious Traveller place point Curiapan which the Spaniards call Punco de Gallo the most Northerne part but in the eighth degree yet the Dutch according to Oviedus upon more exact calculation found it to come neere to the tenth degree Besides this about fifteene miles to the South there is another convenient Haven called Point Blanco after which directly to the South betweene the Island and the falling of foure or more branches of the great River Oronoque from Guiana there is a very shallow narrow sea not above three miles over and not above 11 or 12 foot deepe howbeit by reason of foure or five Islands which come between them that sea is heady and rough This Island is according to Herea his observation two hundred leagues from Hispaniola sixty from Granada In length according to Oviedus it is twenty five in breadth twenty leagues Concerning the fertility of the soyle Authors agree not Herea reporteth it to be barren in the generall but Sir Walter Raleigh acknowledgeth it to be so onely in that part which is next adjoyning to Curiapan but the rest of the Island to be sufficiently fruitfull especially of Indian graine and such Roots as the Americans usually make their Bread and Beere of besides great store of Deere and Hogges and other wilde Beasts of which the Inhabitants may feed plentifully Good probability there is that some Golden Mineâ— may be found there but as yet what hath beene digged there is acknowledged by the said Sir Walter Raleigh and by another of our Countrymen Sir Robert Dudley to be but Marcaâ—ite which though it shine like Gold yet it it of no value The onely great Towne in all Trinidad is Saint Ioseph the Merchantable Commodity there is Tobacco The second BOOKE GVIANA AND now being to proceed with Guiana I know no better course than to follow those who have gone before me who by ascending and descending the grand Rivers I meane Oronoque to the North Amazon to the South as also many others which fall betweene them into the east Ocean have made the onely discovery which have as yet beene made thereof And no marvaile for those great Rivers doe on every side inviron Guiana
downe to the Equinoctiall adjoyning to the South America much laâ—ger and much richer then are the Islands or the Northerne side of the Continent Though therefore New-found-Land many other Islâ—nds and the next adjacent Regions of the Nor-east Continent with which I am to begin afford but very little that may invite us thither yet I hope those who begin to reade this Compendium will either reade it over or at least passing over these Countries of much lesser worth wil fall carefully to peruse what here by mee faithfully is related out of many approved Authors concerning the pleasant habitations exceeding fertility of the earth abundant provisions in all kinds and incredible treasure of many other Kingdomes and Provinces lying Southward and South-west down to the Equinoctiall Yea and if it should be granted as it cannot be granted without condemning of folly and falshood more than 50 authors who have written more or lesse of this part of the New-World many hundred witnesses who in severall Islands and parts of this wide Continent have seene and injoyed more then I have expressed thereof yet with true Christians who in some good measure understand what it is to live or dye for ever the preservation of many thousands of soules out of those millions of men who now fit in darknesse and perish eternally for want of the light of the Gospell ought to be of so high esteem and so prerious in their eyes as that though the most or all of the fore-named invitations should be wanting yet they should be content I say not to part with all but with some considerable portion of their estates whereby a strong Navy might withall conveniency be sâ—nt into such places of this North America as the wisdome of Parliament shall judge meetest for the propagating of the Gospell Now to proceed in a particular description according to the former proposed methed New-found-Land WHen it was first found out by the English it was thought to have been the most Eastern part of the North-continent but afterwards it was discoâ—ered to be an Island one of the greatest in the world a 110 leagues long and in most places neare as many broad To the South and East it hath the great Ocean beating upon it To the North it is separated by a narrow sea from the most North unknowne continent of America To the West from Nova Francia by the Sea called St. Laurence Gulfe Concerning the goodnesse of the soyle and the fitnesse for a constant habitation though M. Whitburne in a book written of New-found-Land doth in both the foresaid respects and some other over highly commend it Yet upon better inquiry of those who have formerly written of it as alâ—o from those who usually resort thither I find it to be a convenient habitation for Sommer but not for Winter by reason of the exceeding coldnesse and the deep overcovering of the land with snow the waters with hugâ— shelves of Ice wherby they are debarred of necessary provisions such as in sommâ—r time the Island affordeth iâ— great abundance and variety namely land-fowle and