runneth continually All the Natives here as well as at Hispaniolia are destroyed by the Spaniards but in both places they have store of Negro servants their delicatest fare in this Island is Patridges which are in great abundance Over all the Island the Spaniards breed them up tame and esteem them the sweetest eatable flesh in the World It hath two fair Towns the best which is of greatest resort is the Town of Havana that lyeth on the North-coast in 22 degrees It hath neer 900 housholds there is resident in it the Governour of Cuba a Cathedrall with Monasteries of Dominicans Franciscans and one of Nuns In this Haven all the Spanish ships of the Indies meet together and return to Spain the Town is rich but unfortified to the land but the harbour is strongly secured by two Castles that lye a little within the mouth of it This harbour is counted an exceeding good one for security of Ships but on the South-east part of the Island there is the harbour or port of Saint James which for greatnesse and goodnesse is esteemed one of the best in the World It lyeth 40 leagues from Cape Tibron in Hispaniola in 20 degrees It hath the City of Saint James standing on the side of it two miles from the Sea This City is of 300 houses but of small Commerce It hath a Monastery of Franciscan Friars and nothing else remarkable To the West of it 25 leagues lyeth the port of Spirito sancto and further West lyeth the Queens gardens which is a shelf of Sholds and Islands and 20 leagues further the port of Trinitie in 21 degrees and 30 leagues still westwardly the Cape of the Crosse and 10 further the gulfe of Xaqua between which and Cape Anthony which is the Westerliest point of Cuba there are many small Islands and Sholds along the coast The North coast is a cold coast and hath many good harbours besides that of the Havana the next in account to it is Saint Jaquis which is 8 leagues east from the said Haven and not farre distant from the Island called the Kings Gardens From this City of Saint Jaques the Bishop hath his title CHAP. 11. Jamico Island THis Island lyeth twenty leagues from Cuba full South in 17 degrees and a half of latitude East and West it is fifty leagues North and South in the broadest place 20. It hath the fruits and Cattle of Hispaniola but no Mines of gold or copper It is very plentifull of Milet and Swine but more subject to Turnados and Hericanos then any of the other Islands Here the inhabitants live in a plentifull manner and have on the North side of the Island the City of Sivil fairly built it hath a Governour and an Abbot a Monastery of Franciscan Friars who have their cloyster Nuns The Westwardliest Cape of the Island is called Morauta and from thence along the North coast 10 leagues distant lyeth the port of Jauca And ten leagues forward the port of Melila and ten leagues further standeth the port of Sivil from whence the Coast windeth to Cabo Dilfalcon West from Jameco are the Islands of Curymanos And of the South Coast five leagues lyeth the Hermingo's which are dangerous shelves CHAP 12. The Island of Saint John De Portrico THis Island lyeth from the Hispaniola 15 leagues It is 45 leagues East and West and North and South 23. It aboundeth in all Hispaniola hath and it is the first place the Spaniards have in the Indies And the City of Portrico which standeth on the North east part of the Island is strongly fortified and naturally well scituated for defence in 18 degrees of Latitude it hath a Governour a Bishop and his Cathedrall and Officers of the Kings treasures with two Monasteries of Friars And 30 leagues to the West of this Town standeth the Village of Asricebo And 33 leagues South-west from Portrico standeth the Town of Saint Jerman t is on the West-end of the Island The North Coast is foul and shelvie but East from Portrico is the River of Luysa and Canoba And the furthest west on the South Coast is Caprio and West from it at Sea 5 leagues lyeth the Island of Mona a small Island and as far north to other little Islands And the Natives here and at Jameca have been totally destroyed by the Spaniards so that at this day there is not one to be found CHAP. 13. Sancta Crux the Virgins Virgin Gorda Blances Anagada Sombrito FAst from Portrico lye the Caribeys which by the Spaniards are called the Wether Islands the natives are men-eaters and a very warlike couragious people The most Westerly is Sancta Crux it lyeth in 16 degrees and a half and is sixteen leagues in length it is in the hand of the English but few live there The plague that hath been so hot in these Ilands begun at this as men report although the other hath been since as sickly I suppose it is the cause it is no better seated for undoubtedly this is the best Iland and the largest the English possesse in the Indies and neerest adjoyning to the Spaniard which might be made if it were well managed a great advantage it is capable of the same fruits roots and seeds Hispaniola hath and Sugar-canes and lyeth neer adjoyning to the Virgins which are a little Iland compassed with shelves neer eight or ten more the greatest of ten leagues with Virgin Gorda and the Blancos or white Ilands And West from Virgin Gorda lieth Anagada which is seven leagues long in 18 degrees and a half and compassed with shelves And neer to it lyeth Sombrito another small Ile These are all inhabited with Canibles except Sancta Crux whether sometimes they come a roving also CHAP. 14. Angula ANgula is the next which hath ten leagues of length and is in 18 degrees It hath some few English on it with excellent Salt-pits and a good Road for Ships CHAP. 15. Saint Martins SAint Martins lyeth in 17 degrees and a half of fifteen leagues long now possest by the Dutch being lately forsaken by the Spaniards that had a Castle in it garison'd by souldiers It is compass'd with smal Ilets and hath good plenty of Salt CHAP. 16. Eustas IT is commonly call'd Stasies and seated by Flushingers of Zealand as the principal Owners it hath 10 leagues in length and maketh good West India Tobacco CHAP. 17. Saint Bartholomew THis Island is full of Caniballs and hath 10 leagues of length CHAP. 18. Saint Christophers SAint Christophers is of ten leagues in length and seated by English and French each having a Governour of their own Nation There is a kind of equality in their strengths for what the English want of the French number they make good by their English spirits which doe not degenerate with the Climate This Island is so populous that ground can hardly be obteined The French and English are intermixed so together that with much difficulty could either hinder a secret designe though there
