America: Being the Latest, and Most Accurate Description of the Nevv VVorld
AMERICA: BEING THE LATEST, AND MOST ACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE NEVV VVORLD; CONTAINING The Original of the Inhabitants, and the Remarkable Voyages thither. THE CONQUEST OF THE VAST EMPIRES OF Mexico and Peru, AND OTHER LARGE PROVINCES and TERRITORIES, WITH THE SEVERAL EUROPEAN PLANTATIONS IN THOSE PARTS. ALSO Their Cities, Fortresses, Towns, Temples, Mountains, and Rivers. Their Habits, Customs, Manners, and Religions. Their Plants, Beasts, Birds, and Serpents. WITH An APPENDIX, containing, besides several other considerable Additions, a brief Survey of what hath been discover’d of the Unknown South-Land and the Arctick Region.
Collected from most Authentick Authors, Augmented with later Observations, and Adorn’d with Maps and Sculptures, by JOHN OGILBY Esq; His Majesty’s Cosmographer, Geographick Printer, and Master of the Revels in the Kingdom of IRELAND.
LONDON, Printed by the Author, and are to be had at his House in White Fryers, M. DC. LXXI.
A Catalogue of the Authors, which are either mention’d, or made use of in this Volume of America.
Abraham Mellinus Abraham Mylius Adriaen vander Donk Ælian Albertus Magnus Aldrete Ælius Lampridius Alexander Aphrodiensis Alexander ab Alexandro Alexander Guaginus Alonso Garcia Alonso de Ouagli Andræas Cæsariensis Angrin Jonas Antonio de Herrera Apuleius Aristonicus Grammaticus Aristotle Athanasius Kircher Augustinus Augustin de Tarcate Augustus Thuanus Ayton of Armenia
Balthazar de Amizquita Barnaba Cabo Bartholomæo de las Casas Benjamin Tudalensis
Caspar Barlæus Castaldus Charles Rochfort Christopher Arcisseuski Cicero Claude de Abbeville Clemens Alexandrinus Conradus Gesner Cornelius Nepos Cornelius Witfleet Ctesias Curtius Cyrianus
David Ingran David Powel Diodorus Siculus Dionysius Halicarnassæus Dirk Ruiters Dithmar Blefken Duarte Mendez Seraon
Egydius Fletcher Emanuel de Moraez Erasmus Stella Erick Roothaer Everhard Reid Eusebius Euthymius Zibagenus
Festus Avienus Francisc. Burmannus Francisc. Delapuente Francisc. de Gomara Francisc. Lopes de Gomesa Francisc. Raphelingius Francisc. Soarez Francisc. Tirolmonte Francisc. Xaverius Fullerus
Galenus Garcilasso de la Vega Genebrardus Gerardus Joannes Vossius Guido de Brez Guilielm. Piso Guilielm. Postellus
Harmannus Moded Henrick Haelbos Henrick Hawks Hernando de Leon Herodotus Hesychius Hieronim. Benzo Hieronim. Cardanus Homer Hugo Grotius Hugo Linschot
Jacob Bontius Jacob Panensis Jacob Rabbi Inca Garcilasso Joannes Ardenois Joannes Bertius Joannes Chilton Joannes Gysius Joannes Johnstonus Jean de Laet Joannes de Ledesma Joannes Leonclavius Joannes Lery Joannes Mariana Joannes Nieuwhof Joan. van de Sande Joseph. Acosta Joseph. Anchieta Joseph. Scaliger Isaacus Pontanus Isaac. du Verne Isidorus Mendes Sequera Julius Cæsar Julius Cæsar Scaliger
Lactantius Lauren. Ananias Lauren. Bikker Lauren. Guascus Gerascius Lauren. Keymis Levinus Lemmius Lieven Aizma Lopez Vaz Lucan Lucretius Lodowick Leo Lysander
Manethon Persa Marcus Zeno Martin del Barco Martin Perez Matthæus van den Broeke Matthiolus Melchior Soiterus Mich. Lithower Michovius Miles Philips Moses
Nicolaus Zeno
Olympiodorus
Paulus Venetus Pedro de Ancieta Pedro Pizarro Pedro Fernandez de Quir Pedro Maria Peter Martyr Pedro Ordonnes de Cevallos Peter van Gendt Philo Judæus Philippus Cluverius Philippus Mornæus Phylarchus Piere Moreau Pinedas Plato Pliny Plutarch Pomponius Mela Proclus Procopius
Quarterius
Rabbi Simeon Robertus Comtæus
Sam. Purchas Sebastiaen Schroten Simplicius Salust Sigismond Baro Strabo
Theodosio Theopompus Thevet Tertullian Trigaut
Vegetius Virgil
THE CONTENTS of the several CHAPTERS and SECTIONS.
The first Book.
America unknown to the Ancients Fol. 1
_Of the Original of the Americans, whence they came, when, how, and from what People Planted_ 11
First Discoverers of America, with Christopher Colonus his Expedition 43
Pedro Alphonso Nigno his Voyage 56
The Voyage of Vincent Agnes Pinzon 58
The Expedition of Americus Vesputius 60
The Expedition of Alphonso Fogeda, Diego Nicuesa, Ancisus, and Roderick Colmenares 65
Peter Arias his Expedition, and the remarkable Passages of Vascus Nunnez 69
The Expedition of Francisco Fernandez, Lupo Caizedo, Christophero Morantes, Bernardo Igniguez, and Juan Grisalva 76
The Expedition of Ferdinand Magaglian, commonly call’d Magellan 79
Ferdinando Cortez his Voyage 81
Diego Gottierez his Expedition 92
The Expedition of Pedro Alvarado, Francisco and Gonzalvo Pizarro, and Diego de Almagro 95
The Expeditions of John Stade and Nicholas Durando Villegagnon 103
The Expedition of John Ribald, Renatus Laudonier, and Gurgie 105
Four English _Expeditions, under the Command of our famous Sea-Captains_, Martin Forbisher, Sir Francis Drake, Thomas Candish, and John Smith 108
A Netherland Expedition, by Jaques Mahu and Simon de Cordes 110
The Expedition of Oliver van Noord 113
The Expedition of George van Spilbergen 115
The Expedition of Corneliszoon Schouten and Jacob Le Maire 117
The Voyage of the Nassavian Fleet, under the Command of Jaques le Heremite and Hugo Schapenham 120
Henry Brewer his Voyage 122
The Second Book.
Of the Bounds of America, and of the Division of the Mexican, Fol. or Northern part thereof 125
Estotiland 126
Terra Laboratoris 128
Canada, or New France 129
Accadia, or Nova Scotia 133
Norumbegua 138
New England 139
New Netherland, now call’d New York 168
A new Description of Mary-Land 183
Virginia 192
The Relation of Captain Smith’s being taken Prisoner by Powhatan, and his deliverance by his Daughter Pocahonta 202
Carolina 205
Florida 213
Jucatan 222
Guatimala 224
Vera Paz 227
Honduras 229
Nicaragua 232
Costarica 235
Veragua ibid.
Guatimala, properly so call’d ibid.
The Kingdom of Mexico, or New Spain 238
Mechoacan 261
Tlascalla 264
Guaxata 268
Panuco 270
Tabasco 273
New Gallicia 281
Guadalajara 284
Xalisco 285
Chiametla ibid.
Couliacan 286
Cinoloa 288
Zacatecas 289
New Biscay 290
New Mexico 291
Cibola, Tontonteac, and Nova Granada 298
Quivira 301
Terra Nova, or New-found Land, with the Island of Assumption 304
The Bermudas, or Summer-Islands 311
Hispaniola 314
Porto Rico, and Monico 327
Cuba 331
Jamaica 337
The Islands call’d The Lucaies 344
The Caribbee-Islands 345
Anegada and Sombrero 362
Las Virgines 363
Anguilla ibid.
Saba 364
St. Crux ibid.
St. Martin 365
St. Bartholomew 367
Barboude 368
Rotonda ibid.
Nevis ibid.
Eustathius 369
Antego 370
Montserrat ibid.
Guadalupe 371
Deseado 372
Marigalante ibid.
Todos Sanctos 373
De Aves ibid.
Dominico 375
Martinico 376
St. Lucia 377
Barbados ibid.
St. Vincent 380
Bekia 381
Granada ibid.
Tabago 382
St. Christophers 383
The Islands Sotavento, and the Isle Trinidado 387
Cubagua 388
California 389
The Third Book.
A Description of Peruana or, Southern America Fol. 393
Castella Aurea, otherwise call’d Terra Firma 394
Panama 395
Darien 399
New Andaluzia 400
St. Martha 403
Rio de la Hacha 405
New Granada 406
Granada 408
Popayana 409
Peru 412
Quito 441
Los Quixos 446
Lima 450
Cusco 456
Los Charcas 462
Collao 466
Chile 471
Chile, properly so call’d 472
Magellanica 473
Paraguay, or Rio de la Plata 475
Rio de la Plata, properly so call’d 476
Tucuman ibid.
La Crux de Sierra 477
Brasile ibid.
St. Vincent 495
Rio de Janeiro 496
De Spirito Santo 497
Porto Seguro 498
Los Isleos 501
Bahia de Todos los Sanctos 502
Pernambuco 505
Parayba 508
Maragnan 511
The Lordships Tamarica, Rio Grande, Siara, and Para 517
A Relation of the Proceedings of the Netherland West-India Company in Brasile, to the Year 1658 518
The Journey of Rodulphus Baron, _with the Description of the Customs and Manners of the_ Tapuyans 595
Grave Maurice his Account of Brasile, _so far as it concern’d the_ West-India Company 600
The Councellor Dussen’s Relation of so much of Brasile as concern’d the West-India Company 601
A Description of the Palace Freyburgh, two Bridges, and a Banquetting-house, all built by Grave Maurice 605
Guiana 607
A Relation of the Journey of Francisco Orellana ibid.
Paria, or New Andalusia 620
Cumana 621
Venezuela 624
The Islands Margareta, Cubagua, and Coche 627
Of the Islands of Southern America 628
In the Appendix.
Rio de la Plata Fol. 631
Chili 634
A View of the Chilesian Language 635
Magellanica 649
The Unknown South-Land 653
Terra Borealis, or The Arctick Region 661
Several Attempts for the discovery of the North-West Passage 672
A brief View of what Places are possess’d at this day in the West-Indies, by the English, Spaniards, French, Portuguese, and Dutch 674
AN ACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF AMERICA.
CHAP. I. America, unknown to the Antients.
[Sidenote: Description of the Ocean.]
The Sea, that takes several Denominations from the Countreys which it washeth, and surrounding the dry Land, cuts out, and shapes so many winding Bays, Creeks, and Meandring Inlets, seems no where so much confin’d and penn’d into so narrow a Channel, as the Straights of Magellan: From whence again, soon expatiating, it spreads it self into two immense, and almost boundless Oceans, that which opens to the North, gives terminaries to the four Regions of the Earth; that to the South, onely to Asia and America; both which, indeed, are but one continu’d Sea, extending it self round the Universal Globe.
This watry part of the World, that almost through all Ages lay Fallow, hath in these later times been Furrow’d by several Expert and Stout Captains, who now by their Art and Industry, have given a good Account of, and made clear Discoveries from East to West, where-ever the Sun rises or sets.
The Northern Bounds under the Artick-Zone, have been hitherto so obstructed with Ice, that the undertakings of such as adventur’d either to find by the North-East or North-West a Passage to India, have been utterly frustrate. Of the Southern, no such pains hath as yet been taken in the Discovery, so that for the most part it is yet unknown how far the Water, either deep or shallow, overspreads the Earth, onely thus much Experience hath made out, that the Antartick needs lesser Line to Fathom, than the Artick-Ocean.
[Sidenote: The Ancients had little knowledge in Navigation.]
The antient Greeks, Phenicians, and Romans, or whosoever that were Renown’d by Antiquity, and Listed in the number of their famous Navigators, were no less Timerous than Ignorant concerning Maritim Affairs, and are not fit to stand in the least degree of competition with our later Voyagers.
[Sidenote: Navigation is very ancient.]
Of old, by an inviolable Law, made by Custom, according to Pliny, Vigetius and others, the Sea was lock’d up, from the eleventh of October, to the tenth of March, no Ships daring to venture forth, dreading short Nights, and foul Weather; neither in Summer, did they so much as once offer, unless driven by Storms, to attempt the Offin, or loose sight of Land; yet there is no question, but that several Nations in former Ages, made it their business, spending their whole time, and wearying themselves in the Practical Art of Navigation.
[Sidenote: Geograph. lib. 1.]
[Sidenote: Hist. Nat. lib. 2. cap. 67.]
[Sidenote: Ultima Thule, suppos’d by some to be Ireland. Vide Georgic.]
[Sidenote: The Voyage of Hanno.]
[Sidenote: Of Eudoxus, Strab. l. 2.]
The Sacred Scripture testifies, That the Kings of Judea, Solomon, Jehosaphat, Ozias, and others, prepar’d several Fleets that Sail’d through remote Seas, freighting themselves with Gold from Ophir, and other Rarities, which were Imported to supply and enrich the Holy-Land. And Strabo also tells us, That King Solomon being contemporary with Homer, then discover’d India. And Pliny relates, That the Romans, in the Reign of Augustus, passing the Straights of Gibraltar, and sleighting the Ne plus ultra, Coasted Spain, France, and Belgium, leaving not at the Promontory of the Cimbrians (now call’d Shager-Riff) but also ventur’d into the Northern Ocean, which washes Norwey and Lapland: But long before this, as Athenæus relates, Phileas Taurominites, a Grecian Captain, and several others pass’d the Herculean-Pillars, penetrating the Northern Seas as far as Britain, and adventuring, made the first Discovery of Thule: And to the Southward the African Coasts without Gibraltar, and beyond Atlas, were now and then explor’d by several expert Captains. But more remarkable is the Voyage of Hanno a Carthaginian, who out-sail’d these, and inspected the Coasts of Africa, as far as the Gorgades: And Eudoxus Cyzicenus, flying from King Lathyrus, set Sail from the Arabian Gulph, and passing the Great-Cape, came to an Anchor at last in the Mouth of Gibraltar, having discover’d all the Eastern, Southern, and Western parts of Africa.
[Sidenote: Strange Voyage of some Indians.]
[Sidenote: Of Menelaus.]
Moreover, it deserves special observation, That an antient Swedish King, as Cornelius Nepos relates, sent as a Rarity and great Present to the Roman Consul Metellus Celer, some Indians, who loosing their course, hatter’d up and down with perpetual Storms and stress of Weather, were at last driven into the Northern Ocean, where they suffer’d Shipwrack; yet saving themselves, Landed on his Coast: Aristonicus Gramaticus relates, That Menelaus Sailing from the Sack of Troy, became so great a Voyager, that leaving the Straights, he surrounded Africa, and discovering India, after eight years re-measuring the same way he went, return’d with great Riches in safety to his own Kingdom: Which is consentaneous to Homer, who saith, Odyss. l. 4.
——_None must compare Mansions with_ Jove, _his Seats Celestial are: But with me any may, who eight years tost Through Worlds of Miseries from Coast to Coast, ’Mongst unknown Seas, of my Return small hope_, Cyprus, Phœnicia, Ægypt,[1] Æthiope, Sidon, Erembos found, and Lybia, _where Their Lambs are horn’d, their Ews teem thrice a year._
——Ἤτοι ζηνὶ βροτῶν οὐκ ἄντις ἐρίζοι. Ἀθάνατοι γὰρ τοῦ γε δόμοι καὶ κτήματ ἔασιν. Ἀνδρῶν δ’ ἤκεν τίς μοί ἐρίζεται ἠὲ, καὶ οὐκὶ Κτήμασιν; ἦ γὰρ πολλὰ παθὼν, καὶ πόλλ’ ἐπαληθεὶς Ἠγαγόμην ἐν νηυσὶ, καὶ ὀγδοάτω ἔτει ἦλθον Κύπρον, φοίνικην τε καὶ ἀιγυπτίους ἐπαληθεὶς, Ἀιθιοπάς θ’ ἱκόμην, καὶ σιδονίους καὶ ἐρεμβοὺς Καὶ Λιβύην, ἵνα τ’ ἄρνευ ἄφαρ κεραοὶ τελέθουσι, Τρὶς γὰρ τίκτει μῆλα τελευφόρον εἰς ἐνιαυτὸν.
Footnote 1:
The Commentators on Homer have been very inquisitive to find out Menelaus Voyage into Æthiopia. Crates suppos’d that he pass’d out at the Straights, doubled the Southern Cape, and so arriv’d thither. Eratosthenes conjectures, that in the time of Homer the Straights Mouth was an Isthmus, and the Ægyptian Isthmus overflow’d by the Sea, which afforded him a shorter passage. But that is most probable which Strabo delivers, that he then went to the borders of Æthiopia, when he pass’d up Ægypt to the City of Thebes; the Borders of Æthiopia being not far distant from thence in Strabo’s time, probably very near it in Homer’s.
[Sidenote: Remarkable Voyage of an Indian into Egypt,]
[Sidenote: Of Ptolemy]
[Sidenote: And also of Cleopatra.]
That which the Grecian Geographers relate concerning Ptolomy Euergetes, King of Egypt, is not to be forgotten, That sending Pilots, Commission’d to take the Soundings, and settle the Land-marks in the Arabian Gulph, they found by chance a forsaken Vessel, onely in it one Man half dead, lying among several other breathless Bodies, of whom, being refresh’d with convenient Cordials, they enquir’d his Fortune, but he being unable to give them any present satisfaction, neither understanding what the other said, they sent him to the Court, where soon having got a smattering of Greek, he inform’d Euergetes, that he was a Native Indian, driven from their course into the place where they found him by stress of Weather, and that his company were famish’d, all their Provision spent in their Wandrings from their intended Voyage; Thus being kindly entertain’d, he also promis’d the King to open his Passage (if so he pleas’d) into India. The King slept not upon this Intelligence, but immediately prepar’d a Fleet Freighted with such Commodities as were advis’d; with which setting forth by the Conduct of this their Indian Pilot, they Anchor’d in their desir’d Port, and brought the King in return from thence a rich Cargo of Silk, Spices, costly Drugs, and precious Gems. Cleopatra, about sixty years after, intending not to lose the advantages reap’d by the former discoveries, equipp’d another and greater Navy; which passing through the Red-Sea, found the Stern of a Ship, on which was Presented a Horse, whereby some of the more knowing Sea-men judg’d, that it had been a Gibraltar Vessel, and Sailing about Africa, there by sad accident suffer’d a Wrack. This Stern was afterwards set up, and fix’d as a Memorial in the Market-place of Memphis.
[Sidenote: The Venetians were the first that drove a trade from Europe to the East-Indies.]
[Sidenote: How they went their journeys.]
In these later times, the first that endeavor’d to drive an European Trade in Africk, and held Commerce with India, was the State of Venice, who Sail’d from thence through the Adriatick, into the Mediterranean-Sea: So Steering for Alexandria, where unlading their Goods, from thence they carry’d them over Land, and Shipping again in the Arabian Gulph, Sail’d directly for India. Thus by Land and Water, were exchang’d several Commodities, and the Indian Growth and rich Products of the Oriental World plentifully Transported to Venice, and from thence, all Europe had ample Accommodation, until an Egyptian Sultan suffer’d the Way to be infested by Thieves and Murdering Robbers, that so they were enforc’d to remove thence, and Discharge their several Cargoes at Aleppo; from whence, on Mules and Camels, they carry’d their Goods to Babylon, so to Balsarum, and then to Ormus, where they Re-ship’d thence, directly standing for India.
Thus they enjoy’d the benefit of so great a Trade and Commerce, until the Portuguese found a Passage by Sea, saving the Expence and trouble of carrying Goods so far by Land to India; Of which here we will a little inlarge.
[Sidenote: By what means the Portuguese came first to discover the Coasts of Africa and India.]
[Sidenote: Why Africa was no further discover’d.]
John, the first King of Portugal, who took from the Moors, by force of Arms, Septa, an African City, having five Sons; Henry his fourth behav’d himself so gallantly in the Leaguer of Septa, that after he became Master of the place, this Prince made many bold Excursions in several Parties against the Enemy, bringing in daily great store of Booty; so growing rich, he Rigg’d out two new Vessels to make farther Discoveries along the Coast of Africa. Yet this his Expedition went on but slowly, being much taken off in Building there a new City, then call’d Tarzanabala, and since Villa Infantis; but being Admonish’d by a Dream, and Check’d for his laying thus aside his first Design of Navigation; he soon after, Anno 1410. set forth the Ships that he intended, which he the more accelerated, being inform’d by some of his Prisoners Natives, that Africa spread from the Basis of Mount-Atlas, very far towards the South: This Mountain then was the Terminary of Navigation that way, because thereabouts a long Ridge or Shelf of Sands thrust its Point under Shallow Waters so far out into the Ocean, that none durst venture to Sail into the Offin, being out of sight of Land to double this conceal’d Cape.
[Sidenote: Who first ventur’d into the Offin.]
[Sidenote: Madera’s, by whom peopled.]
The first that attempted to find Deep Water, and get round about, discovering several unknown Coasts, and Uninhabited Isles belonging to that Region, were Joannes Gonsalves, Tristan Varseus, and Ægidius Annius; amongst which were the Madera’s, and St. George de Picho, which Prince Henry first Planted with Portuguese, and others since with Netherlanders. He also obtain’d a Grant from Pope Martin the Fifth, of all the discover’d Territories East-ward from the Canaries, for ever to be the undoubted Right, and belonging to the Crown of Portugal.
[Sidenote: By whom Genny was discover’d.]
After Henry’s Decease, Anno 1460. the business of Navigation and Discoveries of new Countreys, lay neglected, because King Alphonso turmoyl’d in a Civil War, his Crown being at stake, had not leisure to think or look after uncertain improvements by Sea; yet at last having quell’d his Enemies, he ventur’d forth some Ships, who Sail’d as far as the River Zenaga, and came to Anchor before the City of Genny, famous since for Trade, which gave its denomination to the Countrey and Coasts of Guiny, where they dealing, Barter’d for Ivory, Gold, Slaves, and also got so much footing into the Countrey, that they suddenly rais’d up a Fort, and Man’d it with a strong Garrison, Shipping their Slaves for Lisbon.
John the Second succeeding his Father Alphonso, had a great design upon Arabia and India, and if possible, was ambitious to open a Passage from the Atlantick, to the Oriental-Seas. But the difficulty lay in Steering so often from sight of Land, venturing into the Main Ocean, obstructed by so many dangerous Shoals that lay so far out into the Offin.
[Sidenote: For the Northern Constellations the Astrolabe was in use long before.]
At that time flourish’d three famous Mathematicians, Rhoderick, Joseph, and Martin Bohemus, Pupils bred up by Joannes Monteregius; with which the King consulting, perswaded, that they would by their Art invent some Instrument, that by Southern Constellations, the Pole being depress’d, the Navigator might know where he was, and in what height; so guessing what distance they were from this or that Countrey; they accordingly Club’d Learning, and by their great Study, found out what since hath prov’d so useful and beneficial to Seamen, the Astrolabe; which help having obtain’d, the Sailers encourag’d, more frequently ventur’d into remote and unknown Seas.
[Sidenote: Remarkable passage of Jaques Cano.]
[Sidenote: Discovery of Congo.]
[Sidenote: John the Second, seeks to discover India by water.]
After these, King John of Portugal sent Jaques Cano with a Fleet, who Sailing, found the River Zaires, where he erected a Pillar with an Inscription, Latin and Portuguese, signifying by whom, and in what Kings Reign these African Coasts were discover’d: Here he also met some of the Natives, who more civiliz’d than the rest, told him, That they had a mighty King, who Raigning over them, kept his Court some few days Journey up in the Countrey, to whom Cano sending his Agents, detain’d four Africans as Pledges, which he carry’d with their free consent to Portugal, promising to bring them back in fifteen Months, who before that time having got some smatterings of their Tongue, inform’d them, that their Native Soyl was call’d Congo, whither returning by the appointed time, they were according to their agreement, exchang’d for the Portuguese, and Cano address’d himself with rich Presents to their King, whom he found sitting in their manner on an Ivory Throne, being from the middle upward Naked, his nether parts cover’d with long Silken Skirts, a Golden Armlet on his left Arm, athwart his Shoulders hung a Horses Tail, their Badge of Royal Dignity: Cano humbly laid the Presents down at the Kings feet, amongst which was a Gilded Flag, or Pennon with a Cross, which Pope Innocent the Eighth had Consecrated with great Ceremony. After this, many of that Nation became Christians, and the King himself receiv’d Baptism. But in short time, by the Instigations of their Diabolical Priests, and others, Christianity loosing ground, grew out of countenance: Mean while, King John the Second vigorously Prosecuted the business of Discovery, sending Jews and Christians by Land from Alexandria and other parts of Egypt to India, and from thence to explore the Coasts on the Eastern side of Africa, to the Great-Cape; if so a way might be found fit for Navigators, having doubled that Point, to Traffick with the Oriental parts of the World.
[Sidenote: Vasques de Gama, his expedition.]
After this Princes Death the Work lay sill a while, but in short time, King Emanuel his Successor freshly undertook the business once more, sending Vasques de Gama with four Ships, who passing through many Dangers with great Difficulties, Anchor’d at last before Calecut, and was the first of the Europeans that found a way to the East-Indies.
[Sidenote: Christopher Columbus’s.]
[Sidenote: Dividing of the earth.]
But Christopher Columbus, five Years before Gama’s Expedition to the East, had been employ’d in Western Discoveries, which prov’d so very successful, that he found no less than another World; which soon after, from Americus Vesputius, was call’d America: So that the Division of the World by the Antients, (concerning which they had so long err’d, and were utterly mistaken) was now made manifest by Experience, and undisputable Demonstration; for formerly the whole World was known by no other names than Asia, Africa, and Europe, but now, those three are found to make but one Part of what incircles the Universal Globe; because in the South lies a second, known no further than by its Coastings and Superficial Margents; the third part being the New-World, our America.
[Sidenote: A query, if America was known to the Ancients.]
[Sidenote: Atlantica. Plato in Crisis & Timæo.]
Here it will not seem amiss, having prov’d that Africa was more than Coasted by the Ancients, to ingage and search with some scrutiny concerning this America; First, Whether at any time ’twas known by the Ancients? And next, by what People, and when first Inhabited? About the former, the Learned of these later times Jangle amongst themselves, for some of them will needs ascribe so much Honor to Antiquity, declining the Worthy Praise of those that made so wonderful a Discovery, as if they of old, and many Ages before, had done the same, or at least, that this New-World to them was not unknown, maintaining this their bold Assertion from the Authority of what they find, both in Ancient Greek, and Latin Authors: First, especially in the Learned Plato, who, as you know at large, describes a New Atlantis, lying beyond the Straights of Gibraltar; whose Coast is surrounded with two vast Seas that are Sow’d thick with scatter’d Islands. By these Seas they understand the Atlantick and Southern-Sea, by the many Isles, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, California, and others, which lie sprinkled along the Coasts of America. But it cannot be made out, that Plato describes ought but a Fancy, his own Idea, not a Countrey that ever was, is, or shall be, though he sets it forth so Accurately, and with such Judgment, as if he had taken a Survey of the place, and found such a Land indeed.
[Sidenote: Diod. Sic. lib. 6.]
[Sidenote: Arist. de Mirandis in Natura auditis.]
In like manner, Diodorus Siculus undertakes to prove, That America was known to the Antients; telling a Story, how the Phenicians were driven by a Storm from the Coasts of Africa West-ward, falling at last upon a great and altogether unknown Island, which our late Expositors take for America; Must it therefore be so? Surely not, for it is onely a bare Story, without any Proof or the least Testimony. They endeavor to make Aristotle bolster up their opinion that he had a knowledge of this New-World, which with no small pains they pump from these Words: “Beyond the Herculean Pillars, certain Carthaginian Merchants penetrated the Atlantick Ocean so far, that at last they found a vast, yet un-inhabited Island, producing nothing but Herbage, Plants, and Wild-Beasts, yet interlac’d with many Meandring Rivers, abounding with several sorts of Fish, lying some days Sail from the Continent; they Landing, found a Soyl so fertile, and Air so temperate, that there they setled, and were the first Planters of that Isle. But the Carthaginians having intelligence thereof, Prohibited all Persons whatsoever, upon Pain of Death, to go thither, fearing the place being so much commended, all the People would be ready to flock thither, and desert their own, and so utterly unfurnish and debilitate their then growing Common-wealth.”
[Sidenote: Æneid. lib. 6.]
But how could the Carthaginians find America, without the use of the Compass? How happen’d it, that they were so taken with the fertility of this their New-found-Land, when the Adjacent Countreys and Fields about Carthage are every where Flourishing, and most Luxurious? So that it may better be suppos’d, that what Aristotle found so long since, may rather be the Canary-Isles, or Great-Brittain, than America. The Greeks having then also made some Inspection into the Brittish-Isles. They would also make you believe, that Virgil the Prince of Latin Poets, had known the New-World in these Verses; Æneid. lib. 6.
_There, there’s the Prince, oft promis’d us before, Divine_ Augustus Cæsar, _who once more Shall Golden Days bring to th’_ Ausonian _Land, Kingdoms that once old_ Saturn _did command, And shall His power to_ India _extend, Beyond the Annual Circle, and beyond The Sun’s long Progress, where great_ Atlas _bears, Laden with Golden Stars, the glittering Sphears;_
Hic vir, hic est, tibi quem promitti sæpius audis, Augustus Cæsar, divûm genus, aurea condet Sæcula, qui rursus Latio, regnata per arva Saturno quondam, super & Garamantas & Indos Proferet imperium. Jacet extra sidera tellus, Extra anni Solisque vias, ubi cœlifer Atlas Axem humero torquet stellis ardentibus aptum.
[Sidenote: America was not known to the Ancients.]
But what of all this? Who finds in any of these Writings, any Marks of America, or the least Description thereof? Though we cannot deny that the Antient Sages and Wise Philosophers of former times might easily make out, and no question did, that the Earth and Sea made the perfect Figure of a Globe; first from the round Shadow of the Earth that Ecclipses the Moon; the different Risings and Settings of the Celestial Luminaries; and the still Variation of the Pole; so that the Earth and Sea making one Ball, they might easily conjecture, that the South-side of the Equinoctial might be Inhabited as well as the North: But all this was more grounded upon Natural Reason and Right Judgement, than any Experience of theirs, or the least certain knowledge thereof, which since these later times had the first happiness to obtain; so laying these Conjectures aside, there have been none more grosly erroneous, and so utterly mistaken in this Point, than some of the Ancients, and especially the Fathers of the Church.
[Sidenote: Lactant. l. 3. c. 24.]
Lactantius Firmianus, and St. Austin, who strangely jear’d at as ridiculous, and not thinking fit for a Serious Answer the Foolish Opinion of Antipodes, or another Habitable World beyond the Equator: At which, Lactantius Drolling, says, What, Forsooth, here is a fine Opinion broach’d indeed; an Antipodes! heigh-day! People whose Feet tread with ours, and walk Foot to Foot with us; their Heads downwards, and yet drop not into the Sky! There, yes, very likely, the Trees loaden with Fruit grow downwards, and it Rains, Hails, and Snows upwards; the Roofs and Spires of Cities, tops of Mountains, point at the Sky beneath them, and the Rivers revers’d topsi-turvy, ready to flow into the Air out of their Channels!
[Sidenote: Lactant. error concerning our Antipodes.]
[Sidenote: As also St. Austin. de Civit. Dei l. 16. c. 9.]
But these seeming witty Observations of Lactantius, though they may serve for a Jest, yet are not grounded on any serious Reasons; for the Earth and Sea being Globular, making one Universal Ball; all Materials whatsoever that belong to this great Body, sink by a natural Propensity towards its Center; so that where-ever we Travel, our Feet are downwards, and our Heads upwards, the Sky above, and the Earth beneath; neither need they fear, that any where the Earth should Moulder and drop into the Clouds: But St. Austin Reasons better, admitting that the Earth and Sea make a Universal Globe; yet it no way follows, that inhabited Countreys should lye opposite to our Northern, nay, altogether impossible, seeing that side which is our Antipodes is all nothing but Sea; and should we allow, that there were Land and Water mixt as ours is, who could prove, that they were Peopled? or how could any get thither, over such Vast and Immense Seas? or possibly pass the extream heat of the Torrid Zone, not to be endur’d by any living Creature? And what then becomes of Sacred Scripture, which says positively, That all Men were deriv’d from Adam, and after the Floud, from Noah and his three Sons? Therefore the Nations of the Antipodes must be of another Abstract, there being no possibility (as they suppos’d) of passing from this World to that: But since the Discovery of the East and West-Indies, Experience, the best Mistress, hath taught, that in the South are mighty Lands and vast Territories, and that as far as they have been Penetrated, are found to be full of People, extending their Dominions from East to West. And though St. Austin deny’d this now well-known Truth, yet long before his time, Cicero, Pliny, and others amongst the Greeks and Romans, divided the Earth under five Zones; which Virgil describes thus:
_Five Zones the heav’ns infold, hot Sun-beams beat Always on one, and burns with raging heat. The two Extreams to this on each hand lies Muffled with Storms, fetter’d with cruel Ice. ’Twixt Cold and Heat, two more there are, th’ aboads Assign’d poor Mortals by th’ Immortal Gods._
Quinque tenent cælum zonæ: quarum una corusco Semper Sole rubens, & torrida semper ab igni: Quam circum extremæ dextra, lævaque trahuntur Cærulea glacie concretæ, atque imbribus atris. Has inter, mediamque, duæ mortalibus ægris Munere concessæ divum: via secta per ambas, Obliquus qua se signorum verteret ordo.
[Sidenote: Macrob. in Somnio Scipionis. l. 2. c. 5.]
[Sidenote: Vide Carpent. Geograph.]
With Virgil, Pliny, and the Prince of Latin Orators agree, who saith, “You see, that those that inhabit the Earth dwell in Countreys so separated one from another, that it is impossible they should have any Commerce; some of them are our Antipodes, walking with their Heads downwards, some their Feet against our sides, others, as we, with their Heads upright. You see how the same Earth seems to be Swath’d about with Rolls, of which, two separated by the other three, are at utmost distance one from the other, lying equi-distant under the Vertick Points of Heaven, always cover’d with Snow and Ice; but the middlemost and greatest is scorch’d by the violent heats of the Sun: Two Tracts are Habitable, one to the South, our Antipodes, the other North, which we Inhabit.”
[Sidenote: Pliny lib. 2.]
And Pliny also affirms, though against the Vulgar Opinion, this truth, “That the Earth is round about inhabited, and that people walk Foot to Foot in most parts thereof; though every one be ready to ask why our Antipodes drop not into the Sky; which question, our Antipodes may also ask concerning us.”
But although the Ancients upon these and the like Demonstrations well understood, that there was a Habitable World towards the South under our Horizon, yet they could not make out or believe, that there was any possibility to pass thither; And, according as St. Austin conceiv’d, That the Earth produc’d nothing under either Pole, by reason of excessive cold, and that the Equinoxs or Middle-Zone, was not to be penetrated, because of the insufferable heat.
[Sidenote: Macrob. in Somno Scip. lib. 2.]
And Macrobius saith, “That the Equinoctial Circle, the Artick and Antartick Lines, bind the two Habitable Zones, and make Temperate by the excessive Neighboring Heats and Colds; and these Countreys onely give Animation, and comfortable Enjoyment to all Living Creatures.”
Moreover, St. Austin in some places seems to clear his own Doubts, saying, “That People, if they could find a means to Sail those Vast and Undiscover’d Seas, might make Land, raising new Stars under another Sky.”
[Sidenote: How beasts came on remote Islands.]
A Learned Father, searching after the Original of all sorts of Beasts which multiply by Generation, concludes, That they must derive themselves from those that were sav’d with Noah in the Ark. But how came they to the Isles? To those adjacent and near the Main Land, they might easily Swim; to the remoter, they were Transported.
[Sidenote: And chiefly the wild.]
[Sidenote: Austin is contradicted.]
[Sidenote: How men came to new Countreys.]
But this Doubt is not altogether clear’d, for the Domestick and other Creatures fit for Humane use and Sustenance were thus brought thither: Yet how comes it to pass, that Voracious and Wild Creatures are also found there, such as Wolves, Tigers, Lions, and other Beasts of Prey? This puzzle putting St. Austin to a stand, he had no other means to get off, but by saying, that by God’s Commands or Permission, the Angels convey’d them thither; If so, why might not God please to Plant Men there in like manner, and the rather, the Earth being created for Humane use? But what needed this, when Men can in Ships Transport themselves, either of their own accord for curious Inquest, to find new Countreys, or else enforc’d by stress of Weather, to far remoter, and altogether unknown Lands: Besides, though the Earth is here and there divided by large Bays and vast Seas, yet nevertheless, in other places it is all continu’d Land, or at least parted by some narrow In-let or Sea; so that there was no difficulty for a crouded Plantation to go over, and so ease themselves in another Countrey, till then not Inhabited; therefore none need to question, but that from Adam, or nearer, from Noah’s three Sons, Sem, Ham, and Japhet, those, as well as we, were extracted, that Inhabit this our other World.
[Sidenote: Reasons why America was so long unknown.]
[Sidenote: Who first sail’d on the Ocean.]
[Sidenote: Several opinions of the Antients concerning it.]
[Sidenote: Brittains amongst the first Inventors of Navigation.]
But one question is to be observ’d, How first after the expiration of so many Ages in these our later times, a New-World was discover’d, altogether unknown to the Antients, when they in the greatness of their Parts and Undertaking, Prowess and Prudence, were no ways inferior to the Modern, and every way as fit for great Designs and grand Exploits? We need not scruple or make the least doubt, but the Sea hath been Navigated of old; but the first attempters set forth unexperienc’d, in as pittiful and ill-contriv’d Vessels. The Heathens ascribe the Art of Navigation, first to the Cretans, who under the Conduct of Neptune, set forth a Navy to explore Foraign Countries. But Pliny long before gives the Invention of this Art to Erythra, King of Egypt, who upon Pieces of Timber, conjoyn’d and brac’d together, crept along the Shores, and ventur’d to Discover the Isles in the Red-Sea. But others give that honor to the Trojans, and Micians, when with a Fleet by Sea, they Invaded Thrace: Others, to the Brittains, who made little Vessels of Leather, and were the first that by this Invention found how to Float upon the Waters: Some plead, that the Samothracians were first; Others, that Danæus before all, found a way by Sea from Egypt to Greece. But without all Contradiction, Noah’s Ark was the Pattern or Sample, that succeeding Ages imitating, built their Ships by; and the more probable, because his Offspring multiplying so fast, that they were enforc’d to inlarge their Colonies, by passing Seas, and other broad Rivers, to settle their Super-numeraries there.
[Sidenote: The first Inventers of several things belonging to Shipping.]
So Jason Invented a Ship, which he call’d Argos, which Sesostris King of Egypt took as his Pattern. Next, the Biremis, a Galley with double Banks of Oars, was made by the Erythreans; with treble Banks, by the Corinthian Amocles; the addition of the Quadruple, the Carthaginians boast; of the Quinqueremis Nesichthon, Alexander the Great, brought them to twelve Banks; Ptolomy Soter, to fifteen; Demetrius, Antigonus Son, doubled them to thirty; Ptolomy Philadelphus, to forty; and last of all, Philopater rais’d them to fifty Banks of Oars. Hippus a Tirian, was the first that set Ships upon the Stocks; the Rhodians a Ketch, and the Batavians a Boat; the Copes made the first Oar; Dedalus the Mast and Boltsprit; Piscus the Beak; the Tyrrheans the Anchor; Tiphys the Rudder; taking example from the motion of a Kites Stern; Icarus found Sails, fancy’d by the Poets for Wings, though some ascribe that honor to his Father Dedalus.
[Sidenote: Why in former Ages no remote Countreys were discover’d.]
Minos was the first that Ingag’d in a Sea-Fight, whereby we may easily conjecture, that of old none adventur’d far into the Offin, or to remote Countreys, not daring to trust their so sleight contriv’d Vessels. But these later times have strangely and suddenly improv’d this growing Art of Navigation, yet pitch’d not to that height at first, as boldly to adventure, and loose sight of Land.
[Sidenote: The manner of the Antients Sailing.]
[Sidenote: Of the Romans.]
[Sidenote: Why America was so lately known.]
The Tyrians first understood how to Steer their Course by the North-Star, and when dark and foul Weather had Clouded the Sky, that they could neither see Heaven or Earth, but onely Sea, they directed their Course by the Wind; and if they doubted the change thereof, they let some Birds flie, whom they follow’d, supposing that they stood directly to the nearest Land. But these are but poor helps, and blind Guides to shew you Land from the middle of the boundless Ocean. It is certain, that the Romans in the time of Julius Cæsar and Augustus, stretch’d the Bounds of that Empire Eastward to Euphrates, the Rhyne, and the Danube, and Westward to the Ocean and Mount Atlas, Sailing up and down the Mediterranean, with great Fleets, which stoutly endur’d the violence both of Waves and Weather; but all this made them not so hardy, as once to think or look after new Worlds. But after the Roman power decreas’d, by several Eruptions of the Goths, Vandals, Huns, Normans, Lumbards, and other Northern Countreys, which swarm’d with People, that overflow’d all places like a Deluge, so that Europe was every where puzzel’d and Imbroyl’d, their whole business consisting in conjoyning Forces to withstand such bold Invaders, and so vexatious an Enemy.
And farther East, Asia was at the same time little better, still trembling at the daily Alarms and Incursions of the Scythians, Persians, and Saracens; and afterwards the Turks growing upon them more than any of the former, expected no other than a sad Catastrophe, so that the known World had too much work cut out for them by these Distractions and Alterations of Government, then to go in Quest of uncertainties, to find they know not where, another.
[Sidenote: Hieron. in c. 2. Ephes.]
Here also is added by St. Jerom, what an antient Writer saith, Great care hath been taken in Computing the Age of this World, and if there be another which Commenc’d not with ours, (as Clemens mentions in his Epistles) where are scituate those Seas and Lands that make that second World? Or is a part of that, in which Adam was Created? Or may it not rather Metaphorically be taken for Worldly Affairs, govern’d by the Prince of the Air, ruling in the Hearts of the Children of Disobedience?
[Sidenote: The Antients opinion of an unknown world.]
But Pliny, Cicero, and Virgil, the best in their kind of Latin Writers, concur, That there may be a habitable World under our Horizon, in the temperate Southern Zone, beyond the extream heat, and on this side of the Antartick colds.
[Sidenote: In Comment. super Obad. v. 19, 20, 21.]
[Sidenote: And they of the south shall possess the mount of Elau, and they of the plain, the Philistines: and they shall possess the fields of Ephraim, and the fields of Samaria, and Benjamin shall possess Gilead. And the captivity of this host of the children of Israel shall possess that of the Canaanites, even unto Zarephath, and the captivity of Jerusalem, which is in Sepharad, shall possess the Cities of the south. And saviors shall come upon mount Zion, to judge the mount of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the LORDS.]
But what signifies all this to the Discovery of America, which lies not onely under the scorching Heats of the Equinox, but under the Frosts and Snows of the Artick and Antartick-Poles? Yet less probable is that which Lodowick Leo, an Augustine Frier takes out of Obadiah; as if that Prophet in the three last Verses of his Prophecy should speak of the Spaniards, which should not onely discover and Conquer America, but also Convert the Inhabitants to the Christian Faith, because those that are in Sepharad, should Inherit and Possess the Cities of the South, And Saviours shall arise from the Mountains of Zion, to judge the Mount and Wealth of Esau.
[Sidenote: If America is known in the Scripture.]
But certainly, Obadiah meant no other than the Restauration of the Jews from the Captivity of Babylon, who after their return, should grow more powerful than ever, and they, led by their Messias, obtain the height of all felicity, who would send his Evangelists and Apostles to declare Salvation to the utmost Borders of the Earth. It is true, that the Rabins Expound Sepharad to be Spain, and therefore he concludes, that Obadiah Prophesi’d of the Spaniard, and their Conquests in America; so they would prove, that America was long known before Christ.
[Sidenote: Solomon’s Fleet sail’d not to Peru.]
And lastly, It signifies as little what Pineda and Levinus Lemnius drive at, That Solomon first finding the use of the Compass, Rigg’d a Navy at Ezion-Geber, which from the Red-Sea had no indirect Course to the Straights of Magellan; from whence he might Lade his Vessels with the Gold of Peru. In whose Description it shall be manifested, that Peru is not Ophir, as some without any shew of Reason or Truth would make us believe.
[Sidenote: Solomon did not find the Compass.]
But as concerning King Solomon’s finding out the use of the Magnet, it is soon said, but not easily proved; for though that Prince exceeded all Man-kind in Wisdom and Learning, and was perfect in the Operations, and knew the Occultest Secrets of Nature, understanding what e’re belong’d to Plants, from the Cedar of Libanus, to Hysop, and the meanest Shrub that grows upon the Wall; yet it nothing makes out, that he knew the Mystery of the Navigable use of the Load-Stone: But suppose he did know, there is no where any mention of it; and if this excellent thing, the Compass, had been found in Solomon’s time, how came it afterwards so utterly to be lost?
[Sidenote: Load-stone, by whom found.]
[Sidenote: Strange operations of the Loadstone.]
[Sidenote: De subtilitate l. 7.]
[Sidenote: Variance of the Compass.]
[Sidenote: Genebrad. Chron.]
[Sidenote: When, and by whom the Compass was found.]
Albertus Magnus mistakes, when he ascribes the knowledge of the Compass to Aristotle, of which he himself makes not the least mention; neither Galen, Alexander Aphrodisiensis, Pliny, Lucretius, nor any of the Roman, Greek, Arabian, or other Countrey Writers whatsoever. Some give the honor thereof to an Indian, others to a Shepherd in Mount Ida, whose Clouted Shooes being full of Hob-Nails, the Iron sticking fast to the Stones on which he stood, stopt his motion. And although the Antients found out many Secrets of Nature, amongst which this of the Load-Stone, Attracting Iron, as being its proper Food; and the three sorts of the Magnet, of which some will not draw Steel, found by Theamedes a Greek Author, and other since, well known Properties: Yet they never attain’d that knowledge, that the Load-Stone would ease Pain, and stop the effusion of Blood, though the edge piercing the Skin, open’d the Vein: as Hieronimus Cardanus experienc’d on himself and others, which he had from Laurentius Guascus, a great Chyrurgeon. Much less, that the Needle of the Compass being touch’d by the Load-Stone on the Northside of the Equinox, respects the North; but depressing the Artick, and raising the Antartick Pole, it looks as stedfastly towards the South: But far less dreamt they of its several variations, according to the Coasts that are nearest; as when you come from the Island del Cuervo, the Point varies more West; but Sailing towards the Equinox, it varies Eastward; by which we may absolutely conclude, that without this use of the Load-Stone, first found by Flavius Melvius a Neapolitan, in the Year 1303. it was altogether impossible to reach America. So that Joseph de Acosta mistakes, who gives the honor of the finding so great a benefit to Navigation, to some Mahumetan Sea-men which Vasques de Gama met with near Mosambique, who had Sail’d those Seas by the use thereof; whereas Gama’s Expedition was above a hundred years after Melfius, who liv’d in such a juncture of time for Mathematical Learning, that few Ages boasted the like: For then flourish’d in England, and were Contemporaries, besides others abroad, Richard Wallingford, Nicolas de Lynna, John Halifax, Walter Britte, John Duns, and John de Lignarys, all eminent in Astronomical Arts, belonging to Navigation, and doubtless, no small helps to Melfius in this his happy Invention.
Lastly, We will relate what hath been held as a seeming Testimony, (that America was known to the Europeans before the Birth of our Saviour) by an antique Meddal of the Emperor Augustus, digg’d out of the Ground in Peru, and sent to his Holiness at Rome, which may well be reckon’d with the like Cheat contriv’d by Hermicus Cajadus, Anno 1505. near Syntra, a Town in Portugal, where three Marbles Ingraven with antient Characters, concerning a Prophecy of discovering the East-Indies by the Portuguese, in the Reign of King Emanuel, were privately bury’d under Ground, and not long after, by a pretended accident digg’d out, which made such a bustle amongst the Learned, that several tired themselves about the explanation of the suppos’d Sibylline Prediction.
CHAP. II. Of the Original of the Americans, whence they came, when, how, and from what People Planted.
[Sidenote: The original of the Americans much disputed on.]
About the Original of the Americans, the Learned Dispute so much, that they find nothing more difficult in Story, than to clear that Point; for whether inquiry be made after the time, when the Americans first settled themselves where they now inhabit, or after what manner they came thither, either by Shipping or by Land; on purpose, or accidentally; driven by Storm, or else forc’d by a more powerful People, to remove from their old Plantations, and seek for new? or if any one should be yet more curious, asking the way that directed them out of another Countrey to this New World? or else enquire for those People, from whom the Americans deriv’d themselves? He will find several Opinions, and the Learned still Jangling.
[Sidenote: Voyage l. 1. c. 8.]
[Sidenote: The time when America was first Peopled.]
The first Doubt is concerning the time: Mr. Purchas, where-ever he had the Hint, endeavors to prove, that America hath been but lately Planted; for which he thus argues, “That if Asia, or Europe furnish’d America with People in Abraham’s time, or at least before the Birth of our Saviour; then it must upon necessity, by the Expiration of so many Ages, have been much more Populous, then the Spaniards found when first they discover’d it. Besides, the vast Territories yet unhabited (says he) are sufficient testimonies, that this New World hath been Planted but scatteringly, and not many Ages since, else the Countrey would have more abounded with Inhabitants, because the fertility of the Soyl was able plentifully to maintain Millions more, then were there when first discover’d: And what Marks are better to know a new People by, in any Countrey, than a rude Life and unsettled Government? just like a Family removing to another House, which takes no short time to settle their Goods and Houshold-stuff in a handsome and convenient Order.
[Sidenote: The condition of the first World after the Floud.]
“When Noah went out of the Ark on Mount Ararat, and not long after, saw his Seed spread over Armenia and Assyria, the new Generation of People consisted in Shepherds and Husbandmen, that setled themselves near Lakes and Rivers. Villages, Cities (and much less) whole Kingdoms, were scarce found on the Face of the Earth, and as little of Trade or Commerce; Riches, Division of Lands, costly Garments and Furniture for Houses, were not then in use, but the works of long settlements in happy Peace. To curb growing-Wickedness, and the Pride of Libertines, who incroach’d upon their weaker Neighbors, Laws were invented, by which Bridle, the unbroke or wild World grew tamer: And first, the Assyrians were brought to endure the Bit, and answer the Reins of Government; then Egypt, next Greece, and after that the Romans, who spreading their Power by Arms and Martial Discipline, first civiliz’d the Gauls, Spain, Brittain, and lastly Germany.
“But because a Countrey or Pastoral Life, knowing no Commerce, but mean Hovels, and to dwell in Huts, priding in poor and no Habits, despising all greatness, unlimited by Laws, and all things else, (which the People observ’d presently after the Flood) is now found among the Americans, who will take them for ought else, but new Comers to that Land, as themselves acknowledge? For the Mexicans boast, that they are the eldest there, and that from them, Peru, Chili, Chika, and other Countreys towards the South, had their Colonies, and yet the oldest Chronicles of Mexico reckon not above a thousand Years.” Thus far Mr. Purchas.
[Sidenote: America was Peopled many Ages ago.]
[Sidenote: Purchas contradicted.]
But certainly, all this Muster of appearing Reasons, is not able to vanquish single Truth; For, grant that America was not very Populous when the Spaniards first arrived there; must this needs prove, that it was never well inhabited before? Perhaps the Civil Wars, which have been always destructive to this Nation, have much hindred the increase of People; and the more, because their Salvage Nature is such, that in several places they account Man’s Flesh Broil’d a very great Dainty. And suppose such Prodigal Excess of their Humane Bankets were not us’d in America, as indeed they are, Is it wonder, that such a great part of the World, not onely exceeding Europe in bigness, but Asia also should here and there have a Tract of Land uninhabited? These might, by reason of their Barrenness, be useless, as many such places are found in the midst of the most Populous and fertile Countreys. But above all this, it is certain, that America to this day (notwithstanding almost innumerable thousands of Indians formerly Slain and Massacred by the Spaniards) is so well inhabited, that it may stand in Competition with either Asia or Europe. And how could such vast multitudes Plant the far-spreading Countrey of America, without the help of many Ages? Moreover, This truth is not without sufficient Testimonies; when any one looks on the Islands with which America lies incompass’d, he may suppose they did not willingly go from the Main Continent to the Isles, but were driven thither by Wars among themselves, or as most times it happens, because of the vast increase of the Natives, the Countrey must discharge its burden.
Hereto is added, the several Languages us’d in America, as in Europe or any other part of the known World; whereby we may easily guess, that America was Peopled presently after the Confusion of Tongues at Babel. Furthermore, If the Americans live a Rude Life, go meanly Habited, be without stately Houses; such Customs are even among us observ’d by several People; as the Tartars, Numidians, and others, which made their Antiquity be call’d in question. He also must needs have no knowledge of the Arts and Mechanick Sciences us’d by the Americans, who concludes, that they setled but lately in America. One Argument at present will be sufficient to contradict them all; and in the further Description, the contrary will be more manifest.
[Sidenote: American Gold-Smiths.]
Hieronimus Benso relates, That he stood amaz’d at the Gold and Silver Smiths in the Territory of Chito, who without any Iron Tools, made Images, and all manner of Vessels: Which work they perform’d thus, First, they made an Oval Crucible of a good Lock, round about Pasted with Earth, embody’d with the Powder of Wood Coals; which Crucible being Bak’d very hard in the Sun, they fill with Pieces of Gold or Silver, and put in the Fire; about which standing with five, six, or more Pipes made of Canes, they blow the Fire so long, till the Mettal melts, which others sitting on the ground, run it into Moulds of black Stone, and so with little trouble, Cast into what shape they please. Lastly, Though Mexico can reckon but a thousand years, must it therefore follow, that the Inhabitants are no older? How many famous places (even among our selves) have no longer Registers, and if they have, they are commonly Fabulous, few Nations boasting truly their own Original; which Argument, not onely contradicts (as we suppose) Mr. Purchas, but all others ascribing the Plantation of America to our later times.
SECT. I.
[Sidenote: After what manner the Inhabitants of America came thither.]
¶ In the next place, let us enquire, how the Americans were transmitted thither, whether by Sea, or Land? Both which are feasible two several ways; if they made an Expedition thither, as Discoverers, or were driven on those Coasts by stress of Weather.
The first is most unlikely, and not seeming possible, for how could they Steer thorow so vast an Ocean, to Countreys they never heard of, without the Compass, and other Necessaries for such a Voyage? for when first discover’d, their want of experience in Shipping for so long a Voyage, knowing no further than the use of small Boats or Canoos, plainly explode, that they willingly Steer’d from a known World, to an unknown, with no better accommodation; but some probable reasons may be made out, to induce us to believe, that they were rather driven thither by Storm.
But some will say, How liv’d the little Boats, and how indur’d they in such a continual Tempest, and were not either swallow’d up amidst the Waves, or starv’d for want of Provision, which their hollow Troughs could not contain?
The first doubt is the least, for there are Examples enough by which appear, that oftentimes great Ships Bulging, are over-set or sunk in the Sea by foul Weather when the Mariners escape in their Cock-Boat; and if they were but thinly Victual’d for so long a Voyage, questionless, that little which they had, they spun out, and made it last, while the impetuous Storm shortned the passage, which fair Weather would have made much longer.
[Sidenote: Plin. l. 5. c. 22.]
[Sidenote: Strange voyage of a Roman Slave.]
Pliny tells us of Annius Plocquius, General of the Red-Sea, That one of his Slaves being Enfranchiz’d, Sailing down towards the Arabian Gulf, was carry’d by a violent Tempest from the North, beyond Caramania, and on the fifteenth day came to an Anchor in Hippuros, a Haven of Taprobane, which Ortelius judges to be Sumatra; but Mercator and Cluverius, on better grounds, Zeylon, which is no less than three thousand English Miles.
In like manner, Joseph de Acosta tells us, That in fifteen days time, he got with a Northerly Wind from the Canaries to America, and his Voyage had been shorter, durst he have born more Sails, which may partly clear the former doubts.
[Sidenote: The Peruvians opinion concerning antient Sea-Voyages.]
[Sidenote: Acosta. Histor. Nat. l. 2 c. 12.]
[Sidenote: Ridiculous opinion of the Americans.]
Moreover, the Peruvians themselves give some small Testimony (in their antient Records) of a few that Landed of old upon their Coasts, which were (as they say) mighty and cruel Giants, committing much Bloodshed, Slaughtering the Natives every where; and having subdu’d the whole Countrey, built stately Edifices, of which remain yet the Ruines of some Foundations, very Artificial and Costly. They also shew near Manta, and Puerto Viejo, many huge Bones, as they believe of Giants, three times longer and thicker than an ordinary Mans. They also tell us, that many Ages since, one Ica and Arica Sail’d Westward thither upon Sea Wolves Skins, blown up like Bladders: But however, without contradiction, the Americans never knew, much less built any such Vessels, with which they durst venture to the Offin, out of sight of Land: their Balsas, Periagos, and Canoos, will not all amount to the Bulk of one of our small Barques; wherefore the Inhabitants of Tumbez, when they descry’d the Spanish Fleet, sent to discover Peru, were amaz’d at the high Masts, spreading Sails, and bigness of the Ships, judging them first to be Rocks, cast up out of the Sea; but observing them to approach their Coast, and that they were full of Bearded-Men, thought the Gods were walking in them; by our Modern Poet, Mr. Dryden in his Indian Emperor, thus Elegantly describ’d.
Guyomar to Montezuma.
_I went in order, Sir, to your Command, To view the utmost Limits of the Land: To see that Shore, where no more World is found, But Foamy Billows, breaking on the ground; Where, for a while, my Eyes no Object met, But distant Skies, that in the Ocean set: And low-hung Clouds that dipt themselves in Rain To shake their Fleeces on the Earth again. At last, as far as I could cast my Eyes Upon the Sea, somewhat, methought did rise Like Bluish Mists, which still appearing more, Took dreadful Shapes, and mov’d towards the Shore._
Mont. What Forms did these new Wonders represent?
Guy. _More strange than what your Wonder can invent. The Object I could first distinctly view, Was tall straight Trees, which on the Waters flew; Wings on their sides, in stead of Leaves did grow, Which gather’d all the Breath the Winds could blow:_
_And at their Roots grew floating Palaces, Whose out-blow’n Bellies cut the yielding Seas._
Mont. _What Divine Monsters, O ye Gods, were these, That float in Air, and fly upon the Seas!_
Came they alive or dead upon the Shore?
Guy. Alas, they liv’d too sure, I heard them roar.
_All turn’d their sides, and to each other spoke, I saw their Words break out in Fire and Smoke._
_Sure, ’tis their Voice that Thunders from on high, Or these, the younger Brothers of the Skie._
_Deaf with the noise, I took my hasty Flight, No Mortal Courage can support the Fright._
[Sidenote: Spaniards carry Oxen, and Sheep to the American Isles.]
But the resolving these Doubts, starts a harder Question, viz. Grant that the Americans were by Tempest driven thither, How then came the Beasts thither? It is certain, that those which are beneficial for humane use, as Dogs for to Hunt, great Cattel, Sheep, for Food, and other Necessaries, might easily be carry’d thither, for so the Spaniards brought Cows, Horses, Swine, and other Cattel; and also Poultery from Spain, to the new-discover’d Isles, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Margaretta, and La Dominica, when at their arrival, formerly no four-footed Beasts were found there, whose fertile Soyl hath so multiply’d their increase, that the Doggs running Wilde, and breeding as fast, do great hurt to the Grazing Herds, which they onely shoot for their Skins, leaving their Flesh, the best of Meats, onely to Manure the Ground on which they lie.
The Transporting of tame and profitable Cattel might easily be allow’d of, but who would load their Ships with Lions, Tygers, Bears, Wolves, Foxes, and other Serpents and Voracious Beasts? it is certain that some may be tam’d before they were Ship’d.
[Sidenote: How wild Beasts came in America, and the Isles.]
[Sidenote: In vita Heliogabali.]
[Sidenote: Lib. 2. cap. 17.]
[Sidenote: Strange Hunting.]
[Sidenote: Strange accident of two Leopards.]
[Sidenote: Adv. Jovin. l. 2.]
