A strange kind of Baboon.
Frambore, King of this Place, grantedLamandVeronfree liberty to Hunt, and to gather as many Oranges and Lemmons as they pleas’d, with which the Seamen were so refresh’d, that they set Sail again, and amongst many other things carry’d a Baboon with them fromSierra Leona, which so exactly resembled a Man, that it was wonderful to behold, having a Body, Hands, Eyes, Ears, Feet, and Actions like a Man, smoak’d Tobacco amongst the Seamen, made a noise like a Child when beaten. The Inhabitants ofSierra Leona, where these Monsters run in great Companies through the Woods, believe that the Souls of the Deceased reside in them.
John de Laet, in his annual Journal of the Transactions of theWest-IndiaCompany, affirms, That he saw a Female of these monstrous Creatures, which usually had her monethly Flowers.
TheHollandersill success before the CastleDel Mine.
The Fleet, as is before mention’d, Sailing fromSierra Leona, came to an Anchor atCommany, and Landed twelve hundred Men atPoquena, besides a hundred and fiftyNegro’s; which RegimentAndries VeronandArend Jacobszooncarry’d to the CastleDel Mine, whither they before sent a Company, Commanded byHans Gryf, to prevent the Sallies of the Enemy. TheHollanderstir’d and thirsty, Encamp’d themselves near the Fort, and whilest some of the Men were seeking for Water, others smoaking Tobacco, and lying without their Arms and in disorder on the Ground, and the Commanders were taking a view of the Fort from a neighboring Hill, two hundredNegro’s fell upon the scatter’d Army with great rage and fury, and so much the greater, in regard thePortuguesehad promis’d them great sums of Money for everyHollanderthey kill’d: never any Army was in such a distraction, they being dispers’d and kill’d like so many Sheep, the AdmiralVeronand all the Officers slain, and in a short time four hundred and forty Men cut off; and had not CaptainArend Jacobszoonbeen in League with the Inhabitants ofCommany, whither the routed Regiments fled, not one Man had escap’d that bloody Slaughter: Nor was it to much purpose to Besiege the CastleDel Mine, because the Bullets hitting against the Walls of the Castle, built all of Rock-stones, did no Execution. But the four Ships inform’d of this miserable destruction, fell down toCommany, to fetch those that were left alive, and return’d home with the other eleven.
During the unfortunate Expedition of this Fleet, theWest-India Companyfitted out nine great Ships and five Ketches in the beginning of the Year 1626. under the Command ofPeter Peterszoon Hein, to Cruise for theSpanishShips that were expected fromNew SpainandHonduras.
TheFoxFrigat being sent before to informHenrickszoonofHeyn’s coming, reach’d about the latter end ofMaybeyond the IslesDominico,Guadalupa,Mevis,St. Christophers, and bySanta Crux; there not finding a Harbor on the South-side, because of the Rocks, she Sail’d fromMonaover to the Main Coast, where seven Leagues Westward ofCarakess, he discover’d a high broken Land, whose Mountains seem’d to reach to the Clouds; from thence she steer’d to the PromontoryCaldera, the IslesMargaretaandCoche, on which last he took abundance of Goats, not without the loss of forty six Men, kill’d by theSpaniardsandIndians.
Mean while the AdmiralPeter Heyn, in the beginning ofJune, Sail’d to the Southward ofBarbados, an Island pretty mountainous, as hath been formerly mention’d, and full of Woods, and byMartinino, whose Hills are very high and overgrown with Trees. HerePeter Heyncould get nothing else but sweet Water, and a Fruit resembling a green Grape, which grew on a round Leav’d Tree, whose Juice cur’d the Scurvey. Sailing from hence, and Landing onGuadalupa, he found aCanooseven Fathom long and one broad, and cut out of one Tree. The Inhabitants, a well timber’d People, went stark naked, and desir’d to be excus’d, that they could not furnish theHollanderswith more Provisions, because theFrenchandEnglish, Inhabitants ofSt. Christophers, had pillag’d them.
Success of theDutchagainst thePortugueseFleet.