land about it wherefore he caused a Caldron to be fastned to a huge chain and let it into the furnace But the violence of the fire soon consumed it and with all the Friars hopes This great lake of Nicaragua is full of Islands and by a kind of River hath an issue into the north Sea which river or passage it navigable for great vessels And the head of this lake is within five leagues of the South Sea and good ground to be cut by which it were easie if the Spaniard so pleased to have passage from the South Seas to the north Sea At the head of the said lake the village of Nalio standeth in 11 degrees and a half on the South coast and is the best Port on that coast On the north Seas for this province reacheth from the North to the South seas is first the river of Gare that divideth Nicvaragua from Honduras south of it the River Wipre next the Port of Saint John which is the voiding River that comes from the great lake that hath a great Island lying in the mouth of it In the south sea it hath the Nalio the Port of Saint James and the Port of Paria and Nicoya and on the coast the Island of Chroa Saint Mary and Saint Mark CHAP. 41. The Province of Castorica THis Province lyeth between Nickuragua and Caragua between which it hath 90 leagues in length It is a good land and very fruitfull in Millet Wheat Flax and Sugar plenty of Mines both of gold and silver and it hath two Spanish Towns the first and best is Curtago the other Mendoco It hath two Ports one on the south sea the other on the North CHAP. 42. The Province of Varagua THis Province lyeth between Costarica and Panama adjoyning on the south part to the Strait of Dariana The northerliest is in 11 degrees it hath East and West 50 leagues and in breadth 25 and is washed as Costarica with the north and south seas It is a Mountainous Countrey full of bushes without pasture or cattle wheat or barley but it hath some Miller but full of rich mines of Gold The Indians are few and they be in continuall wars with the Spaniards It hath the City of Conception 40 leagues from Nombred ' Dios where the Governour and Officers are resident The village of Trinity six leagues to the East of the Conception neer the River of Bethelem And three leagues from the North sea the City of Santey Fei standeth 12 leagues from the Conception to the south In it are Melting-houses and Deputy Officers The City of Charles neer the coast of the south sea 50 leagues from Santey Fei At the end of this Varagua beginneth the southern America And therefore I shall return back to the other parts of this north America which is not yet discovered CHAP. 43. Of the Province of Ciblioa THis Province of Ciblioa is the most northerly Province that the Spaniards possesse in America It hath but one Spanish Town but many well built Cities of Indians The Spanish town is called Saint John of Ciblioa It hath a strong Garrison of Spaniards and Mexican Indians The fairest Indian Town is Quibra that hath also a Spanish Garrison This Town is in 40 degrees and distant from Cibiloa 200 leagues from whence it lieth due north This Region is apt for English grain and produceth all sorts of our hearbs and fruits Here are store of all sorts of our Cattle and the Oxe of the Countrey which hath a bunch of flesh on his back of the bignesse of a mans head and his hair is shaggy and long his horns smaller than our Kines horns but his body much bigger this is an Inland Province and lyeth from the sea many leagues CHAP. 44. New Biskay THis Province lyeth on the south-west of Cibola it hath store of provision and cattle and divers mines of silver It hath two fair Spanish Towns that is to say Sancta Barbola and the Baro of Saint John with divers peaceable Indians It is an Inland Province but of much Commerce by reason of the silver-mines CHAP. 45. Chiamerla THis Province lyeth in more then two and twenty degrees of height It is ten leagues broad and something more in length it lyeth along the south sea but hath no Ports of name It hath a town of Spaniards call'd Saint Sebastian It hath many rich silver Mines and sufficient of Cattle and all sorts of Grain and Fruits CHAP. 46. Culiacan THis Province is the most northerly Province the Spaniards possesse on the coast of the south sea It is west of Chiametla there are much cattle seeds and fruits of England it hath two Spanish towns one is called the Virgins by which there are some silver mines the other the village of Saint Michael this is a small Province and hath no eminent port on the sea CHAP. 47. Sacetas SAcetas lyeth south-east from Biscai It is very wholsome in some parts of it and as sickly and unwholsome in other parts which causes that in some places there is much want and in other places as much plenty But to amend all defects there are in most places rich silver mines It hath three Spanish towns the best is Erena the second Nombre d' Dios and the worst Durangi the Chickmeacan Indians do much annoy these parts but there are great numbers of Civill Indians that live in peaceable manner CHAP. 48. Xalisco THis Province hath the City of Compostella neer the south sea in 21 degrees nineteen minutes there is the village of the Purification south-west from Gudeleria 30 leagues this land is hot and sickly but hath mines of gold and silver good store of provisions and excellent horses that are well bred for any service CHAP. 49. Guadalaiara GUadalaiara is the best of all the Provinces of the Kingdome of New Galisia and the most southerly it hath all sorts of grain hearbs and fruits of New Spain and plenty of kine horses and swine it is a wholsome good air and hath many silver mines the chief City and Head of the Kingdome is Guadalaira in 20 degrees Heere resideth the Councell the officers of the goods and royall treasure a Cathedrall two Monasteries of Friars and one of Nuns And 30 leagues from Guadalaira is the village of Saint Mary and another called the Holy Ghost this Province is much troubled with the Chickemecan Indians but hath many well governed Civill Indians that live orderly and very richly CHAP. 50. Mechocan THis Province lyeth between the Province of Mexico and the Kingdome of the New Galisia it hath in breadth by the coast of the south sea 80 leagues and 60 within land Here are many good mines and it is a fruitfull land and hath much Wheat Millet Coco all sorts of Spanish fruits Cotton-wool the rich drug of Cocheneel store of cattle and fish and the Indians are industrious and given to labour the chief City is Mechoacan it stands in 18 degrees 15 minutes and 47 leagues
from Mexico The City of Pascurio standeth seven leagues to the east of Mechoacan it hath the Cathedrall and two Monasteries of Augustine and Franciscan Friars And 35 leagues from Pascurio north-east is the village of Saint Michael in a rough Country The next is the Village of Salya then the Village of Saint Phillip The village of Sackatula is 40 leagues south west from Mechoacan neer the south sea in 18 degrees 90 leagues from Mexico And the village of Colina in 18 degrees 20 minutes On the coast of the south sea neer the confines of Galisia the Port of Natividad is in 19 degrees and from this port they make their navigation to the Philipin ' as in East-India Besides these towns rehearsed which are possest by Spaniards there are 94 head-towns for Indians with schools of Doctrine for Indian children and 130 ordinary towns CHAP. 51. Of the Province of Mexico THis province falleth between Mechoacan and Talascalia it hath in length north and south 130 leaugues and in breadth 18. The chief City and Head of New Spain is seated in this province called Mexico It is an inland