Lampridius relates, That Heliogabalus the Roman Emperor, took great pleasure in Domestick Lions, and Leopards, to frighten his Guests withal; for with the third Course, they were all brought in, and sate betwixt the Invited, a Man and a Beast. The great Cham, as Paulus Venetus an Eye-witness attests, Rides on Hunting, attended in couples with tame Leopards. The King of Camboja in like manner is serv’d with Panthers: Scaliger adds also, That they went not unprovided of a Lamb or Goat, to give the Panther, lest falling into his natural ferocity, provok’d by hunger, he should make the Huntsmen his Quarry, if he had no other Prey. But notwithstanding some wilde Beasts seem to forget their Voracious Nature, yet there ought great care to be taken in the Transporting of them, because they oftentimes grow wild again, which France can witness, where two Leopards, a Male and a Female being tam’d, presently after the death of King Francis, whether negligently or on purpose, let loose, ran into the Woods, and near Orleans devour’d a great number of People, and Cattel: Gesner saith, That some Womens bodies were found, who were untouch’d, onely their Breasts eaten by the Leopards, as if they took them for the daintiest part; which is not unlike the antient Jeres, who according to Saint Hierom, entertain’d their Guests as a most delicious Dish, with Womens Breasts, and Mens Buttocks Roasted. Besides, the devouring nature of these Wilde Beasts, what profit could Tygers, Lions, Wolves, Bears, and the like advantage the Transporter? And how came Serpents, Adders, and other Reptiles, thither over the Ocean, that with no Art whatsoever can be made tame? Were the small Vessels just laden with such terrible Creatures, when against their wills, they were by Storm driven on a new Coast? By these impossibilities we may easily judge, that the Americans came thither by Land, and no other way, but how, and upon what occasion must be our next enquiry.
SECT. II.
[Sidenote: Two reasons wherefore the people remove from their Countreys.]
¶ Histories generally gives us onely two accounts, Why People remov’d from one Countrey to another, either not, or thinly inhabited; whether driven by force, or of their own accord, so to unburthen and give ease to their too Plethorick Countreys.
[Sidenote: The Flood acknowledg’d by the Americans and other Heathens but mysteriously.]
Thus the banish’d Japanners forsook their Native Countrey, and setled themselves in a desolate Soyl, since a flourishing Empire, shining with Riches, and Crown’d with stately Cities: So the Batavians took possession of the uninhabited Isle, lying between the Rhyne, and the Wael, being driven out of Hessen by Civil-Wars, and preserv’d the memory of the place, from whence they had their Original on the utmost Point of the Island, in the Villages of Cattenwyck; for the Hessens formerly went by the name of Catti; others that remov’d did not onely fall upon their Neighbors, but made a way by force of Arms, chosing their Habitations under a temperate Climate, and in a fruitful Soyl. After which manner the Franks enter’d Gaul, and afterwards the Normans set upon France; so that the Conquer’d Countreys, have ever since from the Conquerors been call’d France and Normandy: But although it cannot punctually be said, how the Inhabitants of America remov’d, yet it is without contradiction, that they first found an empty Countrey. The Opinions which they have themselves concerning it, are full of idle Fancies; First, they question their Original from the Floud, which is so well rooted in the memory of all Nations, that the blindest and most ignorant know something of it, though deformedly alter’d and vary’d, tack’d up with additional fabulous Stories, the truth it self known onely to us, but to all others lost in Oblivion.
Who hath not heard of Deucalion’s Flood, how his Wife Pyrrha and he only escap’d in a little Boat, and (as ’tis Fabl’d) landing on a Mountain, from thence Peopled the World again, by throwing Stones backwards over their Heads? Something of this seems to hint the true Story of Noah, his Wife, and Children, from whom the desolated World was replenish’d.
[Sidenote: Prometheus and Noah are the same.]
The same they relate of Prometheus, concerning whom, thus Diodorus Siculus: “They say that the Nyle breaking through his Dams, and over-flowing his Banks, drown’d all Egypt, especially that part where Prometheus Rul’d, where all the Inhabitants were swallow’d by the Deluge.” None can imagine but that Diodorus by this makes mention of a particular Flood, and not the general one in Noah’s time; for as the Greeks ascrib’d all things to their Heroes, so the Egyptians in like manner did the same to theirs: Therefore they have of the general Flood, made a particular one in Egypt, though perhaps it never was: So that what is Fabled of Prometheus, is nothing but a Part of the Universal Deluge; which the Name Prometheus proves, because it signifies, Sprung from Heaven, and is the same with Noah, whom they hold to be the first Father of all Mankind since the Flood, born of, or regenerated from his Wife Asia; and Asia signifies Earth, or The Mother of all things; and so espousing Noah, being sprung from God, to Ararat, from whence descended the Generations of Mankind, and by degrees spread over the whole surface of the Earth.
[Sidenote: Acosta, l. 1. c. 25.]
[Sidenote: Strange Opinion of the Americans concerning the Flood.]
[Sidenote: Original of the American Kings, and their Custom.]
The Chineses, East-Indians, Japanners, and other People of Asia and Africa, have also some knowledge of a very ancient Flood; but hood-wink’t under many idle Fancies, not unlike that which the Americans relate, from whom several Learned Persons find no obscure Confessions of the Deluge, which thus mystically they have wrapp’d up, That one Viracocha came out of the great Lake Titicaca, and setled his Residence upon Tiaguanaco, where yet remain the Ruines of ancient Walls, built after a wonderful manner: At length removing from Tiaguanaco to Cusco, he began to multiply the Generation of Mankind. They shew in the foremention’d Lake a small Island, under which, the Americans say, the Sun sav’d himself from the Flood; wherefore in ancient Times they superstitiously observ’d that place, heightning their Bloody Sacrifices with Humane Slaughter. Others relate, That six Persons leap’d through a Hole out of a Window, from whence all Men were since Extracted; and from that new Increase, the place (after the Inhabitants of the Old World were all drown’d) got the Denomination of Pacari Tampo; and therefore they hold the Tampo’s to be the most ancient Families: From hence Mangocapam deriv’d, being the Primogenitor of the Ynca’s or Kings; from whom sprung two Generations, Hanon Cuzco, and Urim Cuzco. They tell us also, That their Ynca’s, when they make War upon any People, say that the occasion, as they pretend, was, because all Territories are Tributary to them justly, from whom they were deriv’d and restor’d, being the first Planters of the New World; and withal, That the true Religion was declar’d to them from Heaven.
[Sidenote: Americans Flood is taken out of the Scripture.]
This Relation, though mix’d with Fables, shews (but very darkly) that they have some knowledge of the Flood: For who are those six else that leap’d out of a Window to replenish the Generations of Mankind, but Shem, Ham, and Japhet, with their Wives?
[Sidenote: Peruvians Opinion.]
[Sidenote: And also the Mexicans, of their Original.]
[Sidenote: Lib. 1. cap. 7.]
The Americans can give but a little better Account of their first Original; and indeed it is no wonder, because for want of Books they can relate nothing certain, but only what they have Registred in their usual Quipocamagos, which is not above four hundred years old. Acosta asking what Original they judg’d they were of, and from what Countrey and People deriv’d? receiv’d no other Answer, but that America only was their native Countrey, and that they were deriv’d from no other elsewhere. But though the Peruvians are of this Opinion, yet the Mexicans are of another mind, giving the Spaniards a far better Account when first they came thither, wherein we must a little deviate, viz. How they were remov’d from some other place, as Robert Comtæus relates, who with many Learned and seemingly true Arguments affirms, That the Original of the Americans must be sought for either among the Phenicians, Sydonians, Tyrians, or Carthaginians, being indeed all one People. Herodotus saith thus of the Phenicians, “They liv’d formerly, according to their own Relation, along the Shore of the Red-Sea; from whence removing, they planted the Sea-Coast of the Syrians.” Festus Avienus the Latin Poet agrees with this Opinion, where he saith,
On the Phenicians Coasts the Ocean beats, Who through the Red-Sea _Sailing, chang’d their Seats. They were the first that ventur’d through the Seas, And freighted Ships with richer Merchandize: Fair or foul Weather, They without controule! Sought Foreign Trade, directed by the Pole_.
[Sidenote: Original and Habitations of the Phenicians, of whom, according to several Learned, the Americans are extracted.]
Aristotle from a Greek Word calls them Phenicians, from their being red or bloody with the Slaughter of all Strangers that Landed on their Coast; but rather, and so indeed they are call’d Phenicians, or Erythreans, from Esau, or Edom, from whom they are deriv’d; for these two Words, or Denominations, signifie in Greek, Red; the two last, the like in Hebrew. Phenix himself first planted all the Countrey lying between the River Eleutherus, and the Egyptian City Pelusium; and afterwards Damiata, wash’d by the Mediterrane: But since, these Boundaries are alter’d, on the North, by Judea; Westward, by the Mediterrane; Southerly, by Egypt; and towards the East, by the Desart Arabia.
The chiefest Cities are Ptolemais, otherwise call’d Acon, Sidon, Arad, Great Cana, Sarepta, Biblis, Bothris, Berithus, and their Princess Tyre, formerly scituate in an Isle, but since joyn’d to the Main-Land by Alexander the Great.
[Sidenote: Herodot. lib. 1 .]
[Sidenote: Salust in Igurtha.]
[Sidenote: Wonderful Power of the Phenicians.]
None can disown, but that the Phenicians have every where been Admirals of the Sea; so that they were formidable to the greatest Princes. When the Persian King Cambyses came with a vast Army against the Carthaginians, he was forc’d to give over his Design, because the Phenicians refus’d to help him with their Fleet, being allied to, and the City founded by them: But they not only built Carthage, which strove with Rome to be the Empress of the World, but also the famous Cities Leptis, Utica, Hippo, and Adrumetum in Africa, with Cadiz and Tartessus in Spain; nay, they sent Plantations of People into the Heart of Iberia and Lybia. It will not be amiss to add Q. Curtius his Relation, who tells us, “Where-ever the Phenicians came with their Fleets, Landing their Men, they subdu’d whole Countreys, and by that means spread their Colonies over the known World; Carthage in Africa, Thebes in Boetia, and Cadiz near the Western Ocean.” Aristotle relates, “That they made such rich Returns of their Merchandize, and chiefly of their Oyl, in Spain, that their Anchors, Pins, and all Iron Materials belonging to a Ship, in stead of that Metal, were Silver.”
[Sidenote: Testimonies that the Americans are deriv’d from the Phenicians.]
[Sidenote: First Testimony.]
[Sidenote: Is contradicted.]
[Sidenote: Lib. 3. Geogr.]
[Sidenote: Flemmish Islands.]
[Sidenote: Lib. 17.]
But to return to our Discourse, and disprove the former Testimony, That the Phenicians found America. The formention’d Comtæus saith thus; “None can justly doubt, but that since the Phenicians took the Command of the Sea from the Rhodians, they more and more increas’d their Fleets, and growing experter in Navigation, passing the Gibraltar Northward, became Masters of Cadiz, and still prepar’d new Fleets, which searching beyond Atlas Southward, discover’d the Coasts of Africa, and the adjacent Isles, driving a great Trade to the Canaries, and to those which lay scatter’d along Cape de Verd, formerly call’d the Gorgades. This way of Trade also was not unknown to the Greeks, Iberians, and other People; but after the Phenicians assum’d it wholly to themselves, without any respect or difference of Countreys, they sunk all whomsoever they could catch.” Curtius further adds, saying, “I believe that the Phenicians, sailing into the Main Ocean, have discover’d unknown Countreys.” And which are those? Not the Gorgades, or Canary Isles; for those were sufficiently known before; but a Main Land, far beyond. But though the Phenicians were most expert, yet not skilful enough to make out such Discoveries. They indeed were the first that before any other sail’d out of the Mid-land Sea; nay, they ventur’d a good way into the main Ocean, beyond the Straights of Gibraltar, or the Herculean Pillars: But how far? Not to the Gorgades, above half way betwixt Spain and America; but to the Cassiterides, or Flemish Islands, which to the number of nine lie in sight of Spain. Strabo affirms this Truth, saying, “The Cassiterides are ten, lying in order close by one another: One remains uninhabited; on the rest live a swarthy People.” This way the Phenicians sail’d first, when they were in quest for Trade, from Cadiz. And though he reckons ten, there are indeed but nine, viz. St. Michael, St. Mary, St. George, Tercera, de Pico, or Tenariff, so call’d from the Mountain which vomits Fire, Fayal, Las Flores, Del Cuervo, and Gratiosa. Moreover, the same Strabo relates, “That the Carthaginians did not throw over-board the Traders on the remote Gorgades, but those especially that came from Sardinia or Cadiz.”
[Sidenote: Salt-Islands how long known.]
[Sidenote: Joan. Mariana de Reb. Hispan. lib. 1. cap. 20.]
[Sidenote: Very remarkable Voyage of Hanno the Carthaginian, along the Coast of Africa to the Salt-Islands.]
[Sidenote: Strange Vision.]
[Sidenote: The Ancients believ’d Baboons to be Men.]
Mean while, we cannot deny, but that the Gorgades that lye before Cape de Verd were frequented by the Carthaginians, long before the Birth of our Savior; but with so much admiration, that Hanno their Captain in that Expedition was listed amongst the number of their Heroes, hapning thus: The Carthaginians sailing for Cadiz, to assist the Phenicians against the Spaniards, made that the Seat of War, which soon drew on a greater Design; for Hamilco and Hanno being impowr’d by the Senate at Carthage, manag’d the War in Spain. Both of them were ambitious to discover new Countreys. Hamilco sail’d along the Coast of Spain and Gaule, reaching to Batavia. Hanno steer’d Southerly, carrying thirty thousand Men of all Trades in his Fleet, purposing to build a new City in some place or other, and got beyond the Promontory Ampelusium, now call’d Cabo Spatil; the River Ziloa, which washeth the City Arzilla; and the Stream Lix, now Lusso, where the Poets place the Gardens of the Hesperides, in the custody of a waking Dragon: From thence proceeding on his Voyage, he came to an Anchor in the Mouth of the River Subur, at this day call’d Subu; and afterwards before the City Sala, now call’d Salle, at that time made very dangerous by the voracious Beasts in the neighboring Woods: At last the Fleet reach’d the Foot of the lesser Atlas, which ends at the Point Chaunaria, by the Modern Navigators call’d Cabo Non, because it was judg’d, that none could scape with Life, that durst adventure to steer beyond Chaunaria; yet Hanno sail’d between Palma, one of the Canary-Islands, and the Promontory Bojadoris, towards the pointed Coast call’d then Cornu Hesperium, but now Cape Verd, in the River Asama, by Castaldus call’d Omirabi: Here he found horrible Croccodiles, and Hippopotami or Sea-Horses. Atsama is held to flow from the same Fountain whence the Nyle hath its Original. In this Latitude Hanno descried those Islands which he call’d Gorgones (from the three deform’d Sisters Medusa, Sthenio, and Euryale, whose Heads were Periwig’d with curl’d Serpents) because they found as illfavor’d Women on these Islands, which at this day the Hollanders call the Salt-Islands; amongst which, the chiefest is St. Jago, a Colony of The Portuguese; but the Mountains opposite to the Gorgones, on the main Coast of Africa, rising aloft with spiring tops near the River Masitholus, Hanno call’d the Chariots of the Gods, now nam’d Sierra Liona, lying in eight Degrees Northern Latitude. When Hanno and his Armado, either provok’d by an undaunted Courage, or covetous of fame, if they proceeded in their so wonderful Adventure, went forward, where they reported, that they saw Rivers of Fire falling into the Ocean, the Countrey all about burning, and the tops of the Mountains dazleing their Eyes with continual Flashes of Lightning, intermix’d with terrible Thunder; adding further, That the Natives all the Summer shelter’d themselves from the excessive Heat, in Caves under Ground; and coming forth in the night, run abroad with lighted Torches over their Ground, so gathering in their Harvest, and Officiating all other Affairs of Husbandry: Yet Hanno no ways daunted at such strange Sights, sail’d from Sierra Liona Southerly to the Æquinox, where he discover’d an Island not far from the African Coast, inhabited by a rough and hairy People, to take some of whom, he us’d all possible means, yet could not; onely two Women, being incompass’d by Soldiers, were taken, and carried aboard; but being very salvage, and barbarously wild, could not be tamed, or brought to any Complacency; so they kill’d them, and carried their stuff’d-up Skins to Carthage, where they were a long time gaz’d upon with great admiration.
[Sidenote: The Island St. Thomas.]
This Island which Hanno then found, can be no other but that which we call St. Thomas, and hath a very unhealthy Air for Strangers, but else very fruitful, and abounding with Sugar-Canes; and the hairy People which he makes mention of, were Babeons, or Baboons, which Africa in this place breeds large, to the amazement of the Beholders, in great abundance; because those deform’d Monsters, more than any other Beast whatsoever, represent Humane shape.
[Sidenote: Hanno’s Return.]
[Sidenote: Is for his Voyage plac’d amongst the Gods.]
Here Hanno stopp’d his Voyage, being hindred from going further for want of Provision. Five years he spent in this Expedition, before he Anchor’d again at Cadiz, from whence not long after he steer’d to his Native Countrey Carthage, where he was receiv’d with no less Wonder than State, insomuch that none before or after him ever gain’d greater Honor, seeming to oblige his Countrey with the hopes of future Profits from these new discover’d Regions: Nay, he receiv’d a Name, and was plac’d amongst their Gods in the Temples, which he being ambitious of, promoted after a strange manner, teaching several Birds to cry, The great God Hanno; which when they could speak perfect, they were let fly in the Air, where to the admiration of all People, they every where repeated their well-taught Lesson.
This the most remarkable Voyage which hapned in the time of the Ancients, considering they wanted several Mathematical Instruments belonging to Navigation, and especially the use of the Compass; and also considering the length of the Voyage to Sierra Liona, whither never any durst venture before: Nay, in so many Ages after Hanno, the famousest Navigators which were set out by the King of Portugal, fear’d a long time to cut their Passage through the Æquinoctial-Line; however in long Process of time, divers Experiments were made, which have now so much improv’d the Art of Navigation.
[Sidenote: Testimony that America was not known to the Ancients.]
Hanno’s Voyage was four hundred years before the Birth of our Savior; therefore if none have been further than Hanno, until the time the Portuguese sail’d beyond Cape de Bona Esperanza, how could America be discover’d by Sea? How did they steer from the Salt-Islands, or St. Thomas, out of sight of Land, through the Main Ocean, to an unknown World? Hanno himself, who was the stoutest of all Ancient Navigators, not only crept along the African Coast, which made him spend so much time; but not daring to cross over those wide spreading Bays he found, left not his hold of the Shore, and measur’d and search’d every winding Inlet and Creek: And if he found a New World, why was it not known? The more, because his Ambition carry’d him on to get a Name and Reputation by such Naval Discoveries. And how true the Relation of this Expedition is, Pliny tells us, saying, The Journal-Books were then to be seen which Hanno writ in that his African Expedition: Though many of the Greeks, and also of our Moderns, following Hanno, have found several things contrary to his Observations, wherein he makes mention of several Cities built by him, which none ever since heard of, or any have seen, neither is there the least Marks of their Ruines to be found.
This large Relation serves for nothing else, but to shew that they seek in vain herein to give the Honor of the Discovery of America to the Ancients; And as little do those Testimonies signifie that are taken out of Diodorus Siculus, Pliny, Pomponius Mela, and Ælian. It will be worth our time to hear every one of them particularly.
[Sidenote: Lib. 6. cap. 7.]
[Sidenote: Second Testimony, that the Americans are deriv’d from the Phenicians.]
First, Diodorus saith, “Beyond Lybia, in the Ocean, lies a very great Island, several days sailing in Circumference, having a very fruitful Soil, and pleasant Meadows, distinguish’d by Hills, and moistned by Navigable Rivers, unknown in Ancient Times, because it seems to be separated from the other World, and was thus found: The Phenicians sailing along the Lybian Coast, were several days and nights toss’d with perpetual Tempests, and at last driven to the foremention’d Island, where Anchoring, and observing the pleasant Scituation thereof, made it known to their Magistrates.”
[Sidenote: Is contradicted.]
But how comes this nameless Island to be America? What Man would take that for an Island, which far exceeds the main Continent of Asia? And have the Phenicians ascrib’d the finding of this New World to any? Whence then proceeds such great silence amongst all the Ancient Writers of a whole World, who otherwise us’d to give Denominations to the least remote Village, or Mountain, or River?
[Sidenote: Lib. 5. cap. 1. Description of Atlas.]
Pliny speaks after the same manner, saying, “The Writers make mention, that Atlas rises out of the middle of the Sands, with a Shrubby and Bushy top towards the Sky, on the Shore of the Ocean to which he gives his Denomination; That it is full of Woods, and water’d by several Fountains on that side towards Africa, by which means it bears all manner of Fruit. In the Day-time none of the Inhabitants appear, all things being in silence, as in the middle of a Desart; the Approacher is struck with sudden amazement. And besides its excessive high Crown, reaching above the Clouds, and neighboring, as they say, the Circle of the Moon, appears in the Night as if it were all in a Flame, resounding far and near with Pipes, Trumpets, and Cymbals; and the Journey up thither, very long and dangerous.”
I cannot understand that Pliny can mean America by this, because himself, in the first Division of his Fifth Book, makes his beginning with the Description of Africa: And as to what further concerns the strange Relation and danger thereof, is a little before related in Hanno’s Voyage; and it is but a slight Argument to prove it America, because it seems to resound with those sorts of Instruments which the Americans were observ’d to use when discover’d.
[Sidenote: Lib. 1. cap. 4.]
[Sidenote: Strange Men.]
Pomponius Mela being the third, hath no greater Arguments than the former. “We hear (says he) that utmost People towards the West, being the Atlanticans, are rather half Beasts than Men, cloven-footed, without Heads, their Faces upon their Breasts, and naked, with one great Foot, like Satyrs or Goblins, which range up and down, without any Artificial Shelters or Houses.”
[Sidenote: Lib. 3. cap. 18.]
[Sidenote: Discourse between Midas and Silenus concerning the Unknown World.]
Lastly, Ælian seems to say something, when he sets down the Discourse between Midas and Silenus, out of Theopompus, where Silenus relates, “That Europe, Asia, and Lybia are Islands; and that a vast Countrey lyes beyond this his tripple-divided World, mighty Populous, and abounding with all other Living Creatures, as big again as ours, and living twice as long: That they are wondrous rich; their Religions, Laws, and Customs, founded upon another Morality and Reason, quite different from ours. They boast especially of two great Cities, Machimus and Eusebes; the Inhabitants of the first maintaining themselves by driving altogether a Trade of War, mustering up, and filling their numerous Regiments with several valiant Nations. The Listed Citizens amount in their Muster-Rolls, all bred to Soldiery, to two Millions, of whom few but scorn either dying bravely by Wounds receiv’d With Flint-edg’d Laths, and Staves, in stead of Spears, pointed with Stones, not knowing the use of Iron or Steel, but so over-stock’d with Gold and Silver, that they account it a Drug of less Value than our basest Metal. Some Years since they march’d into our World, a hundred thousand strong, as far as the Hyperborean Mountains, where being inform’d, that all the Nations of our World, compar’d with them, liv’d in a poor and despicable condition; as not thinking them worth their Conquest, they return’d. But the second City Eusebes, deals altogether in Peace, and its Citizens are not rapacious, but exercise Justice, so much affecting Morality and Divine Worship, that they conquer Heaven by their Piety and Meekness, and the Gods themselves are pleas’d to descend, and advise with them concerning their Celestial Affairs.”
Who observes not this to be a Poetical Relation, shewing how much better the Acquirements of Peace are, than those of War; the one conquering only Men, the other, the Gods? Nor can more be taken out of Ælian’s Discourse, but that the Ancients believ’d there was another Habitable World to be our Antipodes.
[Sidenote: Inquiries whether the Constitutions of the Phenicians agree with the Americans.]
Thus far hath been disputed concerning the Original of the Americans, whose Plantations from Tyre or Carthage by Sea, are found altogether invalid: Yet we will search a little further, to see whether the People Analogize, either in their Religion, Policy, Oeconomy, or Customs.
It is certain, that the ancient Phenicians liv’d in Tents, and sometimes exchang’d eaten-up Pastures for fresh, which the Americans to this day observe; by which it might appear, that they are of a Phenician Extract. But why not as well deriv’d from Numidia, Tartary, or the ancient Patriarchs, who all liv’d such an unsettl’d wandering Life? Besides, the Phenicians had a long time given over Pastoral Business, for Maritime Affairs of greater consequence, not only Merchandizing through all the World, but sending great Colonies in Ships to new Plantations: And moreover, the Americans could not so strangely degenerate from their Ancestors, but would have built great Cities like them; of which many were found in Phenicia, but none of Antiquity in America.
[Sidenote: As also both their Religions.]
As to their Religion, if it agreed with the Phenicians, it was the same that all the World profess’d at that time, and therefore may as well be extracted from any other, as them: ’Tis true, we find them inclin’d to Sorcery, and dealing with Evil Spirits, as the Phenicians, in which they were not only guilty, but all other Nations at that time.
[Sidenote: The Known World formerly full of Witches.]
[Sidenote: De Nat. Dæmon. l. 3.]
[Sidenote: Lucan. lib. 6.]
Nay, why not as well transported out of Asia or Europe, where were formerly many the like Tamperers, and those that dealt in such Diabolical Sciences? And why not from Salmantica, where, as Laurentius Ananias relates, Magick-Arts were publickly taught, and they commenc’d Doctors, and took their Degrees according to their Learning? The Devil also hath publick Worship amongst the Americans, and so he had with the Phenicians: yet not only they, but the whole World had dedicated Temples to him. Here began Humane and Infernal Sacrifices, supposing that Evil Spirits were delighted, and so feasted with the Steam of Humane Offerings, whose sweetness made them milder, and so intoxicating, lull’d them into less mischief.
[Sidenote: Devil-worship formerly us’d in all the World, and now by the Americans.]
[Sidenote: Lev. 17. 6.]
[Sidenote: Idols in Ships.]
How famous is Zoroaster, and the whole School of the Eastern Magicians? In Moses’s time this Wickedness had already took place: Nor can it be deny’d but that the Phenicians carry’d their Idols in their Ships, as Herodotus testifies, saying, “The Image of Vulcan much resembles the Phenicians Patacoioi, which they plac’d on the Fore-castle of their Ships.”
In like manner, the Americans when they go to Sea, carry their Idols with them; and the Ships took Name from the Image, which was either painted or carv’d on the Stern, or plac’d elsewhere upon the Deck.
The same Custom the Chineses observe to this present: Francis Xaverius relates, “That he sail’d in a Chinese Vessel from Goa to Japan, which bore an Idol in its Stern, before which the Master lighted Candles, perfum’d it with Aloe-wood, and offer’d Birds and other Food, inquiring of it the Event of his Voyage. Sometimes he judg’d from the Statues immovable Looks, that it would fall out successfully; and other times, not.”
[Sidenote: De abstinent. Animal. l. 2.]
[Sidenote: Prepar. Evang. lib. 1.]
Lastly, Porphyrius relates, “That the Phenicians upon any great Exigency, as War, excessive Heat, or Mortal Distempers, by order selected one of the most comely and beautiful of their Children, to be offer’d up to Saturn.” And Eusebius saith also out of Porphyrius, “That Saturn, whom the Phenicians call Israel, the Learned Vossius and Hugo Grotius read Il, or El (one of the ten Names of God in Hebrew) which they also give to the Planet Saturn, who when he Reign’d in Phenicia, having one only Son born by the Nymph Anobret, and was in danger to lose his Kingdom, being worsted in an unlucky War, he dress’d him in Royal Robes, and placing him on an Altar built for that purpose, sacrific’d him with his own Hands.”
[Sidenote: Men and Children used for Sacrifices by the Phenicians and other People.]
[Sidenote: Who forbade the sacrificing of Men.]
And although such like cruel Oblations are us’d in America, must it therefore follow, that they are deriv’d from the Phenicians, when several other People are guilty of the same? Nay, there is scarce one Countrey, which hath not at some time or other perform’d such inhumane Acts, seeming to them Zeal in their Religion; for the most eminent of the Heathens scrupled not at it, which certainly are held to be the Persians, Greeks, and Romans; and yet they were not abhorr’d, though committing Humane Slaughters.
This holy Butchery and Religious Slaughter of Mankind began in Rome in the Emperor Adrian’s Reign, so continuing till the time of Tertullian, Lactantius, and Eusebius. The Greeks which inhabited the utmost part of Italy, employ’d themselves daily in Sacrificing Strangers to Saturn, and sometimes one another. But at last this formal Cruelty became a ridiculous Custom; for the Romans by severe Edicts strictly forbad all such Humane Offerings: Yet that they might retain some memory of their former Sacrifices, they order’d thirty Images to be made of Rushes, which every year on the fifteenth of April, were by the Roman Priests and Vestal Nuns, to be thrown from the Milvian Bridge into the Tyber.
[Sidenote: Lib. de Superstit.]
Moreover, Manethon relates, “That the Egyptians in Heliopolis us’d to offer three Men at once to Juno; which Custom was observ’d till King Amasis order’d, That in stead of Men, they should serve her with Wax Candles.”
Amestris, Queen to the famous Xerxes, caus’d twelve Men to be burn’d alive, as an Oblation, to pacifie and oblige Pluto to maintain them in their present Grandeur.
[Sidenote: Rer. Persic. l. 1.]
Procopius relates of the People about the Arabian Gulph, “That they oftentimes Sacrific’d Men to the Sun.”
[Sidenote: Lib. 3. sect. 8 Geogr.]
“The Indians, saith Pomponius Mela, kill their nearest Relations and Parents, before they decay by Sickness or Age, and judg’d it fit and most Religious to Feast and Banquet themselves with the Entrails of the slain.”
[Sidenote: Lib. 11. Geog.]
The Albanians, as Strabo relates, offer yearly one of their Priests to the Moon.
The same Mela relates of the Tauri, That they us’d to cut the Throats of Strangers, whenever they came near to the Place of their Sacrifice.
[Sidenote: Lib. 2. cap. 1.]
The Egyptian Idol Typhon, as you may read in Manethon, was daily made red-hot, and living People put in, and broyl’d to death.
[Sidenote: Bell. Gall. Comm.]
But to pass by several other People guilty of such bloody Idolatry, How did the Altars erected in the Woods in Gaul and Germany, for Taran, Hesus, Teutates, and Woden, continually smoke with the Blood of Humane Expiations? Of which Cæsar saith thus in his Commentaries; “The Gauls are a very Devout and Superstitious Nation; and therefore when any were dangerously sick, or likely to be worsted in Battel, they vow’d to feast their Gods that sav’d them with Humane Flesh, and if need were, would make themselves a thankful Sacrifice to those that help’d them off in such an Exigence. Concerning these bloody Rites, they consulted and imploy’d the Druydes, by whose advice they all believ’d that no Victim was so acceptable to the Numens, as pour’d-out Humane Blood, but especially that of Malefactors; which Dainty if they could not procure, their Gods must be treated with the Lives of the Innocent.”
[Sidenote: 2 Reg. 3. v. 26, 27.]
Lastly, the Holy Scripture saith thus, When the King of Moab saw that the Battel was too sore for him, he took with him seven hundred Men that drew Swords, to break through even to the King of Edom; but they could not. Then he took his eldest Son, that should have reigned in his stead, and offered him for a Burnt-offering on the Wall.
These Testimonies are sufficient Witnesses, That the Ancient Heathens express’d the height of their Devotion, and fury of mad Zeal, in such execrable Rites, as to this day the like is practised by the Indians, Chineses, Japanners, and others: Wherefore it can no ways be a sufficient ground to prove, that the Americans are deriv’d from the Phenicians, because of their Humane Sacrifices, for that they were usual Customs in all Places.
[Sidenote: Third testimony, That the Americans are deriv’d from the Phenicians, because their Language agrees]
[Sidenote: Is contradicted.]
The third Proof they offer us, is borrow’d from the similitude and likeness of the Phenician and American Languages: Comtœus sets down some Words, viz. the Phenicians call’d a Mountain, Abila; Blood, Edom; a Mother, Anech; a Maid, Hellotia; Water, Heni, and Jam: With the first agrees the American Anthla; with the second, Holedonch; with the third, Anam; with the fourth, Hellotie; with the fifth, Ame, and Jame. But those that will thus corrupt the Words, may as well make the unseemliest Comparisons. It is certain, that the Phenicians and some of the Americans call a Cup Asur, and Red Wine, Belàsa; But does it therefore follow by this, that the one is extracted from the other? How many Names do signifie all one, amongst People that never had any Conversation together? This proceeds only from meer accident; Or else if some Words of one, sound like the same Words us’d in a remote Countrey, and be of one signification, must they therefore be deriv’d from one another? Then upon necessity the Greeks, Latins, and Germans had their Original from the Hebrews, or the Latins from the Greeks, or the Germans from the Latins, or the Persians from the Germans; or, on the contrary, the last owe their Extract to the first. I will as a Testimony, and to give you a Pattern, pick out a few from a greater number.
[Sidenote: Greek and Hebrew agree]
[Sidenote: Also the Hebrew and Latin.]
How little difference is there in many Words between the Greek and Hebrew? The Hebrews call a Church-Congregation Sanhedrim, the Greeks Συνέδριον; the Greeks for I advise, use πείθω, the other פתה; the Hebrews call Wise-men Zophei, the other Σόφοι: And less difference there is between Symphoniah and Συμφονία, A well-set Lesson; or Psanterin and Ψαλτέριον, A Spiritual Hymn: And who also will not find a near resemblance in the consonating of divers Latin and Hebrew Words? For there is little difference betwixt Mesurah and Mensura, a Measure; Shekar and Saccarus, a sweet Moisture; Levya and Leæna, a Lioness, Sabbeca and Sambuca, a Chopping-board; Pesa and Passus, a Pace.
[Sidenote: Likewise the Teutonick, the great Language of Germany, Britain, the Low-Countreys, and other Northern Nations.]
Then starting over the Greek and Latin, the Teutonicks would likewise produce many Words which have the same sound and signification with the Hebrew; as Chobel, a Cable; Ethmol and Etmael, Watching; Sothim and Sotten, Fools; the Hebrew Arets, is in Dutch, Aerde, or as we in English, Ear’d Lands; Phert and Peert, a Horse; Levyah and Leeuw, a Lion; Shad and Schadea, Damages; Kisse and Kussen, in our Dialect the very same, Kisse; Shaken and Schenken, a giving, whence we derive our English Skinker, from serving of Drink; Bel and Beeld, an Image; for Bel properly signifies Lord, perhaps because the Images of Heroes or Lords were worshipp’d by them, or else because Ninus first erected an Image for his Father Belus, or Bel, to be worshipp’d.
[Sidenote: Greek and Latin Tongues agree.]
[Sidenote: Abrah. Milii, Ling. Belg. c. 5, 6, 7, 11.]
It would make a large Volume it self, to reckon up the Consonancies of the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, and their scatterings among all Languages where ever their Empire spread, the one being indeed borrow’d from the other, as all Languages that deal or have any converse together: For not only the Words, with some small Alterations of Letters, signifie the same in both Languages; but also without the least alteration. Both Greeks and Latins express I do, by Ago; the Number Eight, by Octo; an Arm, by Brachium or Brachion, in English, Branches, and Braces; I eat, by Edo; a Cup, by Phiale; a Curtain, by Cortina, or Cortine; Merry, by Hilaris, or Hilaros; a ratling Noise or Sound, by Clango; a Camel, by Camelus, or Camelos; a Knee, by Genu, or Gonu; a Bowl or Chalice, by Calix; a Mouse, by Mus; Deceit, by Dolus, or Dolos; a House, by Domus, or Domos; I carry, by Fero, or Phero; the Pronoun I, Ego; a Lion, by Leo, or Λέων; Flax, by Linum, or Linon; a Mother, by Mater, or Meter; now, by nunc, or nun; the Night, by Nox, or Nux; a Rock-stone, by Petra; a Nick-name, by Scomma, or Skomma; a Boat, by Scapha, or Skaphe; a Treasure, by Thesaurus, or Thesauros; Father, by Pater; I tremble, by Tremo; an Hour, by Hora; the Evening, by Vespera, or Hespera; and an innumerable many Words more, that are of one signification in both.
[Sidenote: Phenician and American Tongues have no similitude.]
[Sidenote: Americans much divided in Speech and People.]
Now if there is not the hundredth part of the resemblance found between the American and Phenician Tongues, as there is between the Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and Dutch, according to the foremention’d Examples, which notwithstanding cannot be observ’d to be deriv’d from one another, what testimony can there be in five or six Words, which only have a few Letters that do not differ? But suppose that the agreeing of the Phenician and American Tongues could serve for a testimony; that these last People had their Original from the first, then there remains another doubt, viz. To know what Americans acknowledge the Phenicians for their Fathers; because their Countrey is so big, that it may almost stand in competition with all the other three parts of the Known World, being divided by so many Nations, which differ not only in their various Customs, but also in their several Languages, most of them not having the least likeness one with another: Nay, often times the Inhabitants of one Province differ so much in Dialect, that, according to Petrus de Cieca, the one cannot understand the other.
[Sidenote: In America one Tongue is not at all like the other.]
[Sidenote: Decad. 3.]
[Sidenote: De Laet. Orig. Amer. obs. 5.]
John de Laet observes out of Peter Martyr, and other Writers concerning the West-Indies, That there are several Languages and strange Words spoken among the divers Inhabitants of America; for the Hurones call a Head Sionta; the Mexicans, Tzontecontli; the Inhabitants of New-Netherland, Anonsi; the Brasilians, Acanga; the Jaos, Boppe: the Figures One, Two, Three, and Four, the Hurones tell thus, Escate, Teni, Hachin, Dac; the Mexicans, Ce, Ome, Yei, Nabuy; the Sankikanders, Cotte, Nysse, Nacha, Wyve; the Brasilians, Oyepe, Mocoy, Mocapir, Oirundi; the Jaos, Tewyn, Tage, Terrewaw, Tagyne; the Natives of New-Netherland, Onsat, Tiggani, Asse, Cayere. Moreover the Hurones call a Father Aystan; the Mexicans, Tathli; the Canadensers, Notaovi; in New-Netherland, Ragina; in Brasile, Tuba: And so it is generally with all other Words, which agree not in the least one with the other; so that every Territory hath not only a several Dialect, but in many Places they use besides two, three, or more distinct Speeches, not relating in the least one to another, in one Province, by which the People inhabiting Towns and Villages are distinguish’d. The Islanders discover’d by the Spaniards, and destroy’d, have left few Words behind them; yet Peter Martyr sets down some of them, which were formerly us’d in Hispaniola: They call’d Heaven Tures; a House, Boa; Gold, Cauni; a good Man, Tayno. It is worthy of observation, that they pronounce no H in their Language, but what is spoken with a Vowel, and then give it a strong Aspiration, like the warbling guttural ע Ghain of the Hebrews.
[Sidenote: Gen. 9. v. 25, 26, 27.]
[Sidenote: Gen. 10. v. 15.]
[Sidenote: Last Testimonies of the Americans Extract from the Phenicians.]
[Sidenote: Is contradicted.]
[Sidenote: Franc. Burman. in Gen. 25. 30.]
[Sidenote: Phenicians deriv’d from Esau.]
Our last and chiefest Testimony is Moses, who says thus in Genesis, Cursed be Canaan, a Servant of Servants shall he be unto his Brethren. Moreover he said, Blessed be the Lord God of Shem, and Canaan shall be his Servant: God shall inlarge Japhet, and he shall dwell in the Tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his Servant. And in the next Chapter, Canaan begat Sidon. These Scriptures are explain’d as a Testimony of the Americans Extract from the Phenicians, which they ground on these following Reasons: The Phenicians are Canaan’s Successors from Sidon, who gave name to their chief City. Tubal the Issue of Japhet, whose Tents God promis’d to enlarge, and that Canaan should be his Servant, planted Spain. The Phenicians, descendants from Sydon, (say they) Peopled America; the Spaniards sprung from Tubal, of Japhet, have subjected the Americans, descended from Sydon, of Canaan; wherein is fulfill’d that Prophecy of Moses, That Canaan should be Servant to Japhet; but it seems a great mistake, so to derive the Phenicians from Canaan, for they are Extracted from Shem, Heber, Abraham, and Esau, sirnam’d Edom, from his saying, Adom, Adom, when he ask’d of Jacob, That Red, That Red, because he knew not how to call the prepared Pottage by its proper Name; And Edom setling himself on Mount Seir, a part of the Stony Arabia, and on the Coast of the Red-Sea, gave denomination to it, because that Sea was much frequented and Navigated by his Successors. The Greeks call it Erythreum, from Erythros, who is the same with Esau, and likewise signifies Red. Hereto is added, That Phænix and Erythros have the same signification in the Greek; So then, these Idumeans taking the name of Phenicians, from the great Phœnix, spread themselves far and near under mighty Kings, by Navigation in the Red-Sea, and from thence Planted several Coasts and Islands, removing at last to Syria.
[Sidenote: Gen. 36. 39.]
[Sidenote: Com. in Jer. l. 4. c. 25.]
[Sidenote: In Ps. 136. Voss. Orig. Idol. l. 1. c. 31.]
[Sidenote: Punick Tongue.]
[Sidenote: Hebrew.]
The seventh King of Edom, Moses reckoneth to be Baal-hanan, which name, by transposing the Syllables, the famous Carthaginian General Hannibal bare. Moreover, it may easily be demonstrated, that the Phenicians Extracted from Heber, have formerly spoke Hebrew, and since Arabick; for they dwelt before their removing, in the Stony-Arabia. St. Jerom saith, the Punick Tongue agrees for the most part with the Hebrew: And St. Austin tells us, that many, nay, most of the Carthaginian words are Hebrew. Elisa, Dido, the first Foundress of Carthage proves this, for Elisa or Elissah, with the Hebrews, denotes A Lamb of my God; and Dido, A Lover. But who can find the least likeness, between the Hebrew or Arabick Tongue with the Americans? Lastly, Since the Phenicians acknowledge Esau for a Father, what then concerns the Americans, the curse of Canaan, since they are no more Extracted from Canaan, than the Phenicians? Thus much concerning the Phenicians.
[Sidenote: If the Americans were deriv’d from the Jews, or the ten Tribes of Israel.]
[Sidenote: Is contradicted.]
Some would derive the Americans from the Jews; others, from the ten Tribes of Israel, carry’d into captivity. The ground of which Opinions is, That the Jews and Israelites were scatter’d amongst all Nations; therefore they conclude, that America was also Peopled by them, the rather, because the antient Jews and Americans were of one Complexion, and went a like Habited, both going without Shooes, onely wearing Sandals, and an upper Coat over a shorter Linnen Vest. Both are humble, quick of apprehension, and obliging, yet Valiant: But it is certain, they cannot be like the Jews, because the Americans change their Habit, according as they live in cold or hot Countreys, and go not in the least like one another.
Father Immanuel relates, That he saw a Brasilian, not onely stoutly make his party good against three Portugal Soldiers, but had it not been by meer chance, worsted them.
Lastly, What Ceremonies of Religious Rites are observ’d by the Americans, which are used in Judaism? The Jews indeed have transplanted their Circumcision amongst divers Eastern People, and have they onely forgot the first Ceremony and signal Badge of their Religion in America, which yet not onely they, but those Mahumetans and other Sectaries punctually observe?
[Sidenote: Jews distribution.]
[Sidenote: 1 Pet. 1. 1. Scaliger in Notes ad N. T.]
[Sidenote: Joh. 7. 35.]
[Sidenote: L. de Idolo. vanitate.]
This makes evident their scatterings about the Face of the Earth, but will not bring them to reach America. The Sacred Text sets forth a two-fold description of the Jews; The one before the Birth of our Saviour, when they liv’d as strangers in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bythinia. Jerusalem was their Metropolis, although others had their chief residence in Babylon, and Alexandria; for there was an Asiatick and a European dispersion; those of Asia had Babylon for their chief City, and us’d in their Synagogues the Chaldean Translation of the Bible. The Europeans kept their Seat at Alexandria, where they had a Temple like that of Jerusalem; and whilst they employ’d themselves in the Greek Version of the Holy Scripture, by the seventy two Interpreters, under Ptolomeus Philadelphus, they were call’d Wandering Greeks: Therefore, certainly the Americans are not deriv’d from these Jews, and with as little reason from those, which by Titus Vespasian, after the destruction of Jerusalem were driven into several Countreys, for they were never permitted (that I may borrow the words of St. Cyprian) to set forward one step, though but as Pilgrims, towards their Native Countrey, but strictly forbidden not to assemble or meet together in any considerable number, which would have been necessary, if they intended to Plant a new World.
[Sidenote: 2 Reg. 17. 5.]
[Sidenote: 4 Esd. 13. 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46.]
A small seeming Testimony is added, being taken out of the fourth Book of Esdras, that the ten Tribes of Israel that were carry’d away by Salmanassar with their King Hosea to Nahalah, Habor, the River Gozan, and the Cities of the Medes, might be acknowledged for the first Planters of America: Concerning which, Esdras saith thus, The ten Tribes brought over into another Countrey, consulted that they should forsake the multitude of the Heathens, and travel to a remoter Countrey, where no Generation of Mankind had ever liv’d before, there they would maintain their Laws, which they had not observ’d in their Countrey: Whereupon they went thither thorow the narrow entrances of the River Euphrates, for the Almighty stopt the Vains of the River, till they were past over; for thorow the Countrey was a way of a year and halfs Journey: wherefore that Tract of Land is call’d Assareth, then they liv’d there till the last time.
But since these Books of Esdras were not Written by a Prophet, either in the Hebrew Tongue, or allow’d by the Jews to be the Word of God, or any where taken notice of in the New Testament; wherefore then is Assareth more America than any other remoter Countrey?
[Sidenote: L. 5. in Ezek. & l. 6. in Jerom.]
[Sidenote: 4 Esd. 6. 49, 50. & 14. 21. & 4. 41.]
St. Hierom (who certainly had a peculiar knowledge of the condition of the ten Tribes of Israel, because he liv’d in Asia, and held Correspondence with the Jews, that he might perfectly learn the Hebrew Tongue,) relates, “That the ten Tribes (St. Hierome liv’d about the Year four hundred, under the Emperor Theodosius) underwent great slavery in the Cities of Medes and Persians; so that this strange Voyage to Assareth, which must have happen’d long before St. Hierom’s time, may be Recorded amongst the other Legends of the Rabbies, concerning their Behemoth and Leviathan, who lock’d up the Souls of those that sleighted their Laws, in Caves under ground, as Esdras.”
[Sidenote: Antient condition of the Persians.]
[Sidenote: Melchior Soiterus de Reb. Turc.]
And how little opportunity the Israelites had to remove since his time, may appear by the horrible Destruction that was made for several Ages together in Persia and Media; for although the Persians became Masters again of the Realm, Conquer’d by Alexander the Great, whilst Alexander’s Successors invaded one another, yet they were continually in War, either against the Romans, or else the Indians, and other Eastern People; nay, the Saracens wrested the Scepter out of their hand, though but for a small time; for soon after, breaking out into Factions amongst themselves, Muchumet Subictigenes, Imbrael’s Son, establish’d his Throne on their Ruines, and incourag’d by such success, Arm’d himself against the Indians, and made use of the Turks assistance, with which he subdu’d the Babylonian Arabians: After which, the Turks, not without great slaughter see the Persian Crown on their Head, which, immediately totter’d by bloudy Commotions; for Tangrolipix being King of Persia, clashing with his Brother Cutlumuses, made Persia swim in the Blood of a Civil-War, till at last Zengis Chan brought from Tartary so great an Army, Anno 1200. that none durst stay to make opposition; for the Turks forsook Persia after a Conquest of six Ages, and made their own way for new Quarters into Carmania, Phrygia, and Bithynia, whence they made such incursions on the Greek Empire, that at last they became sole Masters thereof. Who cannot but easily judge by this, how little opportunity the ten Tribes had, to be assembled together from remote Countreys, and to go long Journeys through untrack’d ways, and full of Enemies, to travel to America?
[Sidenote: Mora’s opinion concerning the Americans Extract.]
Immanuel de Moraes, who had gotten peculiar knowledge of the Americans by his long Conversation with them, judgeth that they are not deriv’d from one People, but from the Carthaginians and Jews, and that at several times, and places, they Landed in this New World; for the Carthaginians Sailing thither, found the Soyl so fertile, that many forsook their Native Countrey to dwell there: Whereupon, it was forbidden upon pain of Death, to send no more thither, lest if Carthage should be invaded by a foraign Enemy, it should want People for a Home-defence: From this occasion it happen’d, that those that were already Transported, became rude, and of a Salvage Disposition, and spreading their Families, planted the desolate Countreys in a ranging manner, without acknowledging any Supreme Head or Governor.
Thus being scatter’d up and down, every one invented to himself a new Language, which should neither agree with the Carthaginians, or any other: But this Opinion is before at large contradicted.
[Sidenote: Customs and Constitutions of the Brasilians are several.]
Moreover, Moraes endeavors to shew, that the Brasilians are of a Hebrew Extract, because that according to the example of the Jews, they might not Marry, but in their own Tribes; they also call their Unkles, Fathers, and their Aunts, Mothers; both mourn for the Dead a Moneth together, and wear long Garments down to their Ankles. But these Arguments seem to us of small consequence, for indeed the Brasilians differ in their Marriages from the Jews, for they not onely Marry in their own Tribes, but frequently commix with their Sisters, and Daughters, or other their nearest Relations. Moreover, the Jews call’d them Fathers, from whose Loyns they sprang many Ages before, as well as their Unkles, which the Americans do not.
The Mourning for the Dead hath been an old Custom, and is not observ’d by many People, but the time of a Moneth was not setled amongst them, but was observ’d after a more unusual manner, seventy days, as in the Fields of Moab for Moses, and elsewhere for the Patriarch Jacob. Lastly, all people know, that the Romans and Persians girt themselves about with long Clothes. Besides, the Jews were strictly bound to observe Circumcision, without which they were not accounted Jews, which the Brasilians use not, as neither their Language or Letters. How is it possible, that in America they should at once have forgotten their Extract, Laws, Circumcision, Language, and other Ceremonies, when the rest of them observ’d nothing more strictly in all parts of the Earth?
[Sidenote: Grotius is of opinion that the Americans belong’d to Norway.]
The Learned Hugo Grotius, in his Enquiry after the original of the Americans, brings them with many Circumstances to belong to Panama, situate opposite to the Northern Parts of Norway, because something of their Languages agrees, and the Way thither easie and nearest to be found: for first they travell’d from Norway to Ysland, over which the Norwegians Rul’d above a thousand years since; so from Ysland through Friezland to Groenland, and from thence to Estotiland, being a part of the Main Continent of America.
[Sidenote: This Opinion is largely contradicted.]
From Friezland some Fishers went thither (as he says) two Centuries before the Spaniards touch’d that Shore; which John de Laet contradicts. And indeed what Reasons can be given, Why the Americans of the Straights, between Panama and Nombre de Dios, lying Northerly, should have another original than those that live to the South, seeing the same Straights are neither divided by Mountains nor Rivers; and the Spaniards found no alteration in the Customs and Languages betwixt them that liv’d above or below these Straights. And who will believe that Norway, which was but indifferently peopled, could afford such numerous Colonies as could plant the Northern America, which far exceeds the South, and chiefly, when the great Islands that lie near the East and West, are added to it? Moreover it is certain, (if the Yslander Angrim Jonas is to be credited) that some Families fled out of Norway from their enraged King to Ysland in the Year 874. which at that time was but meanly inhabited.
[Sidenote: Isaac Pontanus de Reb. Danicis.]
Forty years before, Lewis the Just put the Yslanders under the protection of Pope Gregory the fourth, who gave the Government of the Ysland Church to Ansgar Archbishop of Hamburgh. But how comes it that there is not the least spark of Christianity found amongst the Northern Americans, if they are deriv’d from the Ysland Christians? and why did the Yslanders remove to colder Countreys than Groenland and Friezland, or their own native Soil, and for the most part not inhabited?
Concerning Groenland and Friezland, it is known by our English Navigators, that they are joyn’d together, and both to the Northern America; but not without vast Bays and Inlets, which betwixt Groenland and America are obstructed with floating Castles of Ice; so that the Passage is very dangerous. And full as troublesom, if not altogether impossible, would the Journey be by Land, because the Earth lies so thick cover’d with Ice and Snow, especially the Valleys, that no Traveller is able to get through.
[Sidenote: The Voyage of two Zeno’s.]
[Sidenote: Relatio Marc. Zenonis.]
Moreover, that which Grotius says farther of the Fishers which first discover’d Estotiland, is grounded on the Relation of the Venetian Knights, Nicholas and Marcus Zeno, two Brothers. Anno 1380. Nicholas Zeno suffer’d Shipwrack on the Friezland Coast; Marcus inform’d thereof, steer’d his Course thither; fourteen years they spent before they came to Estotiland: at last they return’d again to Friezland, where Nicholas died: But Marcus returning home publish’d his Journal, wherein he relates, That Estotiland is above a thousand Leagues distant from Friezland, and was discover’d by Friezland Fisher-men that were driven thither by Storm. But he hath set down many things that have little resemblance of truth, according to what is since found by credible Navigators; and therefore we cannot depend on Zeno’s Discovery.
[Sidenote: The American Tongue is nothing like the Norwegian.]
John de Laet accounts it a great mistake in Grotius, that as a testimony of the Americans original out of Norway, he compares their Languages. He reckons up some Places to be Northward of Panama, which end their words with the syllable Lan instead of Land, because the Spaniards have left out the Letter D at the end thereof. It is certain, that in the Northern America lie Cimatlan, Coatlan, Guescolan, Artlan, Quaxutatlan, Icatlan, Tapatlan, Cinacatlan, Tenuchitlan, Comitlan, Metzitlan, Guatitlan, Necotitlan, Curcatatlan. Besides, that most of these Names are not of Countreys, but of Towns and Villages, and therefore no ways fitting to have the termination of Land: and it is well known that many American words end with Lan, which signifie nothing less than Land: for the Mexicans say Puertatitlan, which signifies At the Gate below; Ochachitlantzitlan, Yet lower; Tenoxtitlan, (this City is also call’d from her Founder Mexis, Mexico) that is, Rests on a Rock. Moreover, it may not without reason seem strange to any, that the Northern Americans have remembred but three Cities out of all the Teutonick Tongue, viz. Lan in stead Land.
[Sidenote: Groenland when discovered.]
[Sidenote: Serm. 3. Antiq. Danic.]
Concerning Groenland, through which the Norwegians are thought to have travell’d to America, Lysander witnesseth, That it was accidentally discover’d by one Eric Rauder, Anno 987, and planted thirteen years after.
Olaus, King of Norway, plac’d two Bishops over the new Inhabitants, as Substitutes to the Archbishop of Dronthen. For four Ages they Sail’d frequently to Groenland; but since their King was impoverish’d by War, they left off that Trade.
We find not in any Author, that the Norwegians which liv’d along the Sea-shore, ever went to seek a Way over the inaccessible Snowy Mountains of Groenland, to this our New World.
Besides, Grotius stands for the Norwegians as Planters, upon testimony of the Mexicans themselves, who told the Spaniards, That their Ancestors which planted there came from the North, first setling themselves on Estotiland, where to this day there are not improbable proofs by several remarks, that they were a Norwegian Colony.
[Sidenote: The opinion concerning the City Norumbega in America.]
In the American City Norumbega, live a People that speak the same Language, and observe the same Customs with the Mexicans.
In this by-Corner are found also some Alavards, or Longobards, or Lombards, as they say. Now the Spaniards call that New Mexico because last discover’d, though indeed the old, cramm’d with People eight hundred years since: for the Mexicans of New Mexico do not lie so far Northerly, as to the North-west: for this Mexico lies in sight of California, which is believ’d to border on Tartary, or at least separated from it by a narrow Channel. But Norumbega (if ever such a Place was) must, according to the West-Indian Records, have been situate where a part of New France lies, now planted by the English: between which and New Mexico lies an almost unmeasurable vast Tract of Land. Mean while here is not the least sign of this City Norumbega to be found: neither do the Inhabitants dwell in Cities, but live in Tents, or moveable Villages, which change their Names as oft as their Governors. Moreover, the Norwegians could not get to this Norumbega by Land through Ysland and Groenland to Estotiland, because of the vast Bays, and great Midland-Sea, discover’d by the English in their North-western Discoveries; so that leaving Estotiland, it was altogether impossible for them to come to Norumbega.
[Sidenote: Chichimecen.]
Hereto may be added what the Mexicans say of themselves, who acknowledge, That travelling from the North, they did not find an un-inhabited Countrey before them, but were forc’d to make their Way by a long and bloody War with the Chichimecen, a salvage People, that knew neither Laws or Religion.
The People also dwelling opposite to California, differ from the Customs of the Mexicans, being divided into several People of contrary Constitutions, and as different Languages.
[Sidenote: Customs and Constitutions of the Mexicans.]
Grotius scrues up his Arguments from the likeness of the American Speech and Customs with the Norwegian: for (says he) there is little difference between Pagod and by-God, or like God; Guaira and Waeijer, that is, A Fan; Ilama and Lam, in English, Lamb; Peko and Beke, a Brook or Rivulet. Both Customs and Constitutions have also great resemblance. The Mexicans relate, that their Predecessors onely follow’d Hunting; that they divided and reckon’d the Time, not by Days, but by Nights, and wash’d their Children as soon as they were born in cold Water.
They are so much inclin’d to Gaming, that they venture their Liberty at it. Every one is satisfi’d with one Wife, except some of the Nobility, which oftentimes have more. They throw up high Banks in several places to damm out the Sea; believe the Immortality of the Soul; every one eats at a peculiar Table; most of them go naked, onely cover their Pudenda with a Cloth; some Sacrifice and eat Mans-flesh: all which, according to Tacitus, Pliny, Lucan, and other Roman Writers, was observ’d by the antient Germans; from whom those that inhabit between the Norwegian Mountains were extracted.
These Allegations, to make the Norwegians to be the Parents of the Northern Americans, John de Laet thus contradicts: “It no ways follows that one People take original from the other, because here and there are several words found, that have the same signification and found in divers Countreys; much less when they must either add, change, or diminish several Letters. Moreover, there is no small mistake in the compar’d words: for Pagod is not us’d all over America; the East-Indians about the River Indus, call their Idol-Temples Pagod, or Pagode, the word Guaira is no where us’d in America, but by the Peruvians, and with them not signifying a Fan, but a little Oven; neither is Ilama a Lamb, (for before the coming of the Spaniards thither, neither Sheep nor Lambs were ever seen in Peru) but a Wool-bearing Beast, thus describ’d by Joseph de Acosta:
[Sidenote: A description of the strange Beast Ilama in Peru.]
“Ilama (says he) a four-footed Creature, furnishes its Master with Meat and Clothing, and supplies the office of a Beast for Burthens, and at no charge for Hay nor Provender, well satisfi’d with what he finds in the Ways or Mountains. But the Ilama’s are of two sorts, either woolly, or shorthair’d: the first go by the Name Pacos, the other Moromoro, being not much less than a Calf, with a long Neck like a Camel, but of several colours; for some are white, some black, and others speckled, having an odd Look, especially when they are ty’d, and stand still without any motion, staring with goggle-eyes on their Owners: Sometimes in a moody humor, upon a sudden taking a freak, they run up to the top of almost inaccessible Mountains, where both the frantick Beast and his Burthen are lost. The Pacos sometimes likewise takes sudden Pets, and fustian Fits, often doing the forward Supersalt, tumbling over and over with their Goods, and will not be rais’d, their moodiness continuing, with beating, nay though they cut them to pieces: but the best way is to sit down by them, and wait some hours till their humor being spent they rise again of their own accords. These Beasts are much inclin’d to a Disease call’d Carashe or the Mange, of which they generally die: and because the Disease is very catching, they straight bury the infected alive, so the better to preserve the rest.”
Grotius also mistakes, when he compares the Mexican Peke with the Dutch Beke; for though many Mexican Places, Mountains, and Rivers, terminate in Peke, yet it signifies not a Brook or Rivulet, for that they call Atlauhtli.
[Sidenote: De Orig. Gentium Americ.]
John de Laet tells also, That with great diligence he found a Mexican Dictionary, Printed by the Spaniards in Mexico, to find if there were any words in it which agreed with any of those European Languages that he understood, but found not one.
It is the same case with the Customs and Constitutions between the Norwegians and Northern Americans: for what concerns Hunting, how many People have formerly liv’d by it? The antient Germans, and to this day the Tartars make it their whole business, excelling in that Art all other Nations. Besides, that the more serious sort of the Mexicans many Ages since scorn’d to derive themselves from a Hunting Ancestry, but affirm that they found the Chichimecen in those Countreys, who were great Venators.
[Sidenote: Customs of the Americans.]
[Sidenote: Their Clothing.]
The accounting of Time by the Nights, extracted from the Hebrews, is observ’d by divers Eastern People: and although the Germans dipt and wash’d their children in cold Rivers, or Brooks, so soon as they were born, yet the Mexicans never did it, but the Mother lays the Child on the fourth day after its Birth, in an open place of the House, in the middle whereof stands a Pot full of Water cover’d with Broom, in which they wash the Infant. Neither are the Americans so much addicted to the Vice of Gaming as other Nations, so that Grotius taxeth them too severely as to that point: as on the contrary, he too much clears them of Polygamy, whereas the Mexicans Marry as many Wives as they please, or are able to maintain. Father Martyn Perez relates the same of the Cinaloans, and other Americans; as also Quarterius of the Natives in Nova Francia, which lie nearest to Norway. And what need the Americans have the Germans their Teachers, to make Dams and Banks against Floods, since Nature and Necessity it self instructs it? and where are any People so ignorant, as to ascribe the same event to Men and Beasts after death? ’Tis true, their manner of eating in America is several, because the People do not much converse together: but they did not go naked; for the Spaniards found them not onely neatly Habited, but had a proper Name for every thing they wore. The Virginians us’d long Shirts; the Floridans Skins of wild Beasts; and towards the North they cover’d themselves from Head to Foot in hairy and undress’d Hydes. The sacrificing of Men was in former Ages spreading far and near over the World, and how far it was practis’d here, hath been already declar’d at large. Lastly, all the Americans are not guilty of eating of Man’s-flesh, but that salvageness is confin’d to the Southern America.
Thus much we have said, to prove that the Norwegians had no hand in planting the Northern America, we shall now proceed to enquire who planted the Southern Parts, from the Straights between Panama and Nombre de Dios, to the Straights of Magellan.
The Peruvians, possessing a large Tract of Land along the Coast of the South-Sea, Grotius would thus derive from China:
[Sidenote: Relation of Mancocapacus.]
“The Peruvians, being of a subtile Wit, and quick of Apprehension, argue sufficiently that they are not extracted from the more Northern Americans, but rather from the Chineses, which the several Wrecks of Chinese Ships found on these Coasts sufficiently evidence: and no wonder, if curiosity or accident brought the Chineses expert Navigators to this Countrey, separated onely by one Sea from them. To this we may add their Rites of Religion; for both worship the Sun, and call their King the Son of the Sun; they write no Letters but make Characters downwards. Mancocapacus was a Chinese of strange Policy; who being inform’d that his Countrey-men inhabited fruitful Countreys on the other side of the South-Sea, but without Laws or Government, Sail’d over thither, and gather’d the scatter’d Multitudes in a Body, and establish’d an hereditary Kingdom after the Chinese manner, to him and his Successors.”
[Sidenote: The Americans are not extracted from China.]
To which John de Laet answers thus: “Though the Peruvians exceed the other Americans in Policy, and at the arrival of the Spaniards liv’d in a handsom Order of Government, yet they can no ways be compar’d to the sharp-witted, and noble-spirited Chineses; nay, there are in no Place of Peru found such Artificers as those of China, that bear the praise of all the World; no where such manner of Buildings or Cities, nor the least likeness of the Chinese Curiosities. As concerning the Wrecks found in Peru, I find no credible Author that gives an account thereof: for certainly the Chineses could much easier, and a nearer way have come through the Atlantick Sea to the Coasts of America, lying to the East of Peru, than steer along the vast, and much greater South Sea, and endure the horrible Storms and vast Waves, which the European Ships are scarce able to endure, much less the Chinese Vessels, which are not so good. The Spaniards which Sail yearly from Acupulco to the Philippines are sensible of the great danger which they endure, chiefly by the great gusts of Wind near California. Besides, the Peruvians before the arrival of the Spaniards, were utterly ignorant of great Ships, and the use of Sails. How could they at once have forgotten that Art, which they brought with them thither, Moreover, it is easier to Sail from Peru to China, than from China to Peru, because the Winds under the Equinoctial Line commonly blow Easterly. And it is the greater wonder, that the Chinese Jonks accidentally by Storm should be driven to Peru, because they were never stor’d with Provisions but for a short Voyage, whereas this ask’d nine Moneths. But if any one will suppose, that they purposely directed their Course thither, how came the Chineses to Sail just to Peru, and not to New Spain, which is much closer to China? why were there no Merchandises of the Chineses found in Peru, since they went thither for Trade? how came they to neglect that Navigation they had once found? Nor is their Sun-worship (which was formerly practis’d in most Parts of the World) of any validity to derive them from China? But the contrary is most apparent, for the Peruvians worship for their chief God, Viracocha, that is, God Almighty, or The Creator of all things.
“The Chineses, if Confutius an eye-witness may be credited, are divided into three Sects of Religion: The first follow the Learn’d Trigantius, and acknowledge a King of the Heavens, which must onely be serv’d as the Chineses sole Governor; to which purpose, two Temples are built in the Royal Cities Nankin and Pekin, one Consecrate to Heaven, and the other to the Earth. The second Sect hath the name of Sciequia, and serve the Idol Omyto. The third nam’d Lanzu, imploy themselves in Magick and Exorcisms, Conjuring up, and laying Evil-Spirits, whose horrid representations, when they have stuck upon the Walls, they make an artificial and dreadful noise, as if Hell were broke loose, and the House full of Devils; sometimes also force the Evil-Spirits to enter into Images, from whence they receive no impertinent answers to their questions: Therefore, who will compare this Superstition of the Peruvians worshipping of the Sun, to the Chinese Religion, which do no such things?
[Sidenote: Embassy to the Cham, l. 2. c. 2.]
“The Peruvians call’d their King, A Lord of the Realm, and not The Son of the Sun, as in China: Though the Mexicans otherwise worship the Sun, and in their manner of adulation, styl’d Hernando Cortez, their Conqueror, Son of the Sun: As to what concerns the manner of writing, it is very well known, that the Chineses words are all Monosyllables, so that they have as many Letters as Words, which they joyn so together, that they reckon eighty thousand, but with ten thousand they are able to express themselves in most matters. These Characters are contain’d in their Halpien or Dictionary. The antient Chineses us’d seventeen several sorts of Characters in their writing, some consisting of Serpents, that by several Wreathes and contortious Windings, signify’d several things; others, of all sorts of agrestick Tools belonging to Husbandry; some Characters of the Feathers of the Bird Fum-hoar; others of Oysters and Worms, or of Roots, of Herbs, or Birds Claws, or of Turtles, or of Herbs and Birds Feathers mingled, or of Planets, and such like; but what manner of Writing or Hieroglyphick of theirs resembles those, who by their own testimony know neither Pen, Paper, Ink, nor any manner of Writing, but reckon the antiquity of time by strung Beads, which was observ’d many ages since among several Nations.”
[Sidenote: Original of the Americans very obscure.]
[Sidenote: What we may believe concerning them.]
[Sidenote: The Americans are derived from several people.]
Hitherto we have discover’d the several Opinions concerning the Original of the Americans, or first Plantation of America, from all which, having receiv’d no clear or demonstrative satisfaction, we must open our way to a further scrutiny: But first, we must needs confess, that contradiction is not difficult; but it is something of Work, when we have beaten down a well-fortifi’d Opinion, to set up somewhat in stead thereof, to stand a permanent and undeniable truth, which will be the harder, in regard the Inhabitants of this new World have no old Chronologies concerning their Antiquities, and first settling there; yet if we cannot go so far absolutely to assert, yet some probabilities, grounded (as we suppose) upon better reasons, may give more satisfaction; for none will deny, but that the Generations of Mankind being strangely multiply’d after the Flood, they then living five times our Ages, and Wars not beginning till the known part of the Earth was over-stock’d, justling for Territories, and some thrust quite out, at last found America; which spreading it self to a vast extent, and now found almost every where well inhabited, may be guess’d, that it was not onely Planted from the first, but several times replenish’d since by various Nations; Why may not several Planters, and at several times make room for their Colonies, incroaching one upon another, either by force or compact; as the French themselves upon the Gauls, the Normans upon them, the Goths among the Spaniards, and the Saxons among the Brittains, and the Normans again upon them?
Several people may easily Sail over thither, the Azores or the Canary Isles lye so, that they are ready (as if design’d) for Transportation to America; from whence Acosta made a Voyage in fifteen days. Also Pliny gives us an account, that these Islands lay uninhabited in his time; yet is it well known, that after Pliny’s time, Ruins of Buildings were found there, signifying, they had been formerly Planted; and why might not those ancient Inhabitants Sail thence to the neighboring America?
[Sidenote: Marian. de Reb. Hisp. l. 1. c. 18.]
Tercera lying half way between Spain and America, was frequented by Navigators before the Birth of our Savior; and it seems as easie to Sail from thence to America, as from the Main Land of Spain thither: Add this, that necessity forc’d the Spaniards to look about them from other Countreys, for since they lost their Victorious Champion Baucius Gapetus, they were every where beaten, being tired out by the Phenician Forces, and that oppression over, suffer’d as much under the Roman Yoke: Wherefore it seems not strange, if a considerable number remov’d from thence, that they might live some where else in quiet; for which purpose they wanted no conveniencies to Rig and set forth stout and sufficient Vessels, able to live in those Seas, having had long experience from the Phenician Voyagers, whose Fleets Sail’d daily to and again in several Expeditions, from Cadiz and Gibraltar towards these Western Countreys: Nay, Hanno himself their first Navigator that way, who gives an account of the Gorgons, or the Isles of Cape Verd, a good part of the way to America.
[Sidenote: English famous Sea-men.]
[Sidenote: Barat-anac, or, Tinland, the Phenician name, and Brittania the Greek name of Brittain.]
And though Brittain, Ireland, and the Brittish Orcades lay further from America, yet something may be said particularly to prove, That many Ages since, Expeditions had been made from thence to the New World; and that the Inhabitants of these our Isles, in former Ages, were peculiarly famous for their skill in Navigation; insomuch, that the Cretans and Phenicians emulous of their skill, and jealous of their danger, made several Attacques and Invasions upon these Isles, which is the more probable, many remarks of the Phenician and Greek Language, remaining in the denominations of the Countrey: Of which, take first this account:
[Sidenote: Old Voyage of Madok to America; for which see Vet. Hist. Brit.]
Anno 1170. When Owen Guyneth, Prince of Wales, having Raign’d long and happily in his setled Dominions, dying, left several Sons, who quarrelling, their elder Brother, as not contented with their shares of the Principality, nor to be under him, having gotten no mean Interests and Claims to the whole by their struglings, so weakned one another, that they open’d a way to the loosing of all.
[Sidenote: David Powel in Historia Cambriæ.]
Amongst these Brothers, Madok, a Prince of a milder disposition, weary of such unnatural Dissentions, threw up his share, better contented to seek new Fortunes abroad; whereupon there were many soon perswaded to venture their lives with him, where ever he would please to Transport: So Rigging a small Fleet, he Sail’d Westward, far beyond Ireland, where at last he discover’d an unknown and un-inhabited Countrey, but wondrous pleasant, the Air being temperate, and the Soyl most fertile: Glad of this good success (as the Story says) he returning, spreading the Fame of this his New-Found-Land, which they might exchange for a barren Soyl, hatter’d and harass’d with an endless Civil-War.
No small number flock’d to these Summons, as a most acceptable Undertaking; so that soon after he was able to send forth ten good Ships, Freighted only with Men, Women, and Children, and all other Materials fit for a new Plantation; which not long after Landed in Acuzamil, a Countrey in the North of America, as Francis Lopez de Gomara believes, because there he onely found some remaining Tracks of Christianity, a People that worshipp’d the Cross, but knew no reason why or wherefore they ador’d that sign of our Redemption. Now, some will say, that this Worship of the Cross is no argument to prove, that the Brittish Christians first Planted in the North of America; but what will not time and change of place do, where Transplanted People keep no Records, so they forget not onely Religion, Laws, and Customs, but who they were, and from whence they came, Oblivion first mutilating, and at last swallowing up all; of which, take this one late president.
[Sidenote: Strange occasion of De la Roche.]
Anno 1598. The Duke De La Roche obtain’d leave of the French King, to transport a Colony of Volunteers to New France; in his way he Landed fifty Men on the Island De Sable, to rest his Passengers, and that he might the better, and with more ease explore the Countrey, and when resolv’d where to settle, then to fetch them off; who accordingly, as design’d, soon after, returning thither, was met with so violent a Storm, that not being able to Weather the Isle of Sable, where he left his People, he lost his whole Expedition, and was driven back to a French Harbor, where no sooner arriv’d, he was so highly charg’d, that he was cast into Prison, when those he had left neglected upon the Isle, were not once so much as thought of; in this interim, they never expecting to hear more of their Captain, liv’d in a wild and miserable condition, feeding upon Fish, and sometimes wild Swine, without Bread, Drink, or Salt.
When the Baron of Leri went with Letters Patents, to be Governor of Nova Francia, and by stress of Weather in his Voyage, was forc’d to put in at Sable, where he found the remainder of La Roches People, who being from fifty reduced to twelve, having clad themselves in Sea-Wolves Skins, they had not onely lost their former French Civilities, but forgot in a manner their Religion, much of their Language, and what they were, being as if Metamorphos’d into bestial Salvages.
[Sidenote: If some did not come accidentally to America.]
And although we have already controverted the improbability of Peopling America, either by accident of Storm, or set purpose; yet it may be possible that so it might happen, for as the several vertues of Plants, Herbs, Precious-Stones, and Minerals, though strangely occult, and so altogether unknown, that what could never be found by Art, meer chance hath brought to light, and their wondrous qualities, some casual accident hath made apparent; so strange and remote Countreys never to be found in our Charts, or Maps, nor Registred in any Story, Seamen bound to their intended Harbors, have stumbled on by chance, either Hood-wink’d by blind Mists, or forc’d upon by pertinatious Weather; of which America may be her own witness, for how was Columbus stirr’d up, but by incitations of the Journals of a Sea-Captain, dying in his House, driven on the American Islands by foul Weather.
[Sidenote: America was Peopled presently after the Flood.]
[Sidenote: Giants in America.]
[Sidenote: Conjurati fratres, Virg. Georg.]
[Sidenote: The Flood acknowledg’d there.]
Although from the foremention’d places, and after the same manner, America might be furnish’d with Inhabitants; so it also gives us a more certain assurance, that the Planting of America was not onely soon after the Flood, but that they came also thither by Land: And how strangely would it be against the Majesty and Wisdom of Divine Providence, to leave half the Universal Globe, a World fully supply’d with all sorts of Creatures, fit for Food and Service, Plants, Herbs, and the richest Minerals, like a House new built, and well furnish’d, without a Master or any Inhabitant, viz. Man, who being of Celestial Extract, should be able to acknowledge and glorifie the Creator, by admiring the Creature in his great Works: Besides, the confus’d Notions and Fables of Giants, Perpetrators of all manner of Crimes, and wallowing in all kind of sensual Debaucheries, are always remembred among the Antiquities of the Americans, and that they had some slender hints of antient Truth, not onely of the Giants before the Flood, but of those that soon after the rank fatness of the Earth, produc’d and fed to that pitch of Arrogance, that the covenanting Brethren defi’d God, fortifying themselves to fight him by the advantage of that their long congested Pile, Babel, which in a short time was transverted by the Heathen Poets into their Gigantomachia, heaping Hills on Hills, like the American Traditions: From which we may conjecture, that they came thither in the time of Noah; for why may not any believe, when Noah liv’d three hundred years after he Landed on Mount Ararat, that he took care to People the World? And who will make him ignorant of this New World, who living five hundred years before, might not improbably by his own industry and the help of the former long-liv’d Patriarchs, been well able to make a general Survey of the Old; and he could better furnish America, it being nearer Mount Ararat, than supply Italy, Spain, Germany, or any Northern Territories in Europe, so that America might be known to the first people after the Flood, nay, inhabited by them, though since that, the knowledge was lost.
Pliny complaining of the Supine negligence, and stupendious sloth which reign’d then and long before as he had observ’d, among all people, and in every place, who were so far from making inquiry after discoveries of Lands for new Plantations, that they lost the old, when they had begun to settle, though under the greatest serenity of Peace; The Sea by that means lying open beyond what any juncture of former times could be proud of.
[Sidenote: Canary Islands, by whom discover’d.]
[Sidenote: Hesperian Gardens, what they signifie.]
Yet the Fortunate, or Canary Islands were in the first ages after Noah, frequented with Vessels, which in later times were altogether neglected, till Guillaum Betancourt, a Gentleman of Picardye, brought them again to be taken notice of by a fresh Trade. The Fable of the Hesperian Gardens, and the Dragon that kept the Golden Fruit, with constant Vigils, is nothing but an allusion to the Sea, which with Serpentine Embraces, not onely secur’d these scatter’d Isles, but swallow’d up several Adventurers that too hardy made their unhappy approaches for discovery.
Another Allegation for the Planting of America by Land, both whose sides are wash’d on the East and West, by the South and Atlantick Ocean, may be thus probably made out: The Atlantick rowls over with almost Fathomless Waters, three thousand Leagues of Ground; the South-Sea not much less, which well may be, being indeed but one continu’d Sea, encompassing, till meeting there, the Universal Ball; whence springs a more likelyhood, that America might be Planted from the Southern parts, from the Straights of Magellan, and Le-Mayr.
[Sidenote: Relatio de Terra Australe.]
[Sidenote: The Description of the unknown South.]
Peter Fernandes de Quir relates, That he and a Commander, Lodowick Paes le Torres saw a part of the South Countrey, and in it innumerable Inhabitants, Whites, Blacks, Sallows, with long, black, curl’d, Woolly, and yellow Hair. They know no Walls or Fortresses for Defence, Laws or Kings, but are divided into Tribes: They use indeed Bows, Arrows, Clubs, and a kind of Spears: Their Houses are cover’d with Palm-Tree-Leaves; their Housholdstuff consists onely of a few Earthen Pots, and such Trinkets; yet they have some little skill in Weaving, and though they go naked, pride themselves in Neck-Laces and Bracelets, made of Mother of Pearl: But these for their Complexions and Constitution of Body, Customs, and manners, are rather deriv’d from the Americans, than they from them, and therefore we must seek for their Original from the North; from which are but two ways, one from Ysland and Groenland, which Grotius endeavors to prove, but contradicted; the other out of Tartary, which certainly was the first Nursery, from whence the Americans were Transplanted.
[Sidenote: Description of Tartary.]
Tartary or Tattary, so call’d from the River Tatter, which runs thorow the Countrey Mongul into the Northern Ocean, covers a great part of the Terrestrial Globe; the lesser Tartary makes out a considerable part of Europe; the greater is Asia.
This great Tartary, which is a thousand Leagues long, and six hundred broad, reckons five chief Provinces, viz. the wild Tartary, inhabited by Herdsmen; Sagatai, of which the Metropolis is Samarcand, famous for the mighty Tamerlane; next Turkestan; then Kitai, which the great Cham Commands; and lastly, Old Tartary, according to Andreas Cæsariensis, the habitation of Gog and Magog.
Now we must enquire from what Tartars the Americans are Extracted:
[Sidenote: Thrian l. 67.]
[Sidenote: If the Israelites were Tartars.]
Mornæus, Postellus, Genebrardus, Poterus, and others are of opinion, That the Tartars, which about the year 1228. under the Command of Zingis Cham overspread the Earth like a deluge, were the Successors of the ten Tribes of Israel, which were carry’d into captivity to Assyria by Salmanazar. The name Tartary, or rather Tattaria, seems to be some testimony thereof, because it signifies in the Syrian or Hebrew Tongue, Remnants or Remainders, as seemingly, because these Tartarians were remainders of the foremention’d Tribes; nay, the Northern Tartary Herdsmen preserve to this day the Names Dan, Zabulon, and Naphthali: Wherefore we need not to admire, why so many Jews are found in Russia, Sarmatia, and Liefland; nay, the nearer to Tartary, the more Jews there are.
Circumcision hath a long time been observ’d among them, before Mahomet brought in his new Law; it seems, that Mahomet order’d the Circumcision and other Laws, according to Moses, to be observ’d by the Northern people, because that in his time, they began to Rebel, that so they might the better be kept in awe by their new Religion.
[Sidenote: Pand. Hist. Turcica.]
Joannes Leonclavius relates, That in Liefland near Riga, he heard the wilde Natives call’d Letti, not without great admiration, go crying along the High-Ways and Fields, with a doleful voice, Jeru, Jeru, Masco lou: It is believ’d that they mourn for Jerusalem and Damascus; but by their long continuance in the vast Wildernesses, they have forgot their Religion and Laws, and what else might enable to tell us who they were. Several learned Authors question this removal of the Israelites out of Assyria to Tartary, though to our Judgement their Arguments are too weak, to take from them of the footing they have gotten there; yet nevertheless, the Israelites are not to be taken for the Planters of America, for why else is not Judaisme as well found in America as in Tartary. But it is already shewn, that America was inhabited long before the dispersion of the Israelites.
[Sidenote: Americans are not deriv’d from Africa nor Europe.]
[Sidenote: But Asia, and chiefly out of Tartary.]
Now to shut up all, it is evident, that the first Planters of America were not Europeans from the dissimilitude of the People, both in their Complexions, Language and Persons; nor Africans, because that in all the far-spreading Countrey of America, not one Negro is to be found, except a few near the River Martha, in the little Territory Quarequa, which must by Storm be drove thither from the Guinny Coast: So that Asia, the Mother of all People, onely remains to be Implanter of our America, whose Western Coast, opposite to Asia, is more inhabited than to the East, where it respects Europe.
[Sidenote: Tartary is not parted from America by the Straights of Anian.]
Moreover, Armenia, out of which, by Noah’s Progeny, the whole Earth was re-peopled, borders on Scythia, now call’d Tartary, and Tartary faces America, separated onely by the Straights of Anian; though some are of opinion, that out of the South into the Frozen Sea, there is no passage thorow these Straights, else (as we have already prov’d the contrary) how came all those Voracious and Poysonous Beasts into America, if it be clearly separated from Asia by Sea?
It deserves here to be related, what happen’d to Henry Cornelison Schaep, and William Byleveld, Sailing from Batavia to discover the Tartarick River Polysange, but were taken and carry’d Prisoners to the Japan Court at Jedo; being Commanded there by Order of the Councel to give an account of a Japan Map or Card, which was laid before them, and contain’d the Provinces of Japan, Amboina, the Molucca Islands, Manilha, the South-Sea, Borneo, Celebes, Malacca, Tartary, Formosa, Corea, and the vast and Mountainous Countrey or Desart of Jesso, separated from Japan by the Straights of Sungar; though toward the North, it joyns to Japan in the Province of Ochio; and beginning in forty seven degrees, run North-East towards America, but they could not possible find the Straights of Anian; but on the contrary, the Promontory of Tartary, viz. the Province Kataya or Katui lay in the same parallel with the Northern America.
[Sidenote: Ennead 9. l. 6. Testimonies that the Americans are Tartars.]
Hereto may be added, that Asia hath no Territory any where, which may more easily with numerous Colonies supply America than this part of Tartary, as well for the vastness of the Countrey, to which no other can compare, as for the increasing of the Inhabitants: Who doth not admire, that according to Michalon Lithouwer, there is scarce a City in Tartary that boasted less than a thousand Temples? and to see Canguista first King of Tartary, about the Year 1200. in Arms; and his Successor Hoccata following his Fathers bloody Footsteps, whilst he prepar’d his Sons with three vast Armies? The eldest Son, Jachis, March’d Westward with thirty thousand Horse; Batho drew with as great an Army towards the North; Tagladais being the youngest fell into the Moores Countrey above Egypt. Hoccata himself March’d victoriously into the North America, subdu’d great part of the Persian Kingdom, and beat the Turks, led by the General Goniata with a great Army, Anno 1241. as Jacob Planensis and Benedictus Sarmata, two Monks, sent by Pope Innocent to Hoccata, witness: The great number of the Tartars or Scythians, may appear by the several people, spread far and near over Tartary; Pliny reckons some of them, viz. Auchetes, Neuri, Geloni, Thussagetes, Budini, Basilides, Agathyrsi, Nomades, Anthropophagi, Hyperborei, Arimphei, Cimmerij, Cicianthi, Georgi, Sacores, and others: What number would the Inhabitants make up that live in America, in Teneneuf, Virginia, Florida, New Spain, Guadalaiara, Guatemala, Terra firma, New Granada, Peru, Chili, Rio de la Plata, Brasil, Guaiana, New Andaluzai?
It will be worth our time, to compare the likeness between the Scythians and Northern Americans; both of them are differenc’d with special Marks of a more than ordinary and natural distance between the Eyes, which much alters the whole Air of the Face, and the plumpness and swelling of their Cheeks summits above the Cheek-bone; most of these are of a middle stature, having downy Hair upon their Chin, like the Callow Feathers of an unfledg’d Bird. Lastly, as the Tartars, they differ amongst themselves in their Customs, yet in several things they agree one with another, according as they are govern’d by others, and yet other Princes, some powerful, and some weaker, according as every ones power be more or less. The Inhabitants of Lucaja bear so great a respect, and stand so much in awe of their Governor, that if commanded to leap from a Rock, and break their Necks, they instantly obey.
The same is observ’d by the Tartars; the first King Canguista Commanded the seven Princes of his Realm to Murder their Sons with their own Hands, which they all readily perform’d.
[Sidenote: Constitutions of the Tartars and Americans agree.]
In Popaina they live to this day like some Tartars, without Laws or Law-givers, who change their places by turns, from the great increase of the Tartars, the Americans no ways differ.
Bartholomeus de las Casas writ to Charles the Fifth, That the Spaniards in few years, onely on the Islands Cuba, Hispaniola, Naco, Hondures, in Venezuela and New Spain, destroy’d above 2600000. Men, besides the slaughter that was made in Peru, Brasil, Rio de la Plata and other places, which far exceed the foremention’d numbers.
Polygamy is still in use, both among the Tartars and Americans; both acknowledge the Immortality of the Soul, both like Cannibals, Eating and Sacrificing Mans flesh. How famous amongst the Antients was the Altar of Diana in Taurica Chersonesus, where several Men were daily Sacrificed? How delicate, according to Sabellicus, did the Tartars account their Dishes, Sauc’d and serv’d with humane Gore?
[Sidenote: Geogr. l. 11 q. 7.]
Strabo relates, That the antient People account it an honourable Death to be chop’d in pieces, and their flesh serv’d up in Commons. Those that die by Age, a natural death, are despis’d like Malefactors, and as a punishment according to their Demerits, left in the open Fields, a prey to Birds and Beasts; some delight in that loathsome gorging themselves with Mens flesh, others on the contrary, not onely detest humane, but all manner of flesh: And just so the Americans are distinguish’d, for although the Caribes, Brasilians, the Inhabitants of New Spain, New Granada, St. Martha, and others, Sacrifice and eat Men, yet as many abhor and detest that odious Diet and abominable Custom.
Giles Flesher Queen Elisabeths Agent in Muscow relates, That Anno 1588. Kinach Morsey, Grandson to the Governor of the Chrim Tartars, made his entrance there with a Retinue of three hundred Noblemen, and two Ladies, of which one was the Widow of his deceased Brother. The great Prince inform’d of their coming, sent him two slaughter’d Horses, whose sides and Hanches they feasted on, as we on Fallow Deer.
[Sidenote: Devil-worship in Americ.]
Most of the Tartars use no manner of Letters or Characters; in the Voyage made into Persia, they first learn’d to make Letters; just so it is in America; their bemoaning of the dead ends in one Moneth, both by the Tartars and Americans; with a Person of Quality, the Tartars bury a live Servant; the same Custom is observ’d by some of the Americans; and so much do they agree in a salvage and rude life, that Merchandizing and Mechanicks are little regarded. Ayson the American acknowledges the Tartars for a rude People in their Religion, Habits, and Dwellings, and yet in all these the Americans differ but very little. Lastly, How common is it amongst them to worship the Devil? Along the River Sagadahoc, the Inhabitants are every new Moon miserably tormented by an Evil Spirit call’d Tanto. In the Temples in Virginia remain yet the horrible Images of the Devils Oka and Menetto. Not a House in Mexico, but hath a peculiar Chappel, set apart for this their suppos’d holy, but damnable Adoration of the Devil. Others in Virginia believe, That there is a great and supreme Deity, which is Everlasting, and for ever. The Tartars also are of the like perswasion.
[Sidenote: Tartarian Horses.]
But this Opinion Grotius hath laid a strong and dangerous Battery against, that America could not be Peopled by the Tartars, because the Americans before the Spaniards coming thither, had never seen any Horses; whereas the Tartars use no Beast more, either in Peace or War, nor can less want: For the Tartarian Forces do not only consist in Horse; but the Wealth of this Countrey is reckon’d up in the numerous Breeds of Horses, and several Studs of Mares. Some of the Nobless keep a thousand Horse; none, though never so poor, but keep two or three; and Beggars there mounted crave Alms and Charity of the People. When they remove their Habitations, their Horses carry their Provisions and Tents: If Provisions grow short, they eat Mares Milk, high gusted with Garlick, which satisfies Hunger and Thirst; and the red Liquor which they tap warm from their Veins, serves them to help Digestion, and heighten their Humor, instead of the Blood of the Grape, our sweet Wine. The swiftest Rivers, though raging and precipitated with Land-floods, they dare adventure swimming their Horses over, hanging naked by their Manes, and guiding them by a slipp’d Rein whither they please: To their Tails they tie their Saddles, and other Necessaries, bound up in Rushes. When a Person of Quality prepares to cross any River, they tie two Horses Tail to Tail, and athwart both their Backs fasten a Mat pleited of Rushes, to sit on. When they are stopp’d at any broad River, or standing Lake, they kill and flea their worst Horses; then turning the Skins inside out, and well Liquoring, they stretch them open with the Ribs, which stand like the Bayles of a Tilted Wherry, and thus furnish’d, serves them for a Boat to carry eight Persons. When they take the Field, going to War, not any but musters three Horses; which makes their Armies, when drawn out in Campain, shew much bigger than indeed they are: And though many of them are kill’d in the Wars, or slain for Food, yet the European Tartars pay yearly forty thousand Horses to the Russians; from whence Grotius thus argues, “If America joyns to Tartary, then the Horses which run wild at Grass might easily have found America themselves, seeking to improve their Pasture, and have gone from one Countrey into the other, as it appears, that since the Spaniards transported Horses to America, they are dispers’d over the highest Mountains, out of one Province into the other: Or if the Straights of Anian run between both, the Tartars never were Navigators; and suppose they had been, they would not have cross’d without Horses, without which they knew not how to subsist.” To which we only say thus, That although Tartary now, and in former times, abounded in Horse, yet must we grant, that it hath been always so? or that the ancient Scythians, who we avouch first planted America, had such frequent use of them as the Tartars now. This may be controverted, for that these Scythians planting there in the Non-age of Time, presently after the Flood, the use of Horses was unknown, which the Ancient Poets testifie by their Fiction of Centaurs, who when first seen, the Horse and Rider were taken for one Creature. The like mistake the Mexicans had, when they saw the mounted Spaniards, a thousand running away from one Cavalier.
As to their coming thither of themselves, it may easily be confuted: Who knows not, that there is no Countrey a continu’d Pasture, but luxurious Vales separated with inaccessible Mountains, Lakes, and vast Wildernesses. But David Ingram relates, “That he saw some Horses in the Northern America, which the Mexicans, and other Conquests of the Spaniards never heard of:” Whereupon we may conclude, and we suppose without all peradventure, That the Americans have absolutely their Original from Tartary, which bordering Armenia, where Noah’s Ark first rested, hath a convenient way, though beyond the Artick Circle, through a temperate Climate betwixt Heat and Cold, to Cathay, in the same Parallel with the neighboring America.
CHAP. III. First Discoverers of America. Christopher Colonus his Expedition.
[Sidenote: Pet Bizari Res Genoan. lib. 16.]
[Sidenote: Lib. 11. Hist. Georg.]
[Sidenote: Christoph. Colonus’s Birth.]
Christopher Colonus, generally (though by mistake) call’d Columbus, was born in Arbizolo, a Village in the Dominion of Genoa, near Savona; his Father liv’d by Fishing in the Midland-Sea: So that Sebastian Schroter, and others besides him, are mistaken, saying, Colonus was born in the City Cucureum, and descended of the Noble Family Pilistrelli: For Peter Bezarus, Colonus his Countrey-man, gives unquestionable Proofs of his mean Extract; and amongst other things, That the Common-wealth of Genoa refus’d to receive the great Legacy which Colonus left them in his Will, because they fondly thought it a derogation to their Honor, being so great a Republick, to take any thing of Bequest from a Fishers Son: Yet his Majesty of Castile thought otherwise, not onely enriching him with Wealth, and a fair Revenue for his Discovery of the West-Indies; but also, though of a low derivation, rais’d him to great Honor, Ennobling him the first of his Family with Dignities, Titles, and Escutcheon, which rank’d him in place among his Prime Nobility.
[Sidenote: His Life.]
[Sidenote: Strange Accident. Hist. Peru.]
[Sidenote: Makes his Address at Genoa.]
[Sidenote: To the Portuguese,]
[Sidenote: English,]
[Sidenote: And Castilian King, concerning a New World.]
[Sidenote: Sails from Cadiz to discover New Countreys.]
[Sidenote: His People rebel.]
[Sidenote: Discovers Hispaniola.]
[Sidenote: Trades with the Natives.]
Colonus, whom we shall henceforth call Columbus, spent his Youth near the Sea, where he was busie exploring the Winds, considering their Natures, and the Quarters whence they rose, especially with the setting of the Current from the Atlantick to the Mediterrane. The Western Winds, which often, as well as the Levant, blow several days together from the great Ocean, much amusing him, hinted at last some Notions, that there might be another World, and new Places to be discover’d, beyond the setting of the Sun; and that the Ne plus ultra should not be, if he could help it, the commanding Terminary of the Earth that way. He also spent much time, being of a solid Judgment, in the Emendations of Charts and Maps, then very much improvable: And the Portuguese, who at that time had got the start in Navigation from all other People, being then busie to find a way by the South of Africa to the East-Indies, not contented to go by hearsay, he went himself in Person a Voyage with them. Soon after Columbus settled himself in the Island Madera, where an Accident hapned, which Francis Lopez de Gomesa relates thus: “The Master of a Ship, whose Name and Countrey lies buried in Oblivion (though some would have him to be of Spain, some an Andalusian or Biscayner, and others a Portuguese) Trading the Canaries and Flemmish-Isles, was surpris’d by a hideous Tempest from the East, which hurried him nolens volens through dreadful Waves, where at last he found himself ingag’d upon a Western Coast, altogether unknown. The Storm ceasing, without making further Discoveries, he pick’d his way homeward, at last Landing in the Haven of Madera: All his Crew but three and himself, with hardship, want, and the long Voyage having perish’d, himself dangerously sick, was carried into Columbus his House; where lying on his Death-Bed, he bequeath’d to Columbus his Maps, Journals, and other Observations of this his unfortunate Voyage.” Columbus being by these Papers more confirm’d than ever in his Opinion of a New World in the West, declar’d what he verily believ’d, to the States of Genoa; but they look’d upon him as a vain and idle Fellow; yet Columbus full of his great Project, thus slighted and scornfully rejected, sate not so down, but address’d himself to the King of Portugal, where they wearied him, spending long time with dilatory Answers, to no effect; the Opinion of a whole Court of expert Navigators having cast his Declaration out, as a Chimera or meer Fancy. Soon after Columbus sending his Brother into England, to move the Business to King Henry the Seventh, he being taken Prisoner by the way, and lying long er’e his Release, came too late to the English Court, prevented by the News of Christopher’s return with Success from his intended Voyage: For mean while Ferdinando and Isabella King of Castile, having finish’d his Wars with the Moors, had furnish’d him out for the Expedition; which he effected by the favor of Alfonso Mendotio and Alfonso Quintavilia, both great Ministers of State under Ferdinand and Isabel, and obtain’d so much at last, that he was sent with a hundred and twenty Souldiers, besides Sea-men, in two Ships, and one Pinnace. Thus supplied, he set Sail from Cadiz upon the Kings account the fourth of August, Anno 1492. and first reach’d the Canary-Islands, and from thence steering South-West, the Wind in thirty three days scarce varying one Point: But though the Weather blew so constant, yet the Sea-men chang’d their Minds, and Storm’d quite contrary, crying, That Columbus was guilty of all their Deaths: For (said they, after they had lost sight of the Canaries so many days, nothing appearing but Sea and Sky) Who can hope for any Success or happy conclusion of so desperate a Voyage, so rashly undertaken, and found now so full of eminent danger? Yet Columbus bore bravely up, and weather’d all their Exclamations, although they threatned no less than his Murder: At last Articling, they came to this Agreement, That if after sailing forwards three days more, no Land were discover’d, they should return: But about two a Clock the next Night, Columbus saw a glimmering like Fire in the Sky, and in the Morning found himself close aboard a most pleasant Coast, where Landing with twelve Men, he erected a Cross cut out of a Tree. Thence he sail’d over to Cuba, where the Sea was so rough, that he was forc’d to stand off, fearing Rocks and Shallow Water. Soon after he got to the Northward of the Island Haytin, which he call’d Hispaniola: Here his best Ship was bulged upon a Rock, on which they had all perish’d, had it not been flat on the top, so that the Soldiers and the whole Crew of Sea-men were sav’d by the two Vessels. The Inhabitants stark naked, seeing these Strangers, fled to the Woods; but the Spaniards overtaking a Woman, they entertain’d her with Sweet-meats and Spanish Wine, and putting her on a white Shirt, sent her again to the rest of the Natives, where return’d, she told what good Entertainment she had had to her Companions; whereupon divers of the Islanders came aboard of the Spaniards, in Boats made of one piece of Wood, where they barter’d Gold for Beads, pieces of Glass, Knives, Shells, and other Trifles. The King of Guaccanarillo gave testimony of peculiar inclination to the Spaniards, helping them to Fish up the remaining Goods of the Wreck, and inform’d them, That some Rivers flowing from the tops of high Mountains, wash’d down the Gold amongst the Sand: notwithstanding a strange Prophecy had been told to these Islanders, namely, That Bearded Men out of remote Countries should destroy their Goods, take their Land, and massacre their Children. He also told them what made them fly, and betake them to their Heels at the arrival of the Spaniards, because they were oftentimes surpris’d by the Cannibals, who snatch’d up all they could lay hold on: Their Boys and Striplings they gelded, cooping and cramming them up, as we our Capons, for Feasts: The young and well-grown Men they chopp’d to pieces, salted, and Barrel’d up: Young Women they preserv’d for breed, and old ones they made Slaves. These Cannibals were so terrible to the Inhabitants of Haytin, that a thousand of them durst not venture to engage against ten, but would run every way, dispers’d like Flocks of Sheep before the Wolf.
Lastly, Their King permitted the Spaniards to build a Lodge or Hovel, wherein thirty or forty of them might shelter; but indeed so taking possession in right of the King of Spain.
[Sidenote: Returns to Spain.]
[Sidenote: Is highly honor’d.]
[Sidenote: Goes with seventeen Sail a second time to Hispaniola.]
Mean while Columbus return’d in safety to Spain, and was receiv’d with great joy, King Ferdinand making him Admiral of the Sea, and sending his Brother Bartholomew Governor to Haytin, now call’d Hispaniola. The Gold, Parrots, Mastick, Aloes, the strange Bread Jucca, whose extracted Juyce is rank Poyson, but the Body makes good Meal, which kneaded and bak’d, yields a fine Manchet and wholesom Food, they look’d upon with great delight and admiration; but two of the Natives being naked, with Gold Rings through their Noses and Ears, Ornaments with them of high esteem, and signifying their no mean Quality, the People old and young came in Throngs to wonder at, never weary of gazing upon them. But the King, encourag’d by this Success, took no dilatory Course, but suddenly, and before any could expect, built fourteen stout Carvels, and three Frigats, and as soon mann’d them with twelve hundred Soldiers, besides a great number of Artificers of all sorts, with their Wives and Children, freighting them with Horses, Swine, Goats, Cattel for Breed, all sorts of European Corn to sow, Fruit-Trees and Vines to plant, and some Priests to instruct and convert the Natives to their Religion.
[Sidenote: The Barbadoes, St. Christophers, &c.]
[Sidenote: The Huts of the Cannibals.]
The second of September, Anno 1493. they set sail from Cadiz, and Anchor’d before Ferreo, the last and furthest of the Canary-Islands, where they could get no Water, but what dropp’d from the Dew hanging on Trees into Troughs. After that, Columbus came on the one and twentieth day amongst the Caribby-Islands, where he dropp’d Anchor before one, which he call’d Dominico; but finding it desolate, set sail further, and discover’d several other Coasts, where he likewise found nothing but very great Porcupines or Hedg-hogs, and sweet-smelling Trees. Steering forward, he found the Coasts of the Cannibals, which inhabited along the Shore in little Huts or Hovels, built round of Wood, and stak’d about on the out-side with long Poles, like Palisado’s: They have also Posts within, which are shorter, pleited and fastned together with Cotton, or long Roots of Trees, plyant like our Osiars, over which they hang Cloths painted with horrible Figures and strange Representations: The Roofs rise like our Canopy’d Tents, highest in the middle, cover’d with Palm-Tree Leaves to keep off the Rain: At the Entrances hang two Hairy Images on Poles, not for Religion sake, but Ornament: Their Bed-steads being high from the Ground, are fill’d with a kind of Straw; and in long Hovels fitted for that purpose they store their Sugar.
[Sidenote: Island Guadalupe.]
Columbus landing here, found all the Cannibals fled; but their Houses full of Stone Vessels, Cruises, Pans, and Pots, boyling with Mens Flesh, Parrots, and Wild-foul; the Hanches and Sides of young Men, on Spits roasting at the Fire, with the Splinters of whose broken Bones they headed their Arrows. This Island by the Inhabitants call’d Carucueria, Columbus chang’d to Guadalupe, because the Mountains rise up with their tops not unlike Estremadura in Spain, famous there for the wonderful Representation of our Lady, as that of the Lady of Loretto in Italy. Thirty Women which he had taken from the neighboring Isles, he sent with Presents to the fled Canibals, which the next day returning, made a great appearance near the Shore; but when they had gaz’d a while upon the Spaniards, looking stedfastly on one another, they suddenly ran back again, sheltring themselves in the Covert of the Woods. Columbus thinking it not worth his while to expect their return, seeing their barbarous Life, burnt and destroy’d all their Boats, and spoiling whatever he could, sail’d to Matanino.
[Sidenote: Strange Women in Matanino.]
The releas’d Women in Guadalupe, that came back again, inform’d the Spaniards, That Matanino was an Isle onely inhabited by Women, which at accustom’d times row’d over to these Cannibals, where a while they drove a Trade and Commerce of Love, the Product of which, if Girls, they kept; but the Boys they sent over to their Fathers. They live in Caves, the Mouths and Entrances of which they maintain and stoutly make good with their Bowe, shooting Arrows as thick as Hail at the approach of Men, after their impregnating by the Cannibals.
[Sidenote: Remarkable Passage of Columbus.]
[Sidenote: Salvageness of the Indians.]
From hence the Fleet pass’d by several other fruitful Islands, Columbus giving them the Names of Montseratto, Rodondo, St. Martin, Santa Cruz, formerly by the Inhabitants call’d Ayaya. On this last Island he landed thirty Men, who took four Women, which held out their Hands before them, as if Petitioners that begg’d Quarter, or praying, and then conceal’d themselves in Ambuscade, the better to surprize more; when by chance they spied an Indian Canoo at Sea, with eight Men, and as many Women; whereupon those in Ambuscade made a Signal to the next Ship, which immediately sent off some Boats well Mann’d; but before they drew near them, or expected an On-set, one of the Spaniards was kill’d, and another wounded with their Arrows; amongst whom a Woman, to whom all the rest shew’d greatest Respect and Reverence, aim’d very exactly. Their barbed Shafts were poyson’d; whereupon the Spaniards enrag’d, stemm’d the Canoo, and oversetting, row’d quite over; which little or nothing avail’d; for they all swam, and though separated, shot their Arrows at them, as if the Boat had been a But. At last the Indians got upon a blind Rock, cover’d with Shole Water, which gave them fresh Courage; but the Spaniards having more aid sent them from the Fleet, took them all Prisoners; but the Queens Son being wounded in the Scuffle, and dying soon after, was thrown overboard. The Prisoners being brought before Columbus, foam’d at the Mouth for raging madness; and being afterwards carried to Castile, so retain’d their fierce and salvage Nature, that they scar’d away and frighted the safe Beholders.
[Sidenote: Columbus comes to Hispaniola.]
[Sidenote: Finds the Spaniards slain.]
[Sidenote: His Discourse with the King Guaccanarillo.]
[Sidenote: Strange gathering of Gold.]
[Sidenote: Decas 1. De Orba Novo.]
Mean while the Spanish Fleet proceeded on their Voyage, between several Islands, to Hispaniola, of which some appear desolate and barren, others green and Woody; the small Vessels sailing close under the Shore, and the great ones standing further off at Sea, which was very turbulent, and beat exceedingly against the Shole Rocks. The Island Burichema, Columbus call’d St. Johns, to which belong’d some of the Women sent forth in Guadalupe, who inform’d them, That Burichema was well inhabited by a kind and hospitable People, who when the Cannibals landed there fought them, and if Conquerors, were so much exasperated with their inhumane Barbarisms, that they seiz’d on them like Mastiffs open-mouth’d, and tore them piece-meal with their Teeth; yet themselves abhorring the Custom of eating Mens Flesh. Here the Spaniards found onely a large House, surrounded with twelve lesser ones, all deserted; for the Inhabitants with their King Chiasichio were then retir’d into the cool and more sheltring Woods, from the mid-day Heat. All this the Indians told him, which he brought back with him from Spain. Coming to an Anchor at Hispaniola, he sent one of the Indians ashore, that he might tell what brave things he had seen in the Spanish Court; but the remaining three took the advantage of the following Night, and leaping over-board, swam to Shore. But this Accident he not much regarded, trusting to have a sufficient Account from his eight and thirty Spaniards which he had left in the Fort upon the Island; and the more, because King Guaccanarillo’s brother, in sign of Friendship, had presented him with two Golden Images: But all these Conjectures fail’d him, so that hearing nothing, he landed, where he found the Spanish Garrison utterly destroy’d, and the Royal Fort burnt down to the Ground, and lying in a heap of Ashes. Then they fired several Guns, to give notice, that if any of them had conceal’d themselves, and lay sculking in the Woods, or otherwise, they should discover themselves, and come to the succour of their Friends: But all in vain, for none came; for as they were afterwards inform’d, the Inhabitants had slain them, because of their insupportable behavior, insolently committing Robberies, Rapes, and Murders: Hereupon he sent Messengers to the King Guaccanarillo, to inquire why they had fired his Fort, and what they had done with his Men, who brought him this Return, That over that mighty Island were many Princes, of which two being provok’d by the reports of the Strangers that were entertain’d in the Island, came marching upon them, each with their Armies; but that he endeavor’d what he could, and came with a Power to assist the Strangers; yet all he got for his Kindness, was a Wound in his Leg, which had been so sore and troublesom, that forc’d him to keep his Bed, and no less than seven Concubines to attend him, and dress the Wound: But he told his Tale so ill, and feign’d his Lameness worse, that Sibilius, one of the Messengers sent by Columbus, lifting up the Coverlet, saw that he ail’d nothing, which soon confirm’d his doubt, that he was confederated with the rest, and alike guilty of the Slaughter. At last Guaccanarillo being desir’d, came in Person to Columbus, in whose presence he held a long Discourse with an Indian Woman, which they had brought from the Island of Santa Cruz, there Christned by the Name of Catharine: At length Guaccanarillo was dismiss’d, and the Night following this Catharine, with seven more of the Indian Women, leap’d over-board, and swom almost a League to Shore, so going thence directly to their King Guaccanarillo. This Accident gave more suspicion to Columbus, who thereupon sent three hundred Men, commanded by Melchior, Hoieda, and Gorvalano, to march through the Island three several ways, and with special Commission to secure as their Prisoner Guaccanarillo. Melchior discover’d a wide River, full of Reaches and winding Bays, gliding between high Hills cover’d with Woods, resounding with the ecchoing noises of harmonious Birds, and disemboguing his Waters, enlarg’d by two other Rivers, into the Sea, so making a convenient Harbor for Ships. Here a hundred of the Islanders, well Arm’d after their manner, met them, crying aloud, We are no Cannibals, but Taynos, that is, a People more civil than they are cruel. The Spaniards making Signs of Peace, the Taynos approach’d, and joyn’d their Forces in a friendly manner. Near the place of this Meeting appear’d a House built in an Oval fashion, being thirty two Paces in the Circumference, the Roof curiously pleited of divers colour’d Rushes, round about which stood thirty lesser Dwellings. Mean while, in his March Hoieda discover’d a River that descended from a high Mountain, where the Inhabitants gather’d much Gold after this manner: They dig a Hole about two Foot deep; then taking up their left Hand full of Sand, with their right Hand they cull out the precious Ingots, which little accounting of, as they gather’d, they dealt away to the Spaniards. Most of the Pieces were as big as Pease, yet some so large, that they weigh’d nine Ounces. Peter Martyr, Councellor to the Emperor Charles, tells us, That he hath seen of them in the Spanish Court, that were brought over thither by Columbus. Moreover, Hoieda was inform’d here, That this Gold-River took its Original in the Province belonging to Cacicus Caunaboa, signifying, The King of the Golden Palace.
[Sidenote: Columbus builds a City.]
[Sidenote: Strange fruitfulness there.]
Mean time Columbus selected a piece of Ground on a rising Hill, on the North part of the Isle, where he intended to build a City, because close by the Hill on one side rises a Mountain, pregnant with Stone and Chalk; on the other, a Plain, so exceeding fruitful and pleasant, that the Sun scarce shines upon a more delightful and fertile Soil, which they found afterwards by experience. Here Melons are set and ripe in thirty six days; Corn, in two Months; twice a Year the Trees and Plants bring forth their several Products; the Vines come to maturity, and are loaden with Clusters of Grapes, in two Years, and Sugar-Canes grow as thick as a Mans Arm in fifteen days. On this pleasant Soil, accommodated with a convenient Haven, Columbus afterwards built the City Isabella, fortified with Walls and Trenches against all Invasions, over which he made his Brother Bartholomew Columbus first Governor.
Mean while the Admiral Columbus himself march’d up into the Countrey with three hundred Men, in quest of the Gold Mines. Seventy two Leagues the Valley Cibava lies distant from Isabella, to which Columbus pass’d over swift Currents and high Mountains, where he built a Fort, which he call’d St. Thomas; and exchang’d with the Inhabitants Toys and Trifles, for Pieces and Ingots of Gold, which the Inhabitants, as before-mention’d, found in the Sand of their Rivers: And besides, they inform’d him, That about half a days Journey further, greater Quantities of Gold were to be found, in a browner colour’d Soil: Whereupon Luxanus, one of his Officers, was sent with a sufficient Party thither, who march’d through a delightful way, cool with shady Boughs, and pleasant with the prospect of spacious Meadows, where they mow’d Grass for their Horses, which in four days time grew up again higher than our tallest Wheat.
[Sidenote: Goes to Sea to discover new Countreys.]
Mean time Columbus being return’d with great Riches to his new City Isabella, went soon after by Sea, with three Vessels, to discover new Countreys more remote; which his Design fell out also successfully; for he fell first upon Jamaica, where he found more stout Opposition than elsewhere, by the Natives, at his Landing; but finding themselves over-power’d, they came to Agreement, and accepting an amicable Composure, presently struck up a Peace. From thence putting to Sea, he next discover’d Cuba, which sailing round about, he found also to be an Island; where Landing in a convenient Harbor, on each fenc’d with a high and jutting Rock, he espied two little Hovels, wherein was abundance of Fish, besides two great Snakes or Serpents, each having eight Feet, spitted, and ready to be laid to the Fire to be roasted; but neither Man, Woman, nor Child to be seen, they being gone with part of the Fish they had dress’d, into the adjacent Woods; whither the Spaniards following, saw hanging by small Strings, on the Branches of Trees, abundance of Snakes, some of which had their Mouths tied together, others their Tongue and Teeth pull’d out. Hence marching on, a little beyond they saw a Company of the Natives, which they judg’d to be about seventy Men, covering the top or summit of a Hill, to whom the Spaniards made Signs, and to entice them near, shew’d several of their gawdy Trifles; but in vain, till at last one adventur’d, descending from the Hill, to whom one of the Natives (who in the first Voyage that the Admiral made, was taken from the Island Guanabaini near Cuba, carried to Spain, and there Christned) call’d aloud, telling him they need not fear, they should have no harm done them; which said, they came down all together, and inform’d them, That they were sent by their King to catch Fish for another King, which was with him at Dinner; and if they had not eaten the Serpents, they gave them many thanks; for they were provided for the second Course, and very scarce to be got, being a greater Dainty than any Fish.
[Sidenote: Discovers not without great Accidents, several New Countreys.]
Columbus from hence proceeding on further Westward, discover’d a fruitful Coast, verging the Mouth of a River, whose Water runs boyling hot into the Sea. Somewhat further he saw very strange Fishes, especially the Guaican, not unlike an Eel, but with an extraordinary great Head, over which hangs a Skin like a Bag. This Fish is the Natives Fisher; for having a Line or handsom Cord fastned about him, so soon as a Turtel, or any other of his Prey, comes above Water, they give him Line; whereupon the Guaican, like an Arrow out of a Bowe, shoots towards the other Fish, and then gathering the Mouth of the Bag on his Head like a Purse-net holds them so fast, that he lets not loose till hal’d up out of the Water.
Here the Spaniards having Din’d on delicate Fish, went on still Westward, and came to an uninhabited Isle, but well stor’d with Geese, Pelicans, and ugly Dogs that could not bark. Here they came amongst so many Shoals, that the Keels of their Ships raked upon the Ground almost forty Leagues together, the Water thick and white like Milk. Lastly, they came again into deep Water, and Landed at the Foot of a high Mountain, on the Island Cuba; where they found two Springs of very sweet Water. A Musqueteer going into the Woods whilst the rest fill’d their Vessels with Water and cut Wood, he spied a tall Man in a Coat like a white Fryer’s Frock; behind whom came two more, and soon after thirty more follow’d, all alike Habited: the Musqueteer running away, they beckned him to stay, but he march’d off; and informing Columbus of his Adventure, he sent a Party well Arm’d to see farther into the Countrey; but they neither saw nor heard any Men, onely found on the other side of the Wood a great Plain, but so overgrown with deep Grass, that it was impossible to get through: The next day he sent out twenty five more, which found nothing else than the Prints of the Steps of great Beasts and Lyons, and also abundance of large Grapes, which hung on the Branches of Vines, clasping about the Bodies of the great Trees.
Hence Columbus again putting to Sea, and Sailing Westerly, found a Shore overflow’d with Water, and abounding with Pearl-Mussles, and after that the whole Countrey full of Mountains, whose tops smoaked. By this time the Fleet was much damnified by the Shole-water; where, as we mention’d before, they often struck, and their Keels rak’d upon the Ground; so that having sprung several Leaks, and their Provisions growing mouldy with the Damp, they were forc’d to return; and Tacking about they ran against Turtles, which lay as thick in the Sea as if they had been sow’n.
Columbus now on his return home, and Landing once more on Cuba, found an antient Man stark naked, who speaking to him (Didacus interpreted, the Language in some part agreeing with that of Hispaniola) to this effect:
You have to all admiration come to see this Countrey from another World, my advice to you is, That you hurt none; for the Souls of evil-doers go to dark places: But on the contrary, they shall enjoy the heighth of all Pleasures that are Friends to Peace.
Columbus reply’d, That he came a Scourge for the cruel Cannibals, but a Shield to protect the quiet and well-meaning Indians.
[Sidenote: Great disturbance in Hispaniola.]
After this, returning to Hispaniola, much contrary to his expectation, he found all things which he had setled there turn’d topsie-turvy: for first the Governors at Isabella jangled, and were at private contentions amongst themselves, and the Benedictine Monk Boilus and Peter Margarites were return’d to Spain; there to make their complaints at Court: and besides, the Spaniards had dealt very inhumanely with the Natives, by their frequent Rapes, Thefts, and Murders; wherefore the Indians, not unjustly incens’d, destroy’d all the Spaniards they found stragling in any part without the Lines of their Fortification. Caunaboa also lay about the Fort St. Thomas, and closely besieged Hoieda; but receiving intelligence of Columbus’s arrival, he broke up his Siege, and march’d from thence, but soon after was taken Prisoner by the Spaniards. Mean while upon Design (a Plot none of the wisest) the Natives of Hispaniola had neither Till’d or Sow’d the Ground, or us’d Agriculture the year before, contriving by want of Provisions (not considering themselves) to starve out the Spaniards; but the mischief fell upon the Contrivers: for so great a Famine hapned, that spreading over the whole Countrey, in a few Moneths fifty thousand were starv’d to death; but the Spaniards made a saving, though hard shift with their own store, then, though too late, the Islanders repented of their folly, for they saw the Spaniards making an advantage of their misery, not onely built more Houses in their City Isabella, but prepar’d their Weather-beaten Vessels, with which Sailing to the Gold Mountains of Cipangi on the Hill, whence sprung several Fountains, they rais’d the Castle of the Conception. Great benefit they reap’d by this Fort, to which they carry’d daily abundance of Amber, Brimstone, mix’d Ore of Silver and Gold, and Brazile-wood, besides great store of Gold: and they might have gotten ten times more, had they not been so much inclin’d to slothfulness, and minding other vain pleasures: yet notwithstanding all, the Fleet carry’d that year above one thousand two hundred pound weight of Gold to Spain.
[Sidenote: Spaniards tyrannise there.]
In the mean while the Natives complain’d to Columbus of the Spanish Soldiers, which under pretence to seek for Gold, committed many insufferable Outrages; therefore they desir’d that they might be retain’d in their Forts, and not straggle so much abroad, and they would willingly bring them every three Moneths a certain weight of Cotton, Amber, Brazile-wood, and Gold, more than equivalent to what they snatch’d; but Columbus (whose Soldiers, notwithstanding his severity, and using Martial Law upon some of them for their Crimes, and proud with their success) yet prevail’d at last, that they consented thereto; but the Inhabitants never perform’d their promise, who being almost famish’d, had much to do to preserve themselves alive, spending their time in picking Sallads.
[Sidenote: Their Conquest.]
Whilst the Business remain’d in this ill posture, or rather confusion, Cibanus, Brother to the imprison’d Caunaboa, rais’d an Army of five thousand Men: the Spaniards, divided into five Companies, march’d to meet him; and their Enemies being naked, and having no other Arms than Bowes, Arrows, and Clubs, after some little resistance, were soon dissipated and put to flight, but overtaken by the Spanish Horse, many of them were taken Prisoners, and others forc’d to skulk and hide themselves on the tops of Mountains.
[Sidenote: Horible Tempest.]
[Sidenote: A remarkable passage concerning Bartholomew Columbus.]
[Sidenote: Brave reception of a King in Hispaniola.]
Shortly after this Battel hapned a Huricane, mix’d with Thunder-claps, renting great pieces from the Rocks, and the Wind blowing out of the East, threw down Houses and Trees, some of which were carry’d a vast heighth into the Air; three Ships that rode in the Harbor, broke their new Cables, and split against the Rocks. The Spaniards expected nought else, but that with this excessive Tempest the Day of Judgment was at hand. And on the other side, the Islanders ascribed this raging of Heavens to the Spaniards wickedness. This Storm past, and the Air setled, Columbus gave order for the building of two new Ships there, with which in March, Anno 1495. he return’d to Spain; where in Medina del Campo he gave an account at the Court about the discover’d Countreys; where also Sentence was pass’d on several Spaniards, and chiefly concerning the Benedictine Monk Boilus, who out of meer malice pass’d by him at Mass with the Host, while he gave it to others, without any distinction. Then he gave a further account, that his Brother Bartholomew had found, sixty Leagues beyond Isabella, several deep Pits, the uppermost Ground of which Sifted, produced abundance of Gold. Moreover, that he had built the Castle Aurea there in three Moneths time with little trouble: but because Provisions grew scarce there, he found himself necessitated to remove, but left ten Men in the Garrison, and had sent three hundred of the Islanders with their Governors to Spain. He also built the Castle Dominico, on the South-side of Hispaniola; from whence he had travell’d into the Countrey to the River Naiba: where, upon this Shore the King Beuchio Anacauchoa Encamp’d himself against the Naibans, to bring them, besides several other People, under his subjection. That Bartholomew demanded Tribute of Anacauchoa, which he immediately promis’d to pay, and disbanded his Forces, conducting Bartholomew above thirty Leagues on his Way, along a Path on both sides sown with Hemp, and planted with Cotton-Trees, to his Palace Xaraqua, in the West of Hispaniola, where he was received in great state: Thirty of the Kings Wives walk’d before, carrying in their Hands Boughs of Palm-trees, and both Sung and Danc’d very strangely; behind these came a considerable number of naked Virgins, very handsom; at last Bartholomew entring the Palace with the King, found a Table furnish’d with all manner of Dainties, and a very courteous Entertainment. The next day walking forth to a large Plain, and looking about he saw two Parties that deeply engag’d in Fight behind a Hill, with great slaughter on both sides, and had not he desir’d that they might be parted, there had been much more Blood shed. After he had been several days friendly entertain’d, he return’d to the Forts Isabella, Sperancia, Catharina, St. Jago, Turrita, Conception, and Dominico; where he found above three hundred Spaniards starv’d of hunger, besides many that were sick.
At that time Guarionexius having been oppress’d by the Spaniards, and a long time watching for an opportunity, now thinking he had found it, rais’d an Army of fifteen thousand Men, with which he was resolv’d to try his fortune against Columbus; who privately receiving intelligence thereof, fell upon him so on a sudden and unexpectedly, that he spoil’d his Design, and took all his Commanders Prisoners: But to oblige the Inhabitants, who begg’d for their King, Columbus set him at liberty, advising him to be careful of raising a War against him any more. But he not being able to endure the oppressions of Roldanus Ximenez, a Spanish Commander, fled to the wild Ciquano’s, descended from the Canibals, and living on steep Mountains: Of these he desir’d aid against the Spaniards, and obtain’d not onely their Promise, but some Men; with which he robb’d and pillag’d the Countrey round about, and what Spaniards he met with he kill’d, and with his Men did eat, as if a Venison Feast. Mean while Ximenez made himself Leader of seventy Rebels, which like raging blood-hounds fell upon the Natives after a terrible manner.
[Sidenote: Columbus Sails the third time to Hispaniola.]
[Sidenote: Description of the City Angra.]
Whilst all things were thus in disorder at Hispaniola, the Admiral Christopher Columbus set Sail a third time with eight Ships from the Haven Barrameda, in the Year 1498. To shun the French Pyrates, which watched for the Indian Treasures, he directed his Course to Madera, a fruitful Island of Corn, Wine, Sugar, Wax, and Cattel, desolate till Anno 1420. Here coming to an Anchor, he sent six Ships away to Hispaniola, which himself afterwards followed with the remaining two, steering by the Flemish Islands, or Acores, first so call’d from the Flemings, the first Planters: Here he dropt Anchor before the City Angra on the Isle Tercera, which is sixteen Leagues in circumference, and very Mountainous; the tops whereof are like Spires, and abound with Grapes: the Plain Countrey produces great store of Corn, but it will not keep above twelve Moneths. The Ground is oftentimes terribly shaken by Earthquakes, and between several sulphurous Places, both Flames and Smoak ascend up to the Sky. Near the City Angra is a Fountain which turns Wood into Stone. The Winds in this Place blow so fierce and strong, that they not onely beat down Houses, but wear out Iron, and all manner of Stone-work. In Angra the chief Commander of all the Flemish Isles hath his Residence. The City, surrounded by steep Rocks, lies towards the Sea like a Crescent, or Half-Moon; for at both ends thereof the Mountains extend with deep Points into the Ocean. The uppermost part towards the West stands likewise fortifi’d by a high Rock, as also by another on the East: on both are continual Watches kept; whereof those on the first can discover Ships fifteen Leagues off at Sea, coming either from the East or West-Indies; and on the other, all those that come from Europe: When they see above fifteen Sail, they put out the Kings great Flag upon the top of all the Rock.
This City of Angra is divided into several Streets: the Governor and Archbishop live each in a stately Palace; five handsom Churches are no small ornament to it; the Sea before it abounds with Fish, but are not to be taken in December, by reason of the turbulent Waves.
Christopher Columbus having refresh’d at Angra, Sail’d along the African Coast between the Hesperides: under the Equinoctial he was so miserably tormented by the Heat, that his Vessels seem’d to burn, the Hoops sprung from the Casks, so that the Water run about the Hold; and they could expect nothing but death from the insufferable Heat, and want of Water: eight days they had endur’d this hardship, when they met with a fresh Gale out of the South-East, so that they made great Way towards the West. On the last of July he discover’d three high Mountains; and approaching near the Shore, he smelt as in a Posie, all the sweet breathings of fragrant Flowers commix’d, and at last saw a convenient Haven; where going ashore he found cultivated Grounds, and steps of Beasts, but not a Man appear’d: the next day they spy’d a Boat with twenty young Men come rowing from the Shore into the Ocean. The Admiral hal’d them in vain to come aboard, for they made the greater hast ashore, still looking about continually with great admiration on the Ships: whereupon he commanded them to beat their Drums, and sound their Trumpets, that they might by that means entice them aboard; but they rather taking it as a sign of War, made themselves ready for resistance: mean while the Spaniards overtook the Indian Boat, into which they threw a Hat, and other trifles; the Islanders amaz’d thereat, made signs to them to row ashore; but soon after they fled.
[Sidenote: Abundance of Pearl.]
Columbus proceeding on his Journey came to Paria, where he found a Fishers Pink loaden with Oysters; which opening and taking out the Meat, were found full of Pearls, which because of their abundance were not regarded there; for a broken Dish and a rusty Knife, the Spaniards had four long Strings of Pearl.
[Sidenote: Columbus is in great danger.]
From thence anchoring in the River of Cumana, several naked Men came aboard, adorn’d with Golden Armlets, and Strings of Pearl, These inform’d him, that they gather’d their Gold from the Mountains and Rivers, and caught their Pearl-oysters in the adjacent Seas. Some of the Spaniards were nobly entertain’d by the King and his Son, who leading them into their Palace, placed them on Benches of Ebony-wood, curiously wrought, and on a sudden several Servants came in with variety of Dainties, and well-tasted Wine. But because Provisions grew scarce amongst the Sea-men, and their Meat tainted, Columbus thought it convenient to leave the Pearl-trade till some better opportunity. Then setting forward, the farther he went, the shallower he found the Sea, insomuch that his Ship scarce had Water enough to swim. This inconvenience was followed by a second; for the Sea being full of Weeds and Grass, scarce suffer’d any Passage. A River thirty Yards deep, and twenty Leagues broad, came rushing out betwixt two Shores into this Sea with such force, that the Waves went high like Mountains, which made Columbus judge himself in the greatest danger imaginable, and withall Tack about; so that he came on the eight and twentieth of August Anno 1498. to an Anchor before Hispaniola, where all things were still in a sad confusion, as we before related.
[Sidenote: Roldanus Ximenes opposes Columbus.]
[Sidenote: Strange Indians.]
Roldanus Ximenes refus’d to follow Christopher Columbus’s, order and writ Letters to the King of Spain, in which he exceedingly aspersed both the Admiral Columbus and his Brother; who were not backward in giving an account quite contrary by their Letters, of the horrid Villanies perpetrated by this Ximenes, and desir’d aid, that so great an Offender might receive condign punishment. Mean while the Ciquano’s came marching down with six thousand Men, which Bartholomew went to meet with eighty Foot and some few Horse: The Indians which he was to encounter with, rather seeming like Furies than Men, for all of them were daub’d over with black smuts on their bare Skins from Head to Foot, and their hard Hair pleited in terrible, not in Lovelocks, hung playing, or dangling over their Shoulders. When the Spaniards in their March drawing up to a River where it was best fordable, had no sooner left the Bank, and taken the Water, endeavoring to wade over, but the Salvages rush’d forth out of the Woods, and let flye a showre of Arrows, that had they not been provided with Shields and Targets, to keep off such a deadly Storm, so thick they flew, and so well aim’d, most of them had perish’d there: but having recover’d the opposite Bank, the Enemy play’d all hid, and in a thought shelter’d themselves under the protection of the Woods; where the Conqueror pursuing, found the Service very difficult and dangerous, for their Armes, especially their Shields, stopping and intangling them as in a Net, among the shrubby and twining Branches; which they passing, rigled themselves, and made their way, like questing Spaniels following their Game, and still gawling them with their Arrows: whereupon they left their vain pursuit, marching another way to intercept Mayobanexius, who with eight thousand Ciquano’s were then coming down against them; which prov’d a harder task than was expected: for e’re he could reduce him and his stubborn Party, he spent three Moneths in the Service.
SECT. III.
[Sidenote: Hath very bad success in his fourth Expedition.]
[Sidenote: Fights with Poresius.]
[Sidenote: Dies.]
But the great and worthy Service of these two excellent Brothers deserving rather Statues and Trophies of everlasting Honor, Monuments never to be demolish’d, in their due praise, who had found out after so many baffled Ages, a new World, richer, and not much less than the old, by the aspersing calumniations of one malicious Person, lost his whole Interest and Credit in the Spanish Court, quite out of favour with his Prince, who by his insinuations had hinted so much the matter of Gain among the Courtiers, that every one studied no less than to get a Commission, and so going a Commander to the Indies, make up his Mouth, and become suddenly rich. First Francisco Bombadilla prevailing, was sent with full Commission to succeed Columbus in Hispaniola; where no sooner Landing, but he exercis’d the extremity of his Authority, and seizing the Admiral and his Brother, fetter’d their Hands and Feet, and put them aboard on two several Ships for Spain: where no sooner arriv’d, but the King, not altogether forgetting former Services, commanded them to be unmanacled, and waited on, not as Prisoners, with a civil Retinue to his Court; where they were well entertain’d three years. But they being active Persons, weary of so long repose, got a second Grant to make farther discoveries, and set forth the ninth of May, Anno 1504. with four Sail well appointed from Cadiz, and had a fair Passage from thence to Hispaniola, where begun the Storm, for Bombadilla, who had by the Kings Commission so evil treated Columbus and his Brother, as aforemention’d, would not suffer him, though reconciled to the King, so much as to Land, and there refresh themselves and their Men; so he was forc’d to steer on to the Islands Guamixa and Veragua, where a Huricane, or sudden stress of Weather sunk two of his Vessels; the other two standing off to Sea escap’d bilging, but so shatter’d and leaky, having also shipp’d abundance of Water, they were resolv’d to put in at Jamaica; where weary with the long Voyage, and hatter’d with the Tempest, many of his Sea-men, spent with sickness, after their Landing, died. To these his sufferings from Wind and Weather, and his Enemies abroad, a greater and intestine mischief hapned: Francisco Poresio, one of his chief Commanders, absolutely rebell’d, and deserting him, with another Party of his Sea-men went into Hispaniola: which the Islanders observing, resolv’d to famish him, keeping from him both Water and all other Provisions; which had not Columbus stav’d off by a handsom Invention, they had compleated their Design, which was this: He told them that he was the offspring of the Moon, and if they refus’d to supply his want, the Moon, in vindication of her Son, would famish them, by spoiling what e’re they had planted or sow’d; and that this would prove true they should know by a sign, that on such a Night, she rising in her full glory, should first look red, and afterwards by degrees lose a great part of her light; which indeed so hapned, being Ecclips’d, as he could well prognosticate; and after that, they being ignorant of the cause, suppli’d him with all Necessaries. But Poresio, not able to endure the Sea with his small Boats, resolv’d to surprize one of the Ships that lay before Jamaica; but Columbus so much prevented him, that meeting him in his return, after a hot dispute made him his Prisoner. But thus ended not his misfortunes; for the Vessels which he fought in soon after sunk, and no ship to be found in Jamaica to transport him thence. Lastly, he agreed with some Indian Fishermen, to carry Didaco Mendoza to St. Dominica, that there he might hire two Vessels to carry him back to Spain: which Design taking effect, he arrived there in safety: where after he had refresh’d himself at the Spanish Court, after his so long and unfortunate a Voyage he fell sick, and died on the eighth of May 1506.
Mean while, the Affairs of Hispaniola grew more out of order: for Bombadilla joyning with Ximenes, resolv’d to hoard up a huge Treasure of Gold, though with the infinite oppression of the Natives: of which King Ferdinand having intelligence, sent Nicholas Olanda thither with thirty Sail; who being nominated Vice-Roy, anchor’d in forty days before Hispaniola. No sooner arriv’d, but Bombadilla and Ximenes fled, leaving their vast Treasure, amounting to ten hundred thousand Ducats; which guarded with four hundred Spaniards in twenty four Ships was sent to Spain: but so it hapned, that they were all swallowed up in the main Ocean, none knowing to this day in what Latitude they were lost.
SECT. IV. Pietro Alponso Nigno his Voyage.
[Sidenote: Description of Curiana.]
Pietro Nigno, encourag’d by some of those that had been with Columbus at the Isles of Pearl, Rigg’d out a Ship at his own charge, with special order in his Commission, that he should not touch on any Coast within fifty Leagues of any Place Columbus had formerly discover’d. But he little observ’d his Orders, and what he was commanded; for Sailing into the Haven Curiana, he barter’d Shells, Needles, Glass, and such like Trifles, for abundance of Pearls, which the Islanders brought aboard, for he himself having but thirty Men, durst not venture ashore. Twenty days this bartering Trade continued, Orient Pearls for Toys; but finding at last, that they were a civil and hospitable People, he Landed, where they entertain’d him in Hovels built of Wood, and cover’d with Palm-Leaves; before their Doors lay great Hills of Oyster-shells, the Fish being eaten, and the Pearls us’d for an ornament; Conies, Hares, Pheasants, Pigeons, Geese, Ducks, Deer, and wild Swine, are their usual Food; and their Bread is made of the Roots of Trees. Moreover, Curiana abounds with thick and shady Woods, which resound in the night with the cries and roarings of wild Beasts: but though they are terrible fierce and voracious, yet the Natives stoutly venture in amongst the thickest of them, arm’d onely with Bowes and Arrows. The Inhabitants are of Complexion tawny, their Hair long and curl’d; their Teeth they keep white with an Herb, which they continually hold betwixt their Lips. The Women perform their business of Husbandry, Ploughing and Sowing. The Men are Soldiers, following the business of War: but in Peace their Exercises are Hunting and Dancing. They keep annual Fairs, where from all Parts of the Countrey they bring their Commodities to buy and barter. They have their Gold from Cauchieta, six days Sail Westward from Curiana.
Thither Nigno next directed his course, and came to an Anchor there on the first of October, Anno 1500. The Inhabitants entred aboard without the least shiness, or fear of danger, and brought with them to barter, Gold, Civet-Cats, Parrots, and Cotton.
These People, though so civil, are extreamly jealous of their Wives: for when a Spaniard made address to one of them, and coming something close, her Husband stept in suddenly between, and seem’d to forbid the Banns. But coasting onward along the Shore from thence to another Isle, he found Natives far more wild and salvage: for two thousand in a Body well Arm’d, stood ready to intercept their Landing; wherefore he thought it his safest course to Tack about, and return to Curiana whence he came.
[Sidenote: Nigno Fights with the Cannibals.]
In his Way not far from thence, he fell amongst eighteen of the Cannibals Boats, which according to their custom had been a Man-stealing, and now were so hardy, that setting upon the Spanish Ship, they suddenly clapt him aboard with their Canoos on all sides; but being beaten back by the terror of their Guns, they soon retir’d: yet the Spaniards took one of the Boats with two Men, all the rest saving themselves by swimming. One of the two Men lay bound Hand and Foot, who told them, that he was to have been kill’d the next day and eaten, as he saw his Companions, with whose Flesh they banquetting kept a jovial Feast. Nigno unbinding the Prisoner, gave him leave to do what he pleas’d with the taken Cannibal, who falling upon him, cudgel’d and whipp’d him to death.
[Sidenote: Strange Salt.]
Then Nigno in his Way to Curiana touch’d upon the Coast of Paria, where he found a strange kind of Salt, which the Sea in tempestuous Weather casts on the Shore, which afterwards hardens by the Sun. This Salt must be taken up before any Rain fall, else it melts and soaks away into the Ground; yet sometimes grows so hard as a Stone, insomuch that they make Pots and other Vessels of it; which the Parians barter for foreign Commodities.
[Sidenote: Strange Corps.]
Nigno not making here any stay, return’d a second time to Curiana, where he spent twenty days in pleasant Pastimes, being Lodg’d in a Noble-mans House, at whose Door was fix’d a Cannibals Head, as a Trophy of his Victory. He saw there also the dead Bodies of divers eminent Persons set drying at a Fire, so hardned to be set amongst their Idols.
[Sidenote: Nigno put in Prison.]
[Sidenote: Cruel dealings in Curiana.]
At length Nigno set Sail homewards, and carried with him an invaluable Treasure in Pearls to Spain: but by the way fell out with his Sea-men, because he kept most of the Purchase to himself, and would not give them their shares, nay more than that, kept back the fifth part from the King; whereupon being complain’d of by Ferdinando de Vega, Governor of Gallicia, he was put in Prison, and at last sent to the Court, where the Pearls were declared free Prize, because Nigno had barter’d for them at Curiana, contrary to the Kings Orders, not to touch at any Coast, within fifty Leagues of what Columbus had discover’d. But since he had no way regarded those Commands to preserve that Pearl-Trade, King Ferdinand sent Governors to Curiana, who in his Name should look after, and employ Men for the catching the Pearl-Oysters. These, accompanied with a considerable number of Soldiers, besides six Monks, forc’d the Inhabitants to furnish them with abundance of Pearl: which oppression grew to such a heighth, that one Morning a great Party of them conspiring together, fell suddenly upon them, most of them being massacred: after they had a while insultingly triumphed over the dead Bodies, and finish’d, as they thought, their good work (feasting on their Flesh at a joyful Banquet) those few that escap’d Sail’d to the Island Dominic, the Governor of which Didacus Columbus, Son to the famous Christopher, being incens’d, immediately sent Captain Ocampo with three hundred Men to Curiana; where in his first fury, without distinction of Sex or Age, he slew all he met with. But because they themselves could not follow the rich Oyster-catching, he spar’d some for that purpose, whom he commanded to build twenty five little Houses, or Hovels, on the Shore, which he call’d New Toledo. After this they went on afresh in their Pearl-fishing.
SECT. V. The Voyage of Vincent Agnes Pinzon.
The first of December, Anno 1499. Vincent Pinzon set Sail with four Vessels out of the Haven Palos: he had been Commander of a Ship under Columbus in his first Expedition, by which means he got great experience in Navigation. When he came a little beyond the Hesperides, he was surpris’d by a great Storm, which in three days drove him before a plain Coast; where Landing, he found nothing but the Footsteps of Men; and in the night he saw great Fires, such as are generally made in Camps; about day-break twenty Spaniards march’d thither, whom thirty two Men, arm’d with Bowes and Arrows, made ready to encounter; but as they approached, the Spaniards proffer’d them Peace, but they refused all Composition; yet having faced one another a while, they retreated without fighting.
[Sidenote: Pinzon’s strange Fight.]
[Sidenote: A remarkable Beast.]
After this Pinzon discover’d a wide, but shallow River; where Landing, on a Hill he met a great company of Americans: He, to invite them to Trade, threw them a Shell; in return for which they cast him a lump of Gold; which when the Spaniard went to take up they all fell upon him; and indeed he could not have defended himself long, had not some of his Company quickly come in to his speedy rescue, which occasion’d a bloody Conflict, wherein several Spaniards were wounded, eight kill’d, and one of their small Boats sunk; for the Americans fought so valiantly, that they pursu’d the Spanish Ships into the Sea. Pinzon being at last freed of these Assailants, got into a fresh-water Sea, caus’d by the confluence of many Rivers falling in there: from hence he got sight of the Parian Coast, and with admiration beheld a Tree which sixteen Men could not compass: Between these Trees he saw as strange a Monster, the foremost part resembling a Fox, the hinder a Monkey, the Feet were like a Mans, with Ears like an Owl; under whose Belly hung a great Bag, in which it carry’d the Young, which they drop not, nor forsake till they can feed themselves. Pinzon caught one of them with three Young, which died in the Voyage, but the Dam he presented alive in Granada to the King.
[Sidenote: Great Storm.]
This Captain having Sail’d six hundred Leagues along the Parian Coast, in a great Tempest two of his Carvils in his view were overset, their Keels turn’d upward; the third driven from her Anchor, and the fourth so shaken, and full of Leaks, that ready to sink they ran her ashore to save their lives; and though he escaped himself the danger of drowning, then being ashore, yet he was no ways freed from far greater inconveniences; for he saw nothing but death either for want of Provisions, or barbarousness of the Inhabitants: whereupon they resolv’d to free themselves of their miseries by self-slaughter, killing one another; but some better advised to spend their Lives like Christians upon the unbelieving Salvages: Whilst they were in this desperate condition, the Storm ceased, and Providence presented their safety, the Ship driving in before the Wind; at which every one taking fresh courage, they mended the two shatter’d Ships as well as they could; wherein venturing to Sea, and setting Sail, they came on the last of September, Anno 1500. into the Spanish Haven Palos.
SECT. VI. The Expedition of Americus Vesputius.
Americus Vesputius a Florentine, Commanded four Ships, fitted out at King Ferdinand’s Charge, set Sail the twentieth of May, Anno 1497. and refreshing at the Canaries, from thence he steer’d to Paria; where he so much gain’d upon the Inhabitants, that for Pins, Bells, Looking-glasses, and other Trifles, they daily brought aboard in Barter great store of Gold, the best of Merchandise.
[Sidenote: The manner of the Inhabitants in Paria.]
[Sidenote: Their strange Customs.]
These People, both Men and Women go stark naked, not so much as covering their Pudenda; their Complexion swarthy; they shave off all their Hair, onely some Women leave a Tuft on their Heads. From their Faces, being broad and flat, one may judge them to be deriv’d from Tartary; they much exceed the Europeans in Running and Swimming, insomuch that the Women oftentimes without any Boats, or floating pieces of Timber, venture two or three Leagues into the Sea; they have so great skill in Shooting, that they exceed almost all other Nations, having Arrows headed with sharp Fish-bones; they also use Lances and Clubs. The Women follow the Men in the Wars, and serve in stead of Horses to carry Ammunition and other Necessaries; to which Labor they are so us’d, that they will bear on their Shoulders forty, nay fifty Leagues together, such Luggage, as three Spaniards are scarce able to lift from the Ground. They acknowledge no Commander or Superior either in Wars or Government; they keep up old Feuds, fighting with an inveterate hatred against their Neighbors, upon antient scores and revenges, still kept in memory of their Relations slain in former Battels, and also still creating fresh animosities upon their Losses in later Engagements. Their Language is smooth and pleasing, being spoken with a kind of lisping, and absolutely different from the neighboring Nations. When they eat they sit upon the Ground, and sleeping lie in Hammocks, each end whereof being fastned to a Post; underneath they kindle a Fire; over them they hang Fish-nets and Hooks, Fish-baskets and Calabashes. When they have occasion to ease Nature by evacuation, they retire into some private Place; but the Women think it no immodesty to make Water, even in the presence of strange Men. They observe not single Matrimony; for every Man takes as many Women as he pleases, under bonds of Wedlock such and so sleight, that he turns them off at his pleasure: and Women take the same liberty in casheering their Husbands when not pleasing them. They bring forth Children with little or no pain, and wash them in a River so soon as born; which done they return to their usual work and business. When they are incens’d against their Husbands, they revenge themselves by poysoning their Children. Their Houses are built in the fashion of a House-clock, with a Roof rais’d from the Wall upon four Pillars like the Bell, and cover’d with Palm-Leaves; some of which are so big, that they afford room for six hundred Men: every seventh or eighth year they remove, because (as they say) the Air is oftentimes infected by Mens Breaths, by their long continuance in one place. Their Riches consist in Feathers of divers colours, Strings of Fish-bones intermingled with green and white Beads, with which they adorn their Heads, Arms, Legs, Ears, and Cheeks: Gold and Pearls they make little account of; and as to Trade and Commerce with other People, they know not what belongs to it. Their greatest Friendship consists in prostituting their Daughters or Wives to one another. Their Dead they bury in moist Grounds, and put with them both Meat and Drink into the Graves: When any Person grows very weak by lingring Sickness, they carry the Diseased into a neighboring Wood, where they lay him in a Silk Hammock, tied between two Trees; then dancing the whole day about him, at night they set Bread and Water enough by him to last four days, and then departing look no more after him, who thus neglected seldom escape: but if so it happen that one recover, all his Relations for the future honour him as a god. When any one falls into a Fever, his Friends immediately bathe him in cold Water, and afterwards set him before a great Fire, then drive him before them till he falls down almost breathless, and at last put him to Bed. They neither Let blood in the Arms nor Feet, but in their Sides and Calves of their Legs. Sometime they fast four days together, which they suppose a great means to preserve their Health. Their Bread consists of a sort of Fruit call’d Jucha, Chambi, or Igname. Lastly, no Lyon devours his Prey with more voracious eagerness, than they their taken Enemies.
[Sidenote: A very strange Village built on Poles.]
[Sidenote: Strange Fight.]
Vesputius being fully inform’d concerning the Situation of Paria, weighed Anchor, and on the sixth day after entred a convenient Harbor, where going ashore, he found twenty Houses built in the middle of a Lake on great Posts: every House had a Draw-bridge, over which they pass’d from one to the other. So soon as the Inhabitants set eye on the Spaniards, they immediately drew up their Bridges: yet some of them in twelve little Canoos came towards the Spanish Ships, but amaz’d to see their Looms so big, durst not, though hal’d with signs, to come aboard, but hasted away to a high Mountain; yet seem’d to signifie that they would return, as indeed they did, bringing sixteen Maids along with them, of which they put four into a Spanish Boat, themselves in the interim rowing between the Ships from one to another, shewing all tokens of friendship, when on a sudden a Company of old Women came running to the Shore, and tearing the Hair from their Heads, made a terrible noise and exclamation, expressing the greatest sorrow they could possible: whereupon the four Indian Maids suddenly leap’d over-board, and the Men shot abundance of Arrows out of their Boats at the Ships; nay, some of them swimming under Water, endeavor’d to sink the Cock-boats which were made fast behind their Ships. Upon this sudden Onset the Spaniards making use of their Guns, quickly lessen’d the number of the Assailants, insomuch that they fled to the Shore; yet five of them being overtaken, were carry’d Prisoners aboard.
Vesputius observing these their misdemeaning Carriages, judg’d it no way convenient to stay any longer among such barbarous and deceitful Salvages: but having weighed Anchor, and Sail’d eighty Leagues along the Coast, he ran into another convenient Haven, whose Shore swarm’d with People, which on a sudden running away, hid themselves in a neighboring Wood.
[Sidenote: Serpents strangely prepar’d for Food.]
Here the Spaniards Landing were amazed, when in their Huts they saw Snakes and Serpents roasting before a Fire, whereof one had Wings, and another whose Mouth was tied together with a Rope, stared with open eyes in a frightful manner.
Here they left several Trifles to entice the fled Natives to correspond with them. And this their Design prov’d successful; for the next day the Americans came aboard without the least fear, and offer’d to shew their hospitable kindness to the Spaniards, if they pleas’d to travel three days Journey with them up into the Countrey, telling them, they had onely rais’d those few Huts by the Sea-side for a small time whilst they Fish’d in those Parts.
[Sidenote: The remarkable reception of twenty three Spaniards.]
About twenty of the Spaniards well Arm’d resolv’d to undertake the Journey; and travelling over Hills, Dales, and Rivers, they came at last into a Village consisting of nine of the foremention’d Houses, but mightily peopled, where they were in a wonderful manner received by their glad welcomes, by Dancing, Singing, Hunting, and other joyful Acclamations, presenting their Wives and Daughters, as the chiefest part of their hospitality, to caress the Strangers at their pleasure. The news was no sooner spread, but the adjacent Villages came in throngs to gaze upon, and salute the Strangers, inviting them also to their Towns. The Spaniards taking it in good part, spent nine days among them, highly treated with all manner of jollities, but especially at their choice with the varieties of Venus: from thence then returning to their Fleet, accompanied with thousands of the Natives, every one carrying Presents to the Admiral Vesputius; of whom as many as they could at once receive, they entertaining aboard, then dismiss’d them, and admitted others; but the Guns going off, they suddenly leap’d from the Decks, and div’d like Ducks under Water: But afterwards being inform’d, that such thunder-claps were sent them from Heaven to destroy their Enemies, they were somewhat better satisfi’d, and call’d the Spaniards, Charabi, that is, Wise Men.
[Sidenote: A cruel Fight with the Cannibals.]
This Island lying in the Mexican Bay, in twenty Degrees of Northern Latitude, Vesputius left on his Starboard, and Sail’d along a Meandring Coast (which he always kept in sight) eight hundred and sixty Leagues, and at last entred a Haven, the like whereof he had not seen before. Here he spent a Moneth in repairing his Ships, to which the Inhabitants freely gave their assistance; and among other things complain’d, that a salvage People came yearly thither from an Island about a hundred Leagues distant, who fell upon them with horrible rage, and whomsoever they took they eat, but first inflicted all manner of tortures upon them, sparing none, but together murthering aged People and sucking Infants; wherefore they crav’d assistance to be reveng’d, which if the Spaniards would grant, they would follow the Fleet with their Boats. Vesputius promis’d his aid to destroy such a blood-thirsty People; and to assure them that he would perform his Word, he order’d seven of them to go in Canoos before and shew them the Way. On the seventh day they came to an Anchor before the Island Hy, where the Shore was guarded with naked Men, whose Bodies being strong and brawny, were painted, and their Arms, Legs, and Head, adorn’d with divers colour’d Plumes, having not onely offensive Weapons, as Bowes, Arrows, and Launces, but also defensive, huge Targets, and square Shields. So soon as they judg’d the approaching Spaniards to be within reach, they shot a great flight of Arrows at them; but Vesputius lying close along the Shore with his Ships, fir’d upon them with Chain-shot, which did great execution: yet notwithstanding about forty Spaniards leaping ashore out of their Boats, found themselves in no small danger; for the Cannibals upon the sound of Horns flocking together, so press’d upon them that they were forc’d to lay aside their Guns, and fall to Blows, and had not timely assistance come to them, they had undoubtedly been all slain: two hours the Victory was doubtful on whose side it would fall; yet at last the Cannibals quitting the Field, left the Spaniards Victors; who the next day pursu’d their gotten Victory with such success, that they drove their Enemies before them, burnt their Villages and Boats, and carry’d two hundred and two and twenty of them Prisoners to Spain, where they safely arriv’d the 15. of November, Anno 1498.
[Sidenote: Vesputius Second Expedition.]
This good success so encourag’d Vesputius, that having stay’d scarce seven Moneths ashore, he obtaining the Command over six Ships, with which he set Sail from Cadiz, and touching upon the Canaries, Steer’d from thence Southerly; and having Sail’d five hundred Leagues, he discover’d a Countrey overflow’d and made Marishy by great Rivers, and abounding with Trees, but saw no sign of any Inhabitants; yet not long after, coming before an Island, he took a Boat with two Prisoners, newly guelt, and sent as a Present to feast the Cannibals, which refus’d to Treat on any other account whatsoever; wherefore he Sail’d eighty Leagues forward along the Shore of an unknown Island, where he Barter’d for some Gold, and got five hundred Pearls for one single Shell; these Pearls the Inhabitants said were not found there, but taken from their Neighboring Enemies, which liv’d Westward, and had abundance of them.
[Sidenote: Strange constitution of a salvage people.]
Nothing worthy of remark happen’d in this Voyage, onely the strange constitutions of a wild People, living on a barren Isle, deserve to be mention’d.
About their Necks hung two hollow Vessels, the one full of white stamp’d Worts, and Herbs; and the other, full of Grass, which they greedily cram’d into their Mouths, feeding like Cattel; then a Stick wetted with Spittle, they put into the bruis’d Herbs, taking upon the end of it, as upon the point of a Knife, some of the bruis’d to their Mouths, which (as if chawing the Cud) turning therein, then taking out again, and strowing more of the same Herbs out of the Vessel upon it, swallow’d it down. No fresh Water was to be had amongst them, but what they gather’d from the Dew in great Leaves: Neither had they any Houses, but dwelt under great Trees, and fed on dry’d Fish.
[Sidenote: Strange adventure of nine Spaniards, meeting with great Giants.]
The next remark in this Voyage, was the discovery of an Island not far from the former, where he found the Footsteps of a Gigantick People, upon which nine Spaniards went a League to search the Countrey, where they saw five great Huts, standing in a spacious Valley, and in them two old, and three young Women, each of them being twice as tall as an ordinary Man: The old ones invited the Spaniards to eat, who when they were sat down, consulting how they might take and carry one of these Giantesses to Spain, there to shew her for Money, thirty six Giants came in to them, (never did the Sun shine on a more terrible People) which so amaz’d the Spaniards, that their Hair seem’d to stand an end at the fear thereof: Every Giant was arm’d with a Bow and Arrows, and a Club: They wondering at the nine strangers, stood talking very earnestly one to another, which gave the Spaniards time to think of making their escape; some judg’d it convenient to discharge their Guns upon them, and in the Smoke to run away; others thought, that it would be better to take a milder course, which they all agreed on; and taking their leave, went out of the Hut, but were follow’d by the Giants, who kept a Stones cast behind them, and went faster or slower, as the Spaniards slacken’d or mended their pace; who at last getting to the Shore, and from thence into their Boats, they suddenly put off; but the Giants then pursu’d them with eager speed, all of them leaping into the Water, and Swimming, shot abundance of Arrows after them; but frighted by the Thunder of two great Guns that were discharged from the Ships, return’d ashore, and fled into the neighboring Hills.
[Sidenote: Description of the Pearl-Oysters.]
[Sidenote: Vesputius third Expedition.]
Vesputius at last began to consider of returning home, his Provisions beginning to grow scarce, and his Sea-men faint, having continu’d in the Equinoctial heats a whole year; wherefore he directed his course towards Spain, in his Voyage, driving along the Coast an advantagious Trade, by bartering Shells and Glass for Pearls. The Inhabitants presented him with Oysters, of which some inclos’d one hundred and thirty Pearls; when they attain to their full growth, they fall out of the Shells themselves, but those that stick, decay. So upon the tenth of November, the Fleet came safe to an Anchor before Cadiz. After which, Vesputius retired to Sevil, with intent to settle himself there, but he had not long repos’d, when Emanuel King of Portugal sent for him to Lisbon, and gave him the Command of three Ships, to discover new Countreys; between the Canaries and Africa, they pass’d thorow so many Fishes (not unlike a Bream) that in an hours time they loaded their Boats with them; this Fish hath a round thin Scale, sharp Teeth, Stones in their Brains or Foreheads, a sharp pointed Heart, a Bladder full of Wind, red Tail and Fins, feeds on Sea Weeds, Gurnets and Oysters, and is of a delicious Taste.
[Sidenote: Cruel deed of some Indian Women.]
From thence, five degrees Southward of the Equinox, he found a naked People on the top of a high Rock, that beckon’d the Spaniards to come towards them; upon which, two of them resolv’d to venture thither, having order not to stay at the most above five days: The first incounter they had was of some Women, who offer’d their bodies to prostitution; but a Youth, as if affrighted with some sudden danger, came running amongst them, whom, whilst they stood gazing upon, and wondering at, an old Woman with a great Club, running down the Hill overtook, and knock’d him down dead upon the ground; which done, the Women that were making Court to the Spaniards, took him by the Heels, and dragg’d up the Hill, where soon after they saw him chop’d in pieces, Broyl’d, and eaten: They also made signs to the Spaniards, that they would devour them also in the same manner. The Shore was crouded with Men, which showr’d upon them several flights of Arrows; wherefore they thought it best to Weigh Anchor, so taking Aboard their two Men, and having Sail’d 150. Leagues, they got sight of the Coast of Brasile, along which he Sail’d Southerly to fifty two Degrees, where three Brasilians came Aboard of their own accord, and were easily perswaded to go with him to Portugal; but the Weather growing very bad, and the Cold intollerable, the Storms swelling the Waves into the bigness of Mountains, Vesputius left the Coast des Patagones, and the Streights, afterwards call’d Magellan, behind him, burnt one of his Ships before Cape Sierra Leona, and brought two safe to Lisbon.
[Sidenote: Vesputius fourth Expedition.]
[Sidenote: Sea-Spiders, and Dragons.]
His fourth Expedition happen’d, May 10. Anno 1503. at which time he Steer’d directly with six Sail to Sierra Leona, and approaching the Coast, could not come to an Anchor, because of the strong eddying Currents: Three Degrees beyond the Equinox appear’d a rising Island, two Leagues long, and one broad, destitute of Inhabitants; his best Ship being six hundred Tun, split here against a Rock, and nothing of her was saved, but the Sea-men: But Vesputius Rowing ashore with a Boat, found a convenient Haven, with abundance of sweet Water, high Trees, Sea-Spiders, and horrible Dragons, which have a sharp Head, round fiery Eyes, and wide Mouths, Wings not unlike a Bats, a speckled Breast, curl’d Tail, blew Back, and two Bags like a drawn Satchel Triangular, were under their Bellies: No less strange are the Sea-Spiders, by their hard Feet, long upper Teeth, two long Sheers or Pinchers, and double Belly; between the Head and the Belly lies a black Skin, with which they darken the Water; when any one goes to take them in the night, they make a great shadow; they feed on Fish, the Female lays little white Eggs, not unlike ordinary Hail-stones.
Vesputius having left this desolate Isle, three hundred Leagues a Stern, enter’d a Haven, to which he gave the name of St. Abdy, where he stay’d two Months, expecting the return of those which he had sent into the Countrey; but seeing it in vain to wait any longer, he proceeded on his Journey, and Sailing in between the Abrelhos, in the River Curubabo, he built a strong Fort, Garrison’d it with twenty four Men, twelve pieces of Ordnance, and Provisions for six Moneths: Five Moneths Vesputius had spent in the building this Castle; when he return’d home with one Ship, laden with Brasill Wood, where approaching Lisbon, beyond all expectation, the Inhabitants of the City ran to Congratulate his happy return. And from this Americus Vesputius, the New World is to this day call’d America.
SECT. VII. The Expedition of Alphonso, Fogeda, Diego Nicuesa, Ancisus, and Roderick Colmenares.
[Sidenote: Wonderful Tree on Codego.]
Americus Vesputius was scarce fitted out in Lisbon, when Fogeda set Sail with three hundred Men from Beata, the chiefest Haven of Hispaniola, to the Island Codego, inhabited by Naked People, but of comely Personage, and withal expert and most excellent Archers: Here he found a very strange Tree, which bears a Fruit not unpleasing to the Palate, yet deadly Poyson, and besides, whoever chances to sleep under their shadow, loose both their understanding and Eye-sight, and never attain to their former Sences, except they take some Opiates, as dangerous, and so by long sleep, recover.
[Sidenote: Fogedo’s cruelty and destruction.]
[Sidenote: Famine.]
[Sidenote: Strange accident.]
[Sidenote: Ancisus escapes great danger.]
[Sidenote: Colmenares Expedition.]
[Sidenote: His strange reception.]
Here Fogeda set upon a poor Village near the Sea-side, where without mercy he put them all to the Sword, except a few Youths which were onely saved, that they might inform Fogeda, what was become of the slain and taken Spaniards; Who told him, that according to their Custom, they had Roasted the dead, and also their living Prisoners, and feasted on their Flesh. Here having burnt the Houses, and sifting the Ashes, Nicuesa found some Gold. But now they began to be distress’d for Provisions; for prevention of which, Nicuesa had given order to Ancisus, Marshal in Hispaniola, that he should follow with a Ship of Victual, for the Army to Codega. But he being kept back by inconveniencies, most of the Spaniards were famish’d, so that the three hundred Men which Codega brought from Hispaniola, were reduced to sixty. And he was already under-Sail to Hispaniola, when Ancisus Anchor’d in the Haven of Codegoos, and sent some Men ashore to mend his Boat, and fetch fresh Water, which whilst they were doing, the Natives came flocking about them: Three days they fac’d one another, using no Hostility, when at last a Spaniard that understood the Codegan Tongue, adventuring to fetch Water, he was immediately encompassed; when speaking to them, and informing them in their own Language, That he was none of Fogedas or Nicuesas People, which not long since had committed so great slaughter, they left him, and the rather, because he told them, that Ancisus would take revenge on them, if they did any wrong to him. Thus quieted, they brought all sorts of Provisions Aboard. Mean while, Ancisus Sail’d to the Main Continent Uraba, where in the Mouth of a Haven he ran his Vessel aground, which was bilg’d; the Sea-men taking some Arms along with them, sav’d their lives by swimming ashore; where, their first sustenance they found was store of Peaches and Cherries, which was a great refreshment in those hot Countreys, but yet had undoubtedly been starv’d, but that in searching the Wood for Fruits, they found Wild-Swine, which preserv’d their lives; yet they were not free from apparent danger, having to deal with a Salvage People, into whose hands they were so unfortunately cast by Shipwrack; however Ancisus set a good face on the business, marching with a hundred Men up into the Countrey, where some of the Urabanners from an ambuscade unawares, with their Arrows wounded several of his Men, hereupon they retreated to the Shore of the River Daria, whither also they had brought the small Boats, sav’d from the Wreck; where whilst they were in consultation how to return to Hispaniola, the Inhabitants having muster’d themselves, and making a Body of five hundred Men, set upon them, who after a sharp Conflict, made them retreat, and at last to flie, whom Ancisus pursuing, found in a Thicket of Canes or Reeds a great Treasure of Gold. Mean while, Nicuesa Sail’d to the plentiful Golden Countrey Veragua with three Ships, of which he lost two, the one Commanded by Lupus de Olana, and the other by Peter Umbria Olana, which was stranded in the River Veragua, which gives name to the whole Island, but he built a new Carvil, whereas that of Lupus Olana was bilg’d among the Rocks. Little better success had Nicuesa, whose Ship over-turning with a Tempest, he with a few of his Men made land upon Veragua, where he rang’d up and down in a miserable condition, on a barren, and in a manner desolate Shore seventy days: All that time, finding no other Food than Wild Roots, who wandring up and down, at last met with Olana, a little before cast away on the same Isle, whom he secur’d, because he presum’d to usurp the Title, and be prime Commander of that Countrey. Upon which, the Spaniards being divided, some for Ancisus, some for Olana, the difference more and more encreasing, would not be reconcil’d, till the Famine over-powering, master’d both, so that not being able to handle their Arms, the Salvages flew them at their pleasure, by this means in a short time, of seven hundred eighty five, remain’d scarce ninety; yet did not all this misery work any thing upon the ambitious humor of Vasques Nunnez, who rebelling against Ancisus, split that small remainder of Men, and with the help of those he had drawn over to his Party, made himself Governor of Uraba, not possible to be long enjoy’d without speedy supply, which soon after they receiv’d; for Colmenares Sailing from Hispaniola with Provisions, arriv’d there the 15. of October, Anno 1510. having been toss’d twenty three days at Sea; then making into the River Gaira, to furnish himself with fresh Water, he lost forty seven Men; for whilst they were filling their Casks, seven hundred of the Salvages came down upon them, and with their Poyson’d Arrows wounded and kill’d most of them. Colmenares came in a good time to the remainder under Ancisus Command, being in danger of death for want of Provisions, and finding the factions that were among them about Superiority, he thought it fit, consulting with some of the chiefest of them, to find out Nicuesa, who was indeed the Governor that had the Grant from the King: This agreed, Colmenares went to search, and at last lighted upon him, building a Fortress against the assaults of the Enemies on the Promontory. Mormor, he was glad to find him, but griev’d to see the misery and hardship they endur’d, most of his Men being kill’d, partly by the excessive Heats, partly by Famine, and partly by the cruelty of the Natives, so that he had onely sixty remaining, and those many of them also sick and weak.
Colmenares having deliver’d his Message, Nicuesa broke up his Quarters, and sleighting the Fort, went with him, but both himself and his Men were oppos’d from Landing by Nunnez; wherefore Nicuesa was necessitated to Steer for Hispaniola; whom, or what became of him was never known.
Nunnez having thus quitted himself of Nicuesa, and now, more than ever, wanting Provision, he resolv’d to take out his own Commission at large, and setting up for himself, make no discrimination of Persons, Spaniards, or Natives, but to make out his Fortune.
And first, he fell upon Careta King of Coita, whom he took Prisoner, Plundering him of all his Treasure and Provisions; yet this sufficed not long, for soon after, King Poncha invading Careta, Nunnez took hold of that opportunity, and pretending to assist Careta, being well recruited with his Forces, set upon Poncha, who immediately fled, and left all to the spoil of his Enemies.
[Sidenote: Remarkable Pallace of King Comogrus.]
This News so amaz’d Comogrus, another King, that he proffer’d Peace; whereupon Nunnez going thither, was nobly entertain’d in his Palace, being one hundred and fifty Paces long, and eighty broad, the Floors Pav’d with Stone, and the Roofs Vaulted, his Cellars were stor’d with Wine, made of the Root Jucca, Ages, and Mais; the Privy-Chamber was hung round with dead bodies, Mummy’d artificially with Lent Fires, and were the Corpses of Comogrus Ancestors, and others of the Royal Blood, and nearest Relations, of whom some dy’d at least four hundred years before; each of these fasten’d by Cordage made of Reeds, were Habited in Cotton, richly adorn’d with Pearls and Gold. Mean while, a Hurricane happening, terrible with Thunder and Lightning, and hideous Gusts, swell’d and so enrag’d the Sea, that breaking its bounds, over-running, drown’d the whole Champain; thus the hopes of a fruitful Harvest being utterly lost, they suffer’d under a great Famine.
[Sidenote: Nunnez Exploits.]
The Spaniards which Encamp’d near the River Daria, on Uraba, perceiving this, and knowing they had no manner of supply from Hispaniola, and having already Pillag’d the Neighboring Kings, that they had nothing left. Nunnez marching thirty Leagues up the River, Plunder’d the Village, of which Daibaiba was King, where he found an unvaluable quantity of Gold, but little or no Provision. Here were many Flitter Mice, or Bats, bigger than Turtle Doves, whose biting was mortal, unless immediately wash’d with Salt Water, according to the information of the Prisoners.
Now as Nunnez Uraba Pillag’d towards the South, so did Colmenares, setting up also for himself, make prize of all, to the East with sixty Men, Rowing against the Stream up the River Daria, above twelve Leagues, where he found in several Villages and Hamlets, and at King Turvi’s Palace, abundance, both of Provision and Gold; from thence he March’d to the mighty Province Abenamchei, which though making some resistance, at last they subdu’d.
[Sidenote: A strange Pallace built on Trees.]
[Sidenote: Turning the low Land into a Sea.]
[Sidenote: A Plot on the Spaniards, strangely discover’d.]
And the neighboring King Abibeiba narrowly escap’d the like fortune, whose Pallace was built on the tops of Trees, Plash’d, and Pleited together, Timber Beams lying athwart; necessity forcing them to choose such high Habitations, partly to avoid the Inundations of Rivers, swoln above their bounds by sudden and almost assiduous Showres from the Mountains; and partly, to be free from the excursions of sculking Robbers; also being better able to defend themselves in these Castles in the Air, and also secur’d by their heighth from their Shot, being above the reach of their Indian Arrows: The bodies of the Trees downwards, upon which the Houses are built, are generally twenty four Fathom thick, so that they cannot easily be cut down, nor fired; but Colmenares against these, as they suppos’d, impregnable Forts, having made a Gallery with several great Hurdles, set his Men to work under that safeguard, with Axes on the Tree whereon Abibeiba’s House stood, who seeing his imminent danger, wondring at this new manner of Storming, came down, promising to furnish him with Gold out of the neighboring Mountains, notwithstanding it would be with the danger of his Life; because the Cannibals generally kill those that adventur’d to dig in the Mines: To this promise, Colmenares hearken’d, and having set him at liberty, for the performance, he in stead thereof, on the contrary, stirr’d up, and joyn’d with all the Conquer’d Kings, to destroy him and his Men: Nor were they slack to have executed their design, five thousand of them being already drawn together at the Village Tirichi, the appointed place of Rendezvous, and so privately carry’d, that undoubtedly it had been effected, if not happily discover’d by this accident.
Nunnez, amongst his other Slavesses, had one exceeding beautiful, on which he was much Enamour’d, and she likewise seem’d to bear as great an affection towards him, which she manifested, by declaring the secret to Nunnez which her Brother had imparted to her, being an intended general Massacre the night following, that so she might the better make her escape the day before; yet so much she prefer’d the safety of her Lover, before the liberty of her Native Countrey, that she discover’d the Plot. Nunnez not sleeping on this advice, on a sudden set so fiercely upon the Conspirators, that he utterly broke their design; yet the Feuds and Contests for Superiority still continu’d amongst them, which look’d with so bad a Face to the ruine of all, that news thereof arriving in Spain, it was judg’d fit to send for Colmenares, and John Quicedo to the Court, there to render an account of all their Transactions, Both going Aboard a small Vessel, were by Storm driven on the Coast of Cuba, where they were inform’d from a Prisoner, that Valdivia and Zamudio, driven ashore by Shipwrack, and not able to defend themselves, were surpriz’d by the Natives, kill’d and eaten; that Fogeda driven up and down along the Coast, had lost most of his People by hunger, and other hardship, and himself with much ado getting to Hispaniola, dy’d as soon as Landed of the Wound which he receiv’d by a Poysonous Arrow, near the River Daria.
[Sidenote: Ancisus Voyage.]
[Sidenote: A Temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary on the Island Cuba.]
But much happier was Ancisus, who soon after Fogeda coming to Cuba, found a King, who suffer’d himself to be Christen’d, and call’d Commendator; and building a Church, Consecrated it to the Virgin Mary; in it he erected an Image of Clay, resembling a Woman, which he clothed in a Cotton Garment; round about were plac’d Pots with Meat and Water, according to their old Idolatrous fashion, otherwise, they believ’d their Idols would devour the Souls of the Dead, and this, though Christians, they did not forget.
Nay further, when he went to War, he carry’d the Image of the Virgin Mary with him in the Front of his Army, often saying, Ave Maria; and this was the end of that Voyage: But afterwards Ancisus complain’d against Vascus Nunnez in the Spanish Court, where he receiv’d a Sentence very prejudicial to him. Colmenares and Quicedo had also Audience there, whereupon matters being settled, a firm Government was establish’d in Uraba.
SECT. VIII. Peter Arias his Expedition, and remarkable Passages of Vascus Nunnez.
[Sidenote: Nicuesa suffers hunger.]
Peter Arias Knight, accompany’d with his Wife, Elizabeth Boadilla, set Sail Anno 1514. but surpriz’d by a violent Storm, lost two Ships, and return’d to Spain, yet not long after began his Voyage afresh, notwithstanding he had lately had such bad success, and heard of the great hardship which Nicuesa suffer’d, having not onely kept himself alive a considerable time by feeding on flesh of Dogs, and other such like Creatures; a great Frog being sold in Veragua for a lump of Gold.
[Sidenote: Dogs us’d in the Wars.]
[Sidenote: Sodomy horribly punish’d.]
[Sidenote: Nunnez first discovers the South Sea.]
[Sidenote: Is in great danger on the South-Sea.]
But Vaschus Nunnez inform’d of Arias arrival, the chief Governor of Uraba, afterwards call’d New Andaluzia, minding to inrich himself before he should depose him, and hearing that several Gold Mines lay Southward from Uraba, march’d thither with a hundred and ninety Men, thorow great Rivers, Thickets, and Woods full of Wild Beasts, deep Vallies, and broad Rivers, not without many hazards and difficulties. In the Mountainous Territory Quarequan, the Inhabitants ingag’d him valiantly, with Bows, Arrows, Clubs, Woodden Swords, Pikes and Launces, but frighted with the meer report of their Musquets, like flocks of wild Fowl, dissipated and fled, but not so fast, but that six hundred of them fell by the hands of the Spaniards, or were worry’d by their Dogs, train’d up on purpose for the American Wars. Soon after, coming into the Palace, there sate his Brother dress’d up in Womens Apparel, whom the King kept to abuse, as if a Concubine, whereof Nunnez being inform’d, in detestation of Sodomy, set the Dogs upon him, who suddenly tore him in pieces. Amongst the slain were found several Negroes, which suffering Shipwrack had been cast on the American Shore, and maintain’d a continual War with the Quaraquanen, so that it seem’d the Blacks which were found dead amongst them were their Slaves: Yet Nunnez was forc’d to leave a considerable number of his Men here, who being half starv’d, and quite tired out, were not able to follow him; but with the remaining party he march’d on, and at last came to the high Mountains, from whence he saw the great South-Sea, and going thither, was met by King Chiapes, leading an Army of thirty thousand Men, which great Body stood not long to make resistance, being terrifi’d with the Vollyes of Shot, whose Report the ecchoing Valleys presented to their Ears, double and trebble: And that which most amaz’d and disanimated them in the rout, were the Dogs, who fiercely pursu’d and seiz’d the flyers, tearing away great morsels of Flesh. After the Battel, the Conqueror proffer’d Peace, which was agreed on, upon the delivery of several great Presents of Gold. After that, Chiapes the King, accompany’d with Nunnez the Spanish Commander, and March’d with him over a broad River to Coquera, where at first some Forces made resistance, but were routed; whereupon, they also suddenly struck up a Peace, upon conditions, that the Prince, nam’d also Coquera, should return him a great quantity of Gold. Here he found a handsome Bay running up in crooked Reaches, above sixty Leagues, which Nunnez call’d St. Michael, being sprinkled with Islands, and treacherous with hidden Rocks. There Nunnez, (though disswaded by Chiapes, because he knew the South-Sea at that time being the three last Moneths of the Year, was exceeding turbulent, that no Vessel could hardly live in it, yet) ventur’d with nine Indian Boats, and eighty Men from the Shore into the Offin; where, notwithstanding the high rolling of the Waves, he got to an uninhabited Island, on which, being necessitated to stay a night, the Tide flow’d so much, according to the property of the South-Sea, that the highest Ground thereon, lay almost cover’d with Water, every one of the Spaniards having enough to do to save themselves from being wash’d away. Day approaching, discover’d a second inconveniency, for the Indian Canoos either were extremely Leaky, or else so shatter’d, that they were unfit for service; yet notwithstanding all this, they ventur’d to return, rather choosing to be devour’d in the Waves, than die of that hunger, whose misery they had sufficiently tasted, during the small time they had been out. Not long after, Nunnez Conquer’d the King Tamaccus in a Field Battel, who thereupon purchas’d his Peace with great Presents of Gold and Pearl. He also shew’d the Spaniards an Island, whose spiring tops were seen from the Main Land, which so abounded in Pearls, that in no place were either more or fairer to be found: But the King who liv’d on it was exceeding powerful.
[Sidenote: Manner of Fishing for Pearls.]
Nunnez immediately resolv’d to Sail thither, notwithstanding it was the middle of October, when the South-East Winds make such a turbulent and hollow Sea, as many times wash’d away Trees and pieces of Rocks: Besides, the Weather was more terrible, by continual Lightning and great Thunder-Claps; the Nights very cold, the Days exceeding hot; yet all these difficulties could not prevail, for Nunnez would not stay to expect fairer Weather, but went on, and coming thither, he saw how the Indians Fish for Pearls, which was Diving for Oysters; but the Weather being rough and foul, they durst not venture for the best which lay far from the Shore.
[Sidenote: Nunnez returns.]
But Nunnez leaving his sick and weary’d Men with Chiapes, March’d quite another way back than he came; and crossing a great River, was receiv’d by Prince Teaocha, who furnish’d him with Gold, Pearls, Provisions, and Guides, which carry’d his Luggage and Goods.
[Sidenote: Pacra a tyrannous King, his horrible death.]
Pacra, a great Oppressor of all his Neighbors, hearing of the approach of Nunnez, fled, but terrifi’d with threats, return’d with three other Princes, which were all so Deform’d, that more horrible Monsters were never seen, scarce any part about them resembling those of a Man: The Guides which Teaocha had provided for the Spaniard desir’d that he might be put to Death, for the Cruelties which he had long committed; whose Request being granted, he with the other three Princes, were given as a Breakfast to the Spanish Doggs. Mean while, the Spaniards were in danger to have perish’d for want of Water; yet at last, in a Thicket of Brambles, they found a small Brook, but none of the Indians durst venture to go to it, for fear of Tygers, and other Wild Beasts; relating, That the Tygers took many people in the nights out of their Huts, if they were not careful in making fast their Doors.
[Sidenote: Strange relations of a Tyger.]
John Ledesma had himself eaten part of a Tyger, which for six Moneths together, had every night feasted on Mans flesh, or Beasts, which they caught in this manner: In the Path along which he pass’d, coming out of his Den to seek for Prey, a deep Pit was digg’d, and cover’d very sleightly on the top, into which the Tyger fell; yet though taken, so fiercely withstood the Pikes, Darts, and Stones thrown at him, that every one was amaz’d to see the fury of the Beast. After that they sought for the Female, but found onely two young ones without a Dam, which taking along with them, they put Iron Collars about their Necks, intending to carry them to Spain; but seeing no likelyhood of breeding them up, they brought them back again, purposing to fetch them away when grown somewhat older, and accordingly coming afterwards to look for them, they found the Den empty, so that it was supposed they had been devour’d by their Dam.
[Sidenote: Nunnez further Journey into the Countrey, very remarkable.]
In the Province of Bononiama, the Spaniards inrich’d themselves with Chains, and Breast-Plates of Gold, which in great plenty hung on the Walls in every House: At the River Comogrus, they discharg’d Teaocha’s Guides, and made use of Cotog and Ciuriza, two Governors of a barren Tract of Land, full of Hills and Mountains, which they left on their right Hand, and wandred three days over a Morasse, in which they often sunk to their Knees.
In all these Travels, Victual was so scarce that they were much weaken’d by their wants; and though they took fresh courage when they got footing on King Buchebua’s Jurisdiction, yet they found nothing but empty Huts; and the like in the Countrey of Chiorisus, both having a little before been pillag’d by their more powerful neighboring Enemies. But although they could not furnish Nunnez with Provisions, they presented him with weighty Ingots of Gold: but this rich Metal not able to purchase the least morsel of Bread, drove them into a great strait; and indeed they had without doubt been all famished, had not Pocchorosa, another King, fed them forty days together with stamp’d Roots. Thus refresh’d, and instigated by Pocchorosa, they broke by night in Tubunama’s Palace, and took him Prisoner with eighty Concubines, who fearing to be put to death, gave an incredible Treasure of Gold to purchase his Ransom.
Nunnez thus enriched came at last to his People which he had left on the River Daria, where two Ships sent from Hispaniola rode at an Anchor.
[Sidenote: Peter Arias his Voyage, and Fight in the Haven St. Martha.]
Whilst things were thus carry’d in America, Peter Arias Sail’d with fifteen Ships, Mann’d with fifteen hundred Men, to New Andalusia, by the Islands Martinina, Guadalupe, and Galanta, all in America: a considerable time he Sail’d through the Sea overgrown with Weeds. Afterwards anchoring in the Haven St. Martha, he receiv’d a great repulse from the Natives, who no ways daunted at the bigness of the Ships, waded up to their Breasts in the Sea, and shot many great flights of poisonous Arrows at the Spaniards, or whom two being wounded immediately died. Arias sending some of his Men ashore, they found many Boats lying full of Nets, made of tough Weeds, and Ropes pleited of Rushes.
In the Haven St. Martha, being three Leagues wide, are abundance of Fish, which may be seen under Water twenty Fathom deep.
But now the Spaniards that were ashore breaking into the Houses, and taking Women and Children Prisoners, the Americans prepar’d for another Fight, which at the beginning was very fierce; but at last they were forc’d to quit the Field.
[Sidenote: Strange Houses and Houshold-stuff.]
Their Houses and Furniture in them are worthy of observation: their Cielings being cover’d with Shells strung on small Thred, which make a pleasing noise, when mov’d by the least breath of Wind. The Walls are hung with fine Stuffs, woven full of Imagery, as Cranes, Lyons, Tygers, and some Figures of Men; the Floors are cover’d with parti-colour’d Mats, made of Sea-Reeds, and several tough Roots; and their Carpets beset with Pearl add also a great beauty to their Rooms.
In the Valleys the Spaniards found several precious Jems, as Saphires, Jasper, Emeralds, and great pieces of Amber, and in some Huts, Baskets, and Chests full of dry’d Locusts, and Crabs.
Here also grows the Root Yuca, as also on several other West-Indian Coasts, of which they make their best Bread, and is call’d in Hispaniola and Angola, Yuca; by the Brasilians, Mandiba and Mandihoka; by the Mexicans, Quauhcamotli: it grows with a thick or midling Body, according to the fruitfulness or barrenness of the Soil; the Leaves are like those of a Tulip, and have small Flowers and Seed, but no ways useful; the Root, not unlike Horse-Raddish, hath a milky Juice, which swells it exceedingly; the Sprigs, which in the eighth and tenth Moneth shoot out of the Root, serve for new Plants; and if at any time it happen, that either by a moist Season, or by Worms, or Pismires, the Plant is spoil’d, then it occasions such an inconvenience amongst the Inhabitants, that half of them in that year die of Famine.
[Sidenote: What use the Americans make of the Root Mandihoka.]
The Leaves of the Mandihoka serve them for Sallads. Out of the Root, which they lay soaking five days in Water, they make Meal, which the Portuguese call Farina fresca, but the Americans, Vipeba. Moreover, Mandihoka serves them to make Bread, which they bake over the Fire; and mix’d with Water, Pepper, and the Flour Nhambi, makes an excellent Pudding, by them call’d Mingaude Carima, no less pleasing to the taste than wholsom Food: and with Orange-Flour, Water, and Sugar, it makes that excellent Julep Tipioca. The Powder of Mandihoka put into a Wound, cures very speedily. It is very pleasant to see the Americans eat this Bread; for they toss it by handfuls at a pretty distance from their Mouthes without letting fall the least Crum. Lastly, it requires great art and trouble to make the Mandihoka fit for Bread: first they must peel off the Shell, then put into a Mill turn’d by two Indians it falls, being Ground, into a square Trough. The Juice proceeding from it is mortal, if eaten when raw, but wholsom if boil’d: the Meal they put in a Press, and when all the moisture is drawn from it, they strow it in an Oven to dry. But the wild Mandihoka, by those that live on the Sea-shore call’d Cuacu Mandiiba, and up in the Countrey, Cuquacucuremia, differs both in shape and goodness from the first.
[Sidenote: Arias’s Exploits in New Andalusia.]
But to return to our matter: Arias coming to an Anchor in the River Daria, was cheerfully receiv’d by Nunnez; his first Business which he undertook was the building of three Forts, to secure the Passages to the South Sea; to which purpose Joannes Aiora received the Command over four hundred Workmen. Moreover, Arias took great dislike in the Place call’d Maria Antiqua, which the Spaniards were forc’d by necessity first to Plant in: it lay in a deep Valley between high Mountains, so that it not onely wanted the benefit of the rising and setting of the Sun, but when in or near the Meridian, it shin’d down upon them, and scorch’d all their Plants, and the tepifi’d Morassy Grounds about the same infected the Air, and the Water which they took up to wash their Houses, immediately bred Frogs, the River Daria overflow’d the Grounds with his muddy Water three Leagues distance from the Sea; the Passage thither also was very troublesom, because of the uneven Ways; and besides, the Tygers and Lyons devour’d many People and Cattel.
[Sidenote: A strange Accident.]
The first Night that Arias lay in Maria Antiqua, the House wherein his Chirurgion Lodg’d was fir’d with Lightning, who running out with his Wife, being both scorched by the Flames, saw a very great Crocodile, which snatching up his Dog ran away with him towards the River.
[Sidenote: Remarkable Trees.]
The neighboring Territory Coiba produced Trees, whose Timber us’d for Shipping never breeds Worms, because of its acerbity; whereas on the contrary, all other Vessels in that Countrey are very subject to that inconvenience. Here also grow those famous Plague-Trees, whose very Leaves, if but falling upon one, are like Gods Arrows, mortal, and immediately kill, unless the Place whereon they light be straightway anointed with fasting Spittle: and the Coibensers say, that they know another poysonous Wood, which they use to destroy their Enemies withall.
[Sidenote: Remarkable Journey of Moralis to the South Sea.]
Whilst Arias was consulting about the beforemention’d Affairs, he sent several Comanders to divers Places, to take a survey, and give him an account of their Return of all their Discoveries. Amongst others Gasper Moralis was order’d to march towards the South Sea, to confirm the Peace which Nunnez had begun with the Kings Chiapes and Tumaccus; and chiefly to go to the Pearl-Island with sixty Men, which Nunnez was forc’d to leave, being stress’d by tempestuous Weather. Chiapes and Tumaccus were according to their promise, to prepare an Army ready for his assistance against his coming; which indeed they perform’d, so that they wanted nothing but Vessels, for the biggest of theirs could not carry above three or four Men; yet they undertaking their Enterprise, Landed seventy Men on the Island; upon which the Inhabitants under their Kings Conduct ran to meet the new Landed Forces, and crying out aloud Guazzavara, Guazzavara, they ran in amongst the Musqueteers with their woodden Swords; but the report of the Guns, mix’d with Fire, Smoak, and Bullets, soon amaz’d them: the King flying, thought by alarm to raise all the Islanders; but they being inform’d, that no People whatsoever could withstand the fire-spitting People, made Articles of agreement with Moralis, and Condition’d to deliver a hundred pound weight of the choicest Pearls to the use of the King of Castile; and as a testimony of his Friendship he was Christen’d Peter Arias, from the Governors Name of New Andalusia.
[Sidenote: Strange Pearl.]
How great the Treasure was which Moralis brought from the Pearl Island may appear by one of the Pearls, for which Pope Leo the tenth gave forty four thousand Ducats to a Venetian Merchant.
[Sidenote: Solisius his miserable end.]
Amongst the Commanders which were sent out by Arias, was also Johannes Solisius, who Sailing six hundred Leagues Southerly, along the Coast of the Caribbies, beyond Cape St. Augustine, he found the Inhabitants of Pernambuck to be no less cruel than subtile; for being invited ashore, he with some of his Men Row’d thither, where no sooner Landing, but were all kill’d and eaten in the sight of the other Sea-men aboard; at which being amaz’d they weighed Anchor, and Sail’d away, Freighted onely with Brasile Wood, to Cadiz.
Also in an unhappy hour did Johannes Pontæus put some of his Laundresses ashore on the Island Guadalupa, to wash some Linnen for him; for the Islanders coming on a sudden out of the Woods surpriz’d them, and forthwith killing without mercy, cut them in pieces, and carbonadoing, eat their broil’d Flesh hot from the Coals, while Gonsalus Badajocius Sail’d with eighty Men Westerly, and having gone sixty Leagues he went ashore, and spent some days in vain, to Court the Americans to a friendly correspondency; which whilst he was doing, he was recruited with fifty Men from Daria, Commanded by Lodowick Mercado: so both agreed together to travel over the Mountains to the South Sea.
[Sidenote: Strange Slaves.]
[Sidenote: Great Booty.]
The Governor Juana, whose Jurisdictions abound in Gold, flying with most part of his Treasure, was never heard of, onely they took some of his Slaves, whose Faces were strangely Carv’d with sharp Fish-bones, the Wounds fill’d with red and black Powder, which so discolour’d the Flesh that it could never be got out. After that they travell’d through the Wilderness five days together, being onely met by some Indians carrying Maiz, who signifi’d to them, that King Periguete liv’d along the Sea-shore, and up into the Countrey the blind Totonoga; of both which they got an unvaluable Treasure of Gold. Amongst other Pieces of that rich Metal was one which weighed two pound.
Taracura rais’d in this Expedition eighteen thousand weight of Gold: and little less did they take out of the Territories belonging to the Princes Pananome, Tabor, Cheru, and Scoria: The Prisoners serv’d them in stead of Horses, they not being able to carry all the Gold themselves, the meanest Soldier having above three thousand Pounds Sterling for his share.
[Sidenote: Destruction of the Spaniards.]
They were now got to Panza’s Kingdom, not without leaving sad remarks, of their avarice and cruelties. When Pariza surrounding this Party thus loaden with Gold, Charged so fiercely, that at the first Assault seventy of them were slain; those few that escap’d brought the tidings of their sad misfortune to Peter Arias. Amongst those that escaping return’d, was Franciscus Delapuente, whose observations concerning catching Parrots and wild Fowl, we will briefly relate, the digression being but short.
[Sidenote: A strange way to catch Parrots.]
The Indian where the Parrots are most frequent climbs into a Tree, and chattering like them, with his Voice imitating their Notes, allures his fellow-prater to draw near, and suffer him to take them in his Hands. But more belongs to the taking of wild Fowl, as Geese, Ducks, Swans, and the like: From the bottom of their standing Pools and Lakes in that Countrey grow Weeds, which spreading upon the Water ripen, and rotting breed Water-Flies, Spiders, and Frogs, upon which the Fowls feed. Near these Pools in the Gardens grow Cabbages as high as Trees, which often dropping into the Water serve the Birds both for Nests and Food: but the skilful Fowler finds it his best way to take one of these Cabbages, and making it hollow in the middle, claps it on his Head like a Helmet, then going into the Water up to his Chin, and passing softly along in such manner, that nothing is seen but the floating Cabbage, and coming near the Birds, he takes them one after another by the Legs, and puts them into a Bag ty’d about his middle for that purpose.
[Sidenote: Strange Bird Toucan.]
But what is more worthy observation is the American Bird Toucan Xochitenachate, having a fleshy Bill, like a Mouth full of Teeth, which continually opens and shuts to draw Breath, having no Nostrils; the Back, Neck, and Wings, are black, the Breast yellow like Gold, the Belly and end of the Tail of a Vermillion colour.
[Sidenote: Evacuated Pepper.]
This Bird Toucan feeds for the most part on Pepper, which tarries not long with them, but muted almost as soon as swallowed: which Pepper thus evacuated the Natives value above their common, because the unpleasing sharp acidity, or biting quality is thereby much mitigated.
But to return: Whilst the Expeditions under the Command of Peter Arias had such bad success, Arias himself and Vaschus Nunnez hapned to clash: _Nun__nez_, who since his discovery of the South Sea was held in some repute at the Spanish Court, had built four Ships on the Shore of the same Ocean, to make farther inspections along the Coasts thereof: but being commanded to come to Arias the Governor, he was committed to Prison, and accused of high Treason, as if he had intentions to settle himself in Peru, and absolutely to have left Daria: all which though he disown’d, and utterly deni’d with great protestations when brought to a Trial, and no witness to affirm the contrary, yet was by Arias’s special Order Beheaded.
Not long after which Lupus Sosa, Governor of the Canary Islands, was sent to succeed Arias in New Andalusia.
SECT. IX. The Expeditions of Francisco Fernandez, Lupus Caizedus, Christophero Morantes, Bernardo Igniguez, and Juan Grisalva.
[Sidenote: Original of the Name Jucatan.]
Fernandez, Caizedus, and Morantes, antient Planters in Cuba, obtain’d a Licence from the Governor Diego Velasques, to Rig out three Ships with a hundred and ten Men to discover new Lands. Velasques thought fit to add one more to their number upon the Kings account; which Trust he committed to Igniguez: all of them consulted with the experienc’d Navigator Antonio Alamines. Six days the Fleet had been at Sea, when they discover’d Land, which by a mistake was call’d Jucatan, because the Inhabitants being ask’d what was the Name of the Coast, answer’d Jucatan; which, as the Spaniards were afterwards inform’d, signifi’d, We understand you not.
[Sidenote: Stately City.]
Upon the Shore they found a City, whose Stone Buildings, with stately Fronts and high Turrets, shew’d most magnificently. Fernandez call’d this City for its wonderful bigness, Cairo, from the Egyptian Metropolis, famous through the World.
[Sidenote: Campechium a City.]
[Sidenote: Remarkable Images, and strange Stage.]
The Spaniards coming to Land were courteously receiv’d, and conducted into the City; the neatness of whose Market-places, and exactness of their Streets, they beheld with admiration; as also the costly Stuff Garments both of Men and Women: but their wonder increas’d when they beheld very artificial Crosses, concerning which upon inquiry they related, That a Man more glorious than the Sun, being busie in erecting the Crosses, died. But these People, though so courteous and civil at first, seem’d in few days to be weary of their company; which the Spaniards observing sounded a Retreat, and Sailing Westerly, proceeded on their intended Design, and soon after anchor’d before Campechium; the King of which conducted Fernandez and Morantes, with some others, into the City, consisting of three thousand Houses. In his Palace they were entertain’d with all manner of Fowl roasted: After which refreshment they survey’d the City; in which, amongst other curious Buildings, was a high, but square Theatre of Marble, on which stood the Image of a Man, on all corners assaulted by four wild Beasts, which were of a no less strange than horrible shape. Not far from this Image they saw a Serpent fashion’d up of Chalk and little Stones, whose coyl’d up Tail was forty seven Foot long, and of a proportionable thickness. This Serpent, sprinkled with Mens Blood yet warm, seem’d to prey upon a Marble Lyon: both these were inclos’d with a Stone Rail, within which Malefactors were daily executed. Bloody Bows and Arrows broke in small pieces lay between the Bones and dead Bodies. Igniguez call’d the King Lazarus, because he discover’d his Countrey on St. Lazarus’s Day.
[Sidenote: Moscobo a City.]
[Sidenote: Spaniards slain.]
[Sidenote: Mighty Island Cosumella.]
Making no long stay here, they return’d to their Ship, and weighing Anchor Sail’d fifty Leagues more Westerly, the Fleet got sight of Moscobo, in the Territory Aguanil, whose King assaulted the Spaniards with so much fury, that two and twenty of them were slain, and scarce one escap’d which was not wounded: wherefore they return’d with bad success to Cuba. Yet Velasques no ways discourag’d thereat, not long after fitted out four Vessels, Manning them with three hundred Men under the Command of Juan Grisalva and Alamines; who having Sail’d seventy Leagues, discover’d the fruitful Island Cosumella; along whose Shore stood fair Stone Edifices, intermix’d with Temples, whose Steeples appear’d above the Houses. Grisalva being led up into one of these Steeples by a Priest, saw at a distance off at Sea the Territory Jucatan: and in the Place where they were, there were spacious Halls, full of Marble and Stone Images of deformed Men and Beasts, which with a murmuring noise, and burning of incense they religiously worship. The Spaniards call’d this Island Sancta Cruz.
[Sidenote: Spaniards fight with the Campechiums.]
Sailing from hence they directed their Course to Campechium, where the year before they had been so civilly treated; where arriving, and without any fear coming ashore, they found the Campechiums quite of another humor than they were the former year, telling them, They would not suffer any Strangers to be amongst them; and placing a burning Torch between theirs and the Spanish Forces, threatned, That if they did not depart in quiet, they would force them: which accordingly they endeavor’d, making a fierce Onset upon the Spaniards; who being now come under their Battlements, when they saw their advantage, pour’d what they had kept as a reserve, whole Volleys of small Shot amongst them; which struck so much terror, that they all ran away, shifting for themselves, and crowding into the City.
The Spaniards found afterwards Jucatan to be but a Peninsula, and came before a River which fell with so strong a Current into the Mexican Sea, that it retain’d its sweetness for the space of two Leagues.
[Sidenote: Strange passages on Tabasco.]
This River, flowing out of the Province Tabasco, was call’d Grisalva: upon whose Banks stood above six thousand Americans; and in the Water appear’d a hundred Boats with Armed Men, which Row’d aboard the Spanish Ships. The Interpreters of Cuba, whose Language agrees for the most part with the Tabascers, prevail’d so much, that the King himself came to the chief Commander Grisalva, and bartering with him, gave him as much Gold as his Iron Helmet, Breastplate, and other Armor weighed.
[Sidenote: Sacrifice Island.]
Soon after they Landed on the Island of Sacrifice, so call’d from the horrid Sacrifices which the Inhabitants made daily.
[Sidenote: Exceeding horrible Sacrifices.]
Amongst other strange Images, there flood a great Lyon of Marble, seeming almost decollated with a great gash; into which Wound they pour’d humane Blood warm, which was receiv’d into a Stone Trough set for that purpose underneath; then the Figure of a Man Carv’d in Alabaster, bowing forward, as if looking into the Trough upon the Blood. Those which were sacrificed were Prisoners taken on the neighboring Coasts, whom bringing before their Idols, they ripping open make no farther inspection, but onely to whip out the Heart; with which having smear’d the Lips of their Idols, they throw it into the Fire: the Heads and Corps they let lie unburi’d; whose fleshy parts, especially their Cheeks, they feast upon.
[Sidenote: Maiden-Island.]
The next Island is inhabited by Women; to which Annually their Neighbors go, pretending merry kindness, but upon amorous inclinations: and Plough and Till their Ground, and Weed their Gardens.
[Sidenote: Pontenchianum a City.]
The chief City of Tabasco is Pontenchianum, and contains above fifteen hundred Houses, all built of Stone hardned with baking after their manner; which in some Places, besides their Turrets and Temples, yield a pleasant Prospect at a great distance. Fourteen eminent Towns more did the Spaniards also see in Tabasco.
[Sidenote: Strange making of Obligations.]
When in conversing with them they observ’d their strange manner of Sealing their Bargains and Contracts one with another, they were amaz’d, for not using Wax, they usually Seal’d their Compacts with their own Blood, commonly drawn with a Stone Knife, either from their Tongue, Hand, or Arms.
Their Priests live single, and if found to be Unchast, are punisht with Death. An Adulteress is sold for a Slave: Unmarry’d People may not frequently converse with Marry’d: Thirty five days in the year makes their Lent, in which they abstain not onely from Flesh, but Fish also, feeding onely upon Roots and Herbs. In this place the Spaniards were receiv’d in great state, Canopy’d with green Palm-Tree-Branches, and in like manner conducted aboard again, not without many Presents, viz. the Effigies of a Man curiously wrought in Gold, wherewith they return’d to Cuba.
SECT. IXA. The Expedition of Ferdinand Magaglian, commonly call’d Magellane.
[Sidenote: Bishop Casis sad effect concerning the Pearl catching.]
The Bishop Bartholomew de Casis, living a considerable time in Hispaniola, in the City Dominico, being inform’d of the abundance of Pearls which were caught before Cubagua, and the unsupportable cruelty of the Spaniards there under Ocampus, us’d against the Inhabitants, went to Spain, with a design to obtain of the Emperor Charles the Fifth, the Government over Cumana and Cubagua, under pretence, to draw the ignorant Natives from their Idolatry, to Christianity; which his request was especially promoted by William of Nassaw, the Emperors prime Favorite; so that having his Letters Patents granted to that purpose, he took Ship, and arriv’d with three hundred Spanish Gentlemen of Quality in Cumana: And that they might have the greater respect shown to them there, they had each a Red Cross given them, such as the Knights of Calatrava generally wear. Yet little did Ocampus, the old Governor of Cumana, regard either them or their Authority; for in stead of receiving and submitting, he kept the Bishop de Casis out by force of Arms; who then made complaint to the Vice-Roy of the West-Indies in Hispaniola, and in the mean time, put his Cargo into a new Store-house.
But whilst he made his Addresses, Ocampus having sufficiently inrich’d himself departed, which incourag’d the Cumaners, who already were incens’d, and weary of their former sufferings, to venture on a design, whereby they might revenge themselves of the Spaniards, which their undertaking prov’d so successful, that very few escap’d the Massacre: Of which, de Casis being inform’d, and much discontented thereat, betook himself to a Dominican Cloyster in Hispaniola.
[Sidenote: Cruelty of Castellio in Cumana.]
Yet not long after, the Cumaners paid dear for that slaughter, for one Castellio, though not without several Engagements, with various success, lasting forty days together, having at last utterly vanquish’d them, put to an ignominious Death, Hanging up seventy of their Princes, and to them of meaner quality, shewing as little mercy.
[Sidenote: Lampagnano discontented.]
As little success had Lodowick Lampagnano, sent out by some Spanish Merchants, with Letters Patents from the Emperor to Fish for Pearl, before the same Cubagua; to which purpose he carry’d peculiar Nets and other necessaries with him. But the Cubaguan Spaniards unanimously withstood him; so that not being able to effect his design, overpower’d with a Melancholly Distemper that broke his Heart, he dy’d.
[Sidenote: Magellanus Expedition, how it happen’d.]
In the interim, while these scarce considerable Voyages turn’d to so small account, Ferdinand Magaglianus (for so Peter Martyr calls him, and not Magellanus, which herein deserves to be credited, because they were intimately acquainted, and great friendship between them,) undertook to Sail round about the World; the occasion of which we will here relate at large:
This Magaglianus, or Magellanus, a Gentleman of Portugal, having perform’d things of great importance for his King, in Africa, although with no less trouble than Charge, desir’d an addition of half a Ducket a Moneth added to his Annual Pension; an inconsiderable Sum to make a Request for, yet though so little, was as niggardly deny’d: Whereupon, highly incensed, he study’d no little revenge; to which effect, soon after an opportunity was presented, by means of Franciscus Serranus, who writ from Ternata to him, that he should speedily come thither, which he soon after did upon this account:
[Sidenote: Strange Giant.]
Pope Alexander the Sixth, having fixt Terminaries between the Kings of Castile and Portugal, both busie at that time in discovering new Countreys, Order’d, That Castile should possess all the Coasts lying to the West of the chief Meridian, and Portugal to the East: By vertue of this partition, the rich Spicy Molucca Islands fell absolutely to the Portuguese: Now Magellanus perswaded Charles the Fifth, that they might be Sail’d to with a Westerly Course, and therefore belong’d to Castile; Which advice, Charles the Fifth considering, and approving, Rigg’d out five Ships, with which Magellanus set Sail from Sevil, the tenth of August, Anno 1519. five Moneths he ply’d up and down the Coast inhabited by the Patagones, where he found none but one single Person, or rather a Monster, a Giant ten Foot high, who coming Aboard his Ship, devour’d a great Hamper full of Biskets, and at one Draught drunk up nine Pottels of Water. He also saw several Trees which had been Hew’n with Axes, and Crosses made on the tops of them. Whilst he lay in that Harbor, which was call’d St. Julian, he Cashier’d his Vice-Admiral, John Carthagena, with his Father Confessor, and sparing their lives, set them ashore, and there left them to seek their Fortunes, though they had Conspir’d to Murther him.
[Sidenote: Straights of Magellan, how found.]
Magellanus from thence Sailing afterwards Southerly along America, to forty two Degrees Southern Latitude, was engag’d with the eddyings of a very strong Current, which driving one of the Ships into a Bay, split against a blind Rock, but the Men being sav’d in their Boat, were driven farther and farther into a Channel, between high and Snowy Mountains; whereupon he immediately judg’d (as the famous Negromancer Roderick Talerus had often told him) that there was the Passage, through which the Northern Ocean flow’d into the Southern; wherefore he resolutely adventur’d to Sail into those Sraights, which in some places narrow, and in others broad, is an hundred and twenty Leagues long, and full of small Isles and dangerous Rocks. Whilst he still Sail’d on, the Ship call’d Antonio, Tacking about, return’d to Cadiz.
But Magellanus enter’d the great South-Sea with three Sail, on the 25. of October, where the Sea-men suffer’d extremely by excessive Heat, Drought, and Famine, three Moneths and twenty Days, without sight of Land: And now, their Shooes, and the Leather which cover’d their Shields, began also to grow scarce (which before had been counted a Dainty) when they discover’d two Islands lying two hundred Leagues distance one from another, yet both Desolate and Barren, wherefore they were call’d the Unfortunate Isles: After that, they came amongst a great number of Islands, whose Inhabitants were much inclin’d to Thievery; for which cause they Denominated them Ladrones, the chiefest Island call’d Borneo, hath two hundred fifty four Leagues in Circumference, whereon a Tree grows, whose Leaves when faln off, seem to be alive and creep like Worms. The King of this Island entertain’d the Spaniards very courteously, two Elephants bringing his Presents to them on the Shore, out of a City consisting of twenty thousand Houses.
[Sidenote: Magellanus slain.]
[Sidenote: Spaniards murdered.]
[Sidenote: An end of the Voyage about the world.]
Near Borneo are two lesser Islands, call’d, Zubo and Matan; The King of Zubo freely submitted himself to the Spaniards, and Magellanus leaving his Fleet at Anchor in the Haven, went with his own and other Indian Boats, and attended with some of the Zubensers to Matan, where setting a Village on Fire, he carry’d great Riches from thence: This not satisfying, he resolv’d within eight days to set upon the Royal Head-City; but the King in his own Defence, Encountering with Magellanus, slew him, and seven Spaniards more, besides twenty two dangerously wounded; those which escap’d by flight, got to Zubo, where being invited to Dinner by the King, they were all of them (in stead of a second Course) Murther’d at Table. The occasion of this was out of Revenge, because the Spaniards had fall’n too foul upon their Women and Maids, Devirginating, and forcing them to their Pleasure, than which rudeness nothing was among them more Detestable. The Sea-men weakned by these Misfortunes, were necessitated to burn their third Ship, call’d, St. Jago; but Sailing to the Molucco Islands with the other two, they Freighted them both with Cloves; with which the Ship Trinitas Sail’d to New-Spain through the South-Sea, and the Victoria, Commanded by John Sebastian de Lano went the same way which the Portuguese us’d, and so to St. Lucar de Barrameda, near Sivile, where he came to Anchor with his Ship and eighteen Men.
SECT. X. Ferdinando Cortez his Voyage.
[Sidenote: Sottus cruelty.]
Although several Expeditions of the Spaniards to America prov’d very unsuccessful at the first, yet they still undertook them afresh, and with renewing Courage: Ferdinando Sottus, though he Landed five hundred Men in Florida, yet brought no Treasure from thence, onely he cut off the Hands of fifteen Princes, because they would not discover their Mines of Gold.
[Sidenote: Miserable end of Narvaez.]
Yet far worse success had Pamphilus Narvaez, who lost both his Fleet and Men, saving onely ten out of six hundred, in the River Palma, and they also afterwards dy’d there, or eat one another to satisfie their raging Hunger.
[Sidenote: Cortez his Voyage.]
[Sidenote: Remarkable delivery.]
But much better was the fortune of Ferdinando Cortez, Sailing from Spain to America, in the Year 1519. who having the Command given him over ten stout Ships, and three Frigats with five hundred Foot, and an additional Force of sixteen Horse, rais’d by the new Spanish Inhabitants on Cuba; with which Forces Landing on the Island Cozumella, he prohibited Humane Sacrifice to their Idols, and Erected a Cross with the Image of the Virgin Mary, in one of their Temples, and releas’d Hieronimus Aquilaris, after a seven years Slavery, having suffer’d Shipwrack with Valdivia; at which time some that sav’d themselves in the Boat, were by the Current in thirty days driven to Jucatan, in which time seven dy’d of Hunger; the rest going ashore, were no sooner Landed, but Sacrific’d by the Natives to their Gods or Zemes. Among the six that remain’d, yet left alive, and to be offer’d after the same manner the next day, was this Aquilaris, who with his Companions, breaking Prison, in the following night fled to a Neighboring Prince their Enemy, and one that maintain’d a continual War against these Cannibals.
[Sidenote: Strange Battel.]
[Sidenote: Potanchanum, a City.]
[Sidenote: Colvacan Books, of what fashion, as also their Temples.]
Here Cortez sent Articles of Peace to Taxmarus the King of the Countrey, but he sleighting his proffer, came down upon him into the Field with forty thousand Men, drawn from the City Potanchanum, which contain’d above twenty thousand Houses, all built of Stone: And indeed the Spaniards had here seen their last day, had not Cortez drawn by a seeming advantage the Enemies under his Canon, and sent his small Party of Horse to attend the motion of the Rear; when so soon as they had fir’d their Canon, making great Execution, the Front routed, and the Rear terrifi’d with the noise and smoke of the Guns, they also broke, being at the same instant Charg’d with the Horse, which were so terrible to them that never saw Horses, nor such Service on Horseback before, that in a short time the whole Body of so great an Army was utterly dissipated, and the triumphing Conquerors took possession of the empty City Potanchanum, where Solacing, they staid a whole Moneth. Then from hence they Sail’d to Colvaca, where, upon the request of the Natives, they settled a Colony. Amongst the Presents which were there given to the Spaniards, were some of their own Volumes, Books, whose Leaves were made of the innermost Rind of a Tree, and a kind of Paste, made of their Meal, glew’d together; the Characters stood at some distance one after another, rang’d like our Christ-Cross Row, or A, B, C.
Here Cortez was amaz’d to behold their stately Temples, the Floors whereof were cover’d with Embroyder’d Tapestry, beset with Precious Stones, to which great multitudes flock’d, being very zealous to perform their Devotions.
When their Seed is put into the Ground, or come to its full growth, they offer young Children to their Zemez, richly Cloth’d, having been fatten’d some Weeks before: When they want Children they kill their Slaves, and in default of them, they pacifie them with Dogs.
[Sidenote: Strange Sacrifices.]
The Victims that go to be Sacrific’d, they Worship with all Adoration, Bowing and Congying before them.
[Sidenote: Strange Idol-Worship.]
Their Zeal in this their Idol-Worship may appear from a strange Custom, observ’d by them when they enter their Temple, viz. they either draw Blood out of their Tongues, Lips, Ears, Breast, Knees, or Palm of their Hands, which they throw into the Air, supposing thereby to be pardon’d by their indulgent Gods.
[Sidenote: Zempoal, a City.]
In the City Zempoal, Cortez found five Slaves, who being kept close Prisoners, were to be Sacrific’d the next day; but he releasing them, did upon the importunate request of the Quines, or Priests, and promises of great ransoms, and their telling of him that the Zemez would spoil all their Seed and Plants that year, if they did not go on with these Offerings, restor’d the Prisoners again; who, though the enjoyments of all happinesses in the other World were promis’d them by their Priest, and great assurance given thereof; yet they were not forward, but return’d, unwilling to suffer, though by so gainful a Sacrifice.
[Sidenote: Zemez wonderful Idols.]
At the Zemez Feet hung abundance of Mens Bones bundled up together, and under them were Written the Names of their Enemies, whose Flesh had been either Sacrific’d or eaten.
[Sidenote: Cortez his Exploits.]
Twelve Leagues beyond Zempoal, Cortez built a new City near the River Grisalva, and call’d it Vera Crux, which Diego Velasques resented so ill, it being done without his knowledge, that he petition’d the Council of Cuba to give Sentence of Death against the Founder: But whilst Cortez expected an answer from the Embassadors (which were sent to the Spanish Court to give account of the necessity of building a City there) he travell’d eighty Leagues Westerly. The Zempoalensers accompanied him in great Troops, hoping by that means to shake off the yoke of the mighty King Montezuma, against whom they were then design’d. Cortez coming into the Territory of Sincuchimalar, was in the Name of Montezuma, by one of his Princes, courteously entertain’d in a great Village, scituate on a steep Mountain, without any Path or Way leading to it, but by two high Ladders. Sincuchimalar lies surrounded with Hills, whose tops seem to touch the Clouds. Coming down from the Village, they travell’d through a barren and cold Valley, where they suffer’d such great Inconveniences by want of Provisions and Water, and exceeding coldness of the Weather, that many of them perish’d. After that, they ascended a pleasant Hill, on whose summit stood a Chappel, with a handsom Steeple, and hedg’d about with great heaps of Wood, brought thither by the Inhabitants for the use of their Sacrifices. At the foot of this Mountain was a fruitful Valley water’d by a pleasant River, on whose Banks a certain Prince nam’d Cacataminus had a Palace, built of Stone, and containing many Rooms, and convenient Lodgings. Somewhat higher to the Land, appear’d more of the like Structures, which were all under Montezuma’s Jurisdiction; but the neighboring Countrey Tlaxcalla, whose Inhabitants were famous for their Valor, would never receive any Laws from Montezuma.
[Sidenote: Remarkable War in Tlaxcalla.]
Cortez no sooner set footing in this Countrey, but he was set upon by a thousand of the Inhabitants, who at the first Assault kill’d two of the Spanish Horse, yet after this bold Charge, the Assailants fled, and on the next day desir’d Peace; whereupon the Spaniards march’d quietly into the Countrey, when a confus’d Company, or Forlorn-Hope, making a horrible Noise, set upon them; but after a slight Skirmish, they fled to their Main Body, which immediately drawing up, being at least a hundred thousand, hemm’d in the handful of Spaniards, and so were ready to swallow them, leaving them no Angle to escape at. Thus invironed, they were assailed on every side, fighting till Sun-set, and had undoubtedly been utterly destroy’d, had not Cortez ply’d his six Pieces of Cannon, discharging continually Volley after Volley upon them; and though the Execution was very much, yet the Sound and report of their Ordinance was more terrible to them that were out of the reach of the Bullet, and made more to the gaining so great a Victory, Fear conquering more than Slaughter; so that by the Evening, despairing either of their Safety or better Fortune, the whole Army disbanding fled: But the pursuing Conquerors firing five of their Villages, remain’d Masters of the Field; yet they, though thus totally routed, taking fresh Courage (a wonderful thing!) reinforc’d them, and set upon the Spanish Camp, with no less than 150000 Fighting Men: Yet notwithstanding so vast an Army, Cortez so well order’d his small parcel of Men, and so valiantly led on upon all Advantages, that he in like manner defeated this, as they thought, Invincible Preparation. Thus flesh’d with so much Blood of the Natives, he raged every where, giving no Quarter where-ever he went.
Mean while Quesitangal, a neighboring Prince, having also raised an Army with which he design’d, being assisted by darkness, craftily to fall into the Spanish Quarters by Night, subtilly dissembling, sent Embassadors the day before, with several Presents, and Overtures of Peace, which indeed were onely Spies, to take notice where they might best break in upon them; which Cortez mistrusting, and soon being inform’d of the whole Design, he cut off the Spies Hands, so sending them back to Quesitangal with Defiance: Hereupon the Indians immediately setting forward, took advantage of the ensuing Night, and with great fury fell upon the Spaniards, who preacquainted with the Design, were in so good a posture to receive them, that not able to endure such hot Service, they quickly retreated, and utterly gave over the Enterprize: But Cortez as much encourag’d by these Victories, pursu’d them, and the same Night Storm’d Tlaxcalla, a City containing above twenty thousand Houses, which in few Hours he carried. This City was curiously built, of bak’d Stones, and a place of great Trade; insomuch that the Market-places swarm’d with Buyers and Sellers, bartering one with another all manner of Provisions, as Fish, Flesh, and Bread, also Plumes of Feathers, Pearls, imbroyder’d Tapestry, Chalk, Stones, Timber, and Herbs.
Twenty days Cortez staid here to refresh his Army, and then march’d to the neighboring City Chiurutical, with the Auxiliary Forces of the Tlaxcallans, to the number of above a hundred thousand; they told him, That the People of Chiurutical had barricado’d up their Streets, laid upon the tops of their Houses great heaps of Stones, that their upper Rooms were cramm’d with Archers, and all things made ready both for Offence and Defence; which Advertisement he not much hearkned to, because he was conducted into the City with all their State-Formalities of Singing and Tabering upon their Tamboes, and every where courteously entertain’d.
[Sidenote: A Plot strangely discover’d.]
[Sidenote: Strange Martial Affairs.]
Mean while Montezuma had rais’d a great Army, which were in their advance, not onely to the defence of his Border, but to surprize them while they staid in that City, the Townsmen having invited him thither to their rescue and his own defence, had not the Plot been accidentally discover’d by a Chirutecan Woman, who giving advice to one of her Friends that follow’d Cortez, that he should immediately make his escape, because that all the Strangers would be destroy’d within few Hours, who came and inform’d Cortez thereof; whereupon he desir’d all the Magistrates of the City to come and speak with him, who no sooner entred the Hall where he was, but his Men by Command immediately shot them to death, which terrible Rumor spreading, and alarm’d with the report of the Executing Musquets, the City was suddenly in an Uproar, gathering thither Arm’d from all Places, and began a sharp Conflict, which lasted five Hours; but then wearied out, and despairing of Success, loosing their Courage, they desir’d a Cessation, and at last concluded Peace with the Spaniards.
[Sidenote: Now Mexico.]
This News of his discover’d Intention, so startled Montezuma, that he suppos’d it better to desist, and procure the Favor of Cortez by Presents; wherefore he sent him 15000 Cotton Habits, trim’d up very richly, ten great Chargers of Gold, and some Vessels of Wine, desiring him for a while to forbear his Intentions of marching to Tenustitan his Chief City, and that he would in the mean while treat with him for an Accommodation. But Cortez, though he accepted of the Presents, yet nevertheless held his Resolution of marching on.
[Sidenote: Wonderful Mountain Popocatepeque.]
[Sidenote: Resolution of two Spaniards.]
Eight Leagues from Tenustitan he saw the double-spired Mountain Popocatepeque, so call’d from the Smoke which continually ascends from its top; for Popoca signifies A Smoke, and Tepeque, A Mountain. The Smoke rises upright, and with so much strength, that by the greatest Wind it deviates not one jot from mounting upwards in a direct Line, to whose forked Head ten Spaniards resolv’d to climb; but having got scarce half way up, they were forc’d to return, the Ashes lying knee-deep; yet at last two more resolute conquer’d all those Difficulties, and got to the top, where the mouth of the Cave, as they guessed, measur’d four Miles in Circumference: The shaking of the Mountain, and roaring of the Flames, frequently bursting forth, so much terrified them, that they staid not long there; for, as we said, the Ground not onely trembled under them, but the Fiery Gulph ejected great Stones, which falling down on all sides of the Mountain, rolled to the bottom; and without doubt they had there perish’d, had they not speedily run to a hollow neighboring Hill, from whence they came at length to the rest of their Company, where they were admir’d by the Indians for their undaunted Resolution, and presented with several rich Gifts. These Indians had a Tradition, That for wicked Princes, and such as had not govern’d the People well, this was the Tophet appointed for their Torments.
[Sidenote: Strange Cities in America.]
[Sidenote: A very strange Cawse-way.]
Cortez being got through the poor Territory of the Guazazingers, and having suffer’d great Cold upon the Mountains, discover’d Amaquameca, the chief City of the Province Chialco, seated in a great Lake, to which he row’d in a kind of Boats, by the Inhabitants call’d Acales. Passing from thence, he was courteously receiv’d in Iztapalapa, another City, which boasts above eight thousand Stone Buildings, besides admirable Palaces, with spacious Rooms, delightful Gardens, and Ponds full of Fish, and almost cover’d with Fowl; from whence a Wall or Cawse-way of a great breadth, that cross’d over both Land and Water, led from Iztapalapa to Tenustitan. This Cawse-way hath many Bridges, which are drawn up in time of War, under which the Water runs out of a Salt Lake into a Fresh, that ebbs and flows, although lying between high Mountains, and seventy Leagues from the Sea.
On both sides this Wall, being ten Leagues in length, appears three great Towns, viz. Mesiqualisingo, Colvacana, and Vuichilabusco, all Populous, and well-built.
[Sidenote: How they make Salt.]
Colvacana is supplied by the Salt Lake, to its no small benefit and inriching; for the Water being by Pipes convey’d into the City, in all the Places and Cisterns for its reception makes a Scum, which being coagulated by the Sun, and after boyl’d, becomes Salt, with which they drive a great Trade; for no Salt being to be had in any place but here, all Foreign Merchants come thither for Supply.
[Sidenote: Remarkable Passage of King Montezuma.]
Cortez being in his March within a League and a half of Tenustitan, Montezuma, preceded with a thousand of his Nobless, came to meet and salute him, all of them rather like Pilgrims, bare-footed, and congying, kissing their right Hands, with which they first kiss’d the Ground: After them appear’d Montezuma himself, who put a Chain of Gold, imboss’d with Pearls, about Cortez his Neck, and immediately conducted him to the City, where having entred, and being come into the Palace, Montezuma plac’d Cortez on a Golden Throne, and surrendred up his Right to his Catholick Majesty of Spain, in the presence of all his Peers, to their no small amazement.
But whilst all things had a good face, and went on thus fairly beyond their expectations, Cortez was inform’d, That King Coalcopoca had a Design on the new City Vera Crux, and had treacherously murder’d two of the Garrison, and wounded two more: Whereupon Cortez having such fair beginnings, who had swallow’d already in his Hopes the whole Empire and Wealth belonging to Montezuma, laid hold of this Occasion, pretending Treason, and breach of Contract; wherefore he put Montezuma under Custody, notwithstanding he had clear’d himself of the Conspiracy, by bringing Coalcopoca, with his Sons, and fifteen of his Peers, Prisoners to Tenustitan, who by the command of Cortez suffer’d a lingering death, being all burnt with Green Wood. But in vain did Montezuma think to reconcile himself with Cortez, since all he did could render no manner of satisfaction; however he continu’d to oblige him by fresh Favors, whose Relation we will be more particular in, as meriting the same.
[Sidenote: Description of the Royal City Tenustitan.]
[Sidenote: Cacaos, what manner of Fruit.]
[Sidenote: Stately Temple.]
[Sidenote: Horrible Images.]
Montezuma’s Grandees seem’d to be much discontented, because he had without the least resistance or consideration setled a handful of Strangers to domineer over his whole Dominions, by which his weakness and pusillanimity, he was now a Prisoner, like a common Malefactor, who had formerly govern’d so mighty Territories. Amongst several Princes which seem’d thus to be concern’d, was Catumazin Governor of the Province Hacolvacan who had he not been surpriz’d and attaqu’d the Night before by the information and discovery of Montezuma himself, he would have hazarded the ruine of all Cortez his Successes: But now Fortune still daily more smil’d, giving wonderful Advantages to the Spaniards; Silver and Gold continually flowing like Rivers from all Quarters, that their onely trouble and puzzle was where and how to dispose it: but yet for all this, they were not free from jealousie, that Montezuma’s Forces might swallow theirs, though he was secur’d; of which you may judge by the vastness of his Imperial City Tenustitan, seated in the Province of Mexico, where a Salt Lake mixes its Waters with a fresh River, both which in circumference contain, as we said, seventy Leagues, and distant from the Main Land five or six Miles; the Water about it continually cover’d with small Boats rowing up and down. It hath four Stone, besides DrawBridges in several Places, and strengthned with Gates no less artificial than costly, which lead from the City to the Main Land. The Fresh Water is convey’d through the Salt in a Wall’d Channel, out of which none may take up Water, except they pay Excise to the Kings Farmers. This City boasts above sixty thousand Houses, all divided into Islands, but joyn’d with great Wooden Bridges: The Market-place surrounded with Galleries, drives a quick and constant Trade, being always full of Buyers and Sellers. In every Street they have a publick Inn, in each of which they keep Ordinaries, wherein the Tables are stor’d with well-dress’d Flesh and Fish, not wanting plenty of Wine. Their Trades are divided into several Companies, and they have their peculiar Places to dwell in. They deal very much in Cacaos, a Fruit not unlike an Almond, which beaten to Powder, and prepar’d with several other Ingredients, gives name to that excellent Drink now in use with us, call’d Chocolate: They grow onely on moist and warm Grounds, and are us’d so currently in Trade, that they go in stead of Money. Amongst many beautiful Edifices, their Guild is very magnificent, wherein twelve Judges, attended by a considerable number of Officers and Servants, sit daily, hearing and determining all manner of Causes. The next is their Chief Temple or Minster, built quadrangular, all of Free-Stone, having four Portals, opening into the four principal Streets or Triumphs, that end at the four Stone Bridges. On the Walls, being of an exceeding height, stand several Turrets, so high, that they seem to hide their Spires in the Clouds; and have Apartments, wherein the Priests Diet, Lodge, and Study, which are ascended by Marble Steps. These Religious Persons are generally of Noble Extract, which at seven years old are carried thither, where leading a very strict Life, they never come forth to see the World, till they enter the State of Matrimony. The famous Colossus, that stood over the Rhodian Haven, between whose Legs all Ships did Sail, that came in or went out of the Harbor, cannot stand in competition with the stupendious Idol Vuichilabuchichi, whose Head touches the Arch’d Ceiling of the high Temple. Near his stand several lesser Images, made of Meal and all sorts of Herbs bak’d together, and kneaded with Mens Blood. Along the Walls are exceeding dark Vaults, in which the Priests onely walk; over them are large Halls, full of Presentations of their Gods, which serve for the Burying-places of their Kings.
Whilst Cortez and Montezuma were viewing the Temple, two Spaniards rush’d suddenly into one of the Cells, where they found abundance of Lamps and Torches burning, and the Walls bedaub’d two Inches thick with Humane Gore: Over-head hung vast numbers of their Sacrificing Knives; and the stench of the place was intollerable.
[Sidenote: Grandeur of the Kings in Tenustitan.]
[Sidenote: Strange Garden-houses.]
But Cortez going on, Montezuma and his Attendants resented it very hainously, that he pull’d down some of their Idols, and durst presume to look in the Kings Face; for those People bear so great Reverence to their Kings, that none dares so much as once look up in their presence: His Council stand bare-footed, stooping with their Faces bow’d almost to the Ground before him: Four times a day they change their Apparel; and a Suit which they have once worn, is put to no other use, but presented to such Soldiers as have done some eminent Service. Whatever manner of Chargers, Dishes, Pots, Cups, and other Vessels the Emperor is serv’d in at his Table, are every Meal new. The King hath in Tenustitan three great Structures, whose Magnificence, for Cost and rare Architecture, can hardly be parallell’d. The first is the Residence for all deform’d People: The second, an Aviary for all manner of Birds and Fowl, being a spacious open place, Roof’d with Nets, and surrounded with Marble Galleries. The third, being a Den for Wild Beasts, was divided into several Rooms, wherein were kept Lions, Tygers, Wolves, Foxes, and all manner of Four-footed Animals.
[Sidenote: Spaniards beaten afresh.]
[Sidenote: Remarkable Exploits of Cortez.]
[Sidenote: Tenustitan, or Mexico, taken.]
But whilst Cortez having staid waiting eight Months in Tenustitan, for the return of the Messengers sent to the Spanish Court, receiv’d Tidings, That Pamphilo Narvaecy, by order of Velasques, was come with eighteen Sail, Mann’d with eight hundred Foot, and eighty Horse, from Cuba, and now riding before the Mexican Coast; from whence soon after he receiv’d unexpected Command, to come presently aboard unarm’d, and resign up his Authority: But he in stead of submission, compell’d Narvaecy in a short time to relinquish his Title, and own him for Superior. Mean while the Spaniards which remain’d in possession of Tenustitan, ran the hazard of a general Massacre; for the Citizens much stomacking the Oppressions of the Spaniards, who grew very insolent, inslaving their King, bringing their inveterate Enemies the Tlaxcallans and Guazuzingans into their City, exacting them to pay Tributes, pulling down their Gods, and demolishing their ancient Idols, they brake out from all Parts in a tumultuous manner, ran to Arms, and besieg’d them Day and Night in their Fort, although Montezuma endeavor’d to perswade the contrary. Cortez, hearing of it, came to their relief with the New Forces Landed from Cuba; but he fighting his way ere he could get in, was so roughly entertain’d by the Mexicans, that they kill’d him forty Men, wounding as many more; and notwithstanding fifteen Field-pieces with continual Shot made foul Breaches, lessening the number of the Assailants, yet they suddenly fill’d up their Vacancies again with fresh Men, which clamber’d over the Heaps of those that lay slain. Three Days the Battel had continu’d very fierce, when Montezuma being with the Spaniards in the Castle, went to a low Window, to see if he could command his Subjects to retreat; but a continual Cry so deafned their Ears, and showres of Arrows and Stones so took away their sight, that he did nothing: Then Montezuma, thinking to be more easily either heard or seen, went to a higher Window, where looking out, he was unfortunately hit with a Stone, of which he died three days after. Besides their Enemies, the Spaniards suffer’d extremely by Famine; and though they had beaten down a Tower, which had done the Castle great mischief, and set five hundred Houses on fire, yet they could discern no likely issue thereof, but judg’d it best to make their escape by Night over the nearest Bridge: Cortez therefore dividing his gotten Treasures, which amounted to above seven hundred thousand Duckets, amongst his Soldiers, carried Montezuma’s Son, and two Daughters, Prisoners with him, though not without infinite danger and loss; for the Tenustitans assail’d him on both sides, and falling in also upon his Rear, spar’d not to kill Montezuma’s own Children. In this last Fight the Service was so hot, that Cortez lost forty two Horse, a hundred and fifty Spaniards, and two thousand Auxiliaries; and although gotten over the Lake, they were still pursu’d by the Mexicans, who would then undoubtedly have made a general Slaughter, had not Cortez amused the Enemies, by leaving in the Night great Fires in several Places, his suppos’d Camps, whilst he silently stole away: Yet the Tenustitans would have pursu’d the Spaniards, had they not wanted Provisions: But Cortez sending his Treasure before him, through the Countrey Colva, to Vera Crux, with a Convoy of five Horse, and forty four Foot, were all cut off by the Colvaans, and feasted upon in a Thanksgiving Sacrifice. The same misfortune befel twelve Spaniards in Tepeacu, which great City surrendred it self up to Cortez, being assisted by a mighty Army of Tlaxcallans and others. But after all these Losses, he took Guaccachiulla, and Izzuca, both fortified with strong Walls and Gates; in which last he burnt above a hundred Temples, built for Humane Sacrifices. All the Countrey through which he thus ransack’d, he call’d New-Spain. From the City Tazuco, which he had newly taken, intending to besiege Tenustitan, he digg’d through the Lakes a broad Trench, of above three Leagues in length, to bring up thirteen new Ships to Tenustitan; and the neighboring People envying, that that City should not be conquer’d, as well as theirs, rais’d an Army of above a hundred and fifty thousand Men, making Cortez their General: Himself incamped on one corner of the City, appointing the other two sides to be invested by Gonsales Sandovalo, and Pedro Avarado; but the Besieg’d resolutely broke out, and made a fierce Sally with five thousand Boats, setting upon the thirteen Ships; but the great Guns made such execution and havock amongst them, that they retreated with great damage. Whoever were taken Prisoners in this Fight by the Spaniards, the Tlaxcallans, being Commission’d by Cortez, feasted upon. On the seventh day the City was taken, but not without great Slaughter, and the new King imprison’d.
[Sidenote: Sad accident occasion’d by a Tyger.]
After this mighty Conquest, Cortez resolv’d to discover those Territories that lay Southward; and whilst he was making all things ready for the Voyage, he sent two Ships with an invaluable Treasure to Spain, who fearing to be taken by the French Pyrats, ran in at Tercera, where a miserable Accident hapned to the Seamen of the biggest Ship, wherein were carried two Tygers, which though taken young, and bred up amongst men, yet had not so quite forgotten their natural ferocity, but that one breaking loose in the Night, tore seven of them in pieces, hurting a far greater number, of which some had the Brawns of their Arms, the Calves of their Legs, and fleshy parts of their Thighs bit out.
[Sidenote: Strange Battel with Baboons.]
Several Places in America breed Tygers, that far exceed Lyons in fierceness; so that where any considerable number of them frequents, though the Soil be never so fruitful, yet it is left desolate and forsaken. But the Baboons that frequent the Woods are more pleasant, and less dangerous. Peter Arias relates, That his whole Army incountred with these Beasts, which climb’d from one Tree to the other, shrieking, and making very strange Gesticulations to those that were gone before, and gathering their Mouths and Hands full of Stones, which they threw as exact and strongly as a Man. When one of these Baboons, shot by a Musquet, fell to the Ground, the rest gave such a horrible shriek, that the Woods resounding with the noise, strook a terror into the Spaniards. Amongst several things that hapned in this Counter-scuffle, take this one: A Spaniard taking aim with his Musquet at an old Baboon, which sate pearch’d up in a Tree, and being now just ready to give Fire, the Baboon Soldier, at the very instant, to break the Shot, taking a Stone out of his Mouth, threw it exactly into the Mans Mouth, with such force as beat out some of his Teeth; with which sudden blow surpris’d, he lost his Mark; and the proud Foe, shewing signs of Triumph, went his way.
[Sidenote: Great destruction.]
[Sidenote: The unfortunate Expedition of Garajus.]
[Sidenote: Spaniards rosted.]
[Sidenote: Cortez his Ambition.]
But whilst Cortez staid in the Countrey of Tenustitan (now call’d Mexico) Franciscus Garajus sail’d out of the Haven of Jamaica, with eleven Ships, to the River Panucus, there, according to the Command of the Emperor Charles, to plant a Colony: Whereupon he went ashore, ordering his Fleet to sail along in sight of Land: So wading through the River Montaltus, which glides between high Mountains, he came to a Morassy Ground, in which he and they often sunk almost up to the Middle, and lost his way in a Thicket of young Trees; yet at last being come to the River Panucus, he found several high Walls, being the Ruines of Fortresses, Temples, and Towers, destroy’d by Cortez; so that the City lay quite desolate. Twenty Leagues further, upon the Banks of the same River, Cortez had in like manner sack’d and destroy’d Chiglia, a Town which before its burning reckon’d above twenty thousand Houses, besides many fair Palaces, Walls, Towers, and Temples: Which Cruelties and Spoil had bred so great an Odium in the Inhabitants against the Spaniards, that they immediately sent an Army against Garajus, who had only a few half-starv’d Men with him; yet he receiv’d the Enemy twice in his Retreat to the new Colony St. Steven, rais’d out of Chiglia’s Ruines; but finding no Provisions where-ever he came, he judg’d it fittest to send his Horse into the Countrey to Forage; which Cortez meeting, took Prisoners, under pretence that Garajus came to take Possession, where he had neither Authority nor Right. Cortez also made himself Master of Garajus Ship and Fleet, commanding him withal to appear in Tenustitan, which not knowing how to avoid, he obey’d: His People mean time ranging up and down without a Head or Commander, either died by Famine, or were murther’d and eaten by the Natives; for at one time the Americans made a general Feast with two hundred and fifty rosted Spaniards: But their days of Triumph lasted not long; for Sandovalus, one of Cortez his Prime Officers, set with so much fury upon those Cannibals, that he kill’d several thousands of them, and burnt sixty Persons of Prime Quality, all Commanders, in the sight of their Friends and Relations. But Garajus, whose Son was married to Cortez his Daughter, liv’d not long after the Wedding, which occasion’d a murmur as if Cortez had poyson’d him, to rid himself of a Partner in his Government; for it had been generally observ’d, that his Ambition suffer’d no Equal. The Americans fell all down before him; all were Servants alike: The Court which he kept swarm’d with Attendance, on which he spent vast Sums of Money; yet his Incomes were able to bear such excessive Disbursements. He kept in constant Pay five thousand Soldiers, and several Ships ready rigg’d and prepar’d on all occasions, to hold in awe the enslav’d People, or else for the Discovery of New Countreys: Yet after all these extraordinary Charges defray’d, to shew his Wealth and Greatness, he caus’d a Piece of Cannon to be cast all of massie Gold: for the Kings which formerly acknowledg’d Montezuma for their Sovereign, gave him a yearly Revenue, most of which were valu’d to be worth twenty three Tun of Gold; for so much the King of Tescuscus, a stately City, paid, whose Houses Plaister’d with White-Lime, seem’d afar off to be rather a Chalky Hill or Mountain, cover’d with Snow: Full as much did the King pay which reigned in Otumba, notwithstanding he had receiv’d with his Christianity the Name of Ferdinand Cortez; yet others gave less: The King Guacinalgo, with his Mother, and some Slaves, bringing Gold, came to present it to Cortez; and entring the Palace, through a Guard of five hundred Horse and four Hundred Foot, which were always ready Arm’d for fear of Insurrections, he fell down prostrate on the Ground. Thus all things even out-went whatever he could desire, hope for, or imagine. And Alvaredo, one of his Commanders, being sent Eastwardly, brought great Treasures back with him, which the conquer’d Kings were forc’d to raise.
[Sidenote: His Misfortunes.]
But Fortune, who seldom continues her Favors long, at last began to frown; for Cortez having sent an unvaluable Treasure of Gold and Pearls to the Emperor Charles the Fifth, Floryn the French Pyrate met with and took it, which went so much to his Heart, that for a considerable time he sent no Advice to the Spanish Court, which made them grow jealous of him, doubting that he intended to make himself King over New-Spain; and this Suspicion was not a little augmented by his Enemies.
[Sidenote: A Plot of two Spanish Officers.]
In the Neck of these, follow’d another Misfortune; for Christopher Olitus, sent out by Cortez to discover new Countreys, rebelling, took up Arms against him, being then in the Haven Figueras, five hundred Leagues beyond. Notwithstanding the Spaniards, although amongst a new-conquer’d People, which without doubt long’d for Revenge, were not to take notice of their danger, but to go on with undaunted Resolution; whereupon Cortez drawing out a strong Party, march’d a long and troublesom way to meet Olitus, making great Slaughters where-ever he came. Francisco de las Casas was commanded to go upon the same Account by Sea, and arriving first, found him setling his new Colony, which he nam’d Triumph de Sancta Crux; and notwithstanding the Water with a Northerly Wind was very rough and boysterous in the Haven Figueras (which the Spaniards call’d so, because they found Trees there, which growing at the Foot of the Mountains, bore a Fruit not unlike a Fig) yet they came to a present Engagement, wherein Casas worsting Olitus, having sunk one of his Ships, stood out again to Sea; but surpriz’d by a violent Storm, and driven on the Shore, fell into Olitus’s Hands, who had a little before also taken Egidíus or Giles Gonsales. These two Prisoners consulted together how they might poyson or murder Olitus, which fell out according to their desires, because the Servants of the House where they lodg’d sided with them; so taking hold of the first opportunity, as they were at Supper together, they stabb’d him with their Knives in several places; yet the Wounds were not so great or mortal, but that he retain’d strength to escape in the dark to a neighboring Hut; but the Assassinates immediately sent out Messengers, publishing, That he who did not, knowing where Olitus was immediately bring him to them, should receive condign punishment; which terrifying Olitus, he discover’d himself, and was immediately beheaded.
[Sidenote: Mexicans Apparel.]
During the time that the Spanish Officers had these Civil Broyls one against another, Lodowick Pontæus, a Man well experienc’d in the Law, came from Spain to America, there in the Emperors Name to settle all things in good order; having also particular Instructions, to shew great kindness to Cortez, and to make him a Knight of the Order of St. James, that by that means the Emperor might be the more esteem’d for his Noble Subjects and Servants, amongst the Mexicans, who are themselves of a proud and ambitious spirit, and chiefly the Nobility, which doth manifestly appear by their Apparel, more gorgeous than the meaner sort of Americans; and though the Slaves go stark naked (having onely a Cloth tied about their Privities) and with a Bowe and Arrows walk before their Lords, yet the Better Sort go very costly Habited; for about their Necks they wear Strings of Pearl; on their Heads, a Cap, from whence hang down two Scarfs, one longer than the other; then a party-colour’d Cotton Coat covers their whole Bodies to their Knees, under which they wear a Vest girt about their Middle.
But at last, after all these Services, Cortez disagreeing with the Vice-Roy Don Antonio Mendoza, being about that time sent over, went male-contented into Spain.
SECT. XI. Diego Gottierez his Expedition.
[Sidenote: Gottierez contests with Contreras.]
[Sidenote: Is forsaken of all.]
[Sidenote: Great Tempest.]
[Sidenote: Village Francisco.]
[Sidenote: Strange manner of eating.]
[Sidenote: Unsatisfied Covetousness of Gottierez.]
Anno 1540. Gottierez being chosen Governor of New Carthage, weigh’d Anchor from Cadiz, and sailing to Nombre de Dios, upon his Landing clash’d with Roderick Contreras, in whose Place he was sent to succeed. Two Years he spent without effecting any thing; but at last coming to Agreement with Contreras, he took the Governorship upon him, having first forewarn’d him not to depend too much upon his Authority; for the Countrey being full of Woods and Mountains, might hide many of his Enemies: But he not regarding the Advice, went a Journey from New Granada, and having march’d fifty Leagues Easterly, he cross’d into the River Suere, with sixty Spaniards, and was presented by the Princes of the Countrey with as much Gold as amounted to seven thousand Duckets. Here he spent some Weeks, effecting little; but now all things growing scarce, though he was very earnest with the Natives for Provisions, yet he could get little; which kind of Life the Soldiers disliking, and growing weary of, went away in the Night to Nicaragua. Gottierez thus left alone, got into a Boat, with intent to follow them; and being just put off from the Shore, was met by Captain Barjanto, who brought new Forces and fresh Provisions with him: This wrought upon him to stay there. Not long after Alphonso de Pisa went with twenty seven Men from Nombre de Dios to the same River Suere; but it being then very rough at the Entrance, he was necessitated to pass on to a small uninhabited Isle, where whilst he lay at an Anchor, the Weather began to grow worse and worse; the Gusts of Wind, mix’d with Showres of Rain, Thunder, and Lightning, seem’d to threaten a general Destruction; for in the Ship two Spaniards and one Moor were kill’d by the Lightning: In seventy two Days, the Sun did not shine four Hours: At last weighing Anchor, he sail’d over to the Main Land, where he saw nothing but vast Mountains and Wildernesses. Here for a time they liv’d upon Cockles found on the Shore, and wild Fruits in the Woods: At length coming to Gottierez, he sent him with his People in five Boats to fetch new Forces from Nombre de Dios. In his way thither he saw a House built of Canes, cover’d with Palm-leaves, forty five Paces long, and built after an Oval fashion: Round about it stood several lesser Hovels, all which making up a Village, the Spaniards nam’d Francisco, because they came thither on St. Francis Day. About half way they met with the Lords of Suere and Chiuppa, going to attend Gottierez, to whom being admitted, and sitting with him at Table, he gave them, as a Dainty, rosted Chickens and fresh Pork; but they gave it to their Servants, not delighting in the taste of such Victuals. Gottierez, by means of an Interpreter, told them concerning the Christian Religion, at which they bow’d their Heads, without making any Answer: But how little mind they had to embrace it, quickly appear’d; for not long after, they set their Villages on fire, and all the Provisions which they could not carry with them, they spoil’d, and so retiring, hid themselves upon inaccessible Mountains. Another Incentive leading them to this Fight, was, because the Governor Camachiren, and his Deputy (notwithstanding he had given Gottierez as much Gold, when he came first into the Countrey, as amounted to seven thousand Duckets, as we mention’d before) yet was put in Prison by his Order, contrary to all Promises: Nay, Gottierez threatned to burn him not regarding, that he had besides receiv’d of him several Pieces of Gold, resembling all manner of Beasts, as Tygers, and others; and also Fishes and Fowls curiously wrought, which were valu’d at two Tun of Gold; yet this Present seemed too little for him, whereupon bringing the Prisoner to a Chest, he swore that he would rost him by degrees, if in four days time he did not furnish him with four times as much more Gold as that Chest would hold: Whereupon Chamachiren’s Servants went away to get the requir’d Gold; but he, through carelesness of the Watch, made his escape in the Night, so that Gottierez lost his Booty. But the other Prisoners, though threatned to be torn asunder with Dogs, remain’d firm, disowning that they had any Gold; and among the rest, one speaking boldly to the Spanish Officer said, That he stood amaz’d at his treacherous dealings, why did he keep him Chain’d against Law and Promise, and often threaten’d him with death, but yet would not kill him, for he, said he, had rather choose to die, than live so miserable a life.
Gottierez’s Conscience troubling him, he would willingly have releas’d the Indian, and the rather, because he promis’d to procure a great ransome of Gold; but the inferior Commanders would not consent to it. After this they march’d six days through great Wildernesses, and over high Mountains, finding no Footsteps of any People. Lastly, They came down a very dangerous and steep Mountain, where had not the Shrubs and jutting Stones serv’d them to hold by, they had all broken their Necks.
[Sidenote: Dangerous Mountains.]
[Sidenote: Strange Huts.]
Fifteen Leagues, the hanging of this Mountain spread it self along a sweet River, on whose opposite Shore stood strange Huts full of dead Tygers, Deers Heads, and Legs; here they staid two days to rest themselves, where the Trees Mamei and the Cazabi Plants yielded them good Food.
[Sidenote: Valiant fight.]
Travelling forward, Gottierez ask’d an Indian which was the nearest way to a Village, but he pretending not to know any near hand, had his Head immediately cut off. In like manner, and for the same reason the Indian Prince should also have been Executed, had not Gottierez given order to the contrary; seeing his resolution, that with no less Patience than undaunted Courage, stretch’d forth his Neck to the Executioners. Mean while, their Provisions decreasing, they suffer’d extreme hunger; insomuch, that some fainted quite away. The Souldiers also rebelling against Gottierez for Food, he commanded them to kill their Dogs, and stamp the Barks of Trees; two days they travelled much discontented in this manner, and at last came to the entrance of a Wood, where they espy’d an Indian standing behind a Tree, which on a sudden ran away with incredible swiftness: early the next morning, above four thousand Indians came Marching against the faint Spaniards, making a terrible noise with Horns and Drums; they were all except their Princes Painted black and red; some wore Plumes of Feathers on their Heads, and Collars of the same about their Necks; the fight began very fiercely, by casting abundance of Stones, and shooting of Arrows, wherein, though Gottierez was at first Wounded, yet after half an hour the Assailants fled, but recruited with fresh Forces renew’d the fight, breaking into their Ranks, and making so great slaughter amongst them with Woodden Swords, and Palm-Tree Clubs, knocking down, and dealing such deadly Wounds, that of the Spaniards, three onely escap’d, saving themselves by flight, who two hours after, much amaz’d and terrify’d, came to their reserve, consisting onely of twenty four Men, which Alphonso de Risa Commanded; the insulting Enemy at their Heels, waving over their Heads the Swords, Shields, and Cross-Bows which they had gotten from the slain Spaniards; and some withal crying in the Spanish Tongue, Come Christians, come, and take Gold. But de Risa, for all their pride, set them going with some Volleys of Shot; after this, escaping innumerable other dangers, he came to Nombre de Dios, without having effected any thing of Note.
SECT. XIA. The Expeditions of Peter Alvarado, Francisco and Gonzalvo Pizarro, and Diego de Almagro.
[Sidenote: Pizarro’s and Almagro’s remarkable exploits.]
In the City of Panama, in New Spain, liv’d three eminent Spaniards, call’d Francisco Pizarro, Diego de Almagro, and Ferdinand de Luque a Priest, which joyntly design’d to discover farther Southerly along the rich Gold and Pearl Coast, and inspect the Southern Ocean. De Luque was to look to home-affairs, and Pizarro set Sail first with a Ship Man’d with one hundred and fourteen Men, which Almagro follow’d with seventy more, yet both were valiantly repuls’d by the Peruvians; but although they return’d the first time with bad success, yet they undertook their business once more, but with no better fortune; whereupon discouraged, the undertaking seem’d to be totally laid aside, and the American Vice-Roy, Peter de Rios forbad any to attempt a farther Discovery concerning Peru.
The former difficulties with this Edict easily wrought upon Pizarro’s men, all but twelve, to leave him, for the rest went over with the Ship fitted out by Rios with succors to the Island Gallo, where Pizarro resided, having also fail’d in his second Expedition. But although he had made two bad Voyages, yet having an inclination to a third attempt, he went to Spain, desiring of the Emperor to be Governor of Peru, which he had discover’d; for besides his Plea of Merits he had taken possession of the Country twice by Landing there, intended for the use of his Imperial Majesty; one of his Sea-men to that purpose flourishing his two-handed Sword over his Head, the glittering of which Sword so frighted the Natives, that none of them durst come near him.
[Sidenote: Pizarro’s fight on Puna.]
His request being consulted upon, was at last granted, the Government of Peru being conferred upon him; but Almagro took it very ill, that Pizarro went to the Emperor on such a design for himself; yet by the mediation of his Friends the difference was reconciled, then Pizarro setting Sail with one hundred and fifty Foot besides Horse, and Landing at the Island Puna, at first was courteously entertain’d; but the Spaniards by extravagant hunting and searching every where their Houses for Gold, and committing several other outrages, incensing, chang’d the humor of the Inhabitants so much, that they fell upon them. In stead of Ensigns, Standards, and Warlike Trophies, they used long Canes, at the end whereof were ty’d the Bones of their antient Hero’s, honor’d by them after their death: But these Reliques sav’d not the Indians from slaughter, so well as the coverts of a neighboring Wood.
[Sidenote: Comes to Peru.]
[Sidenote: Peruvian Temple.]
From this Isle, lying three degrees Southward of the Equinoctial, Pizarro passed over to the Main Continent, where they were all in a great confusion, upon the report of the Spaniards cruelties committed in Puna; yet all the preparations of the Indians to withstand, stop’d not Pizarro from his intended course; for first, having the success to master Tampez, thence he made nothing to march his Forces over the River Ambato, there burning a Temple Dedicated to the Sun. The Portico stood towards the East, the rising of their God, before which hung a Curtain of their fine Cotton Stuff, within stood the presentations of two Golden Rams, shaded with Black, and as many Dragons, before which the Fire never went out, continually supply’d with Offerings of burnt Incense; on the Pillars hung several Men flead, their Flesh kept firm, and free from all Putrifaction, with the infusion of a sharp Juyce.
Here Almagro coming to Pizarro with fresh Forces, they made no little penetration into Peru, satisfying every where their thirst of Gold, and slaughtering the Toothless Tombezes, a people who having offended their King, had by his order the upper Teeth of the whole Nation beaten out.
[Sidenote: Alvarado’s Exploits.]
[Sidenote: Notable Stratagem of the Peruvians.]
[Sidenote: Wickedness of a Woman.]
[Sidenote: Guatimala destroy’d by a flood.]
[Sidenote: Velasques’ Journey.]
Peter Alvarado inform’d concerning the Riches of Peru, and well knowing how to insinuate with the Emperor in his fawning Letters, at last by his Friends so prevail’d, that he also got leave to go thither; in pursuance of which, Anno 1534. he Weigh’d Anchor with seven Ships from Guatimala, a City built by him between two Mountains. But Landing at Puerto Viejo, and Marching Easterly over Snowy Mountains, he was met by Almagro, between whom a bloody incounter was like to have happen’d, but after some time, a Treaty being set a Foot, they came to a Composition on these Articles: That Alvarado upon the receipt of a hundred thousand Duckets, should leave his Men with Almagro, and depart from Peru; with which sum, being inrich’d, he soon after fitted out fourteen Sail to discover new Countreys to the West; but being busie in his preparations, was sent for to Mexico by Don Antonio Mendoza the Vice-Roy, to undertake a Voyage with him to the new-discover’d Countrey of Sibolla, abounding in Gold and Saffron, according to the report of four Dominican Monks; and having already rais’d seven hundred Men, news came to Mexico, that Peter Zunica had receiv’d an overthrow by the Indians of Salisco; to whose assistance Alvarado March’d with all speed, and found the Indians incamp’d on a high Mountain, fortifi’d with conjoyn’d Trees, and great Stones ty’d together with Rushes, behind which they were secure from Shot. The Spaniards climbing up the Mountain, approach’d their Works, when on a sudden the Defendants giving a great Shout, cut the Cords which held their Fortification together, whereupon the Stones and Trees tumbled down with such force, that they kill’d both Men and Horse, few escaping alive: In this conflict Alvarado himself was lost. His Wife Beatrix Cuova made a stately Funeral for her Husband, and caus’d her House to be Painted black, refusing either to Eat or Drink for a set time, yet notwithstanding, all her pretence of sorrow, she so minded her business, that she took the Government of Guatimala into her own hands; but her Dominion lasted not long, for on the eighteenth of September, Anno 1541. happen’d a hideous Tempest of Wind and Rain, mixt with continual Lightning, and horrible claps of Thunder, and what was more terrible, was answer’d with roars and horrid bellowings from the caverns of the Mountain, at whose foot Guatimala stood. About midnight the Mountain was deliver’d, whose Birth was the irruption of an Inundating River, a precipitate torrent tumbling down full of Rocks and Stones, which carry’d all before it, so that in few minutes Guatimala was utterly swept away, not the least mark remaining, nor any left alive except Alvarado’s Bastard Daughter by an Indian; and in the adjacent Fields, some few, and they maim’d, with broken Arms or Legs; after this utter destruction, they re-built another Guatimala, three Leagues more Easterly. But though Alvarado was lost in this Enterprize, yet the Voyage to Sibolla was not laid aside, for Francisco Velasques March’d thither with eight hundred Men, of which most were Horse, but found nought else but Snowy Mountains and barren Plains, insomuch, that his Men and Horses were starv’d for want of Provision; wherefore he return’d without success to Mexico, having onely burnt some Villages, and had several Rencounters with the Natives.
[Sidenote: Attabaliba’s message to Pizarro.]
But Attabaliba a Peruan Prince, inform’d of Pizarro and Almagro’s coming, commanded them both to depart out of his Kingdom; but they not regarding it, march’d directly to Caxamalca, where Attabaliba kept his Court, who again sent other Messengers to them with command to leave his Dominions. Pizarro made answer, that he could not obey any Commands but those of his Master the Emperor, who had order’d him to speak with the King himself at his own Palace.
Attabaliba hearing that Pizarro resolv’d to come forward, sent him a pair of Painted Shooes and Armlets, that he might put them on when he appear’d before his Throne: Captain Ferdinand Sotto march’d before with twenty Horse, passing close on the Flank of Attabaliba’s Army: The Indians amaz’d at the prauncing of their Horses, retreated into their Fortifications, but were for their cowardize immediately slain by the King’s Order.
[Sidenote: His discourse with a Spanish Bishop, and his apparel.]
Sotto sent a Message to Attabaliba, That the Spaniards desir’d peaceably to Treat with him, to which he receiv’d answer, That no Peace could be made, unless they restor’d the Gold and Silver to the Owners, which they had Plunder’d from them, and forsook his Territories; which so doing, they should have Audience the next day: Hereupon the Bishop Vincent de Villa Viridi was conducted into the Royal Palace, in the City of Caxamalca, and brought before Attabaliba, who came thither in great State, with a Guard of twenty five thousand Men; he was carry’d on the Shoulders of his prime Nobles in a Sedan, about which hung Garlands of Gold, and divers colour’d Feathers; himself was cloth’d in a white loose Vest, without Sleeves; his Temples were bound with a red Ribbon, with a long Tassel on his left Cheek; on his Fore-head stuck three curious Feathers; before him March’d three hundred of his Life-Guard, all in one Livery, who clear’d the way through which the King was to pass. The before-mention’d Bishop carry’d in one Hand a Cross, in the other a Book, discoursing with the King to this effect; That God is the Trinity, Adam the first Man; Christ Born of a Virgin, dy’d on the Cross; the Pope God’s Vice-Gerent, who according to the Power he had from Heaven, had given Peru to the Emperor Charles, as also all other Countreys in America; and if he should prove obstinate, and resist, he must expect nothing less than utter ruine. Attabaliba reply’d, That he serv’d Pachamaca, being the Creator of all things; and next to him the Sun and Moon: How glorious do they appear (said he) in comparison of a Crucifi’d God? To make Peace and Alliance with mighty Princes, was the true Foundation of wise Government: But the Pope must needs be senseless, devoy’d of all reason, and withal highly unjust, to give away what was none of his own, viz. other mens Kingdoms, in which he never had the least or smallest concern. Moreover, he would not desert that Religion which he and his Ancestors had maintain’d so many Ages, and the rather, because there are no apparent or sufficient Testimony of the truth of Christianity. The latter clause was thus answer’d, saying, This Book, O King, which I hold in my hand, proves and declares all that you question. Attabaliba looking upon it, turn’d it over Leaf by Leaf, then look’d more intentively upon the Print, which done he clap’d it to either Ear, and at last as altogether unsatisfi’d, in disdainful manner threw it away.
But Pizarro gaining time while the King and Bishop thus discours’d, had drawn his Men in Battel-Array, his sixty Horse he divided into three Wings, Commanded by his three Brothers, Ferdinand, John, and Gonzalvo Pizarro, left the Captains Sotto and Bavalcazar in an Ambuscade; Peter de Canada march’d in the Van, and he himself in the main Body, leaving Sotto in the Rear.
[Sidenote: Pizarro fights with Attabaliba.]
[Sidenote: Attabaliba taken prisoner.]
[Sidenote: Bids for his ransom an unvaluable treasure.]
So soon as the Bishop could acquaint them in what scornful manner Attabaliba had thrown his Holy Book, The Word of God, upon the ground; both Armies were Engaged, whilst their Trumpets sounded, their Drums beat, their Canons roar’d, the Horses neigh’d, and the Dogs bark’d, they made a speedy march up against the Walls of Taxamalca, which dreadful mixture of terrible noises struck such a Pannick fear into the hearts of the Indians, that they all presently broke, in their flight crowding one another to death at the Gates of the City, which being too narrow to receive them, they themselves made breaches in their own Walls to enter; which opportunity the Spaniards no ways neglected, but entering with them, shot and kill’d all they could reach; their Dogs also having no little share in the slaughter; whole companies of Indians were trode under the Horses feet, yet near Attabaliba’s Chair was the greatest resistance, for no sooner fell one of the Bearers, but immediately another supply’d the place; so that the King was surrounded with heaps of his own slain Subjects, to whom Pizarro himself Charg’d up so close, that having seiz’d him by his long Hair, he pull’d him out of his Throne, and having gotten him under him, secur’d immediately in Fetters; whereupon all his Life-Guard forsook him, and fled: But the loss of the Battel, which was Attabaliba’s utter ruine, was laid upon Runninagui, a Captain appointed to lie in Ambush, so to fall in the Rear of the Spaniards with five thousand men; but was so far from performing his Orders, that terrifi’d at the uncouth noise of the Guns, and the rest, that he fled one hundred and fifty Leagues Southerly, before he stopt, or scarce ever look’d behind him in so long a flight. Mean while, Attabaliba compounded with Pizarro for his Ransom, viz. to pay him as much Gold as that Hall in his Court (where they made the Agreement) could hold to the top; they first measur’d the heighth, then the length, which was found to be fifty four Foot, and the breadth nine: In pursuance of this composition, Gold was brought thither from all places, according to Attabaliba’s order; yet he could not raise so much as would perform his bargain, which made the Spaniards to grumble: But Attabaliba desiring some longer time to perform it, telling Pizarro, that most of the Gold was brought on Slaves Shoulders, a long and troublesome way, of two hundred Leagues long, from the City Cusco, and if this would not satisfie, Pizarro might send some of his own people thither, to inform him, that he need not fear the least danger, as long as he was Prisoner with his Wife and Children.
The two Captains, Sotto, and Peter del Baro being sent away to that purpose, met after some days Journey with one of Attabaliba’s Leaders, who was bringing the King’s Brother Guascar with a Party, Prisoner to Caxamalca.
[Sidenote: Burns his Brother Guascar alive.]
Guascar had now a fair opportunity to crave assistance of the Spaniards, telling them, that he and Attabaliba were the Sons of Guaynacava, so that the Kingdom was to be divided betwixt both. But Attabaliba had by force made himself Master of all, whereas he being the youngest, ought to be satisfi’d with that share which Guascar, being the eldest, would assign him; for the right of Inheritance belong’d justly to him, and yet he was carry’d away bound to slaughter: But if Pizarro would do justice in delivering him out of his Brothers bloody Hands, he would raise him thrice as much Gold as Attabaliba had promis’d: To which purpose he desir’d Sotto and Baro to put off their Journey to Cusco; which they not daring to do, went on their way, and Guascar descending the Valley Sucsuhuana, was burnt alive by Attabaliba’s Soldiers.
Mean while, Almagro came with fresh Forces to Taxamalca, which occasion’d no small trouble in Pizarro, who was onely thirsty after Gold: On the other side, Almagro as greedy, grew jealous that Pizarro should keep the promis’d Hall full of Gold for himself, and he should have no share, because Attabaliba was his Prisoner; therefore he earnestly desir’d that Attabaliba might privately be made away, and that the Booty might be divided to one as well as the other.
[Sidenote: An incredible sum of Money given to the Soldiers.]
[Sidenote: Attabaliba strangled.]
Pizarro to prevent all inconveniencies that might happen from his dissenting, gave in the presence of the King to every private Soldier a thousand Duckets in Gold, and six thousand five hundred twenty five Silver Crowns; the inferior Officers receiv’d four and thirty thousand Crowns, and the others sixty thousand; the fifth part of the Booty he reserv’d for the Emperor: And notwithstanding Attabaliba perform’d his promise in filling the Hall full of Gold, yet he had the sentence of Death pronounc’d against him; neither would his excuse of Innocency serve, or his Requests to be sent to Spain, there to clear himself before the Emperor; but sighing, and lamenting his misfortunes, was ty’d to a Post, and Strangled in the presence of Pizarro. For whose Death, though a Heathen, Divine Vengeance pursu’d these cruel and unjust Arbitrators that thus made their Will a Law, none of them dying a natural Death.
Moreover it was observ’d, that a few days before this Execution a blazing Star appear’d, which Attabaliba seeing, presaging sadly of himself said, That a great Prince would die in a short time; but Pizarro’s chief pretences for the Kings just suffering was, that he had cruelly murder’d his Brother Guascar: But this was a meer blind, for that that incens’d them against Attabaliba, was, that he knowing where the unvaluable treasure lay, which Guascar had bury’d, would not discover it to them.
[Sidenote: Cruelty of Ruminagui.]
[Sidenote: Pizarro puts Quizquiz to flight.]
[Sidenote: And takes Cusco.]
[Sidenote: Unvaluable Treasures taken.]
[Sidenote: Remarkable passage of a Dog.]
Attabaliba, before his death, desir’d that he might be bury’d in the Territory Quito, by his Father Guaynacava, whom the Peruvians for his great Justice and Prudence in Government, believed that he would arise, and settle the World so troubled and full of disorder in peace and quiet: The Corps was accordingly carry’d thither in great State after their manner, attended by his Brother, whom Illescas Ruminagui which ran from Attabaliba in the Battel, where he lay in ambush when he might have done them good service; in the way to his entertainment, receiv’d with all shews of sorrow; but when they were feasted to excess, bury’d in sleep and Wine, he Massacred and flea’d Illescas the Kings Brother alive, and made a Taber of his Skin. Whilst Attabaliba’s Funeral was thus bloodily solemniz’d, his General Quizquiz rais’d a great Army, which Pizarro encountring after a valiant resistance, totally routed; then marching victoriously to Cusco, he saw great Fires in the City, and the Citizens fighting with the Spaniards, sent before; but the Horse breaking in upon them, most of them fled the next morning to the Mountains: Thus the Spaniards became Masters of the City, where they inflicted the most cruel tortures on all Sexes, by that means to force them to discover, if they knew of any hidden Treasures, being not satisfi’d with what they found there, although they had gotten a greater Treasure in Cusco than that that they had extorted from Attabaliba before: Nay, they gave those that were murther’d for Food to their Dogs: Among the rest, Didacus Salazar having a very fierce Dog call’d Bezerril, had also an old Indian Woman his Prisoner, to whom he gave a Letter to deliver to the General Pizarro; the Woman had not gone many Paces before she was set upon by Bezerril, whom Salazar let loose, that he might delight himself in seeing the Dog tear the poor old Woman; but she observing him come running at her with so great fierceness, fell down upon her Knees, and holding forth the Letter, cry’d, Good my Lord, good my Lord Dog, I must carry this Letter to General Pizarro, whereupon the furious Curr having more compassion than the Spaniard, stood still a little, and at last lifted up his Leg in a scornful manner, Urin’d upon her, and return’d satisfi’d; at which sportive behavior of the Cur and the Chrone, Salazar laughing, was so well pleas’d, that he gave the Woman her life.
[Sidenote: Almagro’s unhappy Journey.]
[Sidenote: King’s Town.]
After Cusco had been sufficiently Plunder’d, Pizarro made Almagro Governor thereof, with the Territories belonging to it, and built near the River Lima a Town, which they call’d Los Reyes. Mean while, Almagro receiv’d Letters Patent from the Emperor, in which he was nominated Marshal of Peru; encourag’d by that honor, he took a great design in hand, for the Peruvians had reported, that the Golden Chili lay to the South; and Almagro being encourag’d, and assisted by Pizarro, March’d inquest thereof with two Troops of Horse, and five hundred Foot: But mean while there happen’d so great Rains, and such foul Weather, that the Ways were almost unpassable, so that the Expedition grew very troublesome; yet however he went on, in which hard March he lost both Horse and Men.
[Sidenote: Mango Inga takes Cusco.]
[Sidenote: Contest between Almagro and Pizarro.]
[Sidenote: Almagro strangled.]
Whilst Almagro was upon this undertaking, Francisco Pizarro receiv’d Letters Patent from the Emperor, in which he was Intitul’d Duke of Peru, but with a Salvo for the honor before given to Almagro; yet these balanc’d honors bred great dissention between the Duke and Marshal, which Mango Inga another of Attabaliba’s Brothers observing, laid hold of the opportunity, and setting upon the Spanish Garrison in Cusco, took the City. Whereupon Pizarro immediately sent his Horse thither, under the Command of Alphonso Alvarado, and Gomes de Todoya, against whom the Indians fought very valiantly, insomuch, that the Battel was a long time doubtful; yet at last the Spaniards got a bloody Victory, and regain’d Cusco; hither after some time, Almagro returning with ill success, having effected nothing, was kept out by Ferdinand Pizarro, under pretence that he could not open the Gate without Order from his Brother the Duke. Almagro much offended thereat, yet saying little, was so privately let into the City, that he surpriz’d the Governor Ferdinand Pizarro, and his Brother Gonsalvo, with Alphonso Alvarado Prisoners; swearing that he would not rest before he had rooted all the Pizarro’s out of Peru. But whilst he was passing the intended Sentence of Death upon them, Gonsalvo and Alvarado broke Prison; and got away to the Duke, who troubled for his Brother Ferdinand there in custody, and in danger of his life, came to Composition; whereupon Ferdinand was also releas’d: But this was no sooner done, and he had got his Brother safe there, but the Duke regarding nothing less than the keeping of the new-made Peace, sent to Almagro, that the Emperor having given him the prime Command over Peru, he requir’d him to leave Cusco, or else he would force him. Almagro sent answer, That if he could see the Emperor’s Hand, he would immediately obey, otherwise not; whereupon both Parties prepar’d for War, wherein they had many sharp bickerings in a short time: But Almagro being too weak fell into the Dukes hands, who order’d him to be strangled in the Gaol, and his body afterwards to be drawn to the Market-place, and there publickly Beheaded.
Ferdinand Pizarro being not long after sent to Spain, with the fifths of the gotten Treasure for the Emperor, was Imprison’d in the Castle Motto, for Almagro’s Death: But what further happen’d to him there, or became of him, hath never been Recorded by any Pen.
[Sidenote: Ferdinand Pizarro never obtains his liberty.]
[Sidenote: Young Almagro stabs the Duke.]
But young Almagro, instigated by his Guardian John Rada, resolving, to be reveng’d for his Fathers Death; to that purpose he went to Los Reyes, where by the help of some hir’d Male-contents, he design’d to Murder the Duke upon St. John’s day, in the Church at high Service: But this business was not so closely carry’d, but the Duke had some inkling thereof, who therefore stay’d at home, and went not to Mass that day. The Conspirators doubting the event, hearing that their Plot was discover’d, though defeated in their purpose, yet not fail’d in their Courage, ran at noon day to the Palace, crying, Kill the Tyrant, kill the Traytor. But Pizarro being so much forewarn’d, had lock’d up the Gates, and arm’d himself, which when they could not enter, yet they went back through the City, and waving a bloody Sword, cry’d, Pizarro is slain; this being believ’d, above two hundred private Friends to Almagro appear’d, who all ran to the Palace, crouding about the Gates: And Francisco de Chares coming out at a private Door, hoping to pacifie the Mutineers, was immediately Stab’d; but they rushing in the way he came, found some stout opposition, for seven Halberdiers of his Guard fought till they were all kill’d in the Dukes presence; but Pizarro was taken alive, and being brought before Almagro, he Savagely Butcher’d him with his own hands; which done, they ran crying along the Streets, Long live the Emperor, and Didacus Almagro.
[Sidenote: Great slaughter in Los Reye.]
But after all this, Pizarro’s Party joyning together, valiantly withstood the Conspirators, so that a considerable number were slain on both sides, yet Almagro at last getting the better, confiscated the Goods of all those that were against him; and now every one shew’d him the respect of Chief Governor, till the Emperor should either settle him, or send another.
From hence Marching to Cusco, he had like to have paid for all, but prevented by private intelligence thereof; which happen’d thus,
[Sidenote: Strange Transactions between Alvarado, Sotello, and Almagro.]
[Sidenote: Fight between Castro and Almagro.]
[Sidenote: Castro’s Cruelty.]
Garcias Alvarado and Christopher Sotello were Joynt-Governors of Cusco; but quarrelling, and coming to Blows in like manner, Sotello was slain: This Almagro took very hainously, as being his intimate Friend, giving forth threatning Speeches of Revenge; which Alvarado inform’d of, and intending some way or other to prevent all Dangers, and save himself, he invited Almagro to a Feast, but privately resolving to make it a Bloody Banquet, by his Death at the Table. Of this he being inform’d, as we mention’d before, staid at home, and privately sent for some Soldiers that had belong’d to Sotello, sending word that he was indispos’d: Alvarado, under a shew of Kindness, goes to Almagro, hoping to perswade him to come to his prepar’d Treat; but so soon as he was enter’d the Hall, they clapp’d to the Gate, and the Soldiers falling upon Alvarado, slew him: But soon after Almagro was call’d in question, and not long enjoy’d this his usurp’d Authority; for the Emperor Charles sending the Learned Vacca de Castro with full Authority to Peru, to settle that disturb’d Kingdom, Almagro now us’d to Govern, had no Ears to become a Subject; therefore he march’d with an Army to meet Castro, by whom, after a bloody Fight, being beaten and put to flight, having four thousand Men, he fell into the Victors Hands near Cusco, where he was treated very severely; for shortly after he was condemn’d to be Beheaded; others were strangled, and some torn in pieces with Horses.
[Sidenote: Vela Vice-Roy of Peru.]
[Sidenote: Murders Xuarez.]
[Sidenote: Is taken and put in Prison.]
Not long after this great Execution, Blasco Nunnez Vela came to Peru, and being appointed Vice-Roy, had four Councellors assign’d him, with whom he was to consult in all Affairs; and especially to set the Indians at liberty, which till then had suffer’d much misery under the Spanish Tyranny: To perform which, the Emperor had given an Order under his Great Seal, which was to be publish’d and proclaim’d in all Places. Vela at his arrival faithfully perform’d all his Commands, seiz’d upon Vacca de Castro, because he had Executed Almagro without any Examination or Tryal; yet by this means he got the hatred of all, so that most of the Spaniards chose Gonsalvo Pizarro for their Chief, whereby Affairs grew daily more and more out of Order. Nunnez Vela laid all the blame thereof upon William Xuarez, Governor of Lima, whom he sent for in the Night, and correcting over-severely, gave him also two mortal Wounds, of which he presently died: The Body was in the Morning drawn along the Streets, which caus’d so great a murmuring amongst the Inhabitants, that soon after they seem’d to make a general Insurrection: Wherefore Nunnez Vela fearing the worst, resolv’d to convey himself from thence incognito, and pass to Truxillo: But his four Councellors advis’d him to the contrary; yet he took his own way, causing all his Treasure to be sent aboard; and having made ready his Horses to depart, the Common People in a tumultuous manner set upon the Palace, catching, snatching up, and carrying away all the Silver they could find, and meeting the Vice-Roy, seiz’d, and thrust him into a Dungeon; which done, they fell at variance amongst themselves; for some would have him executed, but others insisted to have him sent Prisoner to Spain; which last being the more moderate, getting the upper Hand, Vela was put aboard, and committed to the custody of Didacus Alvarez, who Anchoring in the Mouth of the River Tombez (kindness growing betwixt them) releas’d the Vice-Roy his Prisoner, and set him ashore, who not long after got some Forces together.
[Sidenote: Is Beheaded.]
Mean while Pizarro was every where acknowledg’d for Supreme Governor, who having Intelligence of the Vice-Roys Design, sent Francisco Carvayales thither, between whom and Vela was a sharp Encounter; but at last being worsted, and retaken by Carvayales, he was soon after executed, and his Head plac’d on a Pole near the Gallows.
The Emperor Charles turmoil’d with Wars at home, saw no likelyhood to settle the confus’d Affairs of Peru; yet at last he thought it convenient to send one Peter Gasca thither, an Ecclesiastick, of a subtile and ingenious Wit, who landing Anno 1546. in Lima, with no other Title than Chief Councellor to the Emperor, took quite another course than Vela, perswading them all, that Affairs should be setled in order, according to their own desires, and former Miscarriages never be remembred, being utterly deleted by an Act of Oblivion.
[Sidenote: Gasca’s murderous Exploits.]
[Sidenote: Gonsalves Pizarro strangled.]
[Sidenote: Cruelty us’d on Carvayales.]
The News of this General Pardon spreading it self far and near, wrought a great change; for Pizarro’s Intimates, and those nearest of Concern, shrunk daily from him; which Gasca observing, march’d against him; and that they might make the more haste, they loaded several Peruvians, chain’d, with their Arms, whom when they lagg’d, they switch’d and whipp’d before them. And now both Armies being met, and discharging their Cannons at one another, with considerable loss to each side, whole Regiments came running over to Gasca; so that Pizarro being quite forsaken, yielded himself to the mercy of the Conqueror, who accus’d him of High Treason, and caus’d him to be strangled in a Dungeon, and fix’d his Head on a Marble Pillar in Lima, environ’d with Iron Rails, and inscrib’d with a brief Account of all his Offences. But Gasca not thus satisfied, hang’d up several Commanders, and whipping and stigmatizing others, condemn’d them after to the Gallies: But his greatest spight was against the Field-Marshal Carvayales, a Person of the Age of fourscore years, whom tying to a Horses Tail, he caus’d a whole Hour to be drawn up and down the Market-place, scorn’d and derided of all People; which done, he was quarter’d alive.
Not long after Gasca surrendred the Command of Peru to the Learned Cianca, and carried an unvaluable Treasure to Germany, for the Emperor Charles, who gave him in requital for his faithful Service, the Bishoprick of Valentia.
SECT. XII. The Expeditions of John Stade, and Nicholas Durando Villegagnon.
[Sidenote: Stade taken by the Cannibals.]
[Sidenote: His strange Entertainment amongst them.]
About the same time that Gasca arriv’d in Spain, John Stade had the Command over a small Fort rais’d of Stone and Earth, on the Island Maro, adjacent to Brasile, because the Salvage People of Tupin Imba sail’d twice a year from the Countrey of Brikioka, to Maro, at the time when the Plant Abbati was ripe, of which they made the Liquor that they generally drink at their Humane Banquets: They also landed on Maro about the Bratti-Fishing. This Bratti is a Fish of a very delicious taste, either caught in Nets, or shot by the Tupin Imba, and carried to their several Habitations. Against these People Stade kept a continual Guard, when Heliodorus Hesse, Son to Eobanus Hesse, the famous Latin Poet in Germany, came to visit him. Stade to entertain his Guest the better, went into the Woods to hunt for Venison, where he was taken by the Tupin Imba, of which the King march’d in the Rear with a great Palm-Tree Club, and carried him towards the Sea side, that he, with others that waited on the Shore, might make up a Kawewipepicke (that is, A Feast of Rosted Men) But because Stade being a German of a large Body, well-skinn’d, young, plump and fat, they all concluded to spare this Dainty, and carry him alive to Brikioka, that with such a Banquet they might highly caress their Wives: But the Journey being long, and a just melancholy possessing him with fear, and the terror of certain death, and to be Food for such ravenous Cannibals, so macerated and consum’d him, that he was almost dwindled away to Skin and Bone; whereupon thinking him thus lean to make but few savory Morsels, they chang’d their resolutions, and growing better acquainted, he having learn’d their Tongue, and being able to discourse with them, they lik’d his company so well, that they let him live amongst them. Nine years Stade had been a Slave amongst these Man-eaters, when the French coming thither, bought him for a few Trifles, and carried him to Normandy, where landing Anno 1555. he went from thence to Hamburgh, being his Native Countrey.
[Sidenote: Durande’s Expedition.]
[Sidenote: Dissention in the new Colony.]
[Sidenote: Wickedness of Cointak against the Ministers.]
[Sidenote: Durande drowns three Religious Men.]
Nicholas Durande a Frenchman set Sail from Havre de Grace, at the same time when Stade came thither. This Durande having lost a Castle in Brittain, to the great prejudice of the French, out of a pretence of advancing their Affairs, and to fill up their almost exhausted Treasury, reported, That the Spanish and Portuguese Forces were driven out of India, where they had gather’d so much Wealth; and it would certainly redound to the Honor and Profit of France, if they could become Masters of the Gold and Silver Mines. King Henry the Second approving of the Proposal, and the more because the Admiral Gasper Coligni was also very earnest, looking upon it as a safe Retreat for the Protestants, at that time cruelly persecuted: and Durande, sensible of the Admirals thoughts, privately inform’d him, That in his American Design he chiefly aim’d to plant a True Church of God in America, where the Professors might enjoy themselves peaceably. This Report being spread amongst those that call’d themselves Protestants, (fled from Switzerland in great numbers to France) made many of them venture upon the Design; who having fitted themselves, and setting sail with three Ships, after some time arriv’d on the Coast of Brasile, and landed on the Rock-Island, in the Haven Januario: Here Durande built several Watch-houses, and the Fort Coligni, which he fortified with a considerable number of Guns: Not long after he writ to John Calvin, That he would please to furnish this new Plantation in Brasile with good and able Teachers of the Gospel; which Request being immediately taken into serious consideration by the Classes, one Philip Corguileray, a Gentleman near Geneva, set Sail out of the Haven Honfleurs, with three Ships, freighted with some Provisions, several Persons of divers Trades, and two Ministers, Peter Richer, and William Chartier: But he had scarce made Africa, when they began to have a scarcity of Victuals; wherefore they turn’d their Design of setling the Gospel in America, to Pyracy, where they made small scruple or difference, whether Friends or Foes, but made Prize of all they could light upon, though indeed their Ministers both preach’d and perswaded the contrary, amongst whom a Controversie happening, put other Business into their Heads; for one John Cointak, formerly a Parisian Sorbonist, was also amongst those that remov’d from Geneva, who pretended that Coligni had promis’d him a Ministers place, so soon as he landed at Brasile; but Richer and Chartier, not satisfied that there was any such Promise, and consequently thinking themselves not obliged by his bare Assertion, told him, That themselves being able, under God, to perform the Work, they needed no such Coadjutor: This bred so great a Rancor between them, that Cointak accus’d them for teaching false Doctrine, and chiefly that they did not mix the Wine at their Sacraments with Water, which Father Clemens had strictly commanded. Durande, being prevail’d on by the Cardinal of Lorein, joyn’d with Cointak, and thereupon so sharply persecuted the Protestants, that he starv’d several of them, which others to escape fled to the Brasilians: Nay, he took John Du Bordell, Matthias Vermeil, and Peter Bourdon, out of their Sick-Beds, and tying their Hands and Feet, threw them headlong from a Rock into the Sea: Soon after which, the bloody Persecutor return’d with ill success to France, where he wrote a Book against the Reform’d Religion; but all the Honor which he gain’d was, that all Parties on both sides accounted him a distracted Person.
SECT. XIII. The Expeditions of John Ribald, Renatus Laudonier, and Gurgie.
[Sidenote: Florida unhappily discover’d.]
[Sidenote: Ribald’s Voyage.]
[Sidenote: The Garrison in Florida in great want.]
[Sidenote: Unheard-of Hunger.]
Florida being upon the Continent of America, and so call’d by John Pontæus, who landed there upon Palm-Sunday, though Sebastian Gaboto a Venetian, imploy’d by Henry the Seventh King of England, landed there before, may well be term’d the Europeans Bloody Stage, Pontæus being slain here: But Ferdinand Sotto exercis’d against the Inhabitants inhumane Cruelty five years together; yet at last died of a deep discontent, because he could not reach his Aims, having condemn’d so many Floridans fruitlesly to dig for Gold in the Mines. However, since that, Julian Sumanus and Peter Ahumada undertook the Work anew, but with the like bad Success. Anno 1545. one Lodowick Cancello, a Dominican, thought to effect great things with four of his Associates; but landing on Florida, was destroy’d by the Natives. But Gasper Coligni the Marshal, neither discourag’d by these miserable Proceedings, nor the former Treachery of Durande, prepar’d for a new Expedition thither; and accordingly John Ribald was fitted with two Ships from Diep, at the Charge of Charles the Ninth King of France, wherewith having sail’d thirty Degrees Northern Latitude, he came before the Promontory of Francisco, where he ran up into the Mouth of a wide River, to which he gave the denomination of Dolphin, upon whose Banks were whole Mulberry-Woods, which nourish’d Silk-Worms in strange abundance. From hence he sail’d by the Wolves Head (a Point so call’d, because great numbers of Wolves breed there) and leaving the Cedar-Island, landed on Florida, where he built a Triangular Fort, and having furnish’d it with Men, Guns, and Provisions, sail’d back for more Supplies to France; but coming thither, found all things in disorder, occasion’d by a War amongst themselves; so that the French which guarded and dwelt in the Fort, waited in vain for Relief, and their Provisions growing scant, thought it fittest and their best way to build a Vessel, and sail from thence; which having effected, and being gone about the third part of their Voyage there hapned such a Calm for twenty Days, that they made not the least way, which drove them to so great extremity, their Provisions being spent, that they drank their own Urine, and fed upon their old Shoes, which also in a short time failing, they agreed amongst themselves to kill and eat one of their Sea-men, call’d Henry Lacher, on whose Flesh they liv’d some days; but being again driven to the greatest want imaginable, in this extremity of Desparation, their Condition being altogether hopeless, an English Frigat discovering them, and observing by their manner of Sailing that they were in some great want, drawing near, sent their Long-boat aboard, and found them so weak, that they were not able to handle their Tack; whereupon generously taking pity of them, they reliev’d them, and conducted them to the Coast of England, and then brought them to Queen Elizabeth, who had formerly design’d to rig a Fleet for Florida.
[Sidenote: Laudonier’s Voyage.]
[Sidenote: Remarkable difference in the French Fleet.]
Mean while, no News having been heard of the foremention’d French Plantation in Brasile, and Coligni’s Difference with the King being decided, he prevail’d so much, that Renatus Laudonier should with three Ships sail to relieve the Garrison in the late deserted Fort. Laudonier landing in Nova Francia, found a Stone with a French Inscription, plac’d on the Shore by Ribald, and hung full of Laurel Garlands: Then he visited the King Saturiona, whose Son Atorcus had several Children by his own Mother, according to a Salvage Custom observ’d in that Countrey. Whilst they stay’d here, a Fiery Meteor appear’d in the Sky, with such fervor, that some Rivers boyl’d with the heat of it, and the Fish parboyl’d, died; nay more, it scorch’d all the Plants far and near: The Natives ascrib’d this Plague to the French Cannons, by which means they stood in great fear of the French, who might have done great things had not they differ’d amongst themselves; For a Sea-man nam’d Rubel Patracon, pretending to have skill in Necromancy, would undertake to shew the Places where the Gold and Silver Mines were, which the rest of the Sea-men believing, rebell’d against Laudonier, and though sick, imprison’d him, forcing him to sign a Writing to this effect, That the two Ships, of which the Rebels made Vassar and Trincant Commanders, should with his leave and permittance sail to New Spain for Provisions. Whilst they were preparing for their Voyage, Rupiferrir having been sent to the King Utina, came back with many rich Presents, and withal brought Information of the Gold and Silver Mynes Apalatica; but Vassar and Trincant taking no notice thereof, set forth, and took a Spanish Carvel, richly laden before Havana, whose Commander they agreed to release on the payment of a great Ransom; but the Masters Son being sent ashore to fetch the Money which they had agreed for, in stead thereof, made his Fathers Mischance known; whereupon two great Frigats and a Galley were the next Morning very early sent to attaque the French, between whom was a sharp Encounter; but in a short time the two Pyrats were sunk, and the Prisoners sold for Slaves, excepting a few that escap’d in their Long-boat.
[Sidenote: Great cruelty of the Spaniards against the French.]
[Sidenote: Gurgie’s valiant Exploits against the Spaniards.]
In this interim Laudonier receiving no Supply from France, was brought to great extremity; for the Rebels had carried great part of his Store with them. In these straights he was forc’d by those that staid with him, contrary to the Articles of Peace lately made with King Utina, to take him Prisoner, in hopes that for his Liberty he would procure them some Provisions; but the Inhabitants incens’d at the baseness of so unexpected an Action, could not be wrought upon by any means to give them Relief; but grown more perverse than before, appointed a general Meeting to elect another King; so that out of all hopes, they utterly gave themselves over for lost. In this desperate condition, John Haukins, a great Sea-Captain, came thither with four English Ships, who pitying their misery, furnish’d them with Necessaries, and having onely four Vessels, lent them one, because Laudonier was at that time too weak to endure the Sea; but not long after recovering strength, and all things ready to set Sail, Ribald came to an Anchor before Charles-Fort, with seven Ships from Diep: Within few days after, the Spanish Admiral Peter Melandez arriv’d with eight Frigats, whereof the French having Intelligence, cut their Cables, and stood out to Sea, whom the Spaniards chac’d, but could not reach; whereupon leaving them, they landed in the Mouth of the River Dolphin, where by help of the Moorish Slaves they began to intrench themselves; of which Ribald having notice, immediately sail’d thither, at least to disturb, if not absolutely drive them from their Work; but surpriz’d in the way by a great Storm, lost most of his Fleet, ingag’d among the Rocks; yet the Men were most of them sav’d. In this Storm the Spaniards also suffer’d great damage, yet made an Advantage of the Frenchmens Misfortune, marching with all speed to Charles-Fort, in which were onely two hundred weak Men, Ribald having taken the primest Soldiers along with him. In the Morning before Sun-rise the Spaniards made a fierce Assault, and in a short time became Masters of the Place, which Laudonier seeing, fled in a Boat; others leaping from the Walls into the Moat, sav’d themselves by swimming: Whoever fell into the Victors Hands, was without mercy slain; nay, such was the Spaniards inveterate malice to the French, that wanting living Bodies, they exercis’d their Cruelty upon the dead, pulling out their Eyes, and cutting off their Members, carrying them in Triumph on the Points of their Swords. In the interim, the Storm ceasing, Ribald approach’d Charles-Fort, with his shatter’d Fleet, but was so amaz’d when he saw the Spanish Flag set upon the Walls, and Vallemond marching towards him with a Squadron of Spaniards, that although a River lay between them, yet he presently came to a Treaty, and deliver’d up all his Men, being above four hundred, upon promise of good Quarter; but the Spaniards in stead of keeping their Agreement, bound them, leading them all to the Castle, where, both against their Articles, and the Law of Arms, they massacred them, and burnt their Bodies; but Ribald being quarter’d, they fix’d his Limbs upon Poles about the Walls, sending his Head to Sevil. When Charles the Ninth, King of France, receiv’d notice hereof, he was not in the least concern’d at the Spanish Cruelty us’d to his Subjects, out of a particular hatred to Coligni, the first Promoter of the Voyage. But though the French Crown so little regarded the inhumane Usage committed by the Spaniards in Charles-Fort, yet Dominicus Gurgie shew’d himself so highly concern’d thereat, that turning all his Goods into Money, he levied two hundred Soldiers, and fourscore Sea-men, which he put aboard three small Ships, pretending that he would onely touch at Brasile; but sailing beyond Cuba, he stood directly for Florida, where after his Landing he was kindly receiv’d by Saturiona the King, who complaining much against the Spaniards Oppressions, sent to joyn with him his Kinsman Olotocara, having the Command of a great Army.
[Sidenote: Is ungratefully rewarded.]
The Spaniards by this time had not onely strengthned Charles-Fort, but also rais’d two others on each side of the River Mayo, in which three Holds lay Garrison’d above four hundred choice Soldiers. Those in the new Forts made little resistance; but quitting the same, and flying into a neighboring Wood, fell into an Ambuscade of Indians, who slew thirty of them, and preserv’d ninety for a Publick Execution. Thus they march’d on victoriously to Charles-Fort, where by the way sixty Spaniards sallying out, were every one cut off, which much facilitated the Frenchmens Work. The Governor Melandez, seeing a certain ruine attend him, fled into the Woods; but met there by the Floridans, return’d to the French, of whom he begg’d Life for himself, and some of his People: Yet Gurgie deaf to all intreaties, would hear nothing, but pressing on, took them all Prisoners, and as a just Reward of their Cruelty to his Countrey-men, hang’d them on the next Trees: After which Execution, it can scarce be express’d how kindly the Natives entertain’d the French, because they had freed the Countrey from the Spanish Oppressions. Thus having accomplish’d his Design, and returning home, he was nobly receiv’d at Rochel, but had not the least Countenance for all his trouble from the King; the Cardinal of Lorein telling him, That for his good Service he ought to suffer death, because he had fitted out three Ships upon his own Account, without Authority.
SECT. XIV. Four English Expeditions, under the Conduct of our Famous Sea-Captains Martin Forbisher, Sir Francis Drake, Thomas Candish, and John Smith.
[Sidenote: Forbisher’s Expedition.]
Captain Forbisher sailing to the Northern Parts of America, Anno 1576. chusing a bad time, the Year being too much spent, and the Ocean so full of Ice, that it forc’d him to return to England: Not many Months after, he renew’d his Voyage, Queen Elizabeth having rigg’d out, and sent under his Command one Frigat and two Ketches, Mann’d with a hundred and forty Men: The twenty sixth of May he weigh’d Anchor, and sail’d to the Orkenies, lying to the North of Scotland, where landing, he found the poor Islanders fled out of their Huts, into Caves and Dens among the Rocks. From thence he steer’d North-North-West, through abundance of floating Pieces of Timber, which oftentimes gave him great stops. The fourth of July he made Friezland, where he met with a great Storm of Hail, mix’d with Snow: Before the Shore lay a great Ridge of Ice, which hindred for a while their Landing: Here he saw several Wild People, but could not come to speak with them; for upon the least approach they fled; yet when they saw any advantage, made resistance: At last, three of them came unarm’d to the Shore, beckoning Forbisher to come to them; which he had done, had not great numbers of the Natives appear’d too soon from an Ambuscade in a Wood, and behind a Hill, who seeing themselves discover’d, march’d up into the Countrey, three onely staying on the Shore, of whom the middlemost feigning to be lame, at last fell down, whom his Companions took up, and carried a little way, but then forsook, by which the English observing their Design, shot that the Sand flew all about him; whereupon forgetting his Lameness, he ran as swift as a Deer up a Hill.
Forbisher’s Men had by this time fill’d two Barrels with a Mineral not unlike Gold, but was afterwards found to be of little value. Nothing else of Remark did he find here, except great long-hair’d Men, who being exceeding salvage, subtilly plot nothing else but to murder, lurking for Men, like Wild Beasts for their Prey, whom, when caught, they tear in pieces. Close fitted to their Bodies, they wore the Skins of several Wild Beasts, priding in the Tails which hung down betwixt their Legs. Their Tents are of conjoyn’d Whalebones, cover’d over with the like Skins, the Entrance always facing the South. They use Bowes, Arrows, Slings, and two sorts of Boats: In the biggest they can carry seventeen Men, which are made of several Wooden Planks clinch’d together, and cased on both sides with Leather: The smallest ones are cover’d just in the same manner, much resembling a Weavers Shuttle, having in the middle a Hole, wherein a Man sits, who drawing the Cover of the Boat about his Waste by Strings, with one Oar makes swift Passage.
The Countrey it self is barren, yet feeds abundance of Deer, Hares, Wolves, Bears, and Dogs like Wolves, whose Flesh serves the Inhabitants for Food.
This Countrey seems to be exceedingly troubled with great Earthquakes, because several pieces of Rocks, and whole Mountains rent asunder, may be seen in divers places.
The fourth of August, Forbisher having elevated the Pole to sixty eight Degrees, beyond what Sebastian Cabot, the first Discoverer of those Parts, and set out by Henry the Seventh, had done (for America Northward never before had been so far penetrated) and laden with a sort of shining Sand, which he believ’d might contain much of a Golden Oar, having with him three of the Natives, viz. a Man, a Woman, and a Child, set Sail for England, and the seventh of September came to Milford-Haven, and not long after arriv’d in London, where in short time the Salvages died.
[Sidenote: Sir Francis Drake’s Expedition.]
At the same time when Forbisher sail’d Northerly, Sir Francis Drake also, fitted out by Queen Elizabeth, steer’d another Course, sailing by Cape Blanko and Cape Verde, along the African Coast, to Brasile, where he caught several Sea-Wolves, and Anchoring in the River La Plata, furnish’d himself with Fresh Water: Then proceeding on his Voyage through the crooked Straights of Magellan, he came to an Anchor before Moucha, wash’d by the South Sea. The Islanders receiv’d him very courteously, because they were inform’d that the English were at great Wars with the Spaniards, to avoid whose Cruelties, they had deserted the main Continent, and setled on Moucha. One of these Mouchaners going aboard, serv’d them for a Pilot to the Haven Valparizo, where Drake burnt the St. Jago, a small Village, and plundring all the Countrey about it, got together a great Treasure of Gold and Silver. Before Arica he took three Spanish Ships, richly laden; and before Lima, four more, having an unvaluable Treasure of Pearls and Gold aboard them. Thus inrich’d, he steer’d his Course Northerly to forty two Degrees; but the Cold forcing him to fall four Degrees to the Southward, he discover’d a very pleasant and inhabited Coast, the People whereof shew’d him great kindness: The King himself coming aboard with a great Train, set a Crown of Gold upon Drakes Head, and gave him a Golden Scepter, and an Ivory Chain. After this he inspected the Islands Tidor, Ternata, Java, Zeilon, and Cape de Bona Esperanza, from whence, after a three Years Voyage, having encompass’d the World, he came safe to London, where he rested not long; for sailing Anno 1585. to America, he took great Prizes from the Cities St. Jago, St. Domingo, St. Augustin, and Carthagena, setting them all on Fire. Thus again returning home victoriously, and after the famous defeat of the Spanish Armado, he rigg’d out a new Fleet, having for his Vice-Admiral Captain Hawkins: Their Design was to have sail’d to Panama; but both dying, and so the Commission ceasing, the expected great and golden Project also died with them.
[Sidenote: Candish his Expedition.]
A Year after the death of these famous Navigators, Captain Thomas Candish Mann’d with a hundred and twenty Men, and Provisions for two Years, setting sail in a lucky Hour, a second time encompass’d the World, passing the Straights of Magellan; in which Voyage having got above ten times the value of his Charge, by taking the Spanish Carrack St. Anna, valued at twenty Tun of Gold; and at last freighted with a Mass of Treasure, he came safe into the River of Thames.
[Sidenote: Smith’s Voyage.]
But much worse success had Captain John Smith, who weigh’d Anchor Anno 1614. with two Ships, fitted out by several Merchants in London, for New-England, and on the Island Monachigga to load Copper, Gold, and other Minerals that were to be had there, and also to fish for Whales: But there were no such Minerals to be found there, nor any Whales to be taken on the Coast, because the time of the Year was past; so that he return’d home without Success. However, not long after, they undertook the same Expedition a second time, but with worse Fortune; for being gotten in sight of Virginia, he was treacherously set upon, and taken by the French, who accus’d him, that he had destroy’d the Plantations in Nova Francia, and unless he would make satisfaction for the Damage, they threatned him with death. He was carried Prisoner to Rochel, in a French Ship; but not far from thence surpris’d by a mighty Storm, Smith finding an opportunity, leap’d into the Boat, and driving betwixt the Waves, at last, half dead, was thrown upon the Island of Oleron, whom afterwards, having lost all, an English Ship took in, and brought to his Native Countrey.
SECT. XV. Netherland Expedition by Jaques Mahu, and Simon de Cordes.
[Sidenote: Mahu’s Voyage.]
Five Ships being fitted out at Rotterdam, the Command of them was given to Jaques Mahu and Simon de Cordes, who on the twenty seventh of June, Anno 1598. weigh’d Anchor from the Goree, and sail’d on an immense Voyage; at last landing at the Island St. Jago, they won a strong Castle there, and took two Barques; but at last Articled with the Portuguese, that they might undisturb’d supply themselves with Fresh Water, yet they, as if they minded no Agreements, whilst the Dutch were filling their Casks, came down upon them with two hundred Horse, each having a Foot-Soldier behind him; but the Hollanders made so stout resistance, that they put them all to flight.
The City of St. Jago, which gives Denomination to the whole Island, is built long-wise, having a convenient Haven, like a Crescent: Through the City glides a River, on both sides of which, beyond the Town, arise several high Mountains: That part which faces the Sea, hath Fortifications, defended with strong Bulwarks. The Portuguese had brought all their Guns to bear towards the Sea, to sink the Holland Ships, which they invited thither under pretence of kindness; but a great Storm hindred the Fleet, that they could not Anchor at the appointed place; onely two of the Ships sail’d pretty near, but not within Shot.
From hence steering to the Desolate Island Brava, they saw nothing but five ruin’d Houses, the Door of one stopp’d up with great Stones, which being taken away, was found full of Turkish Wheat, which prov’d a great kindness to the Sea-men.
[Sidenote: Mahu dies.]
[Sidenote: Cordes his Voyage.]
Mean while the Admiral Mahu died, and his Body put into a Chest fill’d up with Stones, was thrown over-board; so that Simon des Cordes carrying the Flag, steer’d his Course to Guinee, there to refresh himself; for most of his Men were so weakned by the Scurvey, that they were scarce able to hand the Sails.
[Sidenote: Strange King in Guinee.]
Arriving at their intended Port, the Sick were carried ashore; and the Vice-Admiral Beuningen, being conducted by a French Guide, went to the Vice-Roy of that Countrey, who sat on a low Bench, with a Sheeps-skin under his Feet, in a Violet-colour’d Cloth Suit, without any Linnen, Shirt, Shoes, or Stockins; on his Head a Cap made of yellow, red, and blue Eastern Cloth; his Face whitened with Ashes, shew’d in several places its natural blackness, appearing through the Colours; about his Neck a Collar or Chain of Glass Beads: Behind him sat his Nobles, with Cocks Feathers on their Heads, and their Skins painted Red.
Beuningen plac’d by the King on a Mat, complain’d to him, That the Guineans fled from him where-ever he came, though in Friendship, to barter European Commodities with them, against Fruits, Poultrey, Sheep, and other Provisions: Whereupon the King promis’d to furnish him therewith, and invited Beuningen to Dinner. After some stay, the Kings Wives entred the Palace, a very mean and ill-favour’d Building, more like a great Barn than a Kings House, and plac’d a kind of nasty Trough on the Ground, in which lay nothing but some wild Herbs, and a piece of a smoak’d Sea-Calf; and though he was a Person of the largest size, and corpulent, yet he eat sparingly. Beuningen, though exceeding hungry, found little rellish in such kind of Meats; wherefore spreading a Napkin, his Attendants brought him some Bisket and Spanish Wine, whereof after the King had tasted, he lik’d so well the rellish, that it rock’d him asleep, whilst Beuningen walk’d to the Sea-side to refresh himself; but the Guineans coming about him, he was forc’d to return to the King, who waking at the noise, appear’d highly incens’d at his People, and took Beuningen into his House: However the Subjects, notwithstanding the Kings Commands, when Beuningen was sent into a neighboring Hut, kept Watch about it all Night: The next Morning early an old Woman entred, muttering to her self, and went out and in to Beuningen three times one after another, knocking on a Box not unlike a Pair of Bellows, out of which flew abundance of Dust about Beuningen, which caus’d a great Laughter amongst the Guineans. The King also coming to him, presented him with two Goats, and four Hens, and so conducted him back to the Ships.
[Sidenote: Bloody Sea, very strange.]
[Sidenote: Salvages in the Straights of Magellan.]
Beuningen seeing that there was no good to be done, set sail from thence, and coming before the River La Plata in America, it appear’d Blood-red. Out of the Water which was taken up in Buckets, started a sort of Insects like Fleas, which caus’d a strange and sad Distemper amongst the Sea-men, that when any Meat was offer’d to them, so soon as ever they put it to their Mouths, they would fall down backwards in a swoon, foaming and frothing at the Mouth, and turning up the White of their Eyes, die distracted. Suffering under this Disaster, they hasted from thence with all speed, and sailing into the Straights of Magellan they kill’d above fourteen hundred Penguyins, which is a Bird that preys on Fish, and lives in Holes under Ground; they somewhat resemble a Goose, onely they stand more upright, and are double-crested, with two plumy Combs. Coming to an Anchor in the Green-Bay, there arose a great Storm, which continued several days, so that they were forc’d to moor their Vessels with four Anchors, extremely afflicted both with Hunger and Cold, preserving themselves alive by eating young Grout, at that time not above a span high from the Ground; but this course Food bred an incurable Dropsie, that posted them on to a sudden death. Afterwards, when the Weather grew more pleasant, the Inhabitants being Gyants, most of them eleven Foot high, grew more troublesom, oftentimes assailing them, and throwing Darts pointed like Harping-Irons, at which they were very expert. Their Salvage Natures may appear by their Dealings with the dead Hollanders, cutting off their Heads, and bruising them to pieces, sticking Darts through their Hearts, and cutting off their Privities.
[Sidenote: A wild Woman.]
At last the Fleet getting into the South Sea, were by stress of Weather separated one from another: Two Ships, being the Faith, and the Good Tydings, were driven back into the Straights of Magellan, where they suffer’d the uttermost extremity of Hunger: Here they took a wild Woman, and two Children, who being of a sallow Complexion, had a great hanging Belly, a wide Mouth, crooked Legs, long Heels, and Breasts like Cows Udders; about her Neck a String of Snail-shells, and upon her Back a Beasts Skin, fastned about her Neck with the Sinews of it; her Food nought else but live Fowls: The same Diet the Children fed upon: The youngest being but six Months old, had his Mouth full of Teeth, and ran without any help: The eldest they carried to Amsterdam; but having kept the Woman aboard two Nights, they gave her several Trifles, and set her ashore. Here they found old Ice in the middle of Summer, four Foot thick.
Beuningen lingred in the Straights of Magellan, and being tired out with Hunger, Cold, and Storms, return’d home; and had they not by accident taken abundance of Coneys, they had all perish’d. Above two Years had this unhappy Voyage lasted, when they arriv’d at their Native Countrey, with six and thirty Men, being all that remain’d alive of a hundred and five.
SECT. XVI. The Expedition of Oliver van Noord.
[Sidenote: Porto Desire.]
[Sidenote: Sea-Dogs.]
Two Months after Mahu, Oliver Van Noord set sail with four Ships, and two hundred forty eight Men, from the Maes. Having reach’d the Princes Island, he lost seven of his Men by the Treachery of the Portuguese; and Anchoring before the City Javeiro, he was no better entertain’d by the same Nation: Here having a Rencounter, and both Sides receiving considerable Loss, he steer’d for St. Sebastian, a fruitful Island, producing an Herb very wholesom against the Scurvey: Here the Sea-men found great store of Sea-Mews, and Parrots, besides several sorts of delicious Fish. The approaching Winter advis’d them from entring the Straights of Magellan so late; wherefore they judg’d it best to seek a convenient Harbor, to put their Sick ashore to refresh themselves. The Island St. Hellen, for its fruitfulness, seem’d to be the most convenient for this purpose; but a great Storm preventing them, they came to St. Clara, where taking in Fresh Water, they cast Anchor in Porto Desire. In this Haven they saw a kind of Sea-Dogs, whose fore-parts being overgrown with long Hair, seem’d like a Lyon, and the Feet like Mens Hands; over their Eyes and Upper-lips grew black and white Hair, which in Stormy Weather stands staring upright, but in Calm, lies flat and smooth; they Urine backwards, sleep very soundly, and cast their Young every Month: Their Flesh well-boyl’d prov’d a savory Dish.
[Sidenote: Strange Tombs.]
Van Noord going ashore here, saw not a Man; but only Burying-places on high Rocks, built of red Stones, and adorn’d both within and without with Bowes, Arrows, and other strange things: Under the Heads of the Dead lay four-square Shells, and other things artificially carv’d. Curiosity made them desirous to make a further search into the Countrey; wherefore he rowed during a whole Tide up a River; and when their Boat ran aground at the time of Ebb, he walk’d several Leagues up into the Countrey, where he saw nothing but Deer, Buffles, and Ostriches: and because he saw no People, he judg’d the Coast to be uninhabited; but returning again, he found it otherwise; for the Sea-men, though commanded to stay in the Boat, which lay in the middle of the River, went ashore, where they were so fiercely set upon by thirty of the Natives, that three of them were kill’d, and another wounded in the Leg. These People are very strong and Salvage, with painted Faces, and long Hair; but after this Encounter, they saw no more of them.
But Van Noord having spent fourteen Months in search, and lost a hundred Men, set sail again with three Ships; for one of them, being the Unity, he burnt at the Island Clara, where he Winter’d, because of a great Leak which could not be stopp’d. Here they brought five thousand Fowls aboard, which much increased their Stock of Provisions.
From hence parting the Wide Ocean, into the Straights of Magellan, four times the Fleet attempted to go into the South-Sea, and was as often driven back by cross Weather into the Straights; but the fifth time prov’d more successful; for having got through, and left the Straights a handsom way astern, they discover’d two Islands, from one of which the Sea-men going aland, brought four Boys and two Girls; who afterward instructed in their Tongue, inform’d them concerning the scituation of the Countreys thereabout.
[Sidenote: Philip-Stadt forsaken through famine.]
After that, the Fleet Sail’d into Hungers Haven, where they found the ruines of the deserted Philip-Stadt, which Captain Thomas Candish had seen fourteen years before, fortifi’d with four Bulwarks; but now onely some Houses, a Church, and a Gibbet were standing: Four hundred Spaniards built that City, as a Key to the Straights of Magellan. But all their Provisions being spent in three years time, and no relief coming from Spain, and what they Sow’d expecting the hopes of a Harvest, the Salvages coming down by night destroy’d; which caus’d so great a Famine to rage amongst them, that many dy’d, not so much as putting off their Clothes, who lying in the Houses unbury’d, occasion’d such a stench in the City, that the remainder fled into the Field; where they liv’d a whole year by the Fruits of the Trees, Herbs, and Roots: At last, three and twenty of them, amongst which were two Women remaining yet alive, resolv’d to travel to the River La Plata and accordingly set forward, but what became of them could never yet be heard, only one Ferdinando that was of that company, accidentally wandring from the rest, happen’d to light upon Candish’s Fleet.
[Sidenote: Mocha, what kind of Island.]
Here Van Noord set on Shore the Vice-Admiral Jacob Claeszoon Ilpendam, for some crimes which he had committed; and leaving him behind, Sail’d from thence thorow the South-Sea along the Coast of Chili and Mocha; which Island, of a considerable bigness, rises in the middle with a forked Mountain, from which a convenient River comes flowing down into the Countrey.
[Sidenote: Cica, a strange Drink.]
The Inhabitants conducted the Hollanders to their Village, consisting of about fifty Houses built of Straw, but were forbid to go into their Huts: Upon the Mens call the Women appear’d, which being divided into three parties, humbly kneel’d down before them; and soon after an old Woman brought an Earthen Can full of Cica, a Liquor made of Mays, whose extracted Juyce, boyl’d and put into Tubs, ferments like our Beer or Ale, with a cap of Barm, with which they treated the Hollanders, who drinking moderately, were well refresh’d; but the Natives will ply this Liquor, till they make themselves Distracted, and are mad Drunk.
[Sidenote: Van Noord takes a Spanish Ship.]
From hence Van Noord steer’d his course to Sancta Maria, where in his way he took a Spanish Ship, call’d Buon Jesus, that is, Good Jesus, and receiv’d intelligence from the Prisoners, that the Admiral Simon de Cordes, with twenty three Men was kill’d by the Americans on the Promontory Lavapia, being the head Land or Point opposite to St. Maries; that a year since, tydings were brought to Lima of his Fleet; so that they had made all things ready to withstand him. But Van Noord hinder’d by strong contrary Winds, not able to reach Sancta Maria, stood directly for St. Jago, in whose Haven lay a great Spanish Ship full of Indians, and two other going in, which two he set on Fire, and the third he Tow’d towards his Fleet; repenting extremely that he had given liberty, and set Francisco de Ivarro Commander of the Buon Jesus ashore; because he afterwards understood from the Spanish Pilot, that Ivarra threw ten thousand two hundred pound weight of Gold, pack’d in fifty two Cases, over-board, when he observ’d that he was like to loose his Ship.
The Fleet Sailing forward came to an Anchor before the Thieves-Island, whose Inhabitants are very light Finger’d, go stark naked, and are of great strength; they found the Women much Disfigur’d, their Noses, Lips, and Cheek-bones eaten by the French Pox.
[Sidenote: Performs great things.]
In the Bay La Baya, the Dutch Admiral, with a Spanish Flag on his top-Mast, sent one of his Sea-men in a Fryers garb ashore, if possible under that disguise, to get Provisions; which falling out according to their Design, they were supply’d with all manner of Victuals: After that, the Hollanders burnt five Villages on the Island Capull; took a Chinesy Vessel, one Spanish Barque, and a Carvel Laden with Brandy from Cocos; and after a great and bloody Fight sunk the Admiral of the Manilla’s, and so at last with various fortunes arriv’d at Rotterdam, having in three years encompass’d the World.
SECT. XVIA. The Expedition of George Van Spilbergen.
Anno 1614. the eighth of August, the East-India Company of the United Netherlands set out seven Ships under the Command of George Spilbergen, who coming to Cape St. Vincent, and engaging with the Portuguese, took one of their Ships, and so proceeded on his Voyage to the Straights of Magellan, but by a huge Storm, the Fleet was separated. Amongst those that were scatter’d was the good Ship call’d Meruw, in which some of the crew had conspir’d to have kill’d the Master, and seiz’d the Vessel; but he having some inkling thereof, set so stoutly upon two of the chief Contrivers with his drawn Hanger, that he forc’d them to leap over-board, and as stoutly ordering the rest, set all to rights.
[Sidenote: Strange Corps.]
But Spilbergen Landing on one of the Penguyn Islands, found two Dead Bodies just cover’d with Earth, about their Necks was a Chain of glistering Snail Shells neatly strung; the Grave stuck full of Bowes and Arrows, was pleasant to look upon, between several high Mountains, whose tops lay bury’d in Snow: The Fleet came out of the Straights of Magellan, but not without great danger, for the South-Sea much disturb’d by tempestuous Weather, seem’d to raise its Waves up to the Sky, so that they had enough to do, from being ingag’d among the Rocks: But at last with great difficulty, wonderfully escaping all danger, they Anchor’d before La Mocha, an Island which on the North side lies low, and on the South defended by Rocks.
[Sidenote: Spilbergen in great danger.]
[Sidenote: Strange sheep.]
Spilbergen seeing abundance of Men standing on the Shore, Row’d thither to Barter for Merchandize, amongst them was a Sheep with a long Neck, bunch-Back’d like a Camel, a little Mouth, and long Legs; which Beast serves them in stead of Horses, to carry their burthens, and perform their Tillage. The Americans breed up these Sheep every where, by reason of the extraordinary benefit they receive from them, some of them keeping no less than eighteen hundred. Their Shepherds ride upon a Beast almost like an Ox, and carry in their hands Copper-plates, hung round about with Bells, which they shake, making a different noise when their Sheep shall go in or out; and on their Heads wear Feathers like Coronets, standing upright.
[Sidenote: St. Maries burnt.]
[Sidenote: And also Val Parysa.]
From thence, Spilbergen departing, Landed at last on the Island of St. Mary, where he burnt all the Spanish Villages; as he did also in Val Parysa.
After going ashore, in the Haven Quintero, he saw abundance of Wild Horses drinking out of a Rivulet, supply’d with fresh Water from an adjoyning steep Mountain; so soon as they espy’d Men, they instantly running away, were seen no more.
[Sidenote: Bloody fight between the Hollanders and Spanish Fleet.]
Having left Quintero, and spent a Moneth in Sailing farther, they discry’d eight great Ships; whereupon the Prisoners inform’d them, that it was the Spanish Fleet, of which Roderigo de Mendoza was Admiral, fitted out on purpose to fight Spilbergen, whose coming (as we said) was known a year before. At midnight Mendoza Boarded Spilbergen, but was so roughly receiv’d, that he was forc’d to Retreat with the loss of the Ship St. Francisco. At Day-break, the Holland Admiral fir’d at Mendoza, who answering with equal courage, occasion’d a smart Engagement, wherein the Spaniards were so hard beset, that they put forth a White Flag; but it was immediately taken in again by the Commanders aboard, choosing rather to die, than surrender, because they had mock’d at Mendoza, when he hinted the difficulty of the Enterprize in the Grand Peruvian Councel, saying, They went out, onely to take a few disabled Hollanders, and tying them hand and feet, carry them to Execution. Yet their high and proud Stomachs prov’d very fatal to them, for afterwards totally routed and put to flight, most of them sunk by the way.
[Sidenote: Calyow de Lima.]
This done, the Hollanders victoriously Sail’d to Calyow de Lima, having a convenient Haven: The City adorn’d with curious Houses and Temples, is strengthen’d by a Platform, Planted with great Guns towards the Sea, and the Shore was guarded by eight Troops of Horse, and four thousand Foot; whereupon Spilbergen, who was yet to go so great a Voyage, judg’d it no way convenient to adventure the loss of all on the good or bad event of a Battel, especially being so much over-power’d by the number of the Enemy: Wherefore seeing no hopes of Victory, setting forward to Guarma, he got some fresh Provisions.
[Sidenote: Peyta burnt.]
Against the City Peyta, he play’d his Cannon with such fury, that the Townsmen deserted the place, which he observing, set it on fire, and Sail’d to Aquapulque, where from the Fort at first the Spaniards fired some Guns at them; but soon after changing humor, they came to an Accommodation, furnishing the Hollanders with convenient Provisions. Passing on, and coming to Selaques, both Natives and Spaniards having suffer’d some of the Hollanders to Land; after set upon them treacherously in a Thicket, but to their little advantage, for they made so good a Defence, that the Assailants not able to bear the brunt, fled with great loss.
Spilbergen Sailing from hence to the Manilla’s, waited there for the Spanish Admiral Juan de Silva, who had made (as was reported) great preparations for him long since; but seeing it was in vain, at last he return’d to Zealand where he came to an Anchor, loaden with Riches, in the middle of Summer, Anno 1617.
SECT. XVII. The Expedition of William Corneliszon Schouten, and Jacob Le Maire.
[Sidenote: Mabrabomma, what manner of Isle.]
[Sidenote: Schouten in great danger.]
[Sidenote: Incredible many Eggs.]
[Sidenote: Great Corps.]
[Sidenote: Ketch burnt.]
[Sidenote: Strange Horn.]
Some Merchants that were call’d the Austrian Company, fitted out one Ship with sixty five, and a Ketch with two and twenty Sea-men, giving the Command thereof to the Captains Schouten and Le Maire: Anno 1615. they Weigh’d Anchor from the Texel; the first took a view of one of the three Islands, call’d Mabrabomma, lying before Cape Sierra Leona. This Island appearing a great height out of the Sea, was not inhabited, they seeing onely three Wild Buffles, many Wild Cats, Birds which bark’d like Dogs, Wild Palm-Trees, Lemon-Trees, Turtles, Crocodiles, Partridges, and Storks: From hence, passing by the dangerous Shelf Abrolhos, they ran into Porto Desire, where on the Rocks they found abundance of Eggs, and Spierings, or Smelts, and Spiregrass sixteen Inches long, wherefore they call’d that Inlet Spierings-Bay. Their Sloop also brought two Sea-Lions, and one hundred and fifty Penguins from the Penguin Isles, having Sail’d two Leagues up the River; in the interim, the ground being meer Stone, and their Anchors coming home, the great Ship drove against a Rock, and at Ebbing Water, broke off the outermost Planks and Iron-Work, and the Ketch also striking on a high Shelf, was at low Ebb two Fathom with her Keel above the Water, and had without peradventure been overset, and bilg’d, but a fresh North-West Wind kept her upright, yet at last, the Weather growing calm, she lean’d, but the Tide coming in very fast, set her afloat, so that she was miraculously sav’d; then setting Sail again to King’s-Island, they found so many Eggs of black Mews, that one without stirring from his place, might reach above fifty Nests, and in each of them at least three Eggs, which they carry’d aboard by thousands. Their Boat Rowing Southerly down the River, found some Ostriches, and Beasts not unlike Stags, but with exceeding long Necks. On the Hills lay Stones heap’d one upon another, which removing, they found Dead Bodies of eleven Foot long; here they spent their time in cleansing their Ships, and new Sheathing the Ketch, but as they were Tallowing, the Flame accidentally got between the Crevisses which immediately taking Fire, in a short time consum’d it to Ashes: The great Ship had gotten a Horn in her Bow, seven Foot under Water; this Horn being firm without any hollowness, and not unlike a great Elephants Tooth, struck thorow two Ashen and one Oaken Plank, sticking in a Rib of the like Wood, and yet above half a Foot remain’d out to be seen.
[Sidenote: Great Mews.]
At length Schouten Weighing Anchor from Porto Desire, and Sailing to four and fifty Degrees Southern Latitude, met whole Shoals of Whales, insomuch, that he was fain to Tacque to and again to shun them. Sea-Pies, bigger than Swans, came flying in great numbers aboard, suffering themselves to be taken with the hand. On the North-side they spy’d a high and scraggy Coast spreading it self to the East South-East, which they call’d, The States Countrey, that which lay to the Westward of it, Maurice of Nassau, the Islands in fifty seven Degrees Barnevield’s Isles, and the sharp Point in which lay the Snowy Mountains, Southward of the Magellan Straights end, the Cape of Hoorn.
[Sidenote: Straights Le Maire.]
Schouten had now gotten the height of fifty nine Degrees, when he enter’d the South-Sea, through the new passage between Mauritius and the States-Countrey, which was call’d from his Partner, The Straights of Le Maire.
[Sidenote: Isles in the South-Sea.]
Near the two Isles Juan Fernando, they found great store of Fish, after that they view’d these Islands, that lay scatter’d up and down the South-Sea, each of them they nam’d according to their several occasions, calling the first, The Isle of Dogs, because they have abundance of Dogs there that could not bark: Another, The Bottomless Island, because the Sea was so deep about it, that they could not come to an Anchor. The Inhabitants who go naked, with their Skins pounced full of strange shapes, of blue Snakes, Dragons, and such like Creatures, Salli’d out of the Woods upon the Hollanders with great Clubs, to which was fasten’d the Sword or Snout of a Sword-Fish, and also with Slings.
Somewhat further they came to Water-Land, and Flyes-Island, the first so nam’d, because the Shore round about was planted with Trees, but in the middle all lay cover’d with Salt-Water; the other from the Flyes, which with incredible numbers troubled the Sea-men four days together.
[Sidenote: Strange entertainment at the Horn Islands.]
Moreover, the Reception or Entertainment which Schouten was welcom’d withal, at the Hoorn-Islands, being very remarkable, we will in brief relate:
Anchoring in nine Fathom Water, Shelly ground, before a fresh Rivulet, three Hollanders sent to the King were by him courteously entertain’d, who with strange humility, not bow’d, but kissing their Feet fell flat on the ground, and put the Hollanders Feet upon his Neck; and after this manner of Salutation, waited upon them aboard: Yet although this King fawn’d so much, and seem’d so humble, yet he was very severe over his Subjects, for finding one that had filch’d a Sword, he not onely brought and restor’d it, but immediately Executed the Thief before their Faces.
Le Maire and Arias Claeszoon were much honor’d here, for the old and young King put their Crowns on their Heads, curiously Wrought of fine White Feathers, and the end adorn’d with small Red and Green Feathers; they gave also to each of them a Pigeon, White to their Wings, the hinder part Black, and under their Bellies Red.
In the interim, the King of Water-Island visited the other, by whom Le Maire was treated: When they met, they made strange shews of Honor to each other, but at last shew’d their Salvageness by eating raw Fish, and rudely Dancing before the Hollanders. Le Maire going into the Countrey, and climbing up a high Mountain, saw nothing but Morass Wilds, and Vallies, lying under Water: The King and his Retinue here kept him company, during his stay there, when weary with walking, they sate down together under Coco-Nut-Trees; the young King tying a String about his Leg, climb’d with exceeding dexterity up a high Tree, bringing several Coco-Nuts down with him, which he open’d very expeditiously.
Arias Claeszoon, Rowing ashore one night, found the King sitting under a Roof, resting on four Pillars, where several Naked Women Danc’d before him according to their Musick, which was Taboring upon a hollow Piece of Wood, which yielded a murmuring sound without any distinct Tune.
[Sidenote: Cava a strange Liquor.]
[Sidenote: Impudent Women.]
But the two Kings meeting again, the next day Complemented one another with more antick and ridiculous Postures, sitting side by side under the Roof, imploring their God, with their Hands folded, and their Heads bow’d to the ground: At this interview, four Holland Trumpeters and Drummers stood playing before the King, to the great admiration and amazement of the Islanders, which were near ten thousand gather’d together upon the News of the strangers to attend the two Kings. Soon after a great company of Rusticks came running thither, which had a green Herb call’d Cava, ty’d about their middle; on a sudden they began all to chaw this Cava, throwing that which they had chaw’d into a large Woodden Trough, then putting Water to it, they Kneaded it together; which done, brought the Liquor on their Heads to the two Kings, before whom they kneel’d when they gave them any: Yet notwithstanding they receiv’d such honor from their Subjects, they shew’d servile respects to the Hollanders, for every King presented them with a Pig, which they first laid on their Heads, then kneeling, put it down at Le Maire’s Feet, and bowing their Heads to the ground, rose again. They wear their Hair long, which Brayded, hung on the left side of their Heads down to their Hips, ty’d at the end with two Knots; but the Nobility had two such Locks: All of them went naked, their Privities onely cover’d. The smallest of the Men exceeded the biggest of the Hollanders in tallness. The Women had long Breasts hanging like Satchels down to their Bellies, and so unshamefac’d, that they prostituted themselves to any, in sight of all Men; and still at low Water, their business was to catch Fish, which they greedily eat raw.
[Sidenote: Strange wild men.]
[Sidenote: Deform’d people.]
After all this Entertainment, Weighing from hence, Schouten Sail’d along the Coast of New-Guiny, where three Boats full of Negro’s came Rowing towards them, Slinging very fiercely Stones at them, and hovering about, attended their motion all night. Next morning, seven Boats more coming to their assistance, they set upon the Hollanders, but soon fled from their Bullets; yet two of the Negro’s were taken, that in each Nostril wore a Ring. Sailing further, several Boats came aboard of them, whereof those that Row’d, breaking their Assagays or Launces over their Heads, enter’d the Ship; the Hair of their Heads and Beards bedawb’d with Lime, flew about, whilst they Danc’d on the Decks, after they had eaten a good Meal: But they endeavor’d to reward this their kind Entertainment with Treachery, for going ashore, they soon after return’d in greater numbers, and sat upon the Anchors which lay over the Bows of the Ship, and there being a great calm, endeavor’d to Towe the Ship towards the Shore, whilst others threw Stones and Arrows. But so soon as the Hollanders firing their Guns Wounded several of them, they all fled, except some which they took Prisoners, whereof one whom they afterwards call’d Moses, did them great service.
But Le Maire was amaz’d at nothing more, than when on the next Coast he saw several little Houses built about nine Foot high, out of which many People issu’d, which were all deform’d, either having Wry Noses, Bow Legs, Squint Eyes, or crooked Backs, and all in one part or another mis-shapen.
At last, Anchoring before Jacatra, the Ship was stopt there by order of the East-India Company, and the Men divided and put aboard those Ships that Sail’d from India to Holland, and arriv’d in safety at Flushing, after they had Sail’d about the World, in two years and eighteen days.
SECT. XVIII. Voyage of the Nassavian Fleet, under the Command of Jaques L’Heremite, and Geen Huigo Schapenham.
[Sidenote: Remarkable Exploits of L’Hermite.]
The United Netherlands, to abate the Spanish Greatness, set out a considerable Fleet, which they sent to try their fortune, in making Prize of what ever they could light upon in any of their Havens wash’d by the South-Sea.
Jaques L’Hermite had ten Ships under his Command, Mann’d with sixteen hundred thirty seven Men, and two hundred ninety four Brass and Iron Guns, with which he set Sail from Goree, Anno 1623. and coming before Cape Vincent, he discover’d eleven Turkish Pirates, whom fighting, he beat, and re-took the Holland Ships they had made Prize of.
At Roxents Head, L’Hermite gave chase to fifteen Spanish Ships, and coming up with them, sunk eleven, and took four laden with Sugar. Afterwards Anchoring at Safia, he sent the Ship Over-yssel, and a Frigat call’d the Gray-Hound, to Convoy home the Prizes; afterward being inform’d, that thirty Spanish Ships were making to them, Sailing into the Haven St. Vincent, the Spring Water that he supply’d his empty Cask with being brakkish, caus’d an excoriation of the Guts, which brought the Bloody-Flux, whereby he lost many of his Sea-men; being well entertain’d by the Salvages of Antonio, they went on to Sierra Leona, a Mountainous Point full of Lime-Trees, here they found the Names of Sr. Francis Drake, and other English cut in a Rock.
After that he put in at the fruitful Island Annabon, where he caus’d his Chirurgeon to be Beheaded.
[Sidenote: Vegar a wicked man.]
This wicked Man being brought to the Torture, would confess nothing concerning the Crimes objected against him, but being strip’d for Execution, they found a small Bag hanging on his Breast, in which lay a Serpents Skin and Tongue, with which he had Poyson’d several Men, but he confess’d nothing.
The first of February, the Fleet came to Cape de Pemias, which they know at a great distance, by its high Mountains cover’d with Snow.
In short time after, Sailing by the Mouth of the Straights of La Maire, they met with very tempestuous Weather, and seventeen of their Men going ashore, were devour’d by the Cannibals of Terra del Fuogo. These People being all Whites, and of a large Stature, Paint themselves Red, and go stark naked, except some of highest quality who tie a Deer Skin about their Necks; and the Women cover their Nakedness with a piece of Leather: They live in Bowers made of the Branches of Trees, Stak’d three Foot deep, in a round at bottom, and above like our Tents, Canopy’d, the top of which open, to carry out the Smoke like a Chimney; and have no other Houshold-stuff than some Baskets, in which they lay their few Fishing Implements. They go continually Arm’d with Clubs, Arrows, Slings, and Stone-Knives: Their Boats being only the Trunk of a Tree made hollow, rise up before and behind like a Half-Moon, and are fourteen, and some sixteen Foot long, and two broad, and Row swifter than a Pinnace with many Oars. Lastly, they are so Salvage, that they seem rather to be Beasts than Men, knowing no Religion, ill Natur’d, cruel and Treacherous.
From hence, passing on, L’Hermite refresh’d at the desolate Isle Fernando, and so Steer’d his Course to Calla de Lima, on whose Coast, taking a Spanish Vessel, the Prisoners told him, that their Plate-Fleet had Weigh’d Anchor, and were gone to Panama; only the Admiral which carry’d forty Brass Guns, with fifty Merchant-Men, lay close under the Shore, Guarded by three Stone Bulwarks, Fortifi’d with fifty Guns.
L’Hermite having a design upon these, took three Spanish Vessels that were going thither, and at midnight, sent Captain Adrian Tol, Peter Slobbe, and Meindert Egbertszon, with twelve well Mann’d Boats, furnish’d with Brass Drakes, and Hand-Granado’s, to Attaque the Spanish Fleet that lay hard by; and whilst some gave a false Alarm on the North of Callao, the Boats Rowing from Ship to Ship, in short time fir’d forty of them; although the Spaniards from the Shore endeavor’d by their Shot to drive back the Enemy, neither the Fort or Admiral sparing Powder nor Ball.
In this valiant Exploit the Hollanders had onely seven Men kill’d, and fifteen Wounded: About break of day, seven of the Spanish Ships floated, burning towards the Dutch Fleet, which were as terrible as now Fire-ships, which forc’d them to Weigh Anchor to shun them.
After that, L’Hermite took two Ships laden with Wine, a third full of Wood, and a fourth with Wheat: One of these Prizes he fitted and prepar’d for a Fire-ship, and sending her to Board the Spanish Admiral, it ran aground within shot of him; whereupon being batter’d by the Admirals Guns, and those from the Bulwarks, and at last taking Fire gave but a small blow, because most part of the Powder had taken Wet.
In this interim, while thus their design went prosperously on, their Admiral L’Heremite dy’d, whom they Bury’d on the Island Lima, and Schapenham, in defiance of the Vice-Roy in Callao, caus’d one and twenty Spaniards to be hang’d at the Yard-Arm, because he had sent him a scornful Answer on the Proposals concerning the delivery of the Prisoners.
[Sidenote: Vershoor’s Exploit.]
[Sidenote: Schapenham’s remarkable Exploits.]
[Sidenote: Schapenham dies.]
Cornelius Jacobszoon Sailing to Pisco with four Sail from the Fleet, could do no good there, for he not onely found the City to be surrounded with a Wall of fifteen Foot high, but having also many Earthen Redoubts, behind which lay above two thousand arm’d Men, wherefore he deserted the same after some Rancounters: But the Rear-Admiral, John Williamszoon Vershoor, who was sent to Gainquil, had much better luck; for he not onely took that Metropolis, but also burnt a new Royal Gallion, and two lesser Vessels; carry’d a conquer’d Vessel to Lima; slew above a hundred Spaniards, and threw seventeen overboard, because they had shot Poyson’d Bullets against the Law of Arms; of which Conquest Captain Engelbert Shutte had the greatest honor: But the Sea-men grew weaker and weaker by the Scurvy, and all of them would have perish’d, had they not found a soveraign Herb on the highest Mountains of Lima. Schapenham being chose Admiral in L’Heremites place, Weigh’d Anchor from Callao, and ran into the Inlet Piscadores, where on the shore he rais’d a Sconce; yet not long after departed from thence without any effect, but lost twenty eight Men, through the bad Conduct of their Commanders; the like number he lost also at Aquapulque, on the side of which City stands a Castle with four strong Bulwarks; the Holland Fire-ship lay just without the reach of the shot, the rest lay along the shore in a row, there to seize upon the Vessels expected thither from the Manillaes: But because the Scurvy raged amongst the Sea-men, and disabled them, they waited in vain, Schapenham Sail’d through the South-Sea to the Ladrones, where he found store of Provisions. Anno 1625. in March, he drop’d Anchor before Maleye, and from thence went with Herman Spiult, the Governor for the East-India Company in Amboina, to Ceram, where they Conquer’d the Fort Lochoe, and soon after Cambella; then the Fleet being divided, Schapenham carry’d home two Ships from Batavia, and the remainder return’d at several times, they being hir’d to serve the East-India Company to Surratta, Malacca, Coromandel, and the Molucco Isles: Schapenham Deceasing near Bantum, and being Bury’d on Pulo Boftok, the Ships arriv’d at the Texel in July, Anno 1626.
Henry Brewer his Voyage.
Anno 1643. Brewer set Sail with four Ships from Reciffo, and ran close along the States-Isle, so dangerous and Rocky, that he durst not put in to the Land; from which flew great abundance of Party-colour’d Ducks, with sharp Bills, about the Ships, and under the Keels swam also Whales.
[Sidenote: Sea Lions.]
[Sidenote: Brewer’s Haven.]
[Sidenote: Remarkable Exploits.]
On the West side of the Straights Le Maire, Brown ran into Valentine’s Inlet, where he was much troubled by the Winds which came whistling through the hollow Mountains with great and sudden gusts: The shore afforded red and black Strawberries, Carville and Muscles, to the great refreshment of the Sea-men, who daily saw Sea-Lions, but could not come to shoot one of them, for no sooner they perceiv’d any body, but they Diving under Water, swam away; and though they saw Mens Foot-steps of eighteen Inches long, yet they never found any Men. Thence Sailing into the South-Sea, along the Coast of Chili, they enter’d a Bay which they nam’d Brewer’s-Haven; where Landing, they walk’d towards a great Smoke which they saw afar off, but coming near it, found only two Houses within a large Plain, full of Sheep, Oxen, and Horses; before the Houses stood Woodden Crosses.
[Sidenote: Ter Bergen’s Exploit.]
[Sidenote: Castro a City.]
[Sidenote: Stream Chili.]
[Sidenote: Brewer Dies.]
[Sidenote: Strange accident.]
[Sidenote: Baldivia, a brave City.]
The Dolphin Pink and a great Boat being sent to the Inlet, lay the following Night at an Anchor near a high Mountain; from whence, in the Night, two great Guns were fir’d, whereupon, Lieutenant William Ter Bergen Landed with sixteen Musqueteers, and climbing up the Mountain, found a Village behind the same, where all things were in Alarm, Drums beating, Trumpets sounding, Bells ringing; the Villagers suddenly firing their Guns on Ter Bergen, who being supply’d with thirty four Men, Encounter’d the Enemy so Valiantly, that he fled into the Woods, not without the loss of Men and Horses: The Guns with which they had shot in the Night lay onely on a Redoubt: Ter Bergen persuing this Victory, March’d into the Woods, and shot the Spanish Commander Andreas Munes Iserrera from his Horse, got great store of Treasure which lay hid under the Tree, being brought out of Carelmappa, which Village he set afire, and kill’d all the Horses, and Weigh’d Anchor with the Admiral Brewer to Michael de Cabuco where not being able to Land, because of the many obscure Rocks and Shoals, they set Sail to Castro, which they conquer’d and burnt without the least resistance: This City situate on a Mountain is stately built among Flowry Meadows, delightful Orchards, and brave Fountains; the Sea before it flows daily fourteen Foot. Brewer also burnt a Spanish Ship, and set some Houses afire, took three Spaniards Prisoners on Las Bahias, who inform’d him, that the Winter Season was almost over, but that it was never known by any to pass over so mildly, ill Weather generally using to blow down Houses, Trees, and rend Rocks asunder; that there was much Gold in Osorno and Baldivia, which last they had some years since deserted for hunger, but it was since Garrison’d by three hundred Castilians, that none could get at the Fort Conception (which lay a League Westerly from thence) but in a small Boat, that there were on the place near two thousand Inhabitants. Moreover, an ancient Matron call’d Lovysa Pizarra, from Quintian, one of the Isles in the Chilean In-Land-Sea, being fetch’d from thence, gave information, that forty years since, before the Indians took up Arms, the Spaniards were quietly setled in Osorno, and in so good a condition, that an ordinary Planter had at least three hundred Slaves, of which, every one was to procure a certain quantity of Gold; that the Isles Chiloves were divided into above a hundred Colonies or Plantations, the Chileses serving the Castilians as their true Governors; those that do good Service the King of the Colony makes them Commanders, and that the Chileses had Rebell’d in several places. Brewer on the Chileses request took some of them, with their Wives and Children into his Ship, furnish’d with Arms, he digg’d a Chest of Silver and a Brass Gun out of the Earth, and soon after being sick, dy’d. His Successor Elias Herkmans prosecuting those Publick Affairs, sent the Pilot of the Unity out of Brewer’s Haven, and some Sea-men, with two Chilean Casiques with a Boat to Carelmappa; but being surpriz’d by a violent Storm, stood in for Horse-Island, where he and the Casiques Landing, he order’d seven Sea-men to carry the Boat to a safer Harbor; but being driven from the shore by strong Winds it took in so much Water as fill’d and sunk it, so that all of them were drown’d. Horse-Island being destitute of Provisions and Lodgings, those that were Landed expected nothing but Death, till they found out a small Hut, and in the same six brave Sheep, and a good quantity of Potatoe Roots, which serv’d for Bread: But when this their new-found Store was almost spent, they happily were fetch’d off by the Boat belonging to the Ship Amsterdam, and with the whole Fleet came to an Anchor before Baldivia. This City built by the Castilians, consisted formerly of five hundred and fifty fair Houses, and was divided into Streets and cross Ways, with two large Markets, and as many costly Churches.
[Sidenote: Why the Chileses grew strange to the Hollanders.]
The Chileses unsufferably oppress’d, slew all the Spanish Garrison, and into the Governor’s Mouth and Ears pour’d melted Gold; of his Skull they made a Drinking-cup, and of his Shin-bones, Trumpets; after this, the City fell almost to decay, onely a great part of the Wall remain’d yet standing: The Chileans hereupon flock’d hither by thousands, some on Horses, others on Foot, all Arm’d with Lances of a Foot long: Herkman hereupon informing them by an Interpreter, that they being mortal Enemies of the Spaniards, would joyn with the Chileans against that common Foe; and desir’d, that they might build a Fort on the Market-place in Baldivia, for a defence against all Invasions, and that they might be supply’d with Provisions which the Fleet wanted; all which the Chileans granted, and accordingly brought in store of Sheep, Hogs, and Cattel: But so soon as Herkman began to make the least mention of Gold, they were all abash’d, and said, that they knew of no Gold Mines, nay, their Hair stood an end, when they heard the name of Gold; so horribly the Spaniards had dealt with their Parents: After this, the Chileans growing more and more strange, did not in the least countenance the building of the Fort, and the longer the Fleet staid, the less Provisions they brought aboard; upon which, the Ships were necessitated, without any remarkable Exploits, to set Sail and return to Reciffo.
The Second Book, CONTAINING A DESCRIPTION OF NORTHERN AMERICA
CHAP. I. Of the Bounds of America, and of the Division of the Mexican _or Northern part thereof_.
[Sidenote: The Bounds and Division of Northern America.]
Having in the first part of this Volume discours’d at large concerning the original of the Americans, and whether that part of the World call’d India Occidentalis, or America, were known to the Ancients, or own its Discovery wholly to the Moderns, as also of all the Discoveries that have been made of the several parts thereof, and by whom, we shall now pass on to the Topographical part, describing every particular Province or Region, by giving an account of their Situation, Temperature, Productions, Nature of the Soil, and Quality of the Inhabitants. America, lying Westward of the Azores, and the Worlds Meridian, is by some suppos’d to consist of one vast Island, and several lesser ones, scatter’d about it: Nor can this supposition be thought vain, if, as many think, it be inviron’d on the North-side, as toward the East, South, and West it is known to be; East and South, by the Atlantick Ocean; and West, by Mar del Zur: But because the North-West Passage, though attempted by many, as Nelson, Davis, Forbisher, Button, Smith, Hudson, and others, hath not yet by any been fully discover’d; so that it is not certainly known whether America be joyn’d to Greenland, and the Arctick Region, by a continu’d Tract of Land, or sever’d by the Ocean: We shall follow the method of those Geographers, who, reputed sufficiently Authentick, have divided this new World into Islands, and two grand Peninsula’s joyn’d together by an Isthmus, or Neck of Land, call’d The Straight of Darien, by some The Straight of Panama, lying almost under the Equinoctial Line, and extending in length from Nombre de Dios Southward above a hundred Miles, and from East to West seventeen Miles over in the narrowest place. Of these two grand Peninsula’s the Northern is generally call’d America Mexicana, from Mexico the chief City of the Province, properly call’d Mexicana; which was heretofore without doubt the most potent, rich, and flourishing of all the Kingdoms of the Indians, at least on the North-side of the Isthmus. In the division of the several Provinces of America, as well those of the Northern as of the Southern Continent, we find so various an account among the several Geographers that have written of them (not any two of them agreeing in one and the same order) that to reconcile the differing methods of so many disagreeing Authors would be an endless work: wherefore we shall pitch upon the surest course, and not omitting the mention of any of the Provinces taken notice of by the said Authors, hereby endeavor to take in whatsoever material hath been observ’d by all of them, and by the way take occasion to shew how one differs from another in the distribution of them. Those therefore of the Northern America (that as near as can be we may bring the design of many into one) seem most fitly describ’d in this following order: 1. Estotiland; 2. Terra Laboratoris, or Nova Britannia; 3. Canada, or Nova Francia; 4. Nova Scotia; 5. New England; 6. New Netherlands, now call’d New York, as being in the possession of the English; 7. New Holland; 8. New Swedeland; 9. Apalchen, now call’d Virginia; 10. Florida; 11. Jucatan; 12. Honduras; 13. Nicaragua; 14. Veragua; 15. Costarica; 16. Anien; 17. Nova Hispania; 18. Guacatimala; 19. Nova Gallicia; 20. Nova Biscaia; 21. Nova Mexico; 22. Cibola; 23. Nova Granata; 24. Tontonteac; 25. Quivira; 26. Nova Albion; to which by most Authors is added California; which being an Island we thought fit to reserve to be spoken of amongst the Islands, as also Terra Nova, or New-found Land; which last lies utmost West, as the other East of Northern America. Some there are also (and particularly Monsieur de Martini) who among the above-mention’d Provinces have inserted Greenland, though doubtless with little reason, since though it be granted that it is not divided by any Sea, yet it is evident, if any credit may be given to all modern Maps and Globes, that the greatest part of Greenland lies in the Hemisphere of the known World; and therefore we have judg’d it most convenient to refer the particular mention thereof to the Description of the Arctick Region.
The Islands of Northern America are 1. Terra Nova, or New-found Land; 2. The Island of Assumption; 3. The Bermudas, or Summer-Island; 4. Hispaniola; 5. St. John Porto Rico; 6. Cuba; 7. Jamaica; 8. The Lucayes; 9. The Caribes, or Antillæ; 10. Margarita; 11. Cubagua; 12. La Trinidad; 13. Tabago; 14. California, the biggest of all the American Islands.
The length of the West-Indies is generally computed to be from the utmost South of Terra Magellanica, to the farthest North of Estotiland, about six thousand English Miles, reaching from six Degrees of Northern, to fifty three of Southern Latitude; the breadth from St. Michael or Piura Westward, to Parabaya, a Town on the Coast of Brasil Eastward, three thousand nine hundred Miles, and the whole compass thirty thousand.
SECT. II. Estotiland.
That the English have been very great Undertakers of Voyages and Discoveries toward the North-West, appears by the denomination of divers places, both from the Persons which have Sail’d thitherward, and also from such of our own Countrey Names as were thought fit to be there fix’d, as beyond the Arctick Circle are Sir James Lancaster’s Sound, Sir Dudley Diggs’s Cape, Queens Annes Foreland, Cumberland Isles, Davis’s Straight, &c. on this side toward the Arctick Circle, Button’s and Brigg’s Bay, Hudson’s Sea, otherwise term’d Mare Christianum, out of which more Westerly runs a narrow Sea call’d Hudson’s Straight: beyond Hudson’s Sea towards the Arctick Circle is a place call’d New North-Wales; and on this side answerable to it, between Button’s Bay and the Christian Sea, lies New South-Wales; all which places we find generally set down in the American Hemisphere, but in the Geographical Discourses thereof little is said of them, if so much as nam’d. The farthest part of Land Northward, between Hudson’s Gulph and Hudson’s Straight, betwixt fifty seven and sixty Degrees of Northern Latitude, goes generally by the Name of Estotiland, I mean that properly so call’d (for Estotiland is by some as largely taken as Canada, by Cluverius, Golnitzius, Peter du Val, and others, namely for all that Tract of Land extending from that supposed Straight of Anian, which divides America from Asiatick Tartary, as far as the utmost point of Land that shoots toward the Atlantick Ocean) which Southerly towards Terra Laboratoris is bounded with a River vulgarly call’d Rio Nevado, or The Snowy River. Estotiland seems to have deriv’d its Name from its lying more Easterly than the rest of the Provinces, and, according as Nova Britannia is plac’d in some Charts, might very well be taken for the same, though it hath not been so term’d by any Author, but rather Terra Laboratoris, Cortereatis, and Nova Britannia are generally receiv’d to be all one.
[Sidenote: First discovery of Estotiland.]
[Sidenote: The Nature of the People.]
This Province is affirm’d by Matthias Quadus, and J. Antonius Maginus, to have been the first discover’d Countrey of the new World, and that by Antonius Zeno, a Patrician of Venice, in the Year of our Lord 1390. which was long before the Expedition of Columbus, through the encouragement of Zichmus, King of the Isle of Friezland; but by whomsoever found out, or at whatsoever time, it is commonly affirm’d to be not ill furnish’d with Provisions of all sorts, as Beasts, Birds, Fish, Fowl, and Fruits, having a Soil indifferent fertile, in respect of the coldness of the Climate. The People in general (for some there are that live wild and salvage up and down the Woods, and go naked, whereas the Clothing of the Countrey is the Skins of Beasts and of Sea-Calves, call’d Morses) are reported not onely tolerably civil, but also ingenious and expert both in mechanick Arts, and other necessary Faculties, insomuch that the first Voyagers to this place are said to have observ’d of them upon this first Discovery, That they sow’d Corn, brew’d Beer and Ale, and Traded by Sea to Greenland, Friezland, and other places, to the distance of fifteen hundred Miles; and that they were not altogether void of the use of Letters, but that their Character was onely proper to themselves and not intelligible by any other Nation: Moreover, there is a certain Tradition, that there was here and there some little knowledge of the Latine Tongue amongst them, and that there were found divers Latine Books in a Library of one of their Kings; the reason of which, if true, is conjectur’d to be from certain Europeans who understood that Language, having in Ages past suffer’d shipwrack upon those Coasts, where chancing to abide either through constraint or choice, they might haply at their Decease leave behind them some Books and other Monuments of the Latine Tongue. They were observ’d to use such a kind of Javelin or short Dart, as was known to be us’d by the People of Java, and some other Islands of the East-Indies; whereupon it seems not wholly improbable, that they might for a long time have entertain’d Traffick and Correspondence with them.
[Sidenote: Description of the Morses.]
The Morses, or Sea-Calves before mention’d, are about the bigness of a young Heifer, the Hunting of which by the Natives, who take them in great numbers, is to them in the stead of Whale-fishing, which is not there so good, for they draw a great quantity of Train-Oyl out of them. On each side of the Jaw of this amphibious Creature (for it is said to live very much on the Land, as well as in the Water) there sticks out a crooked Tusk, winding downward like an Elephants Proboscis, above a Cubit in length, and as white and hard as Ivory: It is esteem’d of great vertue, at least it passes for such among those who take it for other than what it is, for it is frequently vended for Unicorns-horn; of which imposture Dr. Brown takes notice, and gives a Caution against in his Vulgar Errors.
This Countrey is suppos’d, and that probably enough, to have store of Brass and Iron Mines; but for the Mines of Gold and Silver, which some have imagin’d there, the Northerly Situation of the Countrey, and by consequence the coldness of the Climate, give sufficient cause to question the truth of any such assertion. What chief Towns, Cities, Rivers and Mountains there are in this Province, is not yet deliver’d by any, onely Maginus and Quadus make mention of four principal Rivers, which disperse themselves through the Countrey, and take their source out of a great Mountain in the midst thereof.
SECT. III. Terra Laboratoris.
[Sidenote: Situation.]
Terra Laboratoris, by some call’d Nova Britannia, by others Corterealis, (though there are some who make Laboratoris and Corterealis two distinct Countreys, comprehended, according to Peter du Val, under Nova Britannia, as the more general Province; or, according to Cluverius, under Canada) lies from about fifty four to fifty seven Degrees of Northern Latitude, between Estotiland and the River Canada, which Maginus and some others, though for what reason is not express’d, name Fretum trium Fratrum, The Bay of the three Brethren; others, The River of St. Laurence, and is, according to the said Author, of so vast a bigness, that the Mouth of it extends it self thirty five Italian Miles wide; likewise of such a length, as to have been navigated a continu’d Voyage of eight hundred Miles. The denomination of Terra de Laborador, or Laboratoris, seems probably enough conjectur’d to be from the cultivability (if one may so term it) of the Soil, or its aptness for Cultivation or Tillage; that is, because by the painful Hand of the Labourer or Husband-man it may be rendred so fertile, as to yield all sorts of Grain and Fruits; haply in allusion to that fruitful Countrey of Campania in Italy, vulgarly known by the Name of Terra di Lavoro. As for the Appellation of Terra Corterealis, it need not be question’d, but that it derives it self from Gaspar Corterealis, a Portuguese Gentleman, who about the Year of our Lord 1500. is thought by some to have made the first discovery of these Parts; though Sir Sebastian Cabot a Venetian, is more generally believ’d to have been the Man that (under the favour and countenance of Henry the Seventh, King of England) first discover’d them, at least the adjoyning Island Terra Nova, or New-found Land; but just onely discover’d, being hinder’d the farther prosecution of that Design, by the important Affairs in which the said King was about that time involv’d; neither did Corterealis, whether he was the first, or came after, do any more, for returning within a year after his first setting out, he was never heard of; nor, as Osorius a Portuguese Historian writes, any of his Company, being all suppos’d to have been drown’d by Shipwrack; and in like manner Michael Corterealis, who the year following set forth with two Ships in quest of his Brother Gaspar. Upon which series of Misfortunes the Portuguese being wholly discourag’d, and giving over this Design, the French of Armorica or Bretany succeed them in it with somewhat better success about the Year 1504. whereupon it came to be term’d Nova Britannia, or New Britain. The ancient Inhabitants of this place were formerly of a Nature, like the generality of the American People, somewhat bruitish and salvage, but by long conversation with the French, are said to have cast off their original wildness, and become more civilly manner’d: they are very jealous of their Wives, by report much addicted to Soothsaying, though otherwise having little of Religion, or of any other kind of Learning; they dwell for the most part in Caves under Ground, feed chiefly upon Fish, and are accounted most expert Archers. Whatever places the French have built here besides, those of chiefest note are St. Maries, Cabo Marzo, and Brest.
SECT. IV. Canada, or New France.
[Sidenote: Situation.]
Canada, as it is taken for one and the same Province with New France, contains New France, properly so call’d, Nova Scotia, Norumbega, and some adjoyning Islands, as the Canada of Cluverius, lying more North-Westerly, comprehends (as we have already intimated) Estotiland, Laboratoris, and Corterealis, and, according to the most modern Division (for that of Cluverius neither consents with the latest Authors, nor agrees with exact Survey, it being nam’d Canada, in respect the River Canada runs through it) hath on the North Terra Corterealis, on the South New England, and on the East the Ocean, and hath between forty five and fifty two or fifty three Degrees of Northern Latitude. The River Canada is judg’d to be the largest of all the Rivers of America, as those Rivers generally the largest of all in the World besides; it rises in the Western parts of this Province which remain yet undiscover’d, and in some places spreads it self into huge Lakes, some of them a hundred Miles in compass, with many little Islands dispersed up and down in them, and so running from the West about a hundred Leagues, falls at last into the North part of St. Lawrence Bay, being that wide Emboucheure of thirty five Miles breadth already mention’d. This River is extraordinary full of Fish, among which there is one sort more remarkable than the rest, call’d by the Inhabitants Cadhothuis, having Heads resembling the Heads of Hares, and Bodies as white as Snow; they are taken for the most part before the Isle de Lievres. The Countrey on both sides of the River is pleasant and indifferently fertile, especially towards the South-West, where upwards from the River the Ground rises into many little Hills, invested most of them with Vines, with which and several other sorts of Trees this Countrey abounds, being well water’d with a great many lesser Streams, all of them falling into the River Canada.
[Sidenote: First discovery.]
That this Countrey is term’d New France, from having been discover’d by the French, at least more fully than before, there needs no question to be made; but whether Joannes Verrazanus, under Francis the First of France, or Sebastian Cabot before spoken of, were the first in this Discovery, may admit of something of dispute: the Cabots indeed, (for John the Father is by some mention’d to have accompanied his Son) who by all are own’d the first Discoverers of New-found-Land and Terra de Baccalaos, are also commonly reputed to have first found out the Province of New France, together with some parts adjacent, though perhaps it might be upon this Ground that Terra de Nova, or New-found-Land, not being known at first to be an Island, New France and that might be taken for one continu’d Province; and it appears so much the more probable, because Canada, or Nova Francia, is by some call’d Terra Nova; however it be, or whoever were the first Adventurers, Quarteri and Champlain are the two French-men that have gain’d so much fame by making a more ample and particular search into these parts, that this Province may seem from thence to have sufficient claim to the Title of New France, whereof that part more especially so call’d, lies on the North-side of the River Canada, and Southward to Terra Corterealis. The Winter is here very long, and so much the more severe by reason of a cold North-West Wind which blows most part of the Winter Season, and brings with it so thick a Snow, that it continues upon the Ground most commonly till after May. The Countrey is for the most part wooddy, but in the Champain parts thereof very fruitful of Corn, and all sorts of Grain, especially Pulse: It hath also Fish, Fowl, wild Deer, Bears, Marterns, and Foxes in abundance, and of Hares such plenty, that one of the little Islands belonging to this Province, is by the French nam’d L’Isle des Lievres, or The Island of Hares: But the most peculiar Commodity belonging to this Countrey is the Esurgnuy, a kind of Shell-Fish, extraordinary white, and approv’d of singular vertue for the stanching of Blood; to which purpose they make Bracelets of them, not onely for their own use, but also to vend them to others; but John de Laet and others have observ’d no other than a superstitious use of them amongst the Salvages, in their Funeral Rites for the Dead: the manner of their taking it is very remarkable; for when any one is condemn’d to die, or taken Prisoner, they cut off all his fleshy parts in long slices, and then throw him into the River, where they let him lie twelve hours, and at last pulling him out again find his Wounds full of Esurgnui. Quadus and Maginus make mention of three ancient Towns, namely Canada (denominated as the Province, from the River) Hochelai and Hochchelaga, giving Name to a Territory about it, which Geographers either take no notice of, or make some question of the being of such Towns; however, a late Describer of the West-Indies, not mentioning the other two, gives this description of the last, viz. Hochchelaga:
“This City (saith he) said to be the Seat and Residence of a King of this Country whom the Natives, at least some of them, acknowledge and reverence, carrying him sometimes in great pomp upon their Shoulders sitting upon a Carpet of Beasts Skins, is situate far within Land, at a distance of six or seven Leagues from the River Canada, and is a kind of fortifi’d place, encompass’d about with a threefold Range of Timber Ramparts one within another, of about two Rods high from the Ground, with cross Planks, or pieces of Timber jutting out, on purpose to hinder an Enemy’s Scaling or getting up; towards the top there is as it were a Scaffold or Gallery fram’d, from whence they may throw down Stones of which there is always good store ready, or what else to annoy the Assailants: It hath one onely Gate for Entrance, and that likewise well fortifi’d after their manner: There are guess’d to be in it fifty or sixty great Houses, built (as the maner of the Americans that live in Houses usually is) in a square Figure, each side being about fifty Foot long, or more, and sixteen or twenty broad, but not many Stories high; and in the midst of the Court or void space, a place to make their Fire, and do other necessary work about it. Moreover the Territory round about this Town is both rich in Soil, and pleasant in Prospect.”
Besides these three above-mention’d Towns there are several others, which are not untaken notice of in the most modern Descriptions and Maps, viz. 1. Stadac, or Stadacone, somewhat Westward of a small Isle call’d The Isle d’Orleance; 2. Quebeque, which being made a Colony of the French, and the Natives expell’d, came to be Entituled St. Croix; 3. Tadoussac, which lies in that part of the Countrey denominated from the River Saguenay, and by some call’d at this day Nouvelle Biscaye, a delightful place, and full of stately Trees, and hath likewise a good and safe Haven, capable of receiving twenty Ships; 4. Trois Rivieris, or three Rivers; 5. Monreal; 6. Sillery; 7. Richelieu; besides two strong Castles or Forts, Franceroy and St. Lewis; the First built by Monsieur Robeval at his Landing here, about the Year 1540. the other design’d for a Colony, in the Year 1611. by Monsieur Champlany, but hinder’d by the Invasion of the Iroquois. The smaller Rivers that run out of the Gulph of St. Lawrence, and the grand River Canada towards the North, on which side chiefly lies this Province, are, 1. Chichesedec, 2. St. Margarite, 3. Lesquemin, 4. Saquenay, before-mention’d, 5. Montonne; and on the South side, the River Mary. The principal Tribes of the ancient Natives of this Countrey were; on the North side of Canada the Canadans, the Betisiamites, the Hurons, the Algoniquins, the Quenongebins, the Algoingequins, the Attagopantans, the Atticameques, the Nipisiriniens; and on the South side, the Etechemins, and the chief Heads or Princes of these Tribes were call’d Sagamores.
[Sidenote: Strange Fish nam’d Chaousarou.]
Jaques Quartier Complementing their King Agouthanna, took up his Quarters a whole Winter at St. Croix, a Sandy Promontory, overflow’d by the River Canada, into which falls the Lake de Champlain, grown round about with Chestnut Trees; in it breeds the strange Fish call’d Chaousarou, generally ten Foot long, with Heads like Sharks, and two rows of Teeth in their Mouths, their Skins full of strong Scales, which are sufficient Shields against Swords and Lances, are great devourers of other Fish and Fowls, which they take after this manner, viz. they swim amongst Reeds or Canes, and lie still with their Mouths open; whereat the Birds sitting down upon them, are immediately swallow’d.
The Natives of Nova Francia anoint their bodies with Oil; in the Summer they go naked, and in the Winter mantle themselves in Furs. Their Warlike Accoutrements are Darts and Clubs, but chiefly great Shields. They are revengeful, cruel, and fraudulent; their Women common to all Men, from fifteen to twenty, after which, Marrying, they become very Chaste. Their Diet is Indian Corn, fresh and salt Fish, Venison, Buffalo’s and Beavers flesh; wiping their Fingers (when greasie) on their Heads, or their Dogs backs, which wait for the Scraps.
[Sidenote: Strange proof of Valor.]
[Sidenote: Wonderful opinion of God.]
[Sidenote: Flood.]
[Sidenote: Sorcerers.]
[Sidenote: They boast their Extract from Heaven.]
[Sidenote: Their strange Relation concerning it.]
[Sidenote: As also of the Creation, and Souls of the Deceased.]
[Sidenote: Strange Rock.]
[Sidenote: Thunder.]
[Sidenote: Thakabech an Idol.]
[Sidenote: Funeral-Feast.]
At that season when the Corn covers the ground, to any heighth, they eat Cockles, Dogs, dead Caryon, and the Skins wherewith they Clothe themselves. When they have eaten their fill, they tabering on their Bellies, cry, Tapoue Mikispoun, that is, Verily I am satisfi’d. They give their Sick a speedy Cure, either immediately killing them, or inhumanely exposing them to the Woods, to be devour’d by ravenous Beasts, but if they die suddenly, they in howling tone pronounce Ove, Ove, thereby to chase the Souls of the Deceas’d out of their Huts; they stick the bodies on Woodden Prongs, cover them with Bark, and lay their Clothes and Arms by them; all what remains of the Funeral Feasts is burnt, whereas at other times, what e’re is brought on their Table they eat, though ready to burst. They make the first Proofs of their Valour by undergoing a most prodigious Torment, in this manner; Two by consent tie their naked Arms together, on which they suffer burning Sulphur to be pour’d, till the flesh starts from the bone; if either of them shrink, or pull back his Arm, he is accounted by them ever after as an ignominious and base Coward. They call God Atahocan, and believe that one Messou first drowning the world by a general Deluge, restor’d it again after a wonderful manner, viz. Messou hunting with Wolves, they scented a Deer which being closely pursu’d, leap’d into a neighboring Pool, the Wolves following it, were drown’d; Messou coming thither, stood amaz’d at a Bird, which inform’d him, that the Wolves were pluck’d down, and held fast in the bottom by horrible Monsters, whereupon he diving, the Pool immediately began to swell, and at last the whole surface of the Earth to be overflow’d. Messou afterwards let a Raven flie to fetch a Clod of Earth, but in vain, for all the Land lay drown’d in Water; at last a Rat diving to the bottom, brought a lump of Earth, out of which Messou restor’d the World; shot Arrows into Trees, which became fruitful Branches. Here also reside an innumerable many Sorcerers, call’d Pillotoa’s, which sometimes being possess’d with a Frenzy, scourge themselves in a terrible manner, insomuch that the Blood runs down by their sides: These People are held in great esteem, for they boast themselves to have their Original from Heaven upon this occasion, viz. Ataensic, a certain great Queen or Goddess, residing above the Stars, had a sick Husband, who Dreamt that he should be restor’d to his former health so soon as he could but taste of the Fruits which grew on a Tree, whereby the Family of Heaven were kept alive, but that the Tree must needs be cut down, which Ataensic obeying, gave onely two blows, when the Tree, to her great amazement, fell out of Heaven down to the Earth; there being by this means nothing more left to eat in Heaven: Ataensic follow’d the fallen Tree, and being big with Child, bare a Daughter, which growing up to years, was Deliver’d of two Daughters, viz. Taoviscaron and Jouskeha, the eldest of which slew the youngest: By these Fables we may discern their obscure knowledge of Noah’s Flood, Eve’s Fall, and Cain’s Murder. No less ridiculous is that which they believe concerning the Creation, viz. That the Waters were inclos’d within a Frog, which Jouskeha causing to be cut open, all Streams and Rivers issuing out, had their Original from thence: This done, Jouskeha open’d a Pit, out of which came all sorts of Beasts; they ascribe a Bodily shape to the Soul, as also Immortality, but that they live together in a great Village towards the West; from which removing sometimes, they knock at the Doors of their former Friends in the Night, and sow deserted Grounds: That the Journey towards the Village in which the Souls reside is very strange; the Highway thither beginning at a Rock nam’d Ecaregniendi, where they first Paint their Faces, which done, they go to a Hut inhabited by an old Man, nam’d Osotrach, who takes the Brains out of the Souls Head; after which they walk to a broad River, which they cross on a narrow Plank or Bridge, on which a Dog encountring, forces them to leap into the Water, which carries them down to the foremention’d Village. They acknowledge one Oki for the Governor of the Sea, and seasons of the Year: They also Religiously Worship the Rock Tsankchi Arasta, which they believe some ages ago was once a Man, but afterward Transform’d into a Rock, in which a Dæmon resides, who can make their Journies either successful or dangerous, wherefore they offer him Tobacco. Their opinion of Thunder is likewise very ridiculous, for they say that the Devil endeavoring to vomit a horrible Serpent, by straining to evacuate the same, rents the Clouds, and occasions Thunder. Lastly, They relate of a Dwarf call’d Thakabech, who climb’d on the top of a Tree, which by his blowing thereon grew so high, that it touch’d the Clouds, and Thakabech easily stept into them, where he found all sorts of delight and pleasure; but having a Sister on Earth, descended again along the Tree, and fetching his Sister, conducted her above the Stars; mean while, Thakabech going in the Night to see if he had taken any thing in his Net which he had pitch’d, found it full of Fire, and observing the same very narrowly, saw that he had taken the Sun, but durst not approach the same, by reason of its great heat; but making a Mouse, sent her to gnaw the Net in pieces, and set the Sun at liberty. Every twelfth year they keep an extraordinary great Funeral-Feast; for on the Set-time they flock from all parts to the appointed place, every one carrying thither the Bodies or Bones of their Deceas’d Friends, wrapt up in Clothes, and hang them over their Meat, which they eat singing; such fond and Superstitious Conceits make up the Religion of these poor deluded People.
SECT. V. Accadia, or Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia, or New Scotland, formerly call’d Accadia, is commonly accounted a part of New France, (viz. that part which lying on the South side of the River Canada, and shooting South-Easterly into a bosom of the Sea, forms it self into a Peninsula, between the Gulph of St. Lawrence, and the Bay Francoise) nevertheless, because of the different concernments of this part of the Countrey, in regard the right of claim to several places in this district, most especially of all Nova Francia besides, hath been long in dispute between Us and the French, it will be most convenient to Treat of it apart; and because the Series of Affairs, from its first discovery, till of late years, appears faithfully represented on the English part, in a Remonstrance Address’d to the King and Council by Sir Lewis Kirk, and his Brother John Kirk Esquire; it will not be amiss (onely adding some few things upon occasion) to follow exactly the Narration of Affairs, deliver’d in the said Remonstrance to this effect.
“1. The whole Tract or Space of Land in America, lying on either side of the River Canada, which a long time since were known by the Names of Nova Francia, and Nova Scotia, were at first discover’d and found out by the English, in the time of Henry the Seventh, King of England; which Expedition was first undertaken at the Command and Charges of that King; afterwards further’d and carry’d on by the favorable Aspect of Queen Elizabeth; so that in process of time, for many years together, the said Tract of Ground, with absolute Priviledge of free Commerce, fell under the Jurisdiction and Power of the Crown of England: Neither was it unto any other Christian Princes, or their Subjects more clearly known or discover’d, untill about the year 1600. some of the French understanding the benefit arising by Traffique in the River of St. Lawrence, having formerly seiz’d upon that Tract of Land, situate on the North side of the said Floud or River Canada, did afterwards, in Anno 1604. (under the Conduct of Peter de Gua, Lord of Monts, who in the year 1606. was follow’d by Monsieur de Pourtrincourt) Possess themselves of L’Accadie, lying on the South side of the said River, naming the whole Nova Francia, challenging to themselves for many years, at least de facto, the Possession thereof, with sole liberty of Commerce there.
“2. In Anno 1621. King James of England looking upon the Possession gotten there by the French, as upon an Invasion, did by his Letters Patents Grant unto Sir William Alexander a Scotchman (Created afterwards Earl of Sterling, by King Charles the First) L’Accadie, by the Name of Nova Scotia; who in the year 1622, and 1623. after Sir Samuel Argal had driven out Biard and Masse, and demolishing their Fort, carry’d them Prisoners to Virginia; having obtain’d the Possession thereof, they Planted a Colony therein, and kept Possession for about two years after, until such time, as upon the Marriage of his Majesty King Charles the First, with the Lady Henrietta Maria, the said L’Accadie, or Nova Scotia, was by Order of the King of England return’d into the Possession of the French.
“3. Afterwards a War arising between his Majesty King Charles the First, and Lewis the XIII. Anno 1627. and 1628. Sir David Kirk and his Brethren and Relations of England, did by vertue of his Majestie’s Commission, send to Sea (at their great charge) first three, afterwards nine Ships, with Warlike Preparations for recovering of the Possession of the said Lands, lying on either side of the said River Canada, and to expel and eject all the French Trading in those Parts, wherein they had good Success; and in Anno 1627. did there seize upon about eighteen of the French Ships, wherein were found a hundred thirty five Pieces of Ordnance, design’d for relief of the Royal Fort in L’Accadie, and Quebeck in Nova Francia, under the Command of Monsieur de Rocmand, and Monsieur de la Tour, Father of de la Tour, Governor of the said Royal Fort, whom, together with the said Ships and Guns, they brought into England; and in the year 1628. they Possess’d themselves of the whole Region of Canada or Nova Francia, situate on the North side of the River, together with the Fort or Castle of Quebeck, Sir Lewis Kirk being then constituted Governor of the place, the French being then either expell’d or convey’d into England, and the Arms of the King of England being publickly there erected, and every where plac’d; and before the year 1628. it was brought to pass by the said Sir William Alexander, (assisted both by the advice and charge of the said Kirk) that in the parts of L’Accadie, or Nova Scotia, on the South side of the River Canada, the whole place, with the Forts thereon built, being by him subdu’d, presently came under the Power of the King of England; that Region on the South side falling into the Possession of the said Sir William Alexander, and that on the North side, into the Possession of the Kirks.
“4. On March 29. 1632. a Peace being concluded between King Charles the First, and Lewis the XIII. it was amongst other things on the part of the King of England agreed, That all the Forts, as well in L’Accadie as in Nova Francia, should be restor’d into the Possession of the Subjects of the French King, which was exactly perform’d on the part of the English, though to the great damage of the Kirks; but on the part of the French, although it was agreed, as in the fourth and fifth Articles of Peace is set down, (to which reference is had) yet nothing was ever perform’d of their parts; so that the Kirks did thereupon suffer loss, to the value of five thousand Pounds Sterl. which were to be paid them by Monsieur de Cane a French-man, but remain unpaid to this day.
“5. Anno 1633. the King of England taking notice, that although the Forts and Castles, according to the League, were deliver’d up into the Possession of the French, (especially such as had been erected during their Possession thereof) yet that his English Subjects were not to be excluded from Trade or free Commerce, in those Regions that were first Discover’d and Possess’d by his Subjects, did, with the advice of his Council, by his Letters Patents, Dated May 11. 1633. upon consideration had of the Expences, which the said Kirks had laid out upon the reducing of that Countrey with the Fort of Quebeck, to the value of 50000^{lb.}; and also of their ready obeisance in resigning up the same on his Royal Command, Grant unto Sir Lewis Kirk, and his Brother John Kirk and his Associates, for the term of thirty one years (not yet expir’d) full Priviledge, not only of Trade and Commerce in the River Canada, and places on either side adjacent, but also to Plant Colonies, and build Forts and Bulwarks where they should think fit.
“6. By vertue of which Commission, Sir Lewis Kirk and his Brother John Kirk, and his Associates, in the Moneth of February next following, viz. in 1633. set forth a Ship call’d The Merry Fortune, Laden with Goods of a considerable value, consign’d to those parts, where during her Trading there, without any just offence given; and in time of Peace, she was by the French forceably seiz’d on, and carry’d into France and her Lading, as if she had been lawful Prize, Confiscated; whereupon the Kirks suffer’d loss, to the value of twelve thousand Pounds. And although the Lord Scudamore, Ambassador in France, by the King of Englands special Command, and the said John Kirk being there in Person, by the King’s Command, did often earnestly urge, that the Moneys due to the said Kirks, and the said Ship, with her Lading, might be restor’d, which for no other cause had been seiz’d upon and sold, but only for that by the King’s Commission she was found Trading at Canada; yet he could obtain nothing, but after some years fruitless endeavors return’d into England without accomplishing his desires.
“7. In the year 1654. Cromwel, although an unjust Usurper of the Government, yet upon consideration of the Premises, taking a just occasion for requiring the Possession of L’Accadie, sends forth several Ships under the Command of one Sedgwick, who by vertue of the Authority granted him by Cromwel, assaulted and subdu’d the aforesaid Forts in Nova Scotia, and restor’d them into the Possession of the English: And although in the year 1655. a League of firm Peace and Amity being concluded between Cromwel and the French King, the French Ambassador did often urge the Restitution to the Possession of the French; yet for the same causes aforesaid, which had mov’d Cromwel to seize upon them, it was thought fit still to retain the Possession of them; and although according to the purport of the twenty fifth Article of the Peace, Commissioners on both sides were to be appointed for the deciding and determining that Controversie; yet nothing was done therein, neither did the Commissioners ever meet within three Moneths, as in the twenty fourth Article of the Treaty was provided and agreed: So that now the case is very clear, that the Possession to the English remains firm and just, and that the Forts and Bulwarks before specifi’d, are without all peradventure under the Power and Jurisdiction of the King of England.”
Since the Restauration of his present Majesty, the French Ambassador representing unto the King the Pretensions of the French unto the several Forts and other places in Accadie, and urging the non-performance of the Articles of Agreement between Oliver Cromwel and the French King, mov’d the King of England, As a profess’d Enemy to all Violence, for a Restitution of all the Forts and other places which were then in the possession of the English: Not long after which, whether upon the Ambassadors request, or upon other important Affairs intervening, or upon what other ground soever it were, the French were suffer’d to re-enter on the foresaid places, and do yet keep Possession of them, till such time as the English claim under the just Title of the Kirks, shall meet with some fit occasion of being reviv’d.
That which we suppose gives the French so much the more confidence in their claim of this Country, is their presumption upon the Expedition of James Quartier, whom they will have to be the first Discoverer, if not Possessor, not onely of the Isle of Assumption, but also of this Coast of Nova Francia, not taking notice it seems of Sebastian Cabot, under Henry the Seventh.
The chief places of Note in this Countrey, are, 1. Port Royal, a Colony of French, said to have been Planted there by Monsieur de Montz in 1604. by report, capable of receiving a thousand Ships; and in 1613. (the French being driven out by Sir Samuel Argal, Governor of Virginia, who took Prisoners Biard and Masse, and demolish’d the Fort at Port Royal) given by Patent, as aforemention’d, to Sir William Alexander; afterwards by him sold again to the French; then in the time of Oliver Cromwel re-taken by Major Sedgwick; lastly, re-possess’d by the French. 2. St. Luke’s Bay, or Portua Mouton. 3. Gaspe, or Gachepe. 4. The Haven of Passepay. 5. The Bay de Toutes Isles. 6. The Fort de la Heve. 7. The Cape of Sable. Within the Southern Point Forchu, lies the Isle Longu, which boasts of a Silver Mine.
The most noted People of the ancient Inhabitants of Accadie were the Iroquois, lying most South-Westerly upon the Sea Coast, who us’d to drive a great Trade in Beavers and other Commodities.
Westerly before the River Chovacoet lies Bacchus Isle, full of Vineyards.
[Sidenote: Remarkable manner of living.]
The Inhabitants thereof differ very much from other Salvages, for they shave all the Hair from the Crown of their Head, wear long Locks behind, pleited together, and stuck full of Feathers, Paint their Faces black and red, and go arm’d with Clubs, Bows, Pikes, and Arrows pointed with Fish-bones: They Till their Ground very handsomly, and divide their Fields with Hedges; they Plant Tobacco, Vines, Cabbages, Maiz, and divers Colour’d Beans; the stalks of the Maiz serve in stead of Poles for their Beans to run up upon.
Beyond Cape de Rocher lies the brave Harbor Beauport, which is secur’d from all Winds by an Isle which lies in the midst of it. The Countrey Manur’d in most places, and Fruitful, feeds store of Men and Cattel.
The Haven of Malabar is surrounded in a manner with little Huts, cover’d with Mats, which in the Middle of the Room have a hole for the Smoke to go out at. The Southern shore is Sandy, and very dangerous.
For the more full exemplification of what concerns this part of Nova Francia, we shall conclude with an account of all Material Passages relating to the French, from their own Narrations as followeth.
[Sidenote: Quartier’s Expedition.]
[Sidenote: Scurvy, when known.]
[Sidenote: Exploit of de la Roque.]
The first discoverer of this Coast was Jaques Quartier, sent out Anno 1534. by the French King, Francis the First, in which Expedition he spent five Months; and going from thence to St. Male, discover’d the Inlet Lawrence, Terreneuf, and Natiscotec. The following year prosecuting his Voyage, he Sail’d into the great River Canada, and Winter’d near St. Croix, where he lost divers of his Men by the Scurvy, a Distemper till that time altogether unknown; and such was his condition, that none of his Men had escap’d with life, had not the Inhabitants taught him to cure the same with the Bark and Leaves of the Tree Annedda; with which many recovering, Quartier Weigh’d Anchor, and treacherously carry’d the King Donnacona with many of his Nobles, Prisoners to France; but most of them dying, Quartier brought only a few of them back with him in his third Voyage, six years after the first, when arriving in the Haven St. Croix, he cast up a strong Fort, which he nam’d Charlesbourg Royal, where he staid a whole Winter. Joan de la Roque, whom the French King had made Governor of Quartier’s new-discover’d Countries, Sailing thither with three Ships, met with Quartier’s Fleet near Terreneuf; from whence he was then going home, because he saw no hopes of subduing the Salvages with so small a Force as he had brought with him from France. But de la Roque endeavoring to make a further discovery of Canada, Sail’d up the River Saguenay, where spending both time and Money, he was Commanded home by the French King, and the fruitless Expeditions lay dead till about 1604.
[Sidenote: Of de Monts.]
[Sidenote: Of Poutrincourt.]
When Peter de Monts obtaining Letters Patents to Trade for Furs in the foremention’d Countries, Sail’d with two Ships beyond Accadie, up St. Lawrence Bay, where he Landed on the Isle St. Croix, where of ninety seven Men, with which he staid there a whole Winter, he lost thirty five; but having fresh Supplies sent him from France, he remov’d to Port Royal, where leaving forty Men, he return’d home; these forty being reduc’d to twenty three, and in great want, walking along the Sea-shore in a despairing condition, espy’d a Ship coming up with full Sail, which upon nearer approach, prov’d a French Vessel, of which Poutrincourt was Commander, who receiving his wretched Countrey-men with great joy, took them with him to Port Royal, being sent thither on purpose to settle a Plantation in Accadie: Meanwhile the Letters Patent granted to Monts, being call’d in, the first Planters in Port Royal were forc’d to desert the same, and return home; and also Poutrincourt returning, came back again three years after to Port Royal, where finding the Houses standing as he had left them, he Manur’d the Countrey all about, and endeavoring to Plant Christianity among the Natives, Christen’d among others an Accadian Lord, who was above a hundred years old; all which Poutrincourt Sailing back to France, related at the Court.
[Sidenote: Remarkable Transactions of some Jesuits.]
The Jesuits being also inform’d thereof, obtain’d leave of the Queen to send Peter Biard and Euemond Masse thither, on pretence, that Henry the Fourth had himself promis’d them the same Priviledge in his Life time. But the Merchants at Diep, which were concern’d in the new Plantations with Poutrincourt, opposing the going over of the foremention’d Jesuits, express’d themselves very violent against them, and laid to their charge the Blood of the late King, which they said was yet reaking in Paris: What assurance (alleadg’d they) had their Goods which were in the Custody of Men inclin’d to the Spaniards? Must the Christian Religion be promulgated? There are so many Orders of Monks which may easily produce two Men; but if the Queen was resolv’d to send Jesuits thither, they desir’d restauration of the Monies which they had disburs’d: To which Biard and Masse harkening, gather’d up the demanded Monies, under pretence of being requir’d towards the Preaching of the Christian Religion amongst these remote Heathens; by this means getting great Sums, they bought out the foremention’d Merchants, so that the new Plantations fell half to the Jesuits, who setting Sail, and arriving at Port Royal, turn’d all things topsiturvy, and so thwarted Poutrincourt in his designs, that he was forc’d to complain to the French Court of the Jesuits oppression, whose aim it was to get all things into their own Possession; whereupon they Excommunicated Poutrincourt’s Son (who serv’d in his Father’s place at Court), and gain’d the Duke Guereheville in France to be of their Party, by promising him, that he should share in the new Plantations for a contracted Sum of Money: After this they receiv’d all sorts of Arms and Ammunition, with several Brass Guns, of the then King Lewis the XIII. and other gifts Collected and gather’d out of their several Societies, for two new Accadian Apostles. Gilbert du Thet, a subtile man of the same Order, transported their Necessaries.
At this time all things going favorably with the Jesuits, they made themselves Masters of Port Royal, and began to raise a Fort on the River Pemtagovet; but there their happy Proceedings were stop’d, for Captain Argal before-mention’d, Sailing thither in vindication of the English, was encounter’d by du Thet, (who firing the first Gun on Argal, was by him taken off with Chain-shot) and taking Biard and Masse, carry’d them Prisoners to Virginia, and dismantled the Fort built at Port Royal, after which it was by King James given by Patent to Sir William Alexander, as hath been already related, together with what of most remarkable hath happen’d since.
SECT. VI. Norumbegua.
[Sidenote: Whence denominated.]
Norumbegua, lying between Nova Scotia Northward, and New England Southward, is so utterly not taken notice of by many as a distinct Province, that it might seem to be swallow’d up and lost in the two Countreys between which it lies, or at least to be thought a part of Virginia or New England (for Virginia largely taken is said to contain New England, Novum Belgium, and Virginia, especially so call’d) and that so much the rather, because the Bessabees, accounted by Sanson d’Abbeville an ancient People of New England, are written to have liv’d near the River Penobscot, which is reckon’d to be the same with Pemtegovet, or (as some will have it) Norumbegua, from which, or from a certain great City of that Name, the Country for fancy’s sake must needs be denominated; but since most commonly we find it nam’d and treated of apart, it will not be improper to follow that method, carrying the Bounds of New England no farther Northward than the River Quinnebequi or Sagadahoc, and so determining the main part of this Countrey to that space between the aforesaid River and Pemtegovet, excepting a small Southerly portion upon the Banks of the River Chovacovet; so that it appears chiefly situate under the forty third Degree of Northern Latitude.
[Sidenote: Towns and Cities not certainly known.]
As for the Towns or Cities of this Province, there is but a very uncertain account to be given, forasmuch as the pretended great City Norumbegua, from whence the Province should take its Appellation, is not acknowledg’d by any of the most authentick modern Writers, nor in any late Voyage or Discovery any mention made either of that or any other considerable Town or City. Dr. Heylin supposeth it to be no other than Agguncia, a poor little Village, that seems compos’d of a company of Hutts or Sheaves, cover’d with the Skins of Beasts, or the Barks of Trees. But the most favourable conjecture is, that it might haply be the Ruines of an ancient Town, which the Natives call’d Arambeck, and had probably deserted it long before the arrival of the Europeans in those parts; however, it is not very probable that the Name of the Countrey should be deriv’d from this City, if ever there were any such, or from the River, which appears to have been term’d Norumbegua on purpose to make way for this derivation, whereas Pemtegovet is the ancient Appellation that properly belongs to it; nor hath any modern one been apply’d to it but that of Rio Grande, by Buno in his Comment upon Philip Cluverius, upon what ground is hard to tell, since it is observ’d by Heylin and others, to be neither large, nor otherwise much to be commended, being Navigable not above twenty or thirty Miles, in respect of its many great Cataracts and Falls of Water, an Inconvenience with which many other Rivers of America are prejudic’d, and rendred impassable.
Before and about the Mouth of this River, which is judg’d to be about eight or nine Miles broad, lie many small Islands, or rather Hills, inviron’d with Water, the chiefest of which is by the French call’d La Haute Isle, from the high and Mountainous appearance of it to those that see it from afar off at Sea.
The aforemention’d Buno, though he names, as belonging to Norumbega, these several places, viz. Porto del Refugio, Porto Reale, Paradiso, Flora, and Angolema, from some obscure French testimonies, without particularising any Author, yet he afterwards confesses, that the Names given by the French, and those apply’d by the Spaniards, are so various and disagreeing, and breed such a confusion, that no Charts or Descriptions had concluded upon either.
As for those who will have Norumbega deriv’d from Norwegia, in respect of a Colony brought thither from Norwey, if the Etymologie be not a little too much forc’d, the Invention may pass well enough till a better be found out.
[Sidenote: The temperature and nature of its Soil.]
In this Countrey the temperature of the Air is not bad, nor the Soil unfruitful, if it were well cultivated, chiefly towards the Rivers, and where it is not either overgrown with Woods, or craggy with Hills and mountainous Rocks: neither are the Woods unprofitable, for they afford good Timber, and all kind of necessary and useful Wood, especially Beeches, Fir-trees, Wallnut-trees, and other Nuts: The Plains are very pleasant, and yield good Pasturage, onely the Maritime Coasts are so shallow and full of Sands, that the Sailing near them is accounted somewhat dangerous; and this may be imagin’d to be the reason that no Authors have yet met with any Ports or Havens belonging to this Countrey, which they have thought worthy their notice.
CHAP. II. New England.
As Canada is by some accounted a general Province, containing New France, L’Accadie, Norumbega, and other places, so under Virginia largely taken, are comprehended New England, New Netherlands, and Virginia properly so call’d; however, since that part which vulgarly goes under the Name of Virginia and New England were possess’d, if not discover’d, at several times, and their Plantations promoted and propagated upon several occasions, and by distinct Interests, and since New England hath been look’d upon as a place considerable enough for Persons of very eminent quality to concern themselves in it, we rather are induc’d to consider this Countrey as a principal part, than as any way depending on, or being any Branch or Portion of Virginia.
[Sidenote: Situation of New England.]
It lies between Norumbega, which it hath Northward, and New Netherlands Southward, from forty one to forty five Degrees of Northern Latitude, in the midst of the temperate Zone, and paralell to France and some part of Italy in the Western Hemisphere, so that one would think it should enjoy the same temperature of Air; but the contrary is found, for that part which borders upon the Sea is colder, partly by reason that the Sea-waves break the reflexion of the Sun-beams, partly by reason of the abundance of Vapors, which mounting upward, abate the ardor of them; but the more Inland parts of the Countrey are indifferently warm: Moreover it hath been found by certain experience, that those Countreys which look towards the East, or Sun-rising, are colder than those which lie towards the West, or Sun-setting, and those that have the Evening Winds on them, warmer than those which have the Morning Winds; which being so, it should follow, that the temperature of the Air in those Regions is peculiar to the Bodies of those of our Nation, who being accustom’d to a Climate somewhat temperate, are neither able to endure extremity of Cold, nor immoderate Heat: Yet there are who affirm, that New England, though situate in the midst of the temperate Zone, nevertheless feels both extremities of the two opposite Zones, in the Summer the heat of the Torrid, and in the Winter the cold of the Frigid.
[Sidenote: First discovery.]
As for the first discovery of this Countrey, it is not to be expected otherwise than that of the discovery of those other Countreys hitherto discours’d of, that is to say very uncertain; but because the French boast of Joannes Verrazanus (who though an Italian, was employ’d by the French King Francis the First) as the first Discoverer, not onely of Nova Francia, as hath been already intimated, but also of this Countrey and the adjoyning Coast and Regions, we shall not think it impertinent to give from their own Relations, a brief view of his Voyage, and afterwards a particular Description of the English Plantations there, and of their Transactions, both one with another, and between them and the Nations. The Narration of Verrazanus’s Voyage is as followeth:
[Sidenote: Remarkable Voyage of Verrazanus.]
“On command of the French King Francis the First, John Verrazanus, Anno 1524. setting Sail Westward from the Canary Isles, discover’d a low American Coast, in thirty four Degrees North Latitude, inhabited by naked People, which behind the sandy Hills facing the Sea, Manur’d many fruitful Plains. Then Sailing a hundred Leagues along the Shore Northerly, he view’d a Countrey full of Vines, which grew up amongst the Boughs of high Trees; and Sailing up a pleasant River, Landed on the Island Clandia, full of woody Mountains: thence he stood for the main Continent; where after having visited a King, Clad in wrought Deer-skin, he Sail’d by a Bay, at whose Mouth appear’d a Rock in an Inlet, twenty Leagues; where appear’d five small Isles, all of them exceeding fruitful. After this (being got a hundred and fifty Leagues to the Northward) he found very salvage People, whose Heads appear’d through Bear-skins and Sea-Calves. By this time having Terreneuf on his Starboard, he return’d back to Diepe.”
Thus far Verrazanus made some discovery of the Coast, which hath since not onely been farther inspected by the English, but also by them Planted and call’d New England.
[Sidenote: The setling of Plantations.]
This Countrey, whether first discover’d by the said Verrazanus, or together with the rest of largely-taken Virginia, by Sir Walter Raleigh, or, as some say, by Captain Gosnald, in the Year 1602. was so well known to the English in the beginning of King James’s Reign here, that the setling and carrying on of Plantations in this part of America, was vigorously promoted by many of the most eminent Persons in England: whereupon it was about the Year 1606. being the fourth Year of the said King, granted by Patent to several Lords, Knights, Gentlemen and Merchants, under the denomination of The Plymouth Company, both in favour of those generous Spirits, who studied and endeavor’d the good of the Publick by foreign Plantations, and indulgence to those, who not well satisfi’d with the Government of Church and State, and willingly transporting themselves and Families thither, as to their Asylum, could more conveniently be spar’d than the better affected part of the People: And although the Colonies at first sent over succeeded not according to expectation, yet in a short time there Plantations were brought to very great perfection. Captain Weimouth, who had been employ’d there by the Lord Arundel of Warder, for the discovery of the North-West Passage, falling short of his Course, hapned into a River on the Coast of America, call’d Pemmaquid; from whence he brought five of the Natives for England, three of whose Names were Mannida, Skettwarroes and Tasquantum, and Landing at Plymouth, presented them to Sir Ferdinando Gorges, whom he made use of as Instruments for the farther advancement of these Plantations: they were all of one Nation, but of several parts, and several Families; he kept them with him three years, and observing in them an inclination to vertuous Designs, and Spirits above the Vulgar, he gain’d information from them what great Rivers ran up into the Land, what Men of note were seated on them, what Power they were of, how Ally’d, what Enemies they had, and the like; and taking some light from thence, sent away a Ship, furnish’d with Men, and all kind of Necessaries convenient for the Service intended, under the Command of Captain Henry Chaloung, a Gentleman of a good Family, and very capable for Undertakings of this nature; and giving him sufficient Instructions what to do, sent along with him two of the said Natives for his better Conduct and Direction, ordering him by all means to keep the Northerly Gage as high as Cape Briton, till they had discover’d the Main, and then to beat it up to the Southward as the Coast tended, till they found by the Natives they were near the place to which they were assign’d. By that time they were about a hundred Leagues off the Island of Canara, the Captain fell sick of a Feaver, and the Winds being Westerly, his Company shap’d their Course for the Indies, and coming to St. John de Porto Rico, the Captain went ashore for the recovery of his Health, whilst the Company took in Water, and such other Provisions as they had present need of, and spent some time in Hunting, and other Recreations; after which steering their intended Course, they were met with by the Spanish Fleet that came from the Havana, taken Prisoners and carried into Spain, the Ship and Goods being confiscated, the Voyage overthrown, and the Natives lost.
Not long after the setting out of Chaloung, Thomas Haman was sent by Sir John Popham, Lord Chief Justice of England, towards the River of Sagadehoc, to the succour of Chaloung, if need were; but not finding him, after he had scowr’d the Coast all about, he return’d back into England.
Captain Prinne was likewise sent from Bristol, who arriving happily in those Parts, brought back with him at his return the most exact Discovery of that Coast that ever had been gain’d till then.
A while after, at the Charge of the said Sir John Popham, a hundred Men were sent to settle a Colony at Sagadehoc, under the Command of George Popham, Raleigh Gilbert, Master of the Ship, who seated themselves in a Peninsula, at the Mouth of this River; which attempting to discover, they met with a Wood near to an Island, distant from the Line about forty five Degrees, and some odd Seconds, where they easily went on Shore. In the Year 1608. the Commander of the Colony deceasing, and not long after him the Lord Chief Justice, who had been the chief that had furnish’d them with fresh Supplies, they return’d for England in those Ships that had been sent them with Succours: At which unexpected return, the Patrons of the Design were so offended, that for a certain time they desisted from their Enterprizes. In the mean while the French making use of this occasion, Planted Colonies in divers places, when Sir Samuel Argal from Virginia disturb’d their Designs, and brought away Prisoners all he could lay hold on.
Suddenly after Captain Hobson and divers others were set out with very great Preparations, and with them two of the Natives which had been detain’d for some time in England, whom they thought to have made use of, the better to draw the rest of the Natives to their Commerce; but because a little before twenty four of them had been treacherously dealt with by one Hunt, they contracted from thence so great an animosity towards the English, that Captain Hobson was constrain’d to return without effecting any thing.
In the Year 1614. Captain John Smith being sent to Fish for Whales, and seek after Mines of Gold and Silver, Landed upon the Island of Monahiggan, where he found some store of Whales, but not such as those by whose Oyl they use to make so much profit.
About the same time (two of the Natives being recover’d, Erpenow of Capawick, that had escap’d from Captain Hobson, and Assacumet of Pemmaquid, one of those that had been taken Prisoners with Chaloung) Captain Harly, with Necessaries convenient for such a Voyage, was dispatch’d away by Sir Ferdinando Gorges, the Earl of Southampton favouring the Design, and furnishing him with some Land-Soldiers under the Command of Captain Hobson, who not discourag’d with his former ill Success, resolv’d upon a second Adventure.
In the Year 1615. Sir Richard Hakings undertook a Voyage into those Parts by authority of the Council of the second Colony, but by reason of the great Wars among the Natives, his Observations could not be such as might give any farther light than what had been already receiv’d.
Soon after which Captain Dormer coming for England from New-found-Land, and Landing at Plymouth, apply’d himself to the Governor, by whom he was dispatch’d away, with Direction to meet Captain Rocroft, sent away a little before; but Rocroft being dead by that time Dormer could come after him to Virginia, where he heard he was, he returning to Capawick, was there set upon by Erpenow, the foremention’d Salvage, and other Indians that were Conspirators with him; and within a short while after at Virginia, whither he went to be cur’d of the Wounds he receiv’d in that Assassination, he fell sick and died.
About the Year 1623. Captain Robert Gorges, newly come out of the Venetian War, was employ’d by the Council of New Englands Affairs as the Lieutenant-General, to regulate the Abuses of divers Fisher-men and other Interlopers, who without License frequented those Coasts: for which Service he had assign’d to him all that part of the main Land situate upon the North-East side of the Bay of the Messachasets.
By these several Colonies sent so thick one after another, both a full Discovery of the Countrey came to be made, and a large gap open’d to the free possession thereof; yet in regard of the many disappointments and misfortunes the several Companies sent over met with, and counting the vast Charges their setting forth cost the Undertakers, which would have been still increas’d by the need of continu’d Supplies, in all probability New England would have been but thinly peopled to this day, had not a great Tide of People, possess’d with an aversion to the Church-Government of England, and fled into Holland for Liberty of Conscience, eagerly taken hold of this opportunity to make themselves Masters of their own Opinions, and of a Place where they might erect a Government suitable thereunto: and though at first there were some Exceptions taken, as if this Countrey was to be made a Receptacle of Sectaries, and such as condemn’d the Ecclesiastical Government of the Nation, insomuch that Sir Ferdinando Gorges, to whom they apply’d themselves, desiring him to mediate for them to the Council of New Englands Affairs, when they perceiv’d the Authority they had from the Virginia Company, could not warrant their abode there, had enough to do (notwithstanding his Apology, That these things hapned contrary to his expectation) to wipe away the jealousie which was entertain’d of him, it being Order’d, that no more should be suffer’d to pass into New England, but such as should take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy: yet at last there was little notice taken who went, perhaps upon consideration, that the vast resort of People thither would be of greater advantage to the Plantations, than their different Opinions, at so remote a distance, could be prejudicial, so long as they acknowledg’d Obedience to the King and Civil Power: However, Sir Ferdinando, to clear himself the better, mov’d those Lords that were the chief Actors in the Business, to resign their Grand Patent to the King, and pass particular Patents to themselves of such part of the Countrey along the Sea-Coast, as might be sufficient for them: To this Motion there being a general Assent given by the Lords, and a Day appointed for the conclusion thereof, an Act was made for the Resignation of the Patent, alloting to each Man their several Bounds. From the uttermost parts began the Limits of the Lord Mougrave, and ended at Hudson’s River. To the Eastward of which River, for the space of sixty Miles in length, was placed the Duke of Richmond’s Assignment: Next to him was setled the Earl of Carlile: Next him the Lord Edward Gorges: Next the Marquess of Hamilton: Then Captain John Mason: And lastly his own, which extended to the great River Sagadehoc, being sixty Miles, and so up into the Main Land a hundred and twenty Miles, which he was pleas’d to call by the Name of The Province of Main.
The Landing of the English in Plymouth Plantation was very much facilitated by the great Mortality that hapned amongst the Indians about that time, amongst the Pecods, Narragansets, Nianticks, Tarantines, Wippanaps, and those of Abargini, Agissawang, and Pockanekie, their Powwows, or Doctors, seeing with amazement their Wigwams, or Streets, lie full of dead Bodies, and in vain expecting help from Squantam their good, or Abbamoch their bad God. Not long before, that blazing Comet, so much talk’d of in Europe, apppear’d after Sun-setting in their Horizon South-West for the space of thirty Sleeps, (for so they reckon their Days). They Landed at first with little or no resistance, a handful of Men onely being sent before to keep possession for their Companions, who arriv’d eight days after; when the Natives appearing with their Bowes and Arrows, let flie their long Shafts amongst them; whereupon one Captain Miles Standish with his Fowling-piece shot the stoutest Sachem amongst the Indians, as he was reaching an Arrow from his Quiver; which the rest seeing, fled into the Woods and Thickets.
The same Year the Merchant-Adventurers in England sent forth store of Servants to provide against the Wants of that place; amongst whom came over a mix’d Multitude, who setled themselves in the Bosom of the Cape now call’d Gloucester.
About the Year 1631. there fled to the English at Water-town the Indians that dwelt thereabouts, for protection against the Tarratines, a sort of cruel and salvage Cannibals, by whom near the Town of Saugust, in the very dead time of the Night, one Lieutenant Walker being on a sudden alarm’d, was shot through his Coat and Buff Jacket with two Indian Arrows. That Night the English stood upon their Guard, and the next Morning sent word to other parts; who gather’d together, and taking counsel how to quit themselves of these Indians, agreed to discharge their great Guns; whose redoubled noise, ratling in the Rocks, struck terror into the Indians, and caus’d them to betake themselves to flight. The Autumn following, others of the Indians, who till then had held a good correspondence with the Planters, began to quarrel about the Bounds of their Land; but a great Mortality, by the raging of the Small-Pox, breaking out amongst them, put an end to that Controversie: There died amongst the rest one of the chief of the Sagamores of the Mattachusets, call’d Sagamore John, who before his Death had been instructed in the Christian Faith, and took care that his two Sons should be nurtured therein.
In the Year 1635. there arrived several Ships with great plenty of Provisions, and many Persons of good Quality, and amongst the rest Sir Henry Vane.
The same Year the People of Cambridge, otherwise call’d New-town, hearing of a fertile place upon the River Canectico, remov’d thither, and erected a new Corporation by the Name of Banectico, being encourag’d thereunto by the Lord Say and the Lord Brooks, and planting a Forrest at the mouth of the River, call’d it Saybrook Forrest.
About the Year 1638. the Pequods, a stout and Warlike Nation, lying to the South-West of the Mattachusets, were discover’d upon their March within some few Miles of Hartford: Their coming very much terrifi’d all that inhabited thereabouts; but they took onely three Women and return’d; one of whom making a violent resistance, had her Brains beaten out; the other two they carried away with them, without abusing their Persons, as it was suppos’d they would, for they esteem’d their own Shaws, being black, beyond our Women. Their chief Design was to learn to make Gunpowder; which seeing they could not effect, they look’d upon their Prize as nothing so precious as they imagin’d.
A little after another Indian War threatning the English, they resolv’d together to send an Ambassador to Cannonicus, chief Sachem of the Naragansits, endeavoring to prevent him from confederating with the Pequods, who (as they had Intelligence) were about sending to him to joyn with them: Cannonicus being grown old, had resign’d the Government to his Nephew Mantinemo, a stern Man, and of a cruel Nature. The Ambassadors arriving at his Court, which was about eighty Miles from Boston, the Indian Prince assembled his chief Councellors, and having Entertain’d the Ambassadors Magnificently, and Feasted them Royally, gave them Audience in his State-house; where the Sachem, to manifest his greater State, lay along upon the Ground, with all his Nobility sitting about him, with their Legs doubled up, and their Knees touching their Chin: The English Interpreter having made his Speech in the Name of the rest, both Cannonicus and the young King gave discreet Answers, signifying their Resolutions to keep a fair Correspondence with the English, and yet not to fall out with the Pequods: Who a little after making also their Addresses to the same King, he disswaded them by many Reasons from making War with the English, and to deliver into their hands those Persons that had murther’d any of them. The Pequods nevertheless, though they seem’d inclinable to his Counsel, yet they acted as Enemies; for when the English sent a Company of Soldiers into their Countrey to treat with them about delivering up the Murtherers, they made shew of willingness, but spying their advantage, betook themselves to their Heels; and whomsoever they took stragling by surprise, they revil’d and insulted over in a most cruel manner, vilifying the Christian Religion, and uttering all the Blasphemies they could invent. Whereupon they rais’d fresh Souldiers for the War, to the number of fourscore, out of the several Towns in the Mattachusets, and with some Indian Guides came to their Fort, within which they had pitch’d their Wigwams, the Entrance being on two sides, with intricate Meanders to enter; at which were plac’d Indian Bowe-men, who shot the foremost of the English; yet they had little to boast of in the end, for the English rushing in through the winding Ways, and placing themselves round the Wigwams, made a very prosperous Shot, by directing the Muzzles of their Musquets against the Indians which lay sleeping on the Ground: In the midst of which rouzing terror and confusion they were defeated with little ado, most of them being either wounded, kill’d, or taken. The English thus animated with the first Victory, send their Prisoners to the Pinnaces, and prosecute the War in Hand, marching against the next Body of the Indians, which lay Encamp’d on a Hill about two Miles distant, where they gave them a second Overthrow, slaying many more than in the first Engagement; the rest flying to a very thick inaccessible Swamp or Bog, were there besieg’d by the English; and skulking up and down, as they saw their opportunity they would Shoot at them with their Arrows, and then suddenly fall flat along in the Water; at last the English finding out a Passage into the Swamp, utterly defeated them, and put an end to the War with the loss of few Mens Lives, and not many wounded.
In the Year 1640. there came over a fresh Supply of People into New England, and finding no place to settle in within any of the former erected Colonies, they repair’d to a place call’d Long Island, sever’d from the Continent of New-Haven, about sixty Miles off the Sea.
The Year following the four Colonies, namely the Massachusets, Plymouth, Canectico, and New-Haven, taking into consideration the many Nations that were on all sides of them, as the French, Dutch, Jews, and native Indians; as also how the three first went to lay claim to Lands they never had any right to, and the last to be continually quarrelling and contending, where they saw any hopes of prevailing, by Commissioners chosen from the respective Colonies, concluded a firm Confederation to assist each other in all just and lawful Wars; upon which there came in certain Indian Sachems, as Pomham, Miantonemo, Soccanocoh, and Uncas, who not onely submitted to the English Government, but also, if occasion were, in matters of Controversie submitted to their Arbitration: But the Contest between Miantonemo and Uncas was too hot to be appeas’d, (though the English were not wanting to interpose) unless by the Blood of one of them, as will appear by the Consequence: Uncas was a Prince of For, whose Life Miantonemo, though a much more potent Prince, sought to take away by treachery, hiring a young Man of the Pequod Nation to murther him, as the following Story renders suspected; for one dark Evening this Sachem passing from one Wigwam to another, was Shot through the Arm with an Arrow; but recovering the Palace, had the Arrow pull’d out, and his Arm cur’d: the young Man that was suspected being examin’d, how he came by that great store of Wampompeage which was found about him, and being able to give no good account, it increas’d the suspicion, and induc’d Uncas to complain to the English at a General Court held at Boston: Whereupon the young Man was Examin’d in the presence of Miantonemo, who came thither with his Attendants; but the young Man tutor’d, as suppos’d, by Miantonemo, pretended that Uncas had enjoyn’d him to feign that he was hir’d by Miantonemo to kill him: To which Tale of his little belief being given, it was concluded upon farther Examination of him in private that he had done the Fact: nevertheless they let him depart with Miantonemo, advising him to send him home to Uncas; but he in stead of returning him cut off his Head, and forthwith gather’d an Army of a thousand Men to fight with Uncas; who met him with half the Men: the Battel being joyn’d, the Narragansets, though the far greater multitude, were beaten by the Wawhiggins, through the Valour of Uncas their Prince; who perfected his Victory by possessing himself of the Person of Miantonemo, whom, having put his Life-guard to flight, he carried away with him in triumph to the Town of Hartford, desiring to have the advice of the United Colonies what to do with his Prisoner: Whereupon the Commissioners having had sufficient proof of Miantonemo’s treachery towards this Prince, advis’d Uncas to put him to death, but not to exercise that barbarous kind of cruelty which is usual amongst them in these Cases. The Sachem, upon this advice, not long after pretended to remove him to a safer place, but by the Way caus’d him to be Executed: His Subjects and Kindred were troubled at his Death, but the little Princes his Neighbors, over whom he had tyranniz’d, rather rejoyc’d.
In the Year 1645, the Sons of old Canonnicus, their Father being dead, began to fall into hot Contentions with their Neighbors, and being forbidden by the United Colonies, they did not stick to threaten Wars to the English also. Whereupon the Commissioners rais’d an Army of Horse and Foot, and made Major General Edward Gibbons Commander in Chief over them. But the Indians hearing of this Preparation, sent some of their chief Nobility to the Commissioners of the United Colonies, who were assembled at Boston, to Treat about Peace; to which the Commissioners agreed, upon condition they should pay a part of the Charges of the War; and that they should send four of their Sons for Hostages till the Sum was paid; and the Hostages being sent back before the Wapom was all paid, the two Princes, Pesicus and Mexanimo, upon the sending a Company of Armed Men to demand it, sent the remainder of the Money.
In the Year 1647. divers Persons of Quality ventur’d their Estates upon an Iron Mill, which they began at Braintree, but it profited the Owners little, rather wasting their Stock, the price of Labor in matters of that nature, being double or treble to what it is in England.
These are the most material Transactions we find deliver’d by any one which hapned from the first discovery till the Year before mention’d: what hath hapned from that time to this, chiefly relates to the several Revolutions that have been in England, and shall be therefore taken notice of when we come to speak of the Government of these Plantations.
[Sidenote: The Commodities of this Countrey, together with the Trees and other sorts of Plants.]
Though there are, who having remain’d some time, and been concern’d in those Parts, affirm the Soil of New England to be nothing so fruitful as it is believ’d and commonly deliver’d to be, yet we think it not improper to give a brief account of the Trees and other Plants; also the Beasts, Birds, Fishes, and other Commodities which most Writers will have to be the production of this Countrey, especially since we find them compactly summ’d up by an unknown Writer in the Language of the Muses. The recital of the Plants and Trees, which (excepting the Cedar, Sassafras, and Dyers Sumach) are all of the same kind with those that grow in Europe, onely differing in nature, according as the Epithets of many of them declare, is as follows:
_Trees both in Hills and Plains in plenty be; The long-liv’d Oak, and mournful Cypress Tree; Skie-towring Pines, and Chesnuts coated rough; The lasting Cedar, with the Walnut tough; The Rozen-dropping Fir, for Mast in use; The Boat-men seek for Oars light, neat grown Sprewse; The brittle Ash, the ever-trembling Asps; The broad-spread Elm, whose Concave harbors Wasps; The Water-spungy Alder, good for nought; Small Eldern by the_ Indian _Fletchers sought; The knotty Maple, pallid Birch, Hawthorns; The Horn-bound Tree, that to be cloven scorns; Which from the tender Vine oft takes his Spouse, Who twines embracing Arms about his Boughs. Within this_ Indian _Orchard Fruits be some; The ruddy Cherry, and the jetty Plumb; Snake-murthering Hazle, with sweet Saxafrage, Whose Leaves in Beer allay hot Feavers rage; The Dyers Shumach, with more Trees there be, That are both good to use, and rare to see_.
[Sidenote: Beasts.]
The Beasts peculiar to this Countrey are the Moose, the Rackoon, and the Musquash; the two first Land-Animals, the last Amphibious, which with others common to them with us, are thus versifi’d by the abovesaid Author:
_The Kingly Lyon, and the strong-arm’d Bear; The large limb’d Mooses, with the tripping Deer; Quill-darting Porcupines, that Rackoons be Castled ith’ hollow of an aged Tree; The skipping Squirrel, Rabbet, purblind Hare, Immured in the self-same Castle are, Lest red-ey’d Ferrets, wily Foxes should, Them undermine, if Ramper’d but with Mold; The grim-fac’d Ounce, and rav’nous howling Wolf, Whose meagre Paunch sucks like a swallowing Gulph; Black glittering Otters, and rich Coated Beaver; The Civet-scented Musquash smelling ever._
Of such of these as are altogether unknown to us, take these brief Descriptions.
[Sidenote: The Moose.]
The Beast call’d a Moose, is not much unlike red Deer, and is as big as an Ox, slow of Foot, Headed like a Buck, with a broad Beam, some being two Yards wide in the Head, their flesh is as good as Beef, their Hides good for Clothing; if these were kept tame, and accustom’d to the Yoke, they would be a great Commodity: First, because they are so fruitful, bringing forth three at a time being likewise very uberous: Secondly, because they will live in Winter without any Fodder. There are not many of these in the Massachusets Bay, but forty Miles to the North-East there are great store of them.
[Sidenote: The Rackoon.]
The Rackoon is a deep Furr’d Beast, not much unlike a Badger, having a Tail like a Fox, as good Meat as a Lamb: These Beasts in the day time sleep in hollow Trees, in a Moon-shine night they go to feed on Clams at a low Tide, by the Sea side, where the English hunt them with their Dogs.
[Sidenote: The Musquash.]
The Musquash is much like a Beaver for shape, but nothing near so big; the Male hath two Stones, which smell as sweet as Musk, and being kill’d in Winter, never lose their sweet smell: These Skins are no bigger than a Coney-skin, yet are sold for five Shillings apiece, being sent for Tokens into England; one good Skin will perfume a whole house full of Clothes, if it be right and good.
[Sidenote: Birds.]
The Birds both common and peculiar are thus recited.
_The Princely Eagle, and the soaring Hawk, Whom in their unknown ways there’s none can chawk: The Humbird for some Queens rich Cage more fit, Than in the vacant Wilderness to sit. The swift-wing’d Swallow sweeping to and fro, As swift as Arrow from_ Tartarian _Bowe. When as_ Aurora’s _Infant day new springs, There th’morning mounting Lark her sweet lays sings. The harmonious Thrush, swift Pigeon, Turtle-dove, Who to her Mate doth ever constant prove: The_ Turky-_Pheasant, Heath-cock, Partridge rare, The Carrion-tearing Crow, and hurtful Stare, The long-liv’d Raven, th’ominous Screech-Owl, Who tells, as old Wives say, disasters foul. The drowsie Madge that leaves her day-lov’d Nest, And loves to rove, when Day-birds be at rest: Th’Eel-murthering Hearn, and greedy Cormorant, That near the Creeks in morish Marshes haunt. The bellowing Bittern, with the long-leg’d Crane, Presaging Winters hard, and dearth of Grain. The Silver Swan that tunes her mournful breath, To sing the Dirge of her approaching death. The tattering Oldwives, and the cackling Geese, The fearful Gull that shuns the murthering Peece. The strong-wing’d Mallard, with the nimble Teal, And ill-shape’t Loon, who his harsh Notes doth squeal. There Widgins, Sheldrakes and Humilitees, Snites, Doppers, Sea-Larks, in whole million flees._
Of these the Humbird, Loon, and Humility are not to be pass’d by without particular observation.
[Sidenote: The Humbird.]
The Humbird is one of the wonders of the Countrey, being no bigger than a Hornet, yet hath all the Dimensions of a Bird, as Bill, and Wings with Quills, Spider-like Legs, small Claws: for Colour, she is as glorious as the Rain-bow; as she flies, she makes a little humming noise like a Humble-bee, wherefore she is call’d the Humbird.
[Sidenote: The Loon.]
[Sidenote: The Humility, or Simplicity.]
The Loon is an ill-shap’d thing like a Cormorant, but that he can neither go nor flie; he maketh a noise sometimes like Sowgelders Horn. The Humilities or Simplicities (as we may rather call them) are of two sorts, the biggest being as large as a green Plover; the other as big as Birds we call Knots in England. Such is the simplicity of the smaller sorts of these Birds, that one may drive them on a heap like so many Sheep, and seeing a fit time shoot them; the living seeing the dead, settle themselves on the same place again, amongst which the Fowler discharges again: These Birds are to be had upon Sandy Brakes, at the latter end of Summer before the Geese come in.
[Sidenote: Fishes.]
No less Poetical a Bill of Fare is brought of the Fish on the Sea-Coasts, and in the Rivers of New England in these subsequent Verses.
_The King of Waters, the Sea shouldering Whale, The snuffing Grampus, with the Oily Seale, The storm presaging Porpus, Herring-Hog, Line-shearing Shark, the Catfish and Sea Dog, The Scale-fenc’d Sturgeon, wry-mouth’d Hollibut, The flounsing Salmon, Codfish, Greedigut: Cole, Haddock, Hage, the Thornback, and the Scate, Whose slimy outside makes him seld in date, The stately Bass, old_ Neptune’s _fleeting Post, That Tides it out and in from Sea to Coast. Consorting Herrings, and the bonny Shad, Big-belly’d Alewives, Mackrills richly clad With Rainbow colours, Frostfish and the Smelt, As good as ever Lady_ Gustus _felt. The spotted Lamprons, Eels, the Lamperies, That seek fresh Water-Brooks with_ Argus _Eyes, These watery Villagers, with thousands more, Do pass and repass near the Verdant Shore_.
Kinds of Shell-fish.
_The luscious Lobster, with the Crabfish raw, The brinish Oyster, Muscle, Periwigge, And Tortoise sought for by the_ Indian _Sqaw, Which to the Flats dance many a Winters Jigge, To dive for Cocles, and to dig for Clams, Whereby her lazie Husbands guts she crams_.
[Sidenote: The Seal.]
To speak of the most unusual of these sorts of Fish; First the Seal, which is call’d the Sea-Calf, his Skin is good for divers uses, his Body being between Flesh and Fish, it is not very delectable to the Palate, or congruent with the Stomack; his Oil is very good to burn in Lamps, of which he affords a great deal.
[Sidenote: The Shark.]
The Shark is a kind of Fish as big as a Man, some as big as a Horse, with three rows of Teeth within his Mouth, with which he snaps asunder the Fishermans Lines, if he be not very circumspect: This Fish will leap at a Mans hand if it be over board, and with his Teeth snap off a Mans Leg or Hand if he be Swimming; these are often taken, being good for nothing but Manuring of Land.
[Sidenote: The Hollibut.]
The Hollibut is not much unlike a Pleace or Turbut, some being two yards long, and one wide, a Foot thick; the plenty of better Fish makes these of little esteem, except the Head and Finns, which Stew’d or Bak’d is very good; these Hollibuts be little set by while Basse is in season.
[Sidenote: The Basse.]
The Basse is one of the best Fishes in the Countrey, and though Men are soon weary’d with other Fish, yet are they never with Basse; it is a delicate, fine, fat, fast Fish, having a Bone in his Head which contains a Sawcerful of Marrow, sweet and good, pleasant to the Palate, and wholsom to the Stomack: When there be great store of them, we only eat the Heads, and Salt up the Bodies for Winter, which exceeds Ling or Haberdine: Of these Fishes some are three, and some four Foot long, some bigger, some lesser; at some Tides a Man may catch a dozen or twenty of these in three hours; the way to catch them is with Hook and Line: The Fisherman taking a great Cod-line, to which he fasteneth a piece of Lobster, throws it into the Sea, the Fish biting at it, he pulls her to him, and knocks her on the head with a Stick.
[Sidenote: Alewives.]
Alewives are a kind of Fish which is much like a Herring, which in the later end of April come up to the fresh Rivers to Spawn, in such multitudes as is almost incredible, pressing up in such shallow Waters as will scarce permit them to Swim, having likewise such longing desire after the fresh Water Ponds, that no beatings with Poles, or forcive agitations by other devices, will cause them to return to the Sea, till they have cast their Spawn.
[Sidenote: Clamms or Clamps.]
Clamms or Clamps, are a Shell-fish not much unlike a Cockle, they lie under the Sand and have every one of them a round hole to take Air, and receive Water at. When the Tide ebbs and flows, a Man running over these Clamm banks will presently be made all wet, by their spouting of Water out of those small holes: These Fishes are in great plenty in most places of the Countrey, which is a great Commodity for the feeding of Swine, both in Winter and Summer; for being once us’d to those places, they will repair to them as duly every Ebb, as if they were driven to them by Keepers: In some places of the Countrey there be Clamms as big as a Peny white Loaf, which are great Dainties amongst the Natives, and would be in great esteem amongst the English, were it not for better Fish.
Other Commodities which this Countrey is said to yield, are, in down-right Prose, Furrs, Flax, Linnen, Iron, Pitch, Masts, Cables, and some quantity of Amber; so that if what many Authors have consented to assert concerning New England be not a meer Fiction, what e’re hath been affirm’d of the unfruitfulness of the Country will demonstrably be found invalid.
[Sidenote: Noxious Creatures.]
There are also to be found here some hurtful Creatures, of which, that which is most injurious to the Person and Life of a Man is the Rattle-Snake, which is generally a yard and a half long, as thick in the middle as the small of a Mans Leg; she hath a yellow Belly, her Back being spotted with black, russet, yellow, and green colours, plac’d like Scales; at her Tail is a Rattle, with which she makes a noise when she is molested, or when she seeth any approach near her; her Neck seems to be no thicker than a Mans Thumb, yet she can swallow a Squirril, having a great wide Mouth, with Teeth as sharp as Needles, wherewith she biteth such as tread upon her, her Poyson lyeth in her Teeth, for she hath no Sting. When any Man is bitten by any of these Creatures, the Poyson spreads so suddenly through the Veins, and so runs to the Heart, that in one hour it causeth Death, unless he hath the Antidote to expel the Poyson, which is a Root call’d Snake-weed, which must be champ’d, the Spittle swallow’d, and the Root apply’d to the Sore; this is present Cure against that which would be present death without it: This Weed is rank Poyson, if it be taken by any man that is not bitten; whosoever is bitten by these Snakes, his flesh becomes as spotted as a Leopard, until he be perfectly cur’d. It is reported, that if the Party live that is bitten, the Snake will die, and if the Party die, the Snake will live. This is a most Poysonous and dangerous Animal, yet nothing so bad as the report goes of it in England; for whereas it is said to kill a Man with its breath, and that it can flie, there is no such matter, for it is naturally the most sleepy and unnimble Creature that lives, never offering to leap or bite any Man, if it be not trodden on first; and it is their desire in hot weather to lie in Paths, where the Sun may shine on them, where they will sleep so soundly, that I have known four Men stride over one of them, and never awake it; five or six Men have been bitten by them, which by using of Snake-weed were all cur’d, never any yet losing his life by them. Cows have been bitten, but being cut in divers places, and this Weed thrust into their flesh, were cur’d; A small Switch will easily kill one of these Snakes. In many places of the Country there be none of them, as at Plymouth, New-town, Igowamme, Nahant, &c. In some places they will live on one side of the River, and swimming but over the Water, as soon as they are come into the Woods, they turn up their yellow Bellies and die. Up into the Countrey, Westward from the Plantations, is a high Hill, which is call’d Rattle-Snake-Hill, where there are great store of these Poysonous Creatures.
There are likewise troublesome Flies.
First there is a wild Bee or Wasp, which commonly guards the Grape, building by Cobweb habitation amongst the Leaves: Secondly a great green Flie, not much unlike our Horse-Flies in England; they will nipp so sore, that they will fetch Blood either of Man or Beast, and are most troublesome where most Cattel are, which brings them from out of the Woods to the Houses; this Flie continues but for the Moneth of June. The third is Gurnipper, which is a small black Flie, no bigger than a Flea; her biting causeth an itching upon the Hands or Face, which provoketh scratching, which is troublesome to some; this Flie is busie but in close Mornings or Evenings, and continues not above three Weeks; the least Wind or heat expels them. The fourth is a Musketor, which is not unlike to our Gnats in England; in places where there is no thick Woods or Swamps, there are none or very few. In the new Plantations they are troublesome for the first year, but the Wood decaying they vanish: These Flies cannot endure Wind, heat or cold, so that these are only troublesome in close thick Weather, and against Rain, many that are bitten will fall a scratching, whereupon their Faces and Hands swell.
[Sidenote: The nature of the ancient Inhabitants.]
As touching the Nature of the ancient Inhabitants, they are to be consider’d according to their several Shires or Divisions; those that inhabit to the East and North-East bore the name of Churchers and Tarrenteens; those in the Southern parts were call’d Pequods, and Narragansets; those Westward, Connectacuts and Mowhacks; to the North-West, of whom were the Aberginians.
[Sidenote: The nature of the Mowhacks.]
The Mowhacks were ever accounted a cruel bloudy People, which were wont to come down upon their poor Neighbors, with more than bruitish Savageness, spoiling their Corn, burning their Houses, slaying Men, ravishing Women, yea very Canibals they were, sometimes eating on a Man one part after another before his Face, and while yet living; insomuch, that the very Name of a Mowhack would strike the Heart of a poor Aberginian dead, till they had the English on their sides to succor them; for these inhumane Homicides confess that they dare not meddle with a white Fac’d Man, accompany’d with his hot-mouth’d Weapon.
These Indians are a People of tall Stature, long grim Visages, slender Wasted, and having exceeding great Arms and Thighs, wherein they say their strength lieth; which is such, that one of them hath been known to kill a Dog with a fillip of his Finger, and afterwards to have flead and sod him, and eat him to his Dinner. They are so hardy, that they can eat such things as would make other Indians sick to look upon; being destitute of Fish and Flesh, they suffice Hunger and maintain Nature with the use of Vegetatives; but that which they most hunt after, is the flesh of Man: Their custom is, if they get a stranger near their Habitations, not to Butcher him immediately, but keep him in as good plight as they can, feeding him with the best Victuals they have.
These Indians are more desperate in Wars than the other Indians, which proceeds not only from the fierceness of their Natures, but also in that they know themselves to be better Arm’d and Weapon’d; all of them wearing Sea Horse Skins and Barks of Trees, made by their Art as impenetrable, it is thought, as Steel, wearing Head-Pieces of the same, under which they March securely and undantedly, running, and fiercely crying out, Hadree Hadree succomee succomee, We come to suck your Blood, not fearing the feather’d shafts of the strong-arm’d Bow-men, but like unruly headstrong Stallions, beat them down with their right-hand Tamahawks, and left-hand Javelins, being all the Weapons which they use, counting Bowes a cowardly fight. Tamahawks are Staves of two Foot and a half long, with knobs at one end as round and big as a Foot ball; a Javelin is a short Spear, headed with sharp Sea-Horse Teeth; one blow or thrust with these sharp Weapons, will not need a second to hasten death from a Mowhacks arm.
[Sidenote: The nature of the Indians inhabiting Eastward.]
The Tarrenteens saving that they eat not Mans flesh, are little less Salvage and cruel than these Cannibals; our Indians do fear them as their deadly Enemies, for so many of them as they meet, they kill. Take these Indians in their own proper and natural disposition, and they are reported to be wise, lofty-spirited, constant in friendship to one another, true in their promise, and more industrious than many others.
[Sidenote: The nature of the Pequods and Narragansets.]
The Pequants are a stately Warlike People, just and equal in their dealings; not treacherous either to their Country-men, or English, to whom (except in time of War) they were not any ways uncivil. Their next Neighbors the Narragansets, are the most numerous People in those Parts, the most rich also, and the most industrious; being the Store-house of all such kind of wild Merchandize as is amongst them. These Men are the most curious Minters of their Wampompeage and Mowhakes, which they form out of the inmost Wreaths of Periwinkle-shells. The Northern, Eastern, and Western Indians fetch all their Coyn from these Southern Mint-Masters. From hence they have most of their curious Pendants and Bracelets, from hence they have their great Stone Pipes, which will hold a quarter of an Ounce of Tobacco, which they make with Steel Drills and other Instruments; such is their Ingenuity and dexterity, that they can imitate the English Mold so accurately, that were it not for matter and colour, it were hard to distinguish them; they make them of green, and sometimes of black Stone; they are much desir’d of our English Tobacconists, for their rarity, strength, handsomness, and coolness. Hence likewise our Indians had their Pots, wherein they us’d to seeth their Victuals before they knew the use of Brass. Since the English came, they have employ’d most of their time in catching of Beavers, Otters, and Musquashes, which they bring down into the Bay, returning back loaden with English Commodities, of which they make double profit, by selling them to more remote Indians, who are ignorant at what cheap rates they obtain them, in comparison of what they make them pay, so making their Neighbors ignorance their enrichment: They were never known to be desirous to take in hand any Martial Enterprize, or expose themselves to the uncertain events of War; wherefore the Pequants call them Women-like Men, resting secure under the conceit of their popularity, and seeking rather to grow rich by industry, than famous by deeds of Chivalry.
[Sidenote: The nature and complexion of the Aberginians.]
Most of these Northward Indians are between five and six Foot high, straight Body’d, strongly compos’d, smooth Skin’d, merry Countenanc’d, of Complexion more swarthy than the Spaniards, black Hair’d, high Foreheaded, black Ey’d, out-Nos’d, broad Shoulder’d, brawny Arm’d, long and slender Handed, out Breasted, small Wasted, lank Belly’d, well Thigh’d, flat Kneed, with handsome grown Legs, and small Feet: In a word, take them when the Blood skips in their Veins, when the Flesh is on their Backs, and Marrow in their Bones, when they frolick in their antique Deportments and Indian Postures, they are more amiable to behold (though onely in Adam’s Livery) than many a trim Gallant in the newest Mode; and though their Houses are but mean, their Lodging as homely, Commons scant, their Drink Water, and Nature their best Clothing, yet they still are healthful and lusty. Their smooth Skins proceed from the often anointing of their Bodies with the Oyl of Fishes, and the fat of Eagles, with the grease of Rackoons, which they hold in Summer the best Antidote to keep their Skin from blistering with the scorching Sun; it is their best Armor against the Musketoes, and the surest abrasour of the hairy Excrement, and stops the Pores of their Bodies against the nipping Winters cold. Their black Hair is natural, yet is brought to a more Jetty colour by Oyling, Dying, and daily dressing; sometimes they wear it very long, hanging down in a loose dishevel’d Womanish manner, otherwise ty’d up hard and short like a Horse Tail, bound close with a Fillet, which they say makes it grow the faster; they are not a little Phantastical in this particular; their Boys being not permitted to wear their Hair long till sixteen years of Age, and then they must come to it by degrees; some being cut with a long foretop, a long lock on the Crown, one of each side of his Head, the rest of his Hair being cut even with the Scalp; the young Men and Soldiers wear their Hair long on the one side, the other being cut short like a Screw; other cuts they have as their Fancy leads them, which would torture the Wits of the most exact Barber to imitate. But though they are thus proud of the Hair of their Head, you cannot wooe them to wear it on their Chins, where it no sooner grows, but it is stubb’d up by the roots, for they count it as an unuseful, cumbersome, and opprobrious excrement, insomuch as they call him an English Mans Bastard that hath but the appearance of a Beard.
[Sidenote: The Apparel, Ornaments, Paintings, and other artificial Deckings of the Indians.]