NearMonatheFoxFrigat joyn’d with the Fleet, with information, that he could hear no tydings ofHenrickszoon; whereforePeter Heynjudg’d it convenient to Sail along the South-Coast ofHispaniolawith a separated Fleet, which was to joyn again near the greatCaiman. NearCape de CorientestheDutchtook aSpanishShip laden withSarsaparilla; after that another with Salt and Fish, and on the Shelves beforeCochebefore the PromontoryAntonio, a Fly-boat with Tallow and Hides, and at the same places two Vessels more with Ballast, the Men whereof inform’d him, that the Fleet fromNew Spainhad about a Moneth before weigh’d Anchor from the HavenJuan de Ulva, and set Sail toHavana, so that without doubt they were arrived there; whereforePeter Heynsteer’d towardsTortugos, in hopes, if he could, to overtake some of the heavy Sailers. Before the PromontoryDe Floridahe discover’d seven Sail, and coming up nearer, above thirty, which, hadHenrickszoonbeen united withPeter Heyn, had without doubt fallen into the hands of theNetherlanders; but it being judg’d a madness to set upon so great a Fleet with so small a number of Ships, they Sail’d away undisturb’d.Peter Heynsteer’d his Course alongFlorida, where he met threeCanooswith strange Men in them, who came aboard of him, their Bodies being naked, were painted with several colours, onely Mats of Rushes about their Middle, and on their Backs long Tassels hanging down: their Merchandise consisted of a sort of Gum of little value. TheNetherlandersin this Place took also a Vessel withSinaLeaves, and some pounds of Ambergreece: but the Scurvey increasing daily amongst them, they Tack’d about, and ran to an Anchor atSierra Leona, where they stay’d till the latter end ofJanuary 1627.and then set Sail toBrasile, and overtook a Vessel fromMaderaladen with a hundred and fifty Pipes of Wine, and other rich Goods, and ran into the InletTodos los Sanctoswith undaunted courage, not regarding the Guns that were fir’d from the Fort and Battlements of the CitySt. Salvador, near which lay thirty Sail of Ships, to which he making up, steer’d between thePortugueseAdmiral and Rere-Admiral, whom sinking, he forc’d the Admiral to surrender, whilest theHollandiaandGelriaFrigats fell upon the rest, which were forsaken by the Seamen, who leap’d over-board; then several Mann’d Boats of theHollanders(notwithstanding the Enemy’s continual firing) went and fetch’d off twenty two Sail of thePortugueseVessels; all which they did in three hours time, onely with the loss of fifty Men, besides some that were wounded, amongst whom was the Admiral, being shot with a Bullet through the Arm, and wounded in the Legs with a Splinter; his Ship also was, with theGelriaFrigat, driven with the Spring-Tide on a Bank, whence, after theGelriahad receiv’d above sixty Shot from the Enemy, they both got off at last; but the Admiral’s Frigat being shot in a manner to a Wreck, was set on fire, which Misfortune ended not there, for theOrange-treeFrigat blew up, with sixty Men, fourteen whereof, though miserablyscorch’d, had their Lives sav’d. Soon after which the Admiral sent intoHollandthe ShipSt. Peter, theHoop,Nostra Sennora de la Vittoria, and theBlack-Lyon, which besides their Lading of Hides, Silver, Gold, and Precious Stones, were most of them full of Sugar; which safely arriving, did not a little encourage theWest-IndiaCompany. After thisHeyntook two Ships with Slaves fromAngola, which because the Governor ofSt. Salvadorwould not redeem, were put ashore onTaperica. On the last ofMarchhe set Sail from the InletTodos los Sanctos, pass’d byMorro Pablo, and onEasterEve with a strong Gale by theAbrolhos: before the Highland betweenCape Frioand the RiverDe Jenero, he discover’d two Sail, one whereof being laden with Sugar was taken, but the other escap’d in the Night; then Sailing on to the meandring StreamSpirito Sancto, he digg’d Pits on some of the River-Isles to get fresh Water, because it was not safe to Land on the Continent on each side, because the Inhabitants shot frequent showers of Arrows from the Thickets, in which they lay ambuscaded. Moreover the TownSpirito Sanctosent off several Fire-ships at the time of Flood, but they being easily quench’d did no harm. Here also a Vessel laden atLisbonwith Wines and Piece-Goods, was taken byHeyn, who setting Sail again divided the Fleet into three Squadrons, the Vice-AdmiralCornelis Oolekeeping three Ships to Cruise withal before the RiverLa Plata,Henrick Besthad one Frigat, a Ketch, and a Carvel, to guard the Mouth of the StreamJenero, whilest the Admiral himself Sail’d with four Frigats, three Ketches, and a Barque, towards the InletTodos los Sanctos, where two Ships riding near the Shore by the FortTapecipe, were by him set on fire. Also taking a Barque he was inform’d, that six laden Vessels lay in the RiverTapecipe, whither he sending some Boats to explore the truth, they found a great Ship without Men in the Mouth of the Stream, and half a League farther sixPortugueseVessels lying near the Shore; bringing back news thereof to the Admiral, he went aboard of theFoxKetch the next Morning, and taking two Ketches and several Boats with him, Sail’d up the River, and perceiv’d that the fore-mention’d six Ships were gotten up higher, and were Mann’d with a hundred and fifty Soldiers, Commanded by CaptainPadilha; thePortugueseAdmiral lying in Ambuscade, no sooner perceiv’d theNetherlandersBoats, but he let flie a whole Volley of small Shot at them, insomuch that it made them Retreat, and their whole Design had been fruitless, had notHeynanimated his Men to board the Vice-Admiral; which encouragement prov’d so successful that they master’d the same, killing all those that fell into their hands; which so amaz’d the two Vessels that lay by, that all the Men swam ashore, and left their rich Lading to the disposal of theHollanders, besides which the vanquish’d Party lost above a hundred and fifty Men, and the Conquerors but fifteen. Somewhat farther up lay three Ships more, but the River being dry there at Low-water, and so narrow that the Trees on each Shore could touch one another,Heynjudg’d it convenient to prosecute the Design no farther, but to return with the three fore-mention’d Prizes, which he did not without great difficulty; for thePortuguesehad rais’d Battlements on each side of the Mouth of the RiverTapecipe, and stopt the same with a sunk Vessel, whichHeynhimself set on fire at Low-water, and return’d untouch’d through thick Volleys of Shot, which flew about his Ears to the Fleet, leaving the three Ships to be fetcht off afterwards; to which end he commanded that they should hang some of the taken Hides about theFoxKetch’s Pinnace, the Carvel and Boats, that so the Men which were in them might stand secure from the small Shot, and the rather, because the Ships could not be got out of the shallow and narrow River but by Toeing. Mean while the Governor ofSt. Salvadorlay with a considerable number of Citizens and Soldiers behind the fore-mention’d Battlements, not doubting but totake revenge for the Losses sustain’d byHeyn; who nevertheless coming down thither Toed out the three Prize-ships with Boats hung about with Hides, firing into the Enemies Battlements with his great Guns, which he had put aboard of theFoxKetch. About the middle ofJunehe took in the Prize-goods in view of the CitySt. Salvador, where sevenNetherlandShips from several places lay at an Anchor. Setting Sail from hence on the fourteenth ofJuly, and reachingNoronho, known by a Mountain which appears like a Steeple, he met withCornelis Oole’s Fleet, (who had been Cruising beforeLa Plata) with whom he arriv’d safe in theTexel, having in their Way thither fromNoronhotaken a Prize, laden with Sugar, Tobacco, andBrasileWood.
