Great cruelty of theSpaniardsagainst theFrench.
Gurgie’s valiant Exploits against theSpaniards.
In this interimLaudonierreceiving no Supply fromFrance, 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 KingUtina, 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 fourEnglishShips, who pitying their misery, furnish’d them with Necessaries, and having onely four Vessels, lent them one, becauseLaudonierwas at that time too weak to endure the Sea; but not long after recovering strength, and all things ready to set Sail,Ribaldcame to an Anchor beforeCharles-Fort, with seven Ships fromDiep: Within few days after, theSpanishAdmiralPeter Melandezarriv’d with eight Frigats, whereof the French having Intelligence, cut their Cables, and stood out to Sea, whom theSpaniardschac’d, but could not reach; whereupon leaving them, they landed in the Mouth of the RiverDolphin, where by help of theMoorishSlaves they began to intrench themselves; of whichRibaldhaving 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 ofthem sav’d. In this Storm theSpaniardsalso suffer’d great damage, yet made an Advantage of theFrenchmensMisfortune, marching with all speed toCharles-Fort, in which were onely two hundred weak Men,Ribaldhaving taken the primest Soldiers along with him. In the Morning before Sun-rise theSpaniardsmade a fierce Assault, and in a short time became Masters of the Place, whichLaudonierseeing, 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 theSpaniardsinveterate malice to theFrench, 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,Ribaldapproach’dCharles-Fort, with his shatter’d Fleet, but was so amaz’d when he saw theSpanishFlag set upon the Walls, andVallemondmarching towards him with a Squadron ofSpaniards, 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 theSpaniardsin 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; butRibaldbeing quarter’d, they fix’d his Limbs upon Poles about the Walls, sending his Head toSevil. WhenCharlesthe Ninth, King ofFrance, receiv’d notice hereof, he was not in the least concern’d at theSpanishCruelty us’d to his Subjects, out of a particular hatred toColigni, the first Promoter of the Voyage. But though theFrenchCrown so little regarded the inhumane Usage committed by theSpaniardsinCharles-Fort, yetDominicus Gurgieshew’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 atBrasile; but sailing beyondCuba, he stood directly forFlorida, where after his Landing he was kindly receiv’d bySaturionathe King, who complaining much against theSpaniardsOppressions, sent to joyn with him his KinsmanOlotocara, having the Command of a great Army.
Is ungratefully rewarded.
TheSpaniardsby this time had not onely strengthnedCharles-Fort, but also rais’d two others on each side of the RiverMayo, 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 ofIndians, who slew thirty of them, and preserv’d ninety for a Publick Execution. Thus they march’d on victoriously toCharles-Fort, where by the way sixtySpaniardssallying out, were every one cut off, which much facilitated theFrenchmensWork. The GovernorMelandez, seeing a certain ruine attend him, fled into the Woods; but met there by theFloridans, return’d to theFrench, of whom he begg’d Life for himself, and some of his People: YetGurgiedeaf 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 theFrench, because they had freed the Countrey from theSpanishOppressions. Thus having accomplish’d his Design, and returning home, he was nobly receiv’d atRochel, but had not the least Countenance for all his trouble from the King; the Cardinal ofLoreintelling 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.FourEnglishExpeditions, under the Conduct of our Famous Sea-CaptainsMartin Forbisher,SirFrancis Drake, Thomas Candish,andJohn Smith.
Forbisher’s Expedition.
CaptainForbishersailing to the Northern Parts ofAmerica,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 toEngland: Not many Months after, he renew’d his Voyage, QueenElizabethhaving rigg’d out, and sent under his Command one Frigat and two Ketches, Mann’d with a hundred and forty Men: The twenty sixth ofMayhe weigh’d Anchor, and sail’d to theOrkenies, lying to the North ofScotland, 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 ofJulyhe madeFriezland, 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, beckoningForbisherto 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 theEnglishobserving 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 ofAugust,Forbisherhaving elevated the Pole to sixty eight Degrees, beyond whatSebastian Cabot, the first Discoverer of those Parts, and set out byHenrythe Seventh, had done (forAmericaNorthward never before hadbeen 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 forEngland, and the seventh ofSeptembercame toMilford-Haven, and not long after arriv’d inLondon, where in short time the Salvages died.
SirFrancis Drake’s Expedition.
At the same time whenForbishersail’d Northerly, SirFrancis Drakealso, fitted out by QueenElizabeth, steer’d another Course, sailing byCape BlankoandCape Verde, along theAfricanCoast, toBrasile, where he caught several Sea-Wolves, and Anchoring in the RiverLa Plata, furnish’d himself with Fresh Water: Then proceeding on his Voyage through the crookedStraights of Magellan, he came to an Anchor beforeMoucha, wash’d by theSouth Sea. The Islanders receiv’d him very courteously, because they were inform’d that theEnglishwere at great Wars with theSpaniards, to avoid whose Cruelties, they had deserted the main Continent, and setled onMoucha. One of theseMouchanersgoing aboard, serv’d them for a Pilot to the HavenValparizo, whereDrakeburnt theSt. Jago, a small Village, and plundring all the Countrey about it, got together a great Treasure of Gold and Silver. BeforeAricahe took threeSpanishShips, richly laden; and beforeLima, 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 uponDrakesHead, and gave him a Golden Scepter, and an Ivory Chain. After this he inspected the IslandsTidor,Ternata,Java,Zeilon, andCape de Bona Esperanza, from whence, after a three Years Voyage, having encompass’d the World, he came safe toLondon, where he rested not long; for sailingAnno 1585.toAmerica, he took great Prizes from the CitiesSt. Jago,St. Domingo,St. Augustin, andCarthagena, setting them all on Fire. Thus again returning home victoriously, and after the famous defeat of theSpanish Armado, he rigg’d out a new Fleet, having for his Vice-Admiral CaptainHawkins: Their Design was to have sail’d toPanama; but both dying, and so the Commission ceasing, the expected great and golden Project also died with them.
Candishhis Expedition.
A Year after the death of these famous Navigators, CaptainThomas CandishMann’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 theStraights of Magellan; in which Voyage having got above ten times the value of his Charge, by taking theSpanishCarrackSt. Anna, valued at twenty Tun of Gold; and at last freighted with a Mass of Treasure, he came safe into the River ofThames.
Smith’s Voyage.
But much worse success had CaptainJohn Smith, who weigh’d AnchorAnno 1614.with two Ships, fitted out by several Merchants inLondon, forNew-England, and on the IslandMonachiggato 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 ofVirginia, he was treacherously set upon, and taken by theFrench, who accus’d him, that he had destroy’d the Plantations inNova Francia, and unless he would make satisfaction for the Damage, they threatned him with death. He was carried Prisoner toRochel, in aFrenchShip; but not far from thence surpris’d by a mighty Storm,Smithfinding an opportunity, leap’d into the Boat, and driving betwixt the Waves, at last, half dead, was thrown upon the Island ofOleron, whom afterwards, having lost all, anEnglishShip took in, and brought to his Native Countrey.
Mahu’s Voyage.
Five Ships being fitted out atRotterdam, the Command of them was given toJaques MahuandSimon de Cordes, who on the twenty seventh ofJune, Anno 1598.weigh’d Anchor from theGoree, and sail’d on an immense Voyage; at last landing at the IslandSt. Jago, they won a strong Castle there, and took two Barques; but at last Articled with thePortuguese, that they might undisturb’d supply themselves with Fresh Water, yet they, as if they minded no Agreements, whilst theDutchwere filling their Casks, came down upon them with two hundred Horse, each having a Foot-Soldier behind him; but theHollandersmade so stout resistance, that they put them all to flight.
The City ofSt. 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. ThePortuguesehad brought all their Guns to bear towards the Sea, to sink theHolland 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.
St. IAGO
From hence steering to the Desolate IslandBrava, 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 ofTurkishWheat, which prov’d a great kindness to the Sea-men.
Mahudies.
Cordeshis Voyage.
Mean while the AdmiralMahudied, and his Body put into a Chest fill’d up with Stones, was thrown over-board; so thatSimon des Cordescarrying the Flag, steer’d his Course toGuinee, there to refresh himself; for most of his Men were so weakned by the Scurvey, that they were scarce able to hand the Sails.
Strange King inGuinee.
Arriving at their intended Port, the Sick were carried ashore; and the Vice-AdmiralBeuningen, being conducted by aFrenchGuide, 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.
Beuningenplac’d by the King on a Mat, complain’d to him, That theGuineansfled from him where-ever he came, though in Friendship, to barterEuropeanCommodities with them, against Fruits, Poultrey, Sheep, and other Provisions: Whereupon the King promis’d to furnish him therewith, and invitedBeuningento 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 andSpanishWine, whereof after the King had tasted, he lik’d so well the rellish, that it rock’d him asleep, whilstBeuningenwalk’d to the Sea-side to refresh himself; but theGuineanscoming 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 tookBeuningeninto his House: However the Subjects, notwithstanding the Kings Commands, whenBeuningenwas 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 toBeuningenthree times one after another, knocking on a Box not unlike a Pair of Bellows, out of which flew abundance of Dust aboutBeuningen, which caus’d a great Laughter amongst theGuineans. The King also coming to him, presented him with two Goats, and four Hens, and so conducted him back to the Ships.
Bloody Sea, very strange.
Salvages in theStraights of Magellan.
Beuningenseeing that there was no good to be done, set sail from thence, and coming before the RiverLa PlatainAmerica, 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 theStraights of Magellanthey kill’d above fourteen hundredPenguyins, 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 theGreen-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 deadHollanders, cutting off their Heads, and bruising them to pieces, sticking Darts through their Hearts, and cutting off their Privities.
A wild Woman.
At last the Fleet getting into theSouth Sea, were by stress of Weather separated one from another: Two Ships, being theFaith, and theGood Tydings, were driven back into theStraights 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 toAmsterdam; 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.
Beuningenlingred in theStraights of Magellan, and being tired out with Hunger, Cold, and Storms, return’d home; and had they not by accidenttaken 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.
Porto Desire.
Two Months afterMahu,Oliver Van Noordset sail with four Ships, and twoSea-Dogs.hundred forty eight Men, from theMaes. Having reach’d thePrinces Island, he lost seven of his Men by the Treachery of thePortuguese; and Anchoring before the CityJaveiro, 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 theScurvey: 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 theStraights of Magellanso late; wherefore they judg’d it best to seek a convenient Harbor, to put their Sick ashore to refresh themselves. The IslandSt. Hellen, for its fruitfulness, seem’d to be the most convenient for this purpose; but a great Storm preventing them, they came toSt. Clara, where taking in Fresh Water, they cast Anchor inPorto 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.
Strange Tombs.
Van Noordgoing 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.
ButVan Noordhaving spent fourteen Months in search, and lost a hundred Men, set sail again with three Ships; for one of them, being theUnity, he burnt at the IslandClara, 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 theStraights of Magellan, four times the Fleet attempted to go into theSouth-Sea, and was as often driven back by cross Weather into theStraights; but the fifth time prov’d more successful; for having got through, and left theStraightsa handsom way astern, theydiscover’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.
Philip-Stadtforsaken through famine.
After that, the Fleet Sail’d intoHungers Haven, where they found the ruines of the desertedPhilip-Stadt, which CaptainThomas Candishhad seen fourteen years before, fortifi’d with four Bulwarks; but now onely some Houses, a Church, and a Gibbet were standing: Four hundredSpaniardsbuilt that City, as a Key to theStraightsofMagellan. But all their Provisions being spent in three years time, and no relief coming fromSpain, 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 RiverLa Plataand accordingly set forward, but what became of them could never yet be heard, only oneFerdinandothat was of that company, accidentally wandring from the rest, happen’d to light uponCandish’s Fleet.
Mocha, what kind of Island.
HereVan Noordset on Shore the Vice-AdmiralJacob Claeszoon Ilpendam, for some crimes which he had committed; and leaving him behind, Sail’d from thence thorow the South-Sea along the Coast ofChiliandMocha; 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.
Cica, a strange Drink.
The Inhabitants conducted theHollandersto 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 ofCica, a Liquor made ofMays, whose extracted Juyce, boyl’d and put into Tubs, ferments like our Beer or Ale, with a cap of Barm, with which they treated theHollanders, who drinking moderately, were well refresh’d; but the Natives will ply this Liquor, till they make themselves Distracted, and are mad Drunk.
Van Noordtakes aSpanishShip.
From henceVan Noordsteer’d his course toSancta Maria, where in his way he took aSpanishShip, call’dBuon Jesus, that is,Good Jesus, and receiv’d intelligence from the Prisoners, that the AdmiralSimon de Cordes, with twenty three Men was kill’d by theAmericanson the PromontoryLavapia, being the head Land or Point opposite toSt. Maries; that a year since, tydings were brought toLimaof his Fleet; so that they had made all things ready to withstand him. ButVan Noordhinder’d by strong contrary Winds, not able to reachSancta Maria, stood directly forSt. Jago, in whose Haven lay a greatSpanishShip full ofIndians, 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 setFrancisco de IvarroCommander of theBuon Jesusashore; because he afterwards understood from theSpanishPilot, thatIvarrathrew 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 theThieves-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 theFrenchPox.
Performs great things.
In the BayLa Baya, theDutchAdmiral, with aSpanishFlag 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, theHollandersburnt five Villages on the IslandCapull; took aChinesyVessel, oneSpanishBarque, and aCarvelLaden with Brandy fromCocos; and after a great and bloody Fight sunk the Admiral of theManilla’s, and so at last with various fortunes arriv’d atRotterdam, having in three years encompass’d the World.
Anno 1614.the eighth ofAugust, theEast-IndiaCompany of theUnited Netherlandsset out seven Ships under the Command ofGeorge Spilbergen, who coming toCape St. Vincent, and engaging with thePortuguese, took one of their Ships, and so proceeded on his Voyage to theStraightsofMagellan, but by a huge Storm, the Fleet was separated. Amongst those that were scatter’d was the good Ship call’dMeruw, 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.
Strange Corps.
ButSpilbergenLanding on one of thePenguynIslands, 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 theStraightsofMagellan, but not without great danger, for the South-Sea much disturb’d by tempestuous Weather, seem’d to raise itsWaves 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 beforeLa Mocha, an Island which on the North side lies low, and on the South defended by Rocks.
Spilbergenin great danger.
Strange sheep.
Spilbergenseeing 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. TheAmericansbreed 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.
St.Mariesburnt.
And alsoVal Parysa.
From thence,Spilbergendeparting, Landed at last on the Island ofSt. Mary, where he burnt all theSpanishVillages; as he did also inVal Parysa.
After going ashore, in the HavenQuintero, 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.
Bloody fight between theHollandersandSpanishFleet.
Having leftQuintero, and spent a Moneth in Sailing farther, they discry’d eight great Ships; whereupon the Prisoners inform’d them, that it was theSpanishFleet, of whichRoderigo de Mendozawas Admiral, fitted out on purpose to fightSpilbergen, whose coming (as we said) was known a year before. At midnightMendozaBoardedSpilbergen, but was so roughly receiv’d, that he was forc’d to Retreat with the loss of the ShipSt. Francisco. At Day-break, theHollandAdmiral fir’d atMendoza, who answering with equal courage, occasion’d a smart Engagement, wherein theSpaniardswere 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 atMendoza, when he hinted the difficulty of the Enterprize in the GrandPeruvianCouncel, saying,They went out, onely to take a few disabledHollanders,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.
Calyow de Lima.
This done, theHollandersvictoriously Sail’d toCalyow 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; whereuponSpilbergen, 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 toGuarma, he got some fresh Provisions.
Peytaburnt.
Against the CityPeyta, he play’d his Cannon with such fury, that the Townsmen deserted the place, which he observing, set it on fire, and Sail’d toAquapulque, where from the Fort at first theSpaniardsfired some Guns at them; but soon after changing humor, they came to an Accommodation, furnishing theHollanderswith convenient Provisions. Passing on, and coming toSelaques, both Natives andSpaniardshaving suffer’d some of theHollandersto Land; afterset 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.
SpilbergenSailing from hence to theManilla’s, waited there for theSpanishAdmiralJuan 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 toZealandwhere he came to an Anchor, loaden with Riches, in the middle of Summer,Anno 1617.
Mabrabomma, what manner of Isle.
Some Merchants that were call’d theAustrianCompany, fitted out oneSchoutenin great danger.Ship with sixty five, and a Ketch with two and twenty Sea-men, givingIncredible many Eggs.the Command thereof to the CaptainsSchoutenandLe Maire:Anno 1615.theyGreat Corps.Weigh’d Anchor from theTexel; the first took a view of one of the threeKetchburnt.Islands, call’dMabrabomma, lying beforeCape Sierra Leona. This Island appearingStrange Horn.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 ShelfAbrolhos, they ran intoPorto Desire, where on the Rocks they found abundance of Eggs, and Spierings, or Smelts, and Spiregrass sixteen Inches long, wherefore they call’d that InletSpierings-Bay. Their Sloop also brought two Sea-Lions, and one hundred and fiftyPenguinsfrom thePenguinIsles, 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 toKing’s-Island, they found so many Eggs of blackMews, 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.
Great Mews.
At lengthSchoutenWeighing Anchor fromPorto 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 takenwith 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, TheStates Countrey, that which lay to the Westward of it,MauriceofNassau, the Islands in fifty seven DegreesBarnevield’s Isles, and the sharp Point in which lay the Snowy Mountains, Southward of theMagellan Straightsend, theCapeofHoorn.
Straights Le Maire.
Schoutenhad now gotten the height of fifty nine Degrees, when he enter’d the South-Sea, through the new passage betweenMauritiusand theStates-Countrey, which was call’d from his Partner,The Straights of Le Maire.
Isles in the South-Sea.
Near the two IslesJuan 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 theHollanderswith great Clubs, to which was fasten’d the Sword or Snout of a Sword-Fish, and also with Slings.
Somewhat further they came toWater-Land, andFlyes-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 theFlyes, which with incredible numbers troubled the Sea-men four days together.
Strange entertainment at the Horn Islands.
Moreover, the Reception or Entertainment whichSchoutenwas welcom’d withal, at theHoorn-Islands, being very remarkable, we will in brief relate:
Anchoring in nine Fathom Water, Shelly ground, before a fresh Rivulet, threeHollanderssent 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 theHollandersFeet 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 MaireandArias Claeszoonwere 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 ofWater-Islandvisited the other, by whomLe Mairewas 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 theHollanders.Le Mairegoing 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 ofWood, which yielded a murmuring sound without any distinct Tune.
Cavaa strange Liquor.
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, fourHollandTrumpeters 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’dCava, ty’d about their middle; on a sudden they began all to chaw thisCava, 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 theHollanders, for every King presented them with a Pig, which they first laid on their Heads, then kneeling, put it down atLe 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 theHollandersin 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.