water-fowle fresh fish and salt fish upon the matter all the sustentation that the Island affordeth And yet the yearly rich commodity of sea-fish almost of all kinds which are there usually in great quantities taken and transported into Europe cause not only us but all other neighbouring Nations yearly to resort thither And because the constant return of that fiâ—h commodity is worth 200000l at the least yearely there hath been diverse contentions betweene us English and other Nations who whether we would or no have taken full liberty of fishing there and of late it hath been agreed and in some sort well observed that every Nation should peaceably enjoy those Ports and fishing placâ—s of which they should first be possessed This great Island affordâ—th many conveniâ—nt and safe harboroughs for ships Towards the North the first Northâ—rne Port nâ—arest to the South which is cape Raz is Rennosa lying a little above the 46 degree then Aqua-Forte two leaguâ—s more to the North then Punta de Farilham as many more Much higher neare upon the 28 degree are Thorne Bay then the Bâ—y Conception halfâ— a degrâ—e higher to the North Then Bay Blanche and Bay Orge lying between the degrees of 50 and 51. From Cape de Raz on the South-side toward the West are as many Ports of far greater note and much more advantageous for taking greater store of fish namely Abram Trepessa 2 leagues distant from the said cape then Chincheca 2 more St. Marys Haven 6 leagues more Much more to the West within 15 scruples of 47 degrees of latitude is Presenea After which follow five small Islands knowne by the name of Saint Peter then Port Basques then Claire Bay all safe and convenient Harbours remote the one from the other about forty miles The most Westerne cape of New-found-Land are de Raye and Anguille from whence the Land turneth againe to the North-east from the degree of 48 to 52 in all which space I reade of no Haven but that of St. George 12 leagues distant from Anguille Promontory neither yet is that of any great repute because not safe to come unto It is to be observed before we passe to the next adjoyning part of the Continent which is New France that this Island is on all sides as yet any thing compleatly discovered found to have many other Islands great and small thereunto belonging on the North-east side besides many very small rather Rockes than Islands there are two of a pretty extent of good use and note to wit Bacalaos upon the 49 degree and Aves somewhat above the 50. To the South many leagues distant lye foure great Islands viz. Grand Banek Vert Banck Banquereaux and Sable between the degrees of 43 and 46 which to have named may suffice as being of little worth save only for fishing wherein they are reputed not inferiour to New-found-Land Between which likewise and Nova Francia to the West and North-west in a kind of Mediterranian Sea knowne by the name of Saint Laurence Gulfe lye the Isles of Britton Tangeaux Brion Ramees and Natiscotec not so big but as profitable and more pleasant and apt for habitation than any of the former These differ much in regard of their several distances towards the West from New-found-Land but they differ more in respect of latitude some part of Isle Britton falling to the 46 degree whereas the most Northerne part of Natiscotec ariseth to the 50 between which two Islands lye the other three environed with Seas very narrow and shelvy rockie and therefore to be carefully observed by those who trade among them Nova Francia NOw to proceed with the Continent The most Easterly as yet discovered part of it goâ—th by the name of New France not that it was first discovered by the French for that was done long before Anno 1497. by Iohn and his son Sebastian Cabot imployed by Henry the seventh
King of England to that purpose but because a more full Discovery hath since been made by two worthy French-men Quarteri and Champlâ—ri from whose much approved relations I shall here briefely impart unto you what I conceive requisite for us to know These two worthy French-men tell us that all the discovery they madâ— of this part of America more than ever as yet hath been made was by the great River Canada falling from the West about an hundred leagues into the North part of St. Laurence Gulfe and by the Southerne Ocean Westward I shall therefore in this my briâ—fe Relation trace them in their long Voyages this way beginning with that part of New France that bordereth on both sides Canada where they made their first enterance Only let me take notice of some Promontories lying beâ—ween the South Ocean and Canada River not much frequented for that the comming in unto them hath often proved dangerous the seas being in most places very narrow by reason of the foresaid great Islands and many more which formerly did and now doth cause them who trade thither to steere a more safe course above the said Islands more to the North-east between them and New-found-Land They are knowne by these names Cape de Esperance and Bay de Chaleux somewhat above the 48 Port Gachepe upon the 49 Cape de Bontoneriers and Cape Evesque between the degrees of 50 and 49. From which last Cape