Thomas Sickeshis Expedition.
Henrick Luciferset out by theWest-IndiaCompany.
DuringPeter Heyn’s ExpeditionThomas Sickes, fitted out by theWest-IndiaCompany, weighed Anchor out of theTexelwith two Sail, and coming toSt. Vincenthe found aSpanishVessel burnt down to the Hulk, took aPortuguesePink with Slaves fromAngola: Near the InletTodos los Sanctoshe sunk a Barque, having first taken several Pots of Oyl and Packs of Linnen out of the same: BeforePernambucohe took a Carvel with a hundred and eighty Pipes of Wine, and a Vessel with Sugar and Hides, and drove another ashore against the PromontorySt. Augustine. ButSickesbeing supply’d and strengthned by three Ships from theTexel, and four taken Vessels, ran with four toTodos los Sanctos, sent two to Cruise aboutCape St. Augustine, and two more to the North ofPernambuco; At the IsleNoronhothey were order’d to stay a Moneth one for another, from whence, after much hardship, they return’d home with so many rich Prizes, that they pay’d their Charges ten times double; which so encourag’d the Adventurers, that the Chamber of theWest-IndiaCompany inZealandfitted out three Sail under the Command ofHenrick Lucifer, who weighing Anchor fromFlushingAnno 1627. steer’d along the Coast ofAfricato theAmazoneRiver, and from thence North North-West to the StreamWiapoco, to settle a Colony there; to which purpose Rowing up the River with Sloops, they came in the Night to two empty Houses, built at a place call’dWacogenive, which they judg’d fit for their purpose; wherefore they carry’d all things ashore which they had brought out ofZealandwith them for the new Planters, who while they were all busie building of Huts, aNegrowas taken Prisoner, who being ask’d why the Inhabitants fled? reply’d, That it was occasion’d from a guilty Conscience; for two years before a Barque and two Sloops withChristianscoming thither from theAmazoneRiver, had stay’d thirty days onWacogenive, when unawares they were set upon by the Natives, and all kill’d except three, who were yet living. Upon whichLucifer, having fourIndians, three Men and one Woman, aboard of his Vessel, threatned to put them all to the Sword, unless they would produce the three foremention’dChristians: Whereupon the next day aGermancame to the Water side, of whom they could get little Information, he having in a manner forgot his native Tongue; but at length the other two coming thither, the eldest of them, nam’dJohn Hendricszoon, related to him, That thePortuguesein great numbers fell upon the Plantations near theAmazoneRiver, Govern’d by CaptainOudaen, who after he had fought valiantly a whole day, being overpower’d by number, retreated to his Barque, and Sail’d into the Creek inhabited by theEnglish, whither thePortuguesefollowing inCanoos, cut off not onelyOudaen, but theEnglishalso, forty six Men onely escaping in a Barque under the Command of LieutenantPeter de Bruineto the RiverWiapoco; where they had stay’d about three days, when SergeantMatruittreacherously shot LieutenantBruine: after which the forty six divided themselves into four Parties; but the Inhabitants to rid themselves of these Strangers, under the shew of great friendship, made them Drunk with the Liquor call’dPernau,and then murder’d them all, except himself and twoGermans. Which villanous actLuciferjudg’d worthy of punishment; but his Orders being to shew Kindness and Civility to the Inhabitants, he suffer’d the Murder to go unpunish’d, but built a triangular Fort near the RiverWiapoco, on a Hill eight Fathom above the Shore, to prevent the passing by of Sloops; which done, he went to visit the IslandBlanco, where he caught three hundred Goats. From thence he went to the Bay ofHonda, the Inhabitants whereof are a valiant People, tall of Stature, having long Beards, and wearing Copper Rings through their Ears. Near the Sea-side is a Salt-pan, of which the Inhabitants make great benefit.Lucifersetting Sail again from hence, met with three Ketches sent out by theWest-IndiaCompany atAmsterdam, beforeCorientes. The CommanderDirk Simonszoon van Uitgeest, steering his Course towards the PromontorySt. Anton, took a Frigat laden with Meal, Silk, and other rich Goods, and within view ofCubanear the RiverPoros, descrying two brave Gallions fromHonduras, bore up to them with his three Ketches; one of which, call’dThe Lyon, being got betwixt both the Gallions, was in no small danger, theNetherlandersnot being able to get up out of their little Vessel into the high Gallions, in which theSpaniardsstood pushing them down with their Pikes; but no sooner did theNetherlandersthrow their Hand-Granado’s amongst them, butUitgeestgot aboard of the Gallion, and carry’d her off, whilest the other by nimble Sailing got away. With this PrizeUitgeestthinking himself sufficiently enrich’d, steer’d homewards.