City lying in 19 degrees and a half in the midst of two great lakes that compasse it about the one is salt the other fresh the fresh voydeth into the salt each of five leagues in breadth and eight in length and both are in compasse 33 leagues There are three Causways by which they go into the City the shortest of half a league long the longest a league and half the other a league it hath neer 70 thousand houses the most of Spaniards built with brick fair and high And here resideth the Viceroy of New Spain and Councill the Inquisition office and Judges the Officers of the Revenues and royall treasure a founding house and a mint house with the Archiepiscopall Metropolitan and Monasteries of Franciscan Dominican and Austin Friars the company of Jesus el Carmen Lamersed the Bare foot and Trinity Friars 10 Monasteries of Nuns one Colledg of Indian children and the retired from the world and repenting whores a University and divers Hospitals In this province are reckoned to be six hundred thousand tributary Indians one hundred and fifty Monasteries with multitude of schools to teach Indians Children and many gold and silver mines infinite plenty of all sorts of cattle and sheep grain hearbs and fruits and what else is necessary for the delight of man in an abundant manner with the rich Cocheneel The Coast of this province reacheth to the south sea on which there is an excellent port called Aquepulco in 17 degrees six leagues from the river Lopes and eight leagues more west is the Sitalia and four leagues further the River Metla CHAP. 52. Guaxcaca Guaxcaca Province commeth to the Coast of the south sea and it lyeth between Mexico and Gutamalia province along the Coast of the south sea one hundred leagues it hath 5 Spanish towns the chief of which is Antiquera in it are resident the Governour of the Province a Cathedrall many Monasteries of Friars It is distant from Mexico eight leagues from whence it lyeth south west The next to it is Sapolecai the third Saint Jago de Nexapa the fourth the Village of the Holy Ghost this province hath store of gold and silver mines and one of Chrystal Boreal much Coco Cotton-wool Wheat and Millet and Cocheneel plenty of all sorts of cattle and swine and not one River in the Countrey but yieldeth gold There are 350 head-towns of Indians and 120 Monasteries of Friars and many of Nuns and schools of Indian Children to be instructed in the Spanish language and popery and three hundred thousand tributary Indians In this province is the Valley from whence Ferdinando Cortez the first Conqueror had his title of Marquesse of the valley The ports on the south sea are the Haven of Guatulaco in 15 degrees and a half it is great good and much frequented The port of Tecoantepequa neer the other which is but reasonable good but it hath a great town standing on it from whence they make great fishings especially for shrimps with which they trade the inland Countreys CHAP. 53. Soconusco THis is the westerliest province of the Kingdom of Gutamalia it joyneth to the province of Guaxcaca from whence it lyeth on the south sea east south east 34 leagues and far into the land It is plentiful of Wheat Coco Millet and Cattle It hath but one Spanish town which is called Guearettan where the Governour is resident And in her Coast are the Rivers Coatan in her west border east of which is Gapernacalte and east south-east Colata CHAP. 54. Gutamalia THe province of Guattamall is the head of the Kingdome of Gutamalia it joyneth to the province of Soconusco and on the south sea it stretcheth 70 leagues the Countrey is of a good temperature and plentifull of Cotton-wool Wheat Millet and Cattell and other Seeds and Fruits the Winds and Rains in October are very furious It hath five Spanish towns besides many Iudian towns and villages The head City is Saint James of Gutamalia in which the Councill is resident It lyeth in 24 degrees and a half and of above a thousand Spanish housholds and here are the Kings Officers of the goods and royall treasure a melting house and a Cathedrall which is Suffragan unto Mexco a Monastery of Dominicans Franciscans Mercenarians Augustines Jesuits and two of Nuns with an Hospitall or Colledg This City is furnished with all sorts of provisions and dainties and standeth exceeding pleasantly on the side of a large plain neer a burning mountain And 40 leagues from Saint James is the City of Saint Saviour the village of Trinity sixty and four leagues from the port of Axavatla It is a chief Commissioner-ship with the title of His Majestie in a plentifull soil It is a place of great traffick And the port Atouch for the ships of Peru and New Spain And 62 leagues from Saint James is the village of Saint Michael the Haven of this town is called the Bay Sonseca which is distant from the town two leagues This province hath abundance of gold some silver store of balm and liquid amber Copal Suchicopal excellent liquours and the Gumme animi with Beasts that breed the Bezar stone But the Volcans here are very noysome to those that lie neer them for they often burst forth casting out fire-stones and ashes And here are more of those Volcans or fire-pits than in all India besides CHAP 54. Chiapa THis province is an Inland province it is Mediterranean to Soconusco Mexico Tabasco and Verapas and in length 40 leagues and something lesse in breadth It hath store of Wheat Millet and other grain and seeds much cattle but few sheep It hath but one town of Spaniards which is called the City royall 70 leagues from Saint James of Gutermalia to the north east which is governed by an ordinary Justice and in it is resident the Cathedrall two Monasteries of Dominicke
Friars and one of Nuns There are many Indian towns in her climates and the natives are excellent Planters and Musitians This City royall is in 18 degrees and a half built round and of a marvellous scituation sixty leagues from the north sea and as far from the south CHAP. 55. Verapas THis also is an In-land province of Gutemalia and is Mediterranean to Chiapa Youcatan Honduras and Gutamalia of 30 leagues over it is a moist countrey and hath plenty of Millet and Wheat Cotton-wool Coco and much of that sort of fowls whose feathers make the rare coloured Indian pictures and this is a great Merchandize amongst them The Spaniards have onely one small town with a Monastery of Friars and one school to instruct the Indian children The Governour is a chief Justice Between this province and the south America is the Provinces of Costarica Honduras Varagua and Mearagua which joyneth to Gutemalia on the coast of the South-sea And thus have you the northern America Here a Map CHAP. 56 Of Panama PAnama hath a Council that hath for Jurisdiction no more than the province of Panama the election of the Governour of Varagua in regard they are appointed principals of the Navigation for the dispatch of Peru ordering the King of Spains treasure which is yearly transported to Porto Belio over the strait of Darion and from thence to Spain It adjoyneth on Carthagena and Popian to the south east and south-west The chief City is Panama seated on the south sea in 