The Second Book,CONTAININGA DESCRIPTIONOFNORTHERN AMERICA
The Bounds and Division ofNorthern America.
Having in the first part of this Volume discours’d at large concerning the original of theAmericans, and whether that part of the World call’dIndia Occidentalis, orAmerica, 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 theAzores, 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 theAtlantick Ocean; and West, byMar del Zur: But because the North-West Passage, though attempted by many, asNelson,Davis,Forbisher,Button,Smith,Hudson, and others, hath not yet by any been fully discover’d; so that it is not certainly known whetherAmericabe joyn’d toGreenland, and theArctickRegion, 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 grandPeninsula’s joyn’d together by anIsthmus, or Neck of Land, call’dThe Straight of Darien, by someThe Straight of Panama, lying almost under the Equinoctial Line, and extending in length fromNombre de DiosSouthward above a hundred Miles, and from East to West seventeen Miles over inthe narrowest place. Of these two grandPeninsula’s the Northern is generally call’dAmerica Mexicana, fromMexicothe chief City of the Province, properly call’dMexicana; which was heretofore without doubt the most potent, rich, and flourishing of all the Kingdoms of theIndians, at least on the North-side of theIsthmus. In the division of the several Provinces ofAmerica, 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 NorthernAmerica(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, orNova Britannia; 3.Canada, orNova Francia; 4.Nova Scotia; 5.New England; 6.New Netherlands, now call’dNew York, as being in the possession of theEnglish; 7.New Holland; 8.New Swedeland; 9.Apalchen, now call’dVirginia; 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 addedCalifornia; which being an Island we thought fit to reserve to be spoken of amongst the Islands, as alsoTerra Nova, orNew-found Land; which last lies utmost West, as the other East of NorthernAmerica. Some there are also (and particularlyMonsieur de Martini) who among the above-mention’d Provinces have insertedGreenland, 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 ofGreenlandlies 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 theArctickRegion.
The Islands ofNorthern Americaare 1.Terra Nova, orNew-found Land; 2. TheIsland of Assumption; 3. TheBermudas, orSummer-Island; 4.Hispaniola; 5.St. John Porto Rico; 6.Cuba; 7.Jamaica; 8. TheLucayes; 9. TheCaribes, orAntillæ; 10.Margarita; 11.Cubagua; 12.La Trinidad; 13.Tabago; 14.California, the biggest of all theAmericanIslands.
The length of theWest-Indiesis generally computed to be from the utmost South ofTerra Magellanica, to the farthest North ofEstotiland, about six thousandEnglishMiles, reaching from six Degrees of Northern, to fifty three of Southern Latitude; the breadth fromSt. MichaelorPiuraWestward, toParabaya, a Town on the Coast ofBrasilEastward, three thousand nine hundred Miles, and the whole compass thirty thousand.
That theEnglishhave 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 theArctick Circleare SirJames Lancaster’s Sound, SirDudley Diggs’s Cape, QueensAnnesForeland, Cumberland Isles, Davis’s Straight, &c.on this side toward theArctick Circle,Button’s andBrigg’sBay,Hudson’sSea, otherwise term’dMare Christianum, out of which more Westerly runs a narrow Sea call’dHudson’sStraight: beyondHudson’sSeatowards theArctick Circleis a place call’dNew North-Wales; and on this side answerable to it, betweenButton’sBayand theChristian Sea, liesNew South-Wales; all which places we find generally set down in theAmericanHemisphere, but in the Geographical Discourses thereof little is said of them, if so much as nam’d. The farthest part of Land Northward, betweenHudson’sGulphandHudson’sStraight, betwixt fifty seven and sixty Degrees of Northern Latitude, goes generally by the Name ofEstotiland, I mean that properly so call’d (forEstotilandis by some as largely taken asCanada, byCluverius,Golnitzius,Peter du Val, and others, namely for all that Tract of Land extending from that supposedStraight of Anian, which dividesAmericafromAsiatick Tartary, as far as the utmost point of Land that shoots toward theAtlantick Ocean) which Southerly towardsTerra Laboratorisis bounded with a River vulgarly call’dRio Nevado, orThe Snowy River.Estotilandseems to have deriv’d its Name from its lying more Easterly than the rest of the Provinces, and, according asNova Britanniais 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 ratherTerra Laboratoris,Cortereatis, andNova Britanniaare generally receiv’d to be all one.