Joost JohnsonandClaes Henrickszoon, Commanding each of them a Ketch, took a Ship coming fromLisbonbeforePernambuco, laden with Meal, Salt, Wine, and thirty Monks; and not long after a Pink with six hundredNegro’s, a Barque with Salt and Iron, a Ketch with Wine, and a Frigat withBrasileWood, Sugar and Tobacco: BeforeItamericathey took two Prizes more; with all which they return’d to theTexel.
Peter Adrianszoon’s Expedition.
TheWest-IndiaCompany thus enrich’d by the Spoil taken from their Enemies, fitted out twelve Ships again under the Command ofPeter Adrianszoon Ita, which set Sail in the beginning of the Year 1628. and anchor’d first beforeBlanca, an Isle abounding with Goats, the Ground stonie, and in some places Rocky, and having a small, but very convenient Haven, from whenceItaran beyondPorto Rico, where he took a Vessel with seven thousand weight of Ginger, and Landed opposite toHispaniolaon the stonie IsleCatalina, where he took in fresh Water, and then Cruis’d to and again beforeCuba, took six Barques, the Prisoners whereof inform’d him, That theHondurasTraders were on their Way coming thither, and that they had two small Men of War for their Convoy: Not long afterItadiscover’d them Sailing along the Shore towards the Haven ofHavana, but before they could get in, CaptainJohn Peters, whose Ketch carry’d two Brass, and fourteen Iron Guns, boarded the Vice-Admiral, but having no Graplings to take hold with, theSpanishShip ran aground, as likewiseJohn Peterszoonin the pursuit of him; which the Admiral seeing, came to assist his Vice-Admiral, and ran aground on one side ofJohn Peters, which drove theNetherlandersKetch in great danger, she not being able to do Execution with her small Guns, whilest theSpaniardswith their Demy-Cannon play’d vehemently upon her; neither wasIta, by reason of calmness and contrary Tide, able to come up with them, but was forc’d to stand Northerly, that so he might get an Easterly Wind, which about Noon always blows fresh here, and so by degrees got near theSpanishFleet, till at last coming up with the Vice-Admiral, call’dSt. Jago, he threw Fire-pots into her, and presently after boarding her, enter’d with that Valor, that of three hundredSpaniardsabove a hundred and fifty were slain;for those that leapt over-board were kill’d in the Water, whilestJoachim Guyszoon,John Braems, andAnthony Gondefell upon the AdmiralSennora de los Remedios, and took her. In both these ShipsItatook Two thousand five hundred Chests of Indigo, above Six thousand Hides, Two thousand five hundred Packs ofSarsaparilla, several Pots of Balsam Oyl, Seventy thousand Pound of Ginger, One and twenty Bars of Silver, Twelve Brass, and Twenty eight Iron Guns; all which having taken out, he set fire in both the Ships.
A little before this Victory, theFortuneFrigat weighed Anchor fromFlushing, with sixty three Men of War, to be Landed on the IslandTabago. AtSt. Vincentthey found two Men that were left of seven, who having setled along the RiverWiapow, under CaptainJohn Van Ryen, were forc’d by the salvage Natives to remove, two whereof dyed by the way, the remaining five landing on the IsleTrinidad, had three of their Companions kill’d by theIndians of Granada, they beingFrench-men, to whom the Natives bore an inveterate Hatred, so that they left onely the twoHollandersalive. TheFortuneassisted by theSouth-starKetch, took a rich Barque near theIsles des Virgines.
Vitgeest’s Exploits.
Not long after theWest-IndiaCompany set out twelve Ships more, under the Command ofDerick Simonszon Uitgeest, (who had the year before brought home the two fore-mention’d great Prizes,) who setting Sayl and getting into the large Bay of the Rocky IslandVincent, catch’d several Goats and Tortels. Before the Coast ofBrasilehe took two richCarvels, one fromPernambuco, and another from the InletTodos los Sanctos; which Prizes having sent home with three Ketches, he sayl’d towardsSierra Leona, known by high and thick Woods, which grow on a high Coast; from whence returning again toPernambuco, he took six rich laden Vessels, amongst which was one Gallioon fromGoa, with a great Treasure of Diamonds.
Peter Hein’s Expedition.
He gives chace to theSpanishPlate-Fleet, & takes several of them.