beginneth the fall of Canada best known and most usually used by the West-side of Natiscotâ—â— whereunto answereth on the North-side the River of Cheschedec more than thirty leagues distant for such is the widenesse of that River there affirmed to be The next cape on the South-side whereunto the River Magaret on the North answereth is de Chate remote from the former neare thirty leagues Above these somewhat neare opposite But 20 leagues remote from the former lye the Rivers Lesquemin to the North and Montonne to the South The farthest navigable parts of this great river are on the North Tadousac a good haven at the falling of the heady River Saguâ—nay from the North-west as yet but very little discovered and the River May on the South-side The other part of Canada not navigable with any great vessell was yet attâ—mpted by Quartery to good purpose and after upon a further search Champlany is affirmed to reach yet 300 lâ—agues to the South-west The principall places by them observed are Orleance and Sault thirty leagues from Tadousac then follow Quebec 20 Mary River 60 Lake Pierto 100 leagues more Now concerning the goodnesse of this soyle and climate the condition of the Natives and what hath been here performed by the French It may suffice to know that the land oâ— the North side of Canada from the fall of it to the River Saguenay as far as is yet discovered is found to be mountenous wooddy and barren besides the comming up the River on that side is found much more dangerous than that â—o the South which also in many places requireth carefull circumspection But then the land is much more fruitfull and convenient to trade for Bevours and rich Furres the grand commodity here to be expected by reason there are more store of Natives to trade withall In the generall all this part of the Countrey is judged to be over cold in Winter to be well inhabited though yet it be constantly affirmed that the Natives might live very plentifully there were they not carelesse in sowing planting and making timely provisions and so prodigall in spending in two or three moneths what might serve them the whole year Sure it is that the French have taken a great opinion of it for besides many voyages formerly made they have from the yeare 1608. to the year 1616. made six voyages under the conduct of the fore-named Champlany and it is no lesse certaine that the French have continuall trading thither as finding good returne especially for Bevours skins The other part of New France adjacent to the South Ocean beginning where we came up in Saint Laurence Gulfe on the West-side of Ile Britton are Port Camseau and Port de Savelette somewhat above the 45 degree of latitude then halfe a degree more to the South follow Bay de Toutes and Port Elaine The first ful thirty the second neare fifty leagues from Savelette then Bay Senne Margurite River and Cape Heve all these follow one after another for a degree farther Yet more to the South-west follow Port de Rosignall Cape de Sable Port Courante and Cape Forcu one after another for the space of 35 leagues From Cape Forcu beginneth a great Inlet Sea called Bay Francoyse of 15 leagues wide at the first enterance but after a while it is narrowed more and more as it runneth backward towards the North-east full 30 leagues into the Continent And into this bosome of Sea are many good havens but that the comming up unto them is not so good They are knowne by these names Marys Bay Port Royall and Port aux Mines about five leagues distant the one from the other And here it is to be observed that the turning in of the foresaid bosome of the sea neare as far to the North-east as the Gulfâ— of Saint Laurence environeth that part of New France as the French call Cade On the south-South-west side of Bay Francoyse are Cape Range Saint Iohns River Port Coquilles and the River Croix Now the temprature of this part of this Country is better then the other as not being so excessive cold but the goodnesse of the soyle is in the generall not so good as is that part which is called Canada lying on the South-side of the River Canoda Yet the French have taken so good liking thereof that the Lord de Monts and the Lord de Poutrincourt have made some voyages thither in person and spent great part of their estates in setling Plantations there whereof there was great hope of good successe untill the yeare 1611. and 1613. the then Queene Regent of France who hath since proved the Fire-brand of Christendome after the murder of her Husband Henry the fourth by Jesuits sent some of that hellish fraternity thither in favour of her holy Father the Pope and the King of Spain to disturbe the Plantations as no doubt her deare daughter our now dreadfull Queene hath doth and will unhappily endevour to do â—y the counsell of her greatest favourites Spanish pentions especially if we shall presume to plant or trade in those much richer Southerne Countries which the Spaniard proudly challengeth as his inheritance Touching the Native Inhabitants here I will say no more but that they are much of the same condition with those who border about Canada men of no religion living without God in the world deluded and captivated by Satan and their Priests which they call Autonoins The Country in Sommer affordeth them sufficient food but for want of due provision for Winter they then are often exceedingly pinched
but that they were unexpectedly furnished with some victuals by an English ship After this the civill war ceasing in France and Colinus the Admirall returning againe into grace with the King Laudonerius the twentieth of May 1544 set forth with three ships well furnished for Florida where he arrived the twentieth of June and was friendly received by the Natives but could not find any gold or silver Mines though he spent much travell and time in search after them so long as his provision was all spent And the Natives growing both unable and unwilling to supply him any longer he was resolved to have returned into France if the foresaid Ribaldus had not againe arrived there with threâ— small ships out of France whose expected comming as it was very joyfull to the French so the Natives seemed to be highly pleased therewith as foure of their petty Kings the Kings of Homoloa Seravatri Almacam Malica and Castri came forth to congratulate Ribaldus arrivall and promised to conduct the French unto the Mountaines of Apalactri where store of red Mettall was to be had which they supposed to be gold But this great hope of the French soone vanished by reason of the Spaniards comming suddenly upon them with great ships every way well prepared upon whose approach the French stole away to sea but were forthwith pursued by the Spaniard whom though they as then escaped yet were they by a violent tempest after shipwrack and losse of some of their men againe cast upon the coast of Florida about six and twenty miles higher to the North-east towards Virginia where they were forth with set upon by the Spaniard beaten out of their Forts and almost all cruelly slaine to the number of six hundred among which Ribaldus the Governour was one though he yeelded himself among other conditions to have his life spared Laudonerius 〈◊〉 â—â—me few of the French escaped hardly to their ships 〈…〉 returned into France having cast off all future hopes of 〈◊〉 which was now 〈…〉 dispose of the cruell Spaniard neither 〈◊〉 the French 〈◊〉 for that he greatly disliked if not hated 〈◊〉 and such were these that were â—laine in 〈…〉 slaughter of his people as ever afâ—â—â—â—o much as attempt the least revenge of their bloud which yet two yeares after one Monsier Gurgius a private man at his owne charge with 280 men transported in three ships wâ— most vâ—liantly undertaken and no lesse happily effected by the help of the Natives who upon his first arrivall out of an inveterate hatred to the Spaniard their insolent outragious opposers joyned with him to the slaughter and utter extirpating of them out of Florida and yet for all this compleat victory the valiant Gurgius though earnestly invited by the Natives would not venture with so small a force to stay long in Florida as knowing very well that the bloudy revengefull Spaniard might in a short time from Cuba Hispaniola or other there neare adjoyning Plantations invade him with far greater forces and therefore within a while returned where he found his worthy service to be so displeasing to the King and his Popish Lords as he was faine a good while to hide himselfe and to fly for his life and after this we doe not heare that the French did ever venture into Florida any more Neither yet hath the Spaniard obtained any strong footing there for as yet they have no Towne of any note toward the sea of Mexico and but two which lye towards the Northerne sea the one which is chiefest called Saint Augustines the other Saint Matthewes of great difficulty to be taken by a small Navy but of great import in regard of their great wealth to them that shall take them And now will I only describe the Sea coasts of Florida from the Confines of Virginia unto Nova Hispania far better known then the Inland countries to the North of Florida The nearest River of Florida to Virginia of any note falling into the Ocean is the River Iordaine which lyeth 32 degrees from the Equinoctiall from whence about 20 leagues downeward to the South towards the West lyeth the Promonntory of S. Hellen neare Port Royall which the French chose for the best and surest place to begin their Plantations between which Oristanum Ostanum and Cayagna whereof the first is distant from S. Hellen six leagues the second from the first four leaguesthe third from the second eight leagues but how far Cayagua is from the River Iordaine is not yet determined From S. Hellen to Dos Baxos haven is five leagues from thence to the Bay De Asapo three leagues thence to Cafonusum three to Capula five to Saron nine to S. Alcany fourteen to S. Peter twenty leagues All Bayes and Rivers Westward falling down to the South from Peter Bay which lyeth about the 31 Degree to the South to S. Matthews Town is five leagues and from thence ten more to S. Austines directly Southward the land so falling in upon the Sea from the degree of 30 and a half to 25 where the comming up of thestrait of Bahama beginneth having