First discovery ofEstotiland.
The Nature of the People.
This Province is affirm’d byMatthias Quadus, andJ. Antonius Maginus, to have been the first discover’d Countrey of the new World, and that byAntonius Zeno, a Patrician ofVenice, in the Year of our Lord 1390. which was long before the Expedition ofColumbus, through the encouragement ofZichmus, King of the Isle ofFriezland; 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’dMorses) 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 toGreenland,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 theLatineTongue amongst them, and that there were found diversLatineBooks in a Library of one of their Kings; the reason of which, if true, is conjectur’d to be from certainEuropeanswho 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 theLatineTongue. They were observ’d to use such a kind of Javelin or short Dart, as was known to be us’d by the People ofJava, and some other Islands of theEast-Indies; whereupon it seems not wholly improbable, that they might for a long time have entertain’d Traffick and Correspondence with them.
Description of theMorses.
TheMorses, 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 amphibiousCreature (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 ElephantsProboscis, 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.Browntakes notice, and gives a Caution against in hisVulgar 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, onelyMaginusandQuadusmake mention of four principal Rivers, which disperse themselves through the Countrey, and take their source out of a great Mountain in the midst thereof.
Situation.
Terra Laboratoris, by some call’dNova Britannia, by othersCorterealis, (though there are some who makeLaboratorisandCorterealistwo distinct Countreys, comprehended, according toPeter du Val, underNova Britannia, as the more general Province; or, according toCluverius, underCanada) lies from about fifty four to fifty seven Degrees of Northern Latitude, betweenEstotilandand the RiverCanada, whichMaginusand some others, though for what reason is not express’d, nameFretum 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 fiveItalianMiles wide; likewise of such a length, as to have been navigated a continu’d Voyage of eight hundred Miles. The denomination ofTerra de Laborador, orLaboratoris, 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 ofCampaniainItaly, vulgarly known by the Name ofTerra di Lavoro. As for the Appellation ofTerra Corterealis, it need not be question’d, but that it derives it self fromGaspar Corterealis, aPortugueseGentleman, who about the Year of our Lord 1500. is thought by some to have made the first discovery of these Parts; though SirSebastian CabotaVenetian, is more generally believ’d to have been the Man that (under the favour and countenance ofHenrythe Seventh, King ofEngland) first discover’d them, at least the adjoyning IslandTerra Nova, orNew-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 didCorterealis, 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, asOsoriusaPortugueseHistorian writes, any of his Company, being all suppos’d to have been drown’d by Shipwrack; and in like mannerMichael Corterealis, who the year following set forth with two Ships in quest of his BrotherGaspar. Upon which series of Misfortunes thePortuguesebeing wholly discourag’d, and giving over this Design, theFrenchofArmoricaorBretanysucceed them in it with somewhat better success about the Year 1504. whereupon it came tobe term’dNova Britannia, orNew Britain. The ancient Inhabitants of this place were formerly of a Nature, like the generality of theAmericanPeople, somewhat bruitish and salvage, but by long conversation with theFrench, 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 theFrenchhave built here besides, those of chiefest note areSt. Maries,Cabo Marzo, andBrest.
Situation.