These successful Expeditions of the Fleets set out from time to time by theWest-IndiaCompany, enabled and encourag’d them to undertake Matters of greater consequence,viz.They fitted out one and thirty Sail, which carryed four thousand Men, one hundred and thirty Brass Guns, and five hundred fifty eight Iron Guns; of whichPeter Peterszoon Heinbeing Admiral, took near the Soundings ofTortuga, two Barques fromHavana, the Men whereof inform’d him, that the Plate-Fleet was not yet arriv’d there, nor that fromTerra Firma, but were both expected every day. The strong Current drovePeter Heinfarther Eastward beyondHavanathan he expected, insomuch that he got sight ofMatanca, where he overtook a Barque sent out byLandronce de Cabrera, Governor ofHavana, to give notice to the Plate Fleet of theHollandersShips, which he had seen from the CastleMorrobeforeHavana: Mean whileJohn Van Hoorntook a Vessel which was sent out before by the Plate Fleet, the Men whereof inform’d him that the Fleet it self was near at hand; whichPeter Heinfound to be true, when the next Morning before Sun-rising he descry’d ten Sayl, of which some had ignorantly sayled to Leeward, and others to Windward of theDutchFleet; nine of them which were Laden with Hides, Meal, Campeche-Wood, Cochinele, Indigo, and other rich Goods, were taken by several Mann’d Sloops, because the Ships were not able to come up to them by reason of the Calm. About NoonPeter Heindiscovering nine Gallions more, made sudden Chace after them; which they perceiving, made toward the Shore, and about Twilight in the Evening they ran aground in the Bay ofMatanca, where the Commanders Landing saved themselves, each carrying with him what Jewels they could. About Break of DayPeter Heinmade all the Sayl he could possible to come up with them, and seeing them fast aground, leapt into a Boat and Rowedup to the Admiral, who fired eight Guns, whilest his Men got ashore:Heinapproaching the Gallioon, saw no way to get up, till at last one of his Men spying a Rope, climb’d up the same, and made fast other Ropes for his Companions to get up by, theSpaniardsstanding still gaping upon him, as if their feet and hands had been ty’d, which madePeter Heingrant them their Lives; which the other Gallions seeing, surrender’d themselves upon promise of Quarter; by which theSpanishCrown lost, besides the Musk, Bezoar, Ambergreece, and the Cargo of two Gallioons and a rich Prize, above One hundred and fifty Tun of Gold.
The Night succeeding this great Victory being somewhat Tempestuous, drove the Gallioons from the Bank on which they stuck the Day before, into deeper Water: Five Days they spent in unlading of the taken Vessels, after whichPeter Heinset Sayl with four Gallioons, a newSpanishMerchant-Man, and his own Fleet, out of the Bay ofMatanca, on the Seventh of September,Anno 1628.forHolland, where in a short time he safely arriv’d.
The Expedition ofLucas Pol.
TheTygerFrigat sent fromZealand, and Commanded byLucas Pol, Anchor’d beforeBlanca, where he brought away above five hundred Goats: This Island which is six Leagues in circumference, hath on the West a Sandy Inlet, fit for great Ships to Ride at Anchor; Moreover, it is deep and Rocky, in the Valleys the Grass grows above half a Mans length. The Woods are overgrown with Thorns; the Soyl also would produce much more fruit, did not the Rats,Leguanes, Hedge-hogs, and other Animals, devour and spoil the Plants.
Polleaving this Island ran toTortuga, a low Isle, except on the West side; it producesGuaiacum, or Pock-wood, in great abundance, and nourishes great Flocks of Goats, and hath an eminent Salt-Pan; in all which things it is parallel’d with the IslandOrchilla, known by its high Mountains on the East and West; the other part thereof not being above six Foot above the Water:PolLanding here, carry’d off above two hundred Goats near the Western Shore, whose bryny Soil produces neither Grain, nor Grass. The Trees which are on the same are so dry and weak, that they may be pusht down with one hand; Neither are there any Birds to be found here, except Owls; nor Beasts, except Goats and great Hedge-hogs.Polsayling from hence, steer’d by the nine Wooddy Isles call’dRoccas, and the three call’dAves, toBonaire, a pretty large rising Isle, which on the North-West hath a convenient Road, a fresh Water-spring, store of Sheep, on which theSpaniardslive; Pock-wood, and Cotton Trees: Then steering to the IsleMona, he found the same to be surrounded with Rocks, and full of Horned Cattel difficult to be catch’d because of the thick Woods, in which grow exceeding good Oranges.Polleaving this Isle, set sayl and steer’d forFlushing, where he safely arriv’d without having perform’d any remarkable Exploits.
Adrian Paterhis Expedition.
Mean while theWest-IndiaCompany fitted out twelve Sayl more, under the Command ofAdrian Johnzon Pater, who set sayl in the middle ofAugust, and Cruised in vain about theFlemmishIsles forSpanishShips: About the beginning of the Year 1629. he sent away three Ships under the Command ofMartin Landrode, from the Island ofSt. Vincent, whilest he himself ran with the rest of the Fleet into the InletTodos los Sanctos, within a League from the CitySalvador, where there lay onely seven Barques near the Shore, which he judging not worth the while to hazard his Ships and Men for, steer’d toPernambuco, took a rich Laden Barque in his Voyage, and was inform’d by aBrasilianthat came aboard of him on floating Pieces of Timber, that three Sayl of Ships full of Goods were return’d toReciffa, so soon as they heard of theDutchFleet: ButPaterjudging no good to be done there, return’d back to theCaribbee Islands, where nearGranadahe found threeDutchVessels,which had likewise Cruis’d in vain before the Coast ofBrasile. Moreover, thePegasus,Raven, andHartFrigats, parted from the Fleet to Cruise aboutMonges, touching atBlanca, they took above a thousand Goats, and between the Cliffs of the little IslesMonges, abundance of Fish; but descrying noSpanishShips, they Sail’d to the IslandDe Vacca, which hath a brave Harbor, delightful Woods, pleasant Pastures, fresh-water Brooks, and abundance of wild Horses, Hogs, and Lyons, of which the Sea-men took an infinite number. Before the low PromontoryCorientes, overgrown with Trees, they got two Prizes laden withCampecheWood.