to the west side those dangerous Rocks called Marteries to the East those called Roques betweene S. Austines Towne and the Bay de Mosquito is fifteen leagues From thence to the point Caâ—evarall is 16 leagues from thence to the River Ayz is full 20 leagues and from thence to Martyres neer as many more so as from Cape Francis neer S. Matthewes Towne where the land beginneth to turne directly Southward to Martires comming up from the Gulph of Mexico to the Northeast parts of Florida is neere six degrees downeward to the Line Not far from Martires Westward lie Tortugas dangerous Ilands where the Continent of Florida turneth againe almost directly North for near 5 degrees Betweene which and Tacobago which lyeth neer to the top of that great Reach lye the Bayes of Carlos Tampa Muspa S. Ioseph Muspa is distant from Carlos thirteen leagues to Tampa from Carlos as many more from thence to S. Ioseph are fifteen leagues and from S. Ioseph to Tacobago eighteene betweene which at S. Ioseph beginneth a great inlet of the Sea for more then twenty leagues to the North latitude and more then forty foure to the Westerne longitude in the middle of which lyeth Ante a safe haven and of great import for those who intend a more full discovery of Florida which as yet is bu slenderly discovered towards the West for betweene it and the most Northwest parts of Nova Hispania which are distant the one from the other four hundred leagues we reade but of one safe Bay called the Bay of the Holy Ghost neer Cape de Crus and some few Rivers for succour and supply of Navigators The first River from Ante one hundred leagues is Nieves from whence the River Flores is twenty from the Haven of the Holy Ghost which is of all the surest To the River Flores is seventy leagues from which to the River Piscadores is as many
Fish Fowl and honey with which it aboundeth Over against the West end of Cumana a degree remote to the North lyeth Tortugas and Blancas distant five leagues one from the other which for that they afford little elâ—e but Hogges and Goats hard to be taken being overrunne with exceeding sharp briers and thornes are seldome gone unto The next part of the continent bending to the Northwest is Venezuella a â—ar greater and râ—cher Country It consisteth of many Provinces and hath in it many Spanish Townes and commodicus Havens The soyle in generall is so fertill as it affordeth two cropâ— yeerly the Pastures and Meddowes thereof are so many and â—o rich as they plentifully sustaine greâ—t store of wholsome Cattell as well Neat as other The great sâ—ore of Cow and Oxe hides usually brought from thence sufficiently prove the same It is also generally reported to afford in divers Provinces good store of treasure especially gold of the best sort Before the comming of the Gâ—rmanes into this Country to whom the Emperour Charles gave it in regard of their great service against the Protestants the Country was full of Inhabitants but by reason of the covetousnesse and cruelty of those Germanes whose intent was not to plant but to make spoyle of the Natives they were well nigh utterly rooted out and are not now much increased by a latter possession of the Spanish but Tygers and other wild beasts have overrunne it Spanish Authors make mention of severall Provinces belonging to Venezuella but they doe not so cleerly prescribe their severall limits as is requisite Therefore proceeding in my discourse according to my usuall method in following the Sea-coast I shall briefly acquaint you with such Spanish Towns as are neare adjacent to the Sea-coast or neer upon the same degree of longitude though farre distant in regard of latitude from North to South which is the breadth of the Country The most Easterne promontory of Venezuella is Cordeliera within five miles of Porte de Guaira whence within fifteene miles is the strong Tower called Caraâ—as and from thence within two miles is Blanco all convenient harbours for ships Then follow Turâ—ane and Burburate two other commodious and safe Havens the former whereof affordeth good water and is distant from Blanco thirteene miles the other store of salt and is remote from the said Blanco fifteene miles Within the Land aâ—ove two leagues from the Sea-coast lyeth Carvaleda a Spanish Towne of some note and from thence about foure leagues is Saint Iago a greater Town where the Governour of those parts doth usually reside From Porte Burbarata about seven leagues within the continent directly to the South the Spanish of latter time hath built Nova Valentia from whence fifteene leagues more to the South is Nova Zerez of a later standing both well accommodated with wholsome provision in a competent measure From Zerez to Nova Segovia another Spanish Towne directly to the South is twenty leagues it joyneth upon the River Bariquicemetâ— which falleth after a great circuit of ground into the River Oronoque the Country hereabouts is very barren but the mountaines with which it is surrounded are conceived by the Germanes who built that Towne to be well stored with gold this opinion of theirs is upon good grounds strongly confirmed by others of better judgement who have