9 degrees north Latitude consisting of 700 housholds the most part of the inhabitants are Merchants Here is also resident the Councill and Officers of the royall treasure Monasteries of Dominican Franciscan and Lamersed and Augustine Friars with two of Nuns and a Cathedrall The Haven is indifferent good but the ships come not within a league of the town the biggest ships not further than Perua three leagues of the town at which place they lie dry at low water The air at Panama is extream unwholsome and the place very sickly but it is mended and made durable for the profit is brought in by the vast summes yearly brought there to carry to Spain of which the Inhabitants get part The Village of Nata lyeth on the south sea west from Panama 30 leagues it hath a reasonable port On the North sea there is the town of Nombred ' Dios it hath a good port but the place is so unwholsome that the trade of Merchandize is removed from thence to the City of Saint Philip the harbour is called the port Obelo in which the Spanish ships do unlade those Merchandizes that are to be trasported to Panama so to Peru and receiveth in such goods as are return'd to be transported to Spian To secure the entrance into this harbour are two strong Castles between the City and the sea and a third neer the town And on this coast are reckoned first the bay of Carabaco neer the confines of Varaqua to the east of it the River of Trinity the Conception and Bethelem an Island and the river of Caugre up which river from Saint Chilip they transport theeir Merchandize bound for Peru unto the house of the Croses which is at the head of the said River and from thence to Panama which is distant from the said house five leagues And 12 leagues to the west from Nombre d'Dios is the port of Longgote and in 9 degrees the port of Hians the port of the Aventure in six Porto Belio in five and against it the Island of the Lookings and the Bastemontos And two leagues from Nombre d'Dios the river of Sardinilia and the Isle of Sardinia and the river of Millet and the river of Snakes and in the gulf of Curaba the town of Saint Mary On the south coast the Cape of Saint Mary and point of war And towards Panama the gulf of Paris where stands Nata the point of Chiami the river of Chepo and the Balsa in the inward part of the gulf of Saint Michael north from the Island of pearl CHAP. 57 Carthegna Province THis Countrey lyeth on the north sea and is parted from the province of Panama by the river of Darian from whence unto the river Magdalen is 80 leagues The land is mountainous and hilly full of high trees this Region is fruitfull in some places and in other some as barren The seed of England will grow but in few parts of this Countrey but here are many cattle horses and swine The temperature of this Countrey is hot and very rainy neither is there mines worked either of gold or silver but much rozen and liquors which they have from trees and Sanguis Dragonis The City of Cartagena standeth neer the sea two leagues west from point Canta in ten degrees of height It hath more then six hundred housholds and in it is resident the Governour the King of Spains officers of the royall treasure and the Cathedrall Suffragan to the Archbishop of Granado with Monasteries of Deminick and Franciscan Friars The scituation is plain and almost an Island on the north side compasseth it and to the land an arm of the sea which reacheth to the Lake of Canapote At the entrance of the Haven there is an Island without Inhabitants The village of Saint James of Tolu is two leagues from Cartagena south-south-west the village of Saint Margito and 30 leagues from Cartagena to the south the village of Sancta Crux is 70 leagues from Cartagena by the sea and great river of Magdalen and twenty from Sancta Martha six from the sea where the Marchandizes that are bound to the Kingdome of Granado are delivered out of the ships and from thence are transported up the River in Canowes CHAP 58. The Kingdome of Granado THis Kingdome lyeth from the sea adjoyning on the south part of Cartagena It is a very rich Countey in Mines of Emraulds gold steel and copper store of pastures with all sorts of cattle wheat Millet fruits and hearbs The Indians are great traders and able men of body ingenious in the sciences of the Spaniards The Merchandize commeth up the the river Magdalen on which this land lyeth Their chief City is Sancta Fee scated on the bottome of a hill in four degrees to the North of the Equinoctiall Line of more than six hundred housholds In which is resident in behalf of the King of Spain a Councill for managing of the affaires of the Kingdome the Officers of the royall treasure a melting house and a Cathedrall Metropolitan two Monasteries of Friars and in her borders more than fifty thousand tributary Indians The City of Tocampa standeth on the river Cati which runneth into Magdalen This City hath also many Indians tributary so hath all the other Spanish towns which are first Saint Michael then the City of Trinity 20 leagues from Sancta Fee north-west the town of Palms fifteen leagues from Sancta Fee west north-west And the City of Tunis north-east
Sanctus Spiritus and in 23 degrees Cold Cape beyond Saint Vincent This province hath been in difference between the Portugeses and West India Company of Holland and as the Dutch got great footing there without right so the Portugals since their falling from Spain have surprized them again and recovered them by the same slight they got the East Indies from us but not with such vile murthers as they committed on the English They have now the town of Resif onely which not long since was neer lost CHAP. 63. Of the Provinces of the River Plate THe provinces of Plate take name from the river on which they lye the passage to them is up the said river but they are almost on the back of Brazil They are large and far wholsomer then Brazil plenty of Sugar Ginger Wine Wheat Millet all sorts of English fruits store of Cattle Swine and Horses but no mines that are worked They are subjected by the Spaniards and united to the Councill of Peru on the south sea for neernesse of lying to that Kingdome there is a common passage from these provinces thither by land over the mountains the most of the land is indifferently inhabited This province hath three Spanish Cities the best is the City of Ascension It lyeth in 23 degrees and a half of south latitude west from Brazil and east from Peru 300 leagues up the River of Plate on the North-side In it is resident the Spanish Governour the Officers royall and a Cathedrall Suffragan to the Archbishop of Lima in Peru. The next is the City royall distant from the Ascension eighty leagues north-east The City of Bucnos ayres standeth on the River Plate one hundred leagues from the mouth of the same These provinces are full of Indians and Mistisos which are Spaniards children begotten on Indian women On this coast between the Brazil and the mouth of the River Plate is the port of Saint Vincent in 33 degrees against Becena Burgo a small Island and six leagues to the south the River Ubay the port and Island Dela Canana in 35 degrees and forward the river De la Barca And 20 leagues from thence the port of Roderico and in 29 degrees the Island of Catalina And five leagues to the south Close Haven And fifteen leagues further another river called Traquean And in 32 degrees the Bay of Saint George And in 35 degrees the Cape of Saint Mary at the entring into the River Plate The south Cape is called Cape Blanke and the mouth of this River of Plate is thirty over and a great way up it ten leagues in breadth with many Islands and divers great Rivers issuing into it CHAP. 64. Of the Coast between the River of Plate and the Strait of Magelan FRom the mouth of this River the strait lyeth southwest and is distant thence 400 leagues It hath on the said coast first the point of Saint Helena in 37 degrees the point of Francis in 38 the River of Canobi in 45. And to the south the Isle of Ducks And in 47 the River of Seriani and in 49 the Port of Saint Julian the River of Sancta Crux in 50. And 12 leagues before you come to the strait of Ilefonsus But the land possest with no other but the Natives which are a Gyantly people CHAP. 65. The Straight of Magellan THis straight is famous for the troublesome passage of Drake Candish and Haukins three English men Generals each in a severall Fleet Drake and Candish being the first that sailed along the coast of Peru and so to the East Indies and came home by the Cape of Bona Sperantia Circum-navigating the Globe The last being much over-matched was taken by the Spaniards on the coast of Peru and convayed from thence prisoner to Spain From whence with much difficulty he obtained his freedome although solemn Engagements passed from the Generall his taker for his freedome The entrance into this strait is in 52 degrees and the comming out into the south sea the same height It is an extream difficult passage by reason of the meeting of the north and south seas in the channell driving each other back prevailing as they are favoured by the wind which commonly bloweth there exceeding boysterously and cold There are divers caves and bays in it but no incouragement for a sea-man to adventure that way The Inhabitants on this strait are few and extream savage neither is this passage any more in use for those that will go by the south of America to the East Indies or into the south sea to any part of the west coast of America have a more convenient passage south of this strait in an open sea The entrance into it is called Lamear but the sea was discovered by Sir Francis Drake and Sir Richard Haukins both which were driven back by foul weather into those seas after they had passed the strait On the coast of the south sea which lyeth between the strait and Chilli there are no inhabitants save the wild Natives but it hath the Bay of horses in 52 degrees and the Bay of Saint John in 50. The Cape of Saint Francis in 51. And 18 leagues before you come to Port Hearnan the Bay of Galago in 48 degrees 40 minutes and north of it the Bay of Kings and the Isle of Catilina then the Cape of Saint Andrew in 42 degrees where Chilla beginneth CHAP. 66. Chillia THis coast reacheth to 28 degrees of south latitude This Region is wholsome above all other in the Indies being of an excellent temperature as neither too hot nor too cold It is abundantly rich in gold and silver mines and all sorts of cattle grain fruits excellent pleasant wine The Countrey men are strong and valiant beyond compare which the Spaniards know to their great cost for they could never totally subdue this Nation The Spaniards had formerly 12 Spanish towns in this Province the most south was the City of Chillon in an Island of fifty leagues long that almost joyneth to the firm land which beareth the name of this whole Countrey this town had in it a Monastery of Friars and to the north of this town 41 leagues the City of Osornio seven leagues from the sea with two Monasteries of Friars and one of Nuns The City of Valdiva two leagues within the mouth of the River Valdiva in 40 degrees It had thtee Monasteries of Friars and one of Nuns The City Imperiall in 39 degrees of height 3 leagues from the sea in it was resident the Cathedrall and two Monasteries of Friars The City of Conception lyeth in 37 degrees neer the sea And there did reside the Governour of the Countrey The harbour is good and made by an Island which lyeth before a nook in the land The Port of Quoquimbo is a good harbour and standeth in 32 degrees The town of Laserana is next to Peru. It lyeth pleasamly by the Valley of Quoquimbo In this place it rains but thrice a year this
to the opinion of the Ancients it is a most wholesome temperate Countrey and rather cold than hot in most parts of it In those places where the snowes continue all the year it raineth from October to March which they call winter this province is rich in Mines of Emraulds and gold silver and quick-silver plentifull of English grain and cattle horse and swine This Region is happy in the temperature of the air there being neither extream cold nor heat as lying Equinoctiall to these Extreams and which is most delightfull to mans nature always a cleer skie The Spanish towns are the City of Saint Francis 60 leagues from the south sea and half a league to the north of the Equinoctiall in it are resident the Councill the Officers of the Spanish Kings Revenues and a Cathedrall with three Monasteries The town of Bamba lyeth south-south-west from Quito on a river of that name It is possest by Spaniards and Indians which are extream rich in sheep above any town of India The City of Loxein standeth in the way from Quito to Cosco there are many other Spanish Inland towns which are great good of which I have no certain knowledg but of most consequence to a Navigator is the port towns the best of which is Poyta in five degrees It is a good and great harbour The City of Saint James of Aquil standeth not far from the sea It hath a good port on a river that runneth fair by the City fit for vessels of great burthen The City of Porto Vivegio standeth on the sea neer the borders of Peru the Indians of this place have red warts that sometimes grow on their Noses and Foreheads Cheeks and Chins which eateth as a ring-worm with us but far more to the dis-figuring the face and in extremity of pain The river and port of Tombes is in 4 degrees and south of it the I le of Pana the port of Calaio in two degrees height south latitude by which standeth the Ile of Plata and one degree to the south of the Equinoctiall the Bay of This province hath formerly had great Gyants living there as appeareth by the great bones often found and pieces of teeth which have weighed fourteen ounces Neer the said point of Helena there are veins of Tar which runneth out of the earth with which they commonly cank their ships CHAP. 70 Popyan THis province lyeth between Quito and Panama the greatest part of it is In-land yet doth it for a good way lye on the south sea The eastern part bordereth on the Kingdome of Granado and Cartagena The temperature of ayr is very different in this place for here are some places indifferent temperate and cool other places are violent hot and sickly This province hath some Indians peaceable other some extraordinary savage insomuch that about the Village of Arma and Canarna they eat not onely those that they take in war cutting off slivers eating one part while the other liveth but sell their Children and the Sons their Fathers and Mothers to the Butchers that keep shambles of mans flesh This Countrey is exceeding rich in gold mines which maketh that the Spaniards endure the other inconveniences of the Countrey with great patience The principall Spanish City in this Goverment is Popyan which lyeth far from the sea two degrees to the north of the Equinoctiall It hath the Leivtenant Governour resident in it a Cathedrall with Monasteries of Friars the City of Cali standeth in 4 degrees 20 leagues from the sea the Governour is resident in it and the Officers of the King of Spains treasure a melting house and two Monasteries The Port of Bonaventure lyeth in 3 degrees and ahalf north of the line this is a place of good resort of Merchants and hath a good port and a fair Custome-house The Village of Sancta Fee on the River of Cavaca The Village of Arma borders on Granada neer which lyeth the Village of Canarman On the sea coast is the Cape of Corientes in 5 degrees to the north of the line The River Solines in four degrees and south ten leagues the River of Saint John in two degrees and little more south the River of Saint Lucas and further south the Port of the Crosse FINIS November 18. 1650. Imprimatur Nathanael Brent
is constant gaurds upon each others Borders They make some Sugar in this Island some Indico and Cotton-wooll but most Tobacco CHAP 19. Nivis or the Snowes Barbada and Redouda THe English that seat it call it Neavis It is of five leagues in length lying within a league of St. Christophers Here is the best Sugar of the Caribey Islands some Indico but little Cotton or Tobacco It is an aguish Country and unwholsome but by the good Government that hath been amongst them the people live the happiest of all the Caribey Islands And in 17 degrees lyeth the Barbada and Redouda each of five leagues and in the hands of the Canibals CHAP. 20. Monserat MOnserat is seated by Irish of five leagues neere the Redouda The Inhabitants plant most Tobacco and some Indico CHAP. 21. Antego Margelante Dominica Matinina Santalusa Gardelupa Dodos sanctos Deseada ANtego lyeth between 14 and 15 degrees It hath a good air and is planted by the English with Tobacco Indico Cotton-wool and Sugar It lyeth ueer unto Gardelupia and Dodos Sanctos on which there lives some French with the Canibals which are in great numbers on these two Ilands The Deseada is six leagues to the Gardelupia in 14 degrees and a half seated by the Canibals Margalante is five leagues from Dominique and seated by the Canibals with French amongst them Dominica lyeth in 13 degrees and is 12 leagues in length It hath good Roads and watring places but in danger of the Canibals that are the Lords of this Iland with whom the French live in peaceable manner And neer Dominica is Matinina and Sancta Lusia which is 14 degres 20 minutes and both possest by Canibals CHAP. 22. The Burbudos THis Iland is commonly called the Barbados but the ancient name is the Burbudos to the Seacors of the Indies or Carer a de las Indies It is a Lee Island as those of Barbevento the Caribes are to weather of the Starbord bow It lyeth in 13 degrees 30 minutes and thoroughly inhabited with English and Negroes their servants This Iland flourisheth so much that it hath more people and Commerce then all the Ilands of the Indies Their principall Commodity is Sugar of the worst sort Indico and some Cotton-wool and little Tobacco Here are pieces of eight in greatest plenty of any English Plantation in America in so much that of late they buy and sell most small matters for ready money it is strong in men but no fortification yet perfected and not easily brought under by a common way of war There are store of Oxen and Kine in this Plantation as also Swine which they keep up in pends horses but by reason of the great number of inhabitants and occasion for Beasts of draught and burthen cattell is a good commodity so is all kind of provision and it yeildeth the best return It hath divers fruits and poultrey and as there is a greater trade here then in the rest of the Islands yet in regard the sellers are well matched by the buyers I conceive it the worst Plantation to goe to either to live or make a Voyage and returne For what is here is as well in the rest of the Islands and much more conveniency to plant for here they have too many people and in them there is too few and in most of them ground enough CHAP. 23. Trinidado ANd more southwardly are the rest of these Lee Ilands of which the greatest is the Trinidado in eight degrees of North Latitude it hath fifty leagues East and West and almost 30 in breadth the air is here very pestiferous which makes that this is the unwholsomest Iland in the whole Indies but many Indians that being bred to it live there without much sicknesse it hath a Colony of Spaniards seated in a Town called Saint Joseph where is resident a Governour and about 200 Spaniards with the help of the Indians make much of that tobacco which is sold in Spain for Spanish tobacco to the English and others The most Orientall part of it is the point De la Jaleria from whence du North lyeth the small Iland of Tobago compassed with Ilets in the South-side is the round point Andrada and on the West-side the gulf of Paria which lyeth between it and the firm land to the North are Saint Vincents and Granado two little Ilands CHAP. 24. Margreata Tortuga Gardiner Caracute Cubava Tamasca TWenty leagues West from Trinidado lieth Margreata it is 16 leagues East and West and the half in breadth it hath but little water yet plentifull of pasture and many Cattle with two Spanish towns which standeth neer the Sea it hath a Fortresse to defend it and a good harbour which is before the Town in this Fortresse resides the Governour and treasure for the King of Spains customes of Pearl which is worth at the least fifty thousand pounds yearly And two leagues from this town within the land is the other whose inhabitants are most Planters but that on the Sea is possest by Merchants divers for pearls which are in good plenty on this coast And the Ile Cabagua a league off at sea from whence every Saturday at night the Pearl fishers return to Margareta To the East of Cubagua are Losfralos which is four little Ilands close aboard the shore And to the East are the Witnesses and West lyeth Tortuga and farther West lyeth the Ile of Gardiner it is ten leagues long and by it Curaco in which the Dutch have a Fort and some souldiers neer unto which is another Iland called Curacute of 14 leagues in length And north from Curacute is the Iland of Aruba in which two last mentioned there are some peaceable Indians that speak Spanish From the Trinidado along the Coast there are few Ilands save those that are at the mouth of the River Amisons and Oroinoque which are low and flat and on the violent risings of the Rivers commonly overflown which makes the inhabitants provide them lodgings in the trees which are there very great these Indians have their Ganoes to attend them by which they passe not only to their neighbours but fish and go to the land at pleasure Furthermore on the Land of Brazil there are some small Ilands the most remarkable is the Tamerica it is inhabited by the Portugals it hath a fair town on the South-side and a harbour with store of Red wood CHAP. 25. Of the North-west passage and the Lands called Nova Britania or Nova Framuncia THat which is most remarkable in this north part of America is the straight of the north-west passage which is generally talked of and indeed is nothing but a narrow difficult passage to Buttons Bay the entrance being properly called Hudsons Straight in regard of his first finding it the mouth of this straight lyeth in 62 degrees and because of the impossibility of this Mathematicall story I shall say there is certainly no such Straight as this which they call Anian or the
shall name them as they adjoyn on the Coast of the Sea CHAP. 36. Of Panuco THis Province is neer adjoyning to Florida and parted from it by the River of Palms which lyeth in 28 degrees of North Latitude That part of it that lyeth next to Mexico is the best and hath the greatest plenty of victuals with som gold the other side which is next Florida is poor and barren This Province hath three Spanish Towns Panuco in something more then 23 degrees It is distant from Mexico 65 leagues neere a River whose entrance is a haven it is governed by a chief Justice provided by the Viceroy of New Spain The Village of Saint James of the Valea 20 leagnes to the West of Panuco The Village of Saint Lucas 8 leagues from Panuco to the North-east neer to the Sea There is no River nor Haven in this Coast but Panuco and Palmes which are not very good and not many Indians CHAP. 37. The Province of Talascalia or Angels THe next to Panuco on the coast of the North Sea lyeth this Province of Talascalia or Losanels with in its government are four Spanish Cities The best is Losangels seated by a River that runneth into the South Sea It standeth off the side of a long Plain east from Mexico 22 leagues and containeth neer 3000 housholds in four streets governed by a chief Justice and in it are resident the Cathedrall with Monasteries of Dominick Augustine Franciscan Lamersed and Carmelite Friars with one of Nuns and a Colledge of more than five hundred Indian Children to be instructed in the Spanish Religion and Language And north of the Angels is the City of Talascalia in more than 20 degrees of height with two thousand five hundred houses in which is a fair Cloyster of Franciscan Friars In the Province of Losangles the City of Guaxaca is the third in which are three Monasteries of Friars and two of Nuns all very rich This town is pleasant and of a wholsome aire and not far from the River of Alurado The City of Vera Crux is an English mile from the Sea five leagues from the Port of Saint John Delua of four hundred Spanish housholds besides Indians In it resides the Kings treasurer for the Customes This Province hath abundance of Flax wheat sugar and ginger diversity of hearbs and fruits abundance of cattle hogs and horses many silver mines 200 chief Indian towns and at least 40 Monasteries of Friars The Harbours and Ports are on the North Sea the best of which is Saint John De Lua which is made by a small Island whose bank is kept up by a wall in which are Iron and Brasse rings where by Cables they more fast their ships This Island hath on it a Castle which commandeth the Harbour that is entred by two Channels the one to the North is the slat the other is called the Galisian Channell Here the ships bound for Nova Hispania and Mexico unlade and to the North of this Port on the coast of this Province is the river Sempoalia and upward the river of Casons and neer the government of Panuco Fuspea and Tamagua and to the South of the said Saint John Delva is first the river of Almerica and further South the river of Alvarado CHAP. 38. Youcatan Province THe North part of this Province adjoyneth to the South of Talascalia It is a pen-insula and in compasse 150 leagues The temperature is hot and moist it hath no river but is full of good willows It is a woody Country nor will it bear English grain neither hath it gold or other minerall But it hath many inhabitants that are of the civillest sort of Indians in New Spain and great plenty of Millet Swine all sorts of cattle horses and much poultrey much Cotton Bombast and Ashurs The Inhabitants are healthy and live to great age There are four Spanish towns the City of Meridia in the midst of the Province in 20 degrees In it are resident the Governour the Officers of the Revenue and royall Treasure and Cathedral Suffragan to Mexico with one Monastery of Franciscan Friars The village of Valiodalid is 31 leagues from Meridia to the South and neer the coast of the Hondur as is Salimanca a fair town And on the north coast the village of Saint Franciscus of Campeach in 20 degrees fifty leagues from Meridia It is a reasonable good Haven but of little depth on the coast of this Province are many Rocks Flats and Isles that there is scarcely any sayling within foure leagues of the shore on which there is the greatest Flouds and Ebs of any part of New Spain CHAP. 39. The Province of Honduras THis Province of the Honduras adjoyneth unto the South part of Yucatan his coast stretcheth along the north Sea as far as Nicurayna which is neer 150 leagues It is a hilly Countrey plentifull of all sorts of Cattle and store of Wheat and Mines of Gold and Silver it hath six Spanish towns and many peaceable Indians The City of Valiodalid standeth in 16 degrees 40 leagues from the north Sea Here is resident the Governour a Cathedrall and a Monastery of Lamersed The City of Adios is 30 leagues from Valiodalid to the West the village of Saint Petro is 11 leagues from the Port of Cavalos where the Officers royall are resident because the Port of Cavalos is sickly to which the Ships come This Port of Cavalos is in 15 degrees on the North Sea there are few in it besides Blackamores and some factors by reason of the unwholsomnesse of the place The City of Truxcillio is 64 leagues from the Cavalos to the North-east a league from the north Sea The village of Saint George is populous of Indians and rich in gold The Septentrionall point of this coast is the Cape of Eburus in 16 degrees east off which 20 leagues lyeth the River of Pitch and a little further Riobaxco and beyond it the River of Balahama and in 14 degrees and a half lyeth the River Salt and after that the Cape of the three points and from North the Island of Utilia and to the North-east Hellen and Lyvanai and in 14 degrees the Cape of Thanks be to God And north from thence the three Islands called Take away Sleep CHAP. 40. Of the Province of Nicaragua NIcaragua lyeth next to the South-side of Honduras it is aplentifull Countrey of Coco Cotton-wool Millet Cattle and much gold It hath five Spanish towns abundance of peaceable Indians which are most expert in the Spanish tongue The first and principall town is Saint James 12 leagues from the South sea at the head of the lake Nicaragua where the Governour is resident the royall Officers and Cathedrall with five Monasteries of Lamersed and many peaceable Indians The City of Granado standeth on the Borders of this great lake neer which is a famous Volcan that burns perpetually casting forth fire and smoak A Friar imagined there was much gold in it because it never consumed the