These three fore-mention’d Frigats, as also theWalcherenandSouth-starfromZealand, joyn’d withPater’s Fleet, when he receiv’d Information, that a considerable number ofSpanishShips were suddenly expected fromCampeche: WhereuponPatersdivided his Fleet into three Squadrons, whereof the Forlorn consisted of three Sail, the Reserve of the like number, and the Admiral kept five under his own Command: Thus divided, they stood to and again beforeCape Corientes, when CaptainJohn Stapelbrought three, andJohn van HoornfourNetherlandShips to their assistance.
Hoorn’s Expedition.
Hoornhaving set Sail from theTexelabout the latter end ofApril, was beaten off fromGranadawith poyson’d Arrows, and took a Prize before the PromontorySt. Anthony, the Men whereof inform’d him, that the GovernorGabriel de Chaves Osorio, an old Soldier, had great trouble in repairing the Walls, Forts and Houses in the City, which two years before had been blown down by a great Storm, and that six great Ships were lading to go forCarthagenawith the Gallions forSpain, because they durst not Steer byPorto Ricofor fear of theNetherlanders; moreover, that abundance of Ginger was spoyl’d for want of Vessels to carry it away; and that the Citizens were in great want for Stuffs, none having come in a long time fromSpain; in like manner there went none but Copper Coin, so that nothing was to be got there. The Silver and Gold Mines were not look’d after, theSpaniardsnot caring to work, and the old Natives were long since cut off, insomuch that if the Imperial Court was not kept inSt. Domingo, to which belong’dCumanaandCoro, that City and Island, andHispaniolait self, would soon be left desolate.Hoorntherefore Sail’d by the PromontorySt. Cruiz, being a low Point overgrown with Trees, into the Bay, twenty Leagues from the Mouth whereof lie the IslesJardin de la Reyna. BeforeCorienteshe took a Barque with three hundred and six Guns, sent fromHavana, the Men whereof inform’d him, That the Governor ofHavana, call’dLaurence de Cabrera, having Intelligence of theDutchFleets approach, rais’d many Men, and gave notice to the Ships in all the Harbors thereabouts; after which he took another rich Prize, and joyn’d at last withPatersFleet, which now consisted of twenty Sail, with which he Steer’d for the Soundings ofTortugas, where the Fleet met with a dreadful Tempest, wherein a Thunderbolt splitting the Main-Yard of theHunterFrigat, fell down by the Mast, and rowl’d out at one of the Port-holes, kill’d the Purser, and wounded two more in the Head: great showers of Rain fell daily, whenSamuel Lucasand CaptainOutger Minnebrought seven Sail of Ships more to the Fleet, with whichPatersput in for fresh Provisions into the spacious and secure HavenDe Cabannas, where several Isles lie, formerly inhabited by Shepherds and Carpenters.
From hencePatersSail’d byHavana, mended the Port-holes of his lower Deck, and took off the Top-gallant Masts, because inSeptemberthe usual Storms begin here; and seeing that he could not do any Exploit with so great a Fleet, he sent nine Ships home, and with the rest went toBarbados, where at that time there were about fifteen hundredEnglishthat Planted Tobacco.
PatersSailing from hence, ran to the Main Continent ofAmerica, inspected the RiverOronoque, where he quenched the TownSt. Thomas, that had been set on fire by the fled Inhabitants, and brought aboard all what they had left.
Henrick Lonque’s Expedition.
TakesOlinda.
During his fruitless Expedition, theWest-IndiaCompany Rigg’d out twenty seven Sail under the Command ofHenrick Lonque,Peter Ita, andJoost Bankart; the Land-Soldiers being Commanded byDiederick Van Waerdenberg.Lonquecoming toSt. Vincent, stay’d a long time at Anchor there; for in regard theSpaniardin theLow Countreysrang’d on theVeluwe, and had takenAmersfoort, theStatesof theUnited Netherlandswere forc’d to keep those Men in their Service which theWest-IndiaCompany had rais’d; but so soon asWeselwas re-taken, and theHartogen-Boschwon byFrederick Henrick, Prince ofOrange, thirty six Sail were sent toLonque’s assistance; of which some came sooner to him than others atSt. Vincent, where he had stay’d four Moneths without doing any remarkable Exploit. OnSt. Steven’s Day he set Sail with fifty two Ships, thirteen Sloops, and two Prizes, all Mann’d with seven thousand Men, which meeting with contrary Winds and Calms, lay a great while under theLine, the Scurvey began to encrease amongst them daily, insomuch that above twelve hundred lay sick, and three hundred dy’d since they set Sail fromSt. Vincent; yet at lastLonquegetting sight ofOlinda, sentWaerdenbergon the fourth ofFebruarywith sixteen Ships, carrying three thousand Men toPavo Morello, a Wood, lying two Leagues Northward fromOlinda, where he suddenly Landed, notwithstanding thePortugueseguarded the Shore with two thousand Men, whomWaerdenberg, after a short Skirmish, putting to flight, was the whole Night in Arms, and the next day became Master ofOlinda, by breaking in on the North at the same time, when ColonelSchutteStorm’d on the South. Moreover, the Enemy surrendred the two Forts onReciffa, and forsook the Island.