written of those parts Tucunio that is exceedingly commended for the sweetnesse of the Ayre the temperature of the climate the super-abundant variety of victuall and store of gold it yeeldeth is yet eleven leagues more to the Southwest distant from the neerest place of the North Seacoast fifty from Nova Granado 150 leagues in which long passage two parts are very pleasant and fruitfull the third very rough and ill provided Now to returne to the Sea coast and so with relation to the longitude of Venesuella to survey the middle of this Country as it extendeth it selfe to the South Not farre from Burburata lyeth a little gulfe called Triste from which Porte Etsave is a league distant whence the Land beginning to wind upon the North sea continueth for the space of 55 leagues so to doe by somewhat proportionable gaining on the Sea Onely a little above Coro the onely City here the Land turning two leagues to the South and then againe twelve to the North-west admitteth a great inlet of the Sea which falling somewhat neare to the gulfe of Venezuella laying on the other side maketh a kind of Peninsula called Paragoana containing in the circumferance about 25 leagues The Cape whereof to the North is San-Roman a promontory of great note and betweene the South-west end thereof and the foresaid gulfe lyeth the great Lake of Maracaybo extended into the continent in length 35. 〈◊〉 bredth ten leagâ—es over the mouth of it being a mile and a halfe wide joyned with the gulfe of Venequell whence though the Sea daily flow into it yet doth it empty it selfe by a constant ebbing The Islands over against this part of the continent some leagues remote in respect of latitude are first Bonary neare a degree distant to the North it is of eight miles circumferance well provided with store of hogs and horse as also with one safe Haven on the Northwest end thereof from hence 39 leagues farther to the west and fourteene to the North from Coro the onely City of Venezuella is Curaca farre lesse but more fertill It hath a Haven on the North but not very safe especially for great ships The last is Araba nine miles remote from Quaracâ—o to the West and eight from Cape San Roman to the North Let us now consider the Spanish Townes adjacent to this Sea-coast and more remote into the Land Coro which is built in the foresaid Peninsula having a Bishop seat in it goeth by the name of a City and is indeed the onley place of note neare adjoying to Sea and chiefe Towne of Venezuella it hath belonging to it two Havens to the West and North that to the west though not very good is farre better then that of the North The Country round about is well stored with fish flesh fowle and sugar Canes One thing it hath peculiar such store of wholsome and medicinable herbs as it is said to need no Physitian From Coro directly to the South betweene the North Sea-coast the Lake Maracabo and neare Valentâ—a lyeth Portilla de Carora in the fertile Vale of Carora a large space of ground neare two leagues from the pleasant and fruitfull fields of Coro to the no lesse pleasant and fruitfull Vale of Carora is mountainous and unfruitfull inhabited onely by Savages called Xizatiaras and Axaguas In the bottome of Maracabo is Lagana a Spanish Towne surrounded between two Rivers with well levelled grounds which might serve to good use being abundantly stored with Deere Coneys and great variety of Fowle but that it is overrunne with wild Beasts especially with Tygers Beyond which eightteene leagues more to the South is the
only Saint Hieromes Port to the south it hath foure convenient Havens Borica Saint Lazaro Para Nicora The inland Spanish Townes of this Province are Carthago standing much about the middle of it â—0 leagues from either sea Arames iâ— within five leagues Eastward to the South sea and Nicora one of the aforesaid Havens A third Province belonging to Guatimala is Nicuragua this as the two former taketh its bredth from sea to sea but in a double pâ—oportion in some places eighty leagues over though in length Westward to Guaâ—â—mala Province it exceedeth not fifty The Climate in summer is â—ver hot in winter over cold the soyle is levell fit to feed Catteâ—l but not to beare Corn Hogs Fish Cotten Salt and goodly timber it yeelds great store Herea maketh mention here of a kind of Trees called Zeybis so mighty big about that five men joyning hand in hand can hardly fathome one of them The Inhabitants of this Province are much civilized by the Spaniard can speak their language have learned their trades and are very subject unto them the Contalles onely accepted who keep themselves in Woods and mountaines The most observable thing here is the lake Nicuragua whence the Province taketh name both in regard of its large circumference being as it is reported no lesse then 130 miles it hath a constant ebbing and flowing and though the head of it be not above foure leagues from the South sea yet in hath intercourse onely with the North sea that is in distance fifteen times further the falling of this great lake in no small streames is in the midst between the eleventh and twelfth degree of the North latitude where the continent againe beginneth to extend it selfe for five degrees at least more to the North not without some turnings and returnings from East to West from whence taking in againe with as many windings and turnings for 120 leagues to the North-west the Sea breakes in againe between the Province of Honduras and Yucatan another part of the continent which inlet of sea is called the gulfe of Honduras Now then keeping my selfe to my proposed method I am first to piscover the Ports Rivers and Islands of this North Sea-coast before I come to speak of this or any other of the Provinces contained in the circumference of the many long and large reaches thereof The first sea Port to the North of Nicuragua is called S. Iohns Port the middle streame where the said lake venteth it selfe A second is called Yaropo betweene which and Saint Iohns pâ—râ— being somewhat more then 20. leagues distant many little Islands doe intervene in which distance there is no safe putting in to land Upon the 13. degree of latitude falleth the river Yare affording a convenient haven and a little above that latitude though many leagues short of it in respect of longitude is Saint Catalina better knowne to us by the name of the Isle of Providence appearing in the Mappe no more then a small spot not above two miles broad nor five long yet so fertill and so well accommodated with all provision as for these many yeeres last â—ast it liberally sustained more then 1000. English men untill the Spaniard fearing their over neer approaching to these parts where the usuall passage and constant receipts of all their treasure was I meane Cartagena Panima and Porto Belo in Terrafirma and Havana in Cuba after many assaults displanted them which seemeth to me all things considered a great wonder they did not long before put their full strength upon it and it is no lesse to be wondred at that they should offer and performe such reasonable quarter not onely as is constantly reported of permitting them but also in supplying them with shipping to transport them into Virginia New England and other English plantations they neither feare nor regard as being farre remote Above Y are halfe a degree is the gulfe of Niâ—uesa a good harbour for shipping and ten leagues further somewhat about the 14. degree is the promontary of Gracias a Dios bending to the East from whence the Continent winding in againe to the West for neer 50. leagves many pernicious Islâ—nds very remarkeable for the shipwracke of many doe intervene the Islands called Viciosas lying upon the 15 the Isle of Baxos upon the 16 and Millan upon the 17 degree of the north latitude and that which maketh the passages to these parts more dangerous is that to the East and North-East they are beset with Roncador Serrana Seranilla Sancanilla and some other rocks besides many shallowes and sands that require expert Piâ—ots to avoid them yet by Gods providence and their care they may be safely passed Betweene the Islands Viciosas and Baxos are two Bayes Honda and Cartago to both which the comming up is sandy and shallow Neere adjoyning to Boxos is Cape Camoron then 20. leagues further to the west is Cape Honduras betweene which the land bending like a bow to South and then to north againe falleth the goodly river Guiapa whose streames by the small peeces of gold they bring with them evidently declare the Mountaines adjoyning to have store of such treasure To the North of Honduras where that gulfe beginneth begin many Islands knowne by the name of the first and chiefe 〈…〉 harbours and worse coming in unto them they are in most places ten leagues from the continent and follow one upon another for at lest 30. leagues to the south-west In the middle space whereof Xagua a good haven falleth into the sea from the continent from whence for full 30. leagues unto port Cavallos on the West of the pleasant River de Sal is found no safe harbour bâ—t Cavallos is an exceeding convenient and safe harbour against wind and tempest yet not so well fortified but that it was twice taken easily by our Countriman Master Newport Anno 1591. and by Sir Anthony Sherley 1616. This gulfe de Honduras or Guanios for it is knowne by both names doth yet run for forty leagues further though still narrowed more and more by reason that Yucatan another part of the continent being a very long and large Peninsula falleth in and joyneth with the Province of Honduras in the narrowing whereof lye the River Vlva Cape de Puntas and Port de Higueras just in the breaking off another smaller gulfe called Dulce I shall now from the discovery of the Sea-coast fall to describe so much of the continent as lyeth between Sea and Sea Upon the North sea for 150. leagues doth the Provice of Honduras extend it self in bredth here and there more or lesse then 80. leagues in the generall a very rich and goodly Country for the Valleyes thereof afford three crops of their Indian graine and two of our wheat besides a continuall supply of grasse so as it is ever green flourishing and affordeth great store of provision for man and beast The Spanish Townes belonging to this Province taking them as I proceed in my description