with shelues And in 20 degrees lieth the shelves of Abreo of 15 leagues long but East from Mackre On these Islands are no Inhabitants those that did live there were a harmless simple people and therefore the easier taken and carried away by the Spaniards that have made them so desolate many of them seem of a good mould and the Latitude promiseth much fertility The arie is certainly good and wholsome and not so extream hot as other parts of that height There is scarcely any beast on them save a Cony that hath a taile like a Rat but Pigeons and Brids in great numbers most of them of greenish colour There is the Gumme Benjamin of the best and worst sort Guacom and Sasaprila and Sasafras and on some of them red wood and Amber-greece The English Sea-men are little acquainted with these Islands although they saile round them yearely And since I petitioned for them which was six years ago and my absence hindred my prosecution Captain Sail and others have obtained a Patent making thither on the coast of an Island which he called Illutheria his ship was wrackt but the people of the ship all saved but recovered the shoare with few necessaries I saw him after his escape from thence in a small boat of 3 Tuns recovering Virginia where he procured a Pinnace of near 25 Tuns with which he carried relief to those he left in the Island But I understand by a Master of a Bark that went from New England that on a division was among them they were leaving the Island In my discourse with the said Sail I understod that none of his company knew the place they intended or were ever there when they undertook the voyage The coasts of most of them are dangerous and bad to make and that ship that shall be neer or amongst them must keep the lead always going but with a wary Pilot and care in giving the Islands a fair birth they are easily recovered The Spaniards know this place well and have a yearly trade thither for the aforesaid Commodities and amongst the Islands are wracks of divers of their ships CHAP. 9. Of Hispaniola SOuth of the Lucayos lyeth the Islands of Barlevento which are not onely the best of America but almost beyond compare were they as well furnished with people as they are with necessaries to maintain them They be in the hand of the Spaniard almost without people For Hispaniola that is the chief and in 18 19 20 degrees and 150 leagues East and West hath but one City no Town nor Village but what is inhabited by Negro's that are servants to the Spaniards Here is a perpetuall Summer the Winter being but the rain that falleth This Land is exceeding pleasant and hath divers Vallies one being so great as to reach from the one side of the Island to other that hath many golden rivers issuing into it which Vallies are always stocked with multitudes of wilde kine goats hogs shag-hair'd sheep and horses amongst which as their deadly enemy are many wild dogs that are bred of such as have been lost a hunting and run away from the Spaniards the woods have abundance of Oranges Limons Limes Cotton-wool and Plantens and many green Birds The commodities the Spaniards yearly export from thence is Ginger Sugar Cotton-wool Cassia Fistula Sasaprila and Lignum vitae with Tallow and a hundred thousand hides which are yearly gotten of those wild cattell which are the largest of the world There are divers Rivers that afford gold and some Mines which are not now worked great plenty of Copper and other minerall The City where the Spaniards dwel is called Santo Domingo it standeth on the South side of the Island neer the East end on the West-side the River Osama in 19 degrees and a half fairly built with stone and walled about with a Castle on the said River between the Town and the Sea Here are resident the Supream Council of the Islands the Officers of the goods and royall treasure a Mint-house and the Cathedrall that hath for sufferance the Bishoprick of Cuba Portrico Fenescula and the Abbotship of Jamecca Here are also Monasteries of Franciscans Dominicans and Mercenaries and two Nunneries a Grammar-school and an Hospitall The people in this City live in great pleasure enjoying beside the foresaid plenty of flesh many excellent fruits all the year long as Bonanoes Pine-apples Custard-apples Plantens Papans Musk-melons Water-melons and many other fruits and hearbs store of Turkeys and Poultrey And their bread they make of the root Yuca called Cascaby but they have plenty of Milet and Potatoes On the Coasts are first the point of Nisao ten leagues to the West of Santo Domingo and eighteen leagues further is the Port Ocoa which is a Bay where the fleets of Nova Hispania take refreshing when they do not anchor in the nooke of Sepesepin which is neer unto it or in another called the Fair Haven two leagues before you come to Ocoa And 20 leagues beyond Ocoa is the Port of Asua And 30 leagues more Westwardly there is a large point right against the Island of Bola which lieth five leagues from the Coast The most Westerly point is called Cape Tibron It hath an Island three leagues from it West called Caprio and sailing along the Coast you will see an Island called Camito and further in the nooke of Yaguana there is an Island called Guanabo of eight leagues long Of the North side of the Island the most Westwardly Cape and Port is Saint Nicol as from whence North-east and by East lyeth the Island of Tortaga neer the Coast of Hispaniola it is of five leagues length and governed by a Frenchman And further along the Coast is Montey Cristey the West Cape of the Port of Nativedad to the East of which there is a great Bay called Port Real This Island is so full of Harbours as he that will coast it cannot well misse of one where he pleaseth most of which afford refreshing of fresh meat and good water In many parts of this Island especially on the North side are English men always lying to kil Cattle for their hides onely they live in Tents ten and twenty in a company and have Shallops to attend them to conveigh them away when they please most commonly to Turtagues which is their head Quarter for it is neer lying CHAP. 10. Of the Island of Cuba THis Island lyeth West from Hispaniola and is 200 leagues long East and West the broadest part not 45. What Hispaniola affordeth is here in good plenty but the Land neither so pleasant nor wholsome The gold of this Island is not so good in his allay as that of Hispaniola but Copper is here in greater quantity It hath two remarkable things the one is a Valley of 20 leagues that within the earth hath stones as round as a bullet and from hence the Spaniards may furnish themselves with shot of all sizes The other is a fountain of a kind of pitch which