About the middle ofMarchnine Ships which were wanting to make upLonque’s Fleet, came to an Anchor by him, having brought him above six hundred Soldiers, many Guns, all manner of Ammunition under the Command of Lieutenant ColonelAlexander Seton, and the three AdjutantsJohn de Bruine,Philip Serooskerken, andHoratius Calandryn, who immediately order’d the Cloyster onAntonio Vaesto be fortifi’d, and built a Fort with four Bulwarks at the Entrance ofPozoin the CountreyReciffa.Setonalso set fire on the Suburbs ofOlinda, in which the Enemy had Lodg’d the Night before, and endeavor’d to poyson the fresh Water onAntonio Vaes, when on a sudden theNetherlandersfell upon them; two which drank of the Water dy’d, and others fell into great Fits of Sicknesses, and it wanted little but that the AdmiralLonque, with a Company of fifty Musquetteers, had been kill’d returning fromReciffatoOlinda, he being unawares set upon by two Companies ofPortuguesesandBrasilians, who kill’d above thirty six of his Men, and dangerously wounded six more, so that he brought off but eight Men unhurt. The like Misfortune befell the Wood-cutters onAntonio Vaes, surpris’d by thePortuguesefrom an Ambuscade.
Whilest Affairs stood thus aboutOlinda, there first arriv’d two Ships from theUnited NetherlandsatReciffa, not long after four more, Commanded byJohn Walbeek, and eight more under the AdmiralDirik Van Uitgeest, who was follow’d by theNoahs Ark.
About the same timeDirk de Ruiterset Sail with six Ships, andPeter Itawith ten, to Cruise at Sea.
Itabeing set upon by the Enemy, escapes very narrowly.
About the beginning ofFebruary,Lonquehaving put all things in good order, prepar’d to return home, and weigh’d Anchor with nine Ships. ButItagoing fromReciffatoOlinda, to take his leave of the Council there, was suddenly surpris’d aftera strange manner; he had ninety Musquetteers for his Guard, whose Matches were all put out, and their Arms all wet by a great shower of Rain, which they perceiving from their Ambuscades, immediately got cross the River, and kill’d thirty of theNetherlanders, the rest running away, leftItato defend himself, which he did for some time with his Sword, but had absolutely been slain, had he not receiv’d Aid fromOlinda.
Because thePortuguesemade several Attempts upon theNetherlanders, not without damage on both sides, theWest-IndiaCompany often sent Ships to their assistance; and likewise manyBrasiliansdeserting thePortuguese, joyn’d with theNetherlanders, who built a five-corner’d Fort with Bulwarks about the Cloyster onAntonio Vaes; which to prevent, thePortugueseventur’d many a Sally, though not without considerable loss on their part. They also reported, thatFrederick de Toledowas making thither with a great Fleet, to drive theNetherlandersout ofBrasile; at which they taking the Alarm, put themselves all into a posture of Defence, rais’d new Works about the Castle onReciffa, whilest the Ships which Cruis’d on that Coast brought in several Prizes.
John Walbeekbeing chosen General by theWest-IndiaCompany overBrasile, had a Design on the PromontorySt. Augustine; but it came to no effect, because the Sea beat so vehemently against the Shore.
Great Supplies sent toBrasileby theNetherland West-IndiaCompany.
The Report of the great preparation of a Fleet which was making ready inSpain, mov’d theWest-IndiaCompany to raise more Men, and to send out AdmiralPaterswith seventeen Ships, which all arriv’d safe, except theBlack LyonFrigat, which carrying the Lieutenant-ColonelEltzand CaptainUitgeest, was never heard of.
Joost Bankartwas also sent out inMarchwith eight Ships toSt. Helena, to Cruise there for the richCarrakswhich us’d to Water there; but though he stay’d tillAugustbefore this fruitful Island, yet saw not one Ship at Sea, nor a Man on the Island, but great numbers of Sea-pies, which are so tame, that they suffer themselves to be taken up with the Hand, or knock’d on the Head with Sticks.
Near this IsleItatook a Ketch Prize, and rallying his whole Fleet together, Steer’d for theCaimans; the most Eastern Isle whereof being about three Leagues long, is full of Rocks, with a high Point on the East; the other part thereof is plain. Then dividing his Fleet into seven Squadrons, he made them all ready for an Engagement, when he was inform’d by anEnglish-man beforeCorientes, thatFrederick de Toledohad set Sail with eighty Ships fromHavanatoSpain, of which he had sent back eight Gallions toCarthagena: Hereupon bending his Course nearHavana, he put the whole Countrey to an Alarm, burnt a rich laden Vessel, and another that carry’d a Flag on the Fore-top, and a third laden with Ballast.
Joachim Guysenbeing made Commander of theDolphinFrigat, and sent to joyn with AdmiralPater’s Squadron, was driven belowJamaica, and at last strook against the greatCaiman, where his Vessel was all shatter’d to pieces; but all his Men and Goods being sav’d, he spent sixteen Weeks in making a Ketch of the pieces of theDolphin, and brought a hundred and twenty Men, four Brass, and two Iron Guns to the Fleet, having buried the rest onCaiman.
Five Leagues beyondHavana, aSpanishShip laden withCampecheWood andSarsaparilla, being chased against the Shore, was set on fire by her own Men, which theHollandersattempted twice in vain to put out.
After thisIta’s Fleet lay long upon the Coast ofCuba, but finding noSpanishVessels, and their Provisions growing scarce, return’d back to theTexel, where they arriv’d without doing any farther Exploits.
St. Marthataken by theDutch.
In the mean whilePaterlying beforePunta del Gallo, intending to Invade the City built on the Shore of the IslandTrinidad; but the Fort built at the Mouth of the River, and contrary Current preventing his Design, he ran through the middlemost Hole ofBoccastoBlanca, where he caught two thousand Goats and aBonaire, set several Towns on fire, whilest theSpaniardsmade a Smother of dry Stubble all along the Fields, through which theHollanderswere to return, that so they might be choak’d with the Smoak; which their Invention had prov’d successful, had not theHollandersforc’d a Way through a Wood. At last the Fleet leavingHispaniola, Steer’d forSt. Martha, a Town built on the Main Coast betweenCarthagena, and the RiverLa Hacha, being instigated thereto by a Letter (taken by theHollandersin a Prize) writ by the GovernorHieronymo de Queroto theSpanishKing; which Letter set forth the present Condition ofSt. Martha, whereby they conceiv’d great hopes of a possibility of taking it, and of the Advantages that would accrue thereby: nor did it happen contrary to their expectation; for the Admiral Landing his Men, took the City without the least resistance; and though the great Fort fir’d some Guns, yet it soon surrendred on promise of Quarter; the City also was sav’d from being burn’d, by paying fifty five hundred Pieces of Eight, after they had plunder’d the same, and carry’d away whatsoe’re they thought good. Mean while the Provisions growing scarce in the Fleet,Paterjudg’d it convenient to return home, where he arriv’d safely with all his Prizes.
The valiant Exploit ofJohn Lichthart.
Notable Exploits were perform’d byJohn Lichthart, one of which, amongst others ought not to be omitted,viz.he setting Sail homewards fromReciffaabout the beginning ofOctoberAnno 1630.chanc’d to fall with his Ship, theOver-yzel, amongst fiveBiscayanPyrats, Cruising between theFrenchandEnglishCoast, which thought to clap him aboard on a sudden; but they seeing him bear up to them, were afraid to venture, and Tack’d about: after which he was set upon about three Leagues to the Northward of theLizard, by three Frigats belonging toDunkirk, the biggest whereof carry’d thirty six Guns, the second twenty eight, and the last twelve; with which three he maintain’d a Fight eight hours, in which he had fourteen Men kill’d, and thirty two wounded; his Ship resembled a Wreck, the Main-mast being shot overboard, the Rudder hung by pieces at the Stern, and the Tackling all shatter’d and torn, besides seven Shot under Water, and not less than four hundred through the sides above, but not without sufficient marks of retribution on theDunkirkersside; butLichthartgetting intoPlymouth, mended his Ship, and from thence Sail’d toAmsterdam, where he was Presented with a Gold Chain in recompence of his Valor.
The Expedition of theBrown-FishFrigat.
The Expedition of theBrown-FishFrigat is also remarkable, which Sailing beyondCape de Verd, Steer’d byCape Roxoalong the Shore to the RiverCatchieu, at whose Mouth lie two Shelves, and between them ran a Channel through which the Ships pass’d. TheBrown-FishSailing about a League up the River, which is a Mile in breadth, took aPortugueseBarque. The Seamen also Landing on the IsleBissis, spakePortuguesewith the Natives, who are Coal-black, and have strong Bodies, go Arm’d with Darts, Bowes, Arrows, Symiters, and were Baptiz’d by a Priest sent thither fromPortugal, who with a few Countrey-men had built a Chappel and some Houses there.
From hence theBrown-FishSail’d to the most Northern IsleBisegos, which is continually at Wars withBissis. The King of this Isle receiving some Presents from theNetherlanders, gave leave to his Subjects, shie at first, to go aboard of them.
Steering from hence toNoronho, they found the Inhabitants carry’d away, and their Gardens and Houses ruin’d, so that they could get nothing but wild Pumpionsto refresh themselves with; therefore leaving the Isle they anchor’d atReciffa.
In the interim, whilest these Expeditions were carry’d on as hath been related, CaptainJohn Boon-eter(who parted from the AdmiralIta’s Fleet with eight Sail of Ships) Cruis’d to and again beforeHispaniolatillMayAnno 1631. nearMonahe took a rich Vessel coming fromPorto Rico, another before the IslandVacca, and a third full of Ginger, with which he Steer’d to theTortugas, being seven in number, resembling rather sandy Flats than Isles. BeforeHavanahe also chased several Vessels, but lost sight of them in the Night. Mean while their Provisions growing short, the Seamen were desirous to return; whichBoon-eterwould no way yield to, because the time began to approach in which theSpanishShips came from all places toHavana; but the Men mutinying forc’d him to Steer to theTexel, where they arriv’d without doing any considerable Exploit advantageous to theWest-IndiaCompany.