Canada, as it is taken for one and the same Province withNew France, containsNew France, properly so call’d,Nova Scotia,Norumbega, and some adjoyning Islands, as theCanadaofCluverius, lying more North-Westerly, comprehends (as we have already intimated)Estotiland,Laboratoris, andCorterealis, and, according to the most modern Division (for that ofCluveriusneither consents with the latest Authors, nor agrees with exact Survey, it being nam’dCanada, in respect the RiverCanadaruns through it) hath on the NorthTerra Corterealis, on the SouthNew England, and on the East the Ocean, and hath between forty five and fifty two or fifty three Degrees of Northern Latitude. The RiverCanadais judg’d to be the largest of all the Rivers ofAmerica, 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 ofSt. Lawrence Bay, being that wideEmboucheureof 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 InhabitantsCadhothuis, having Heads resembling the Heads of Hares, and Bodies as white as Snow; they are taken for the most part before the Islede 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 RiverCanada.
First discovery.
That this Countrey is term’dNew France, from having been discover’d by theFrench, at least more fully than before, there needs no question to be made; but whetherJoannes Verrazanus, underFrancisthe First ofFrance, orSebastian Cabotbefore spoken of, were the first in this Discovery, may admit of something of dispute: theCabotsindeed, (forJohnthe Father is by some mention’d to have accompanied his Son) who by all are own’d the first Discoverers ofNew-found-LandandTerra de Baccalaos, are also commonly reputed to have first found out the Province ofNew France, together with some parts adjacent, though perhaps it might be upon this Ground thatTerra de Nova, orNew-found-Land, not being known at first to be an Island,New Franceand that might be taken for one continu’d Province; and it appears so much the more probable, becauseCanada, orNova Francia, is by some call’dTerra Nova; however it be, or whoever were the first Adventurers,QuarteriandChamplainare the twoFrench-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 ofNew France, whereof that part more especially so call’d, lies on the North-side of the RiverCanada, and Southward toTerra 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 afterMay. 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 theFrenchnam’dL’Isle des Lievres, orThe Island of Hares: But the most peculiar Commodity belonging to this Countrey is theEsurgnuy, 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; butJohn de Laetand 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 ofEsurgnui.QuadusandMaginusmake mention of three ancient Towns, namelyCanada(denominated as the Province, from the River)HochelaiandHochchelaga, 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 theWest-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 RiverCanada, 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 theAmericansthat 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, orStadacone, somewhat Westward of a small Isle call’dThe Isle d’Orleance; 2.Quebeque, which being made a Colony of theFrench, and the Natives expell’d, came to be EntituledSt. Croix; 3.Tadoussac, which lies in that part of the Countrey denominated from the RiverSaguenay, and by some call’d at this dayNouvelle 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,Franceroyand St.Lewis; the First built byMonsieur Robevalat his Landing here, about the Year 1540. the other design’d for a Colony, in the Year 1611. byMonsieur Champlany, but hinder’d by the Invasion of theIroquois. The smaller Rivers that run out of the Gulph of St.Lawrence, and the grand RiverCanadatowards 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 RiverMary. The principal Tribes of the ancient Natives of this Countrey were; on the North side ofCanadatheCanadans, theBetisiamites, theHurons, theAlgoniquins, theQuenongebins, theAlgoingequins, theAttagopantans, theAtticameques, theNipisiriniens; and on the South side, theEtechemins, and the chief Heads or Princes of these Tribes were call’dSagamores.
Strange Fish nam’dChaousarou.
Jaques QuartierComplementing their KingAgouthanna, took up his Quarters a whole Winter at St.Croix, a Sandy Promontory, overflow’d by the RiverCanada, into which falls the Lakede Champlain, grown round about with Chestnut Trees; in it breeds the strange Fish call’dChaousarou, 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 ofNova Franciaanoint 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 isIndianCorn, 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.
Strange proof of Valor.
Wonderful opinion of God.
Flood.
Sorcerers.
They boast their Extract from Heaven.
Their strange Relation concerning it.
As also of the Creation, and Souls of the Deceased.
Strange Rock.
Thunder.
Thakabechan Idol.
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 pronounceOve, 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 GodAtahocan, and believe that oneMessoufirst drowning the world by a general Deluge, restor’d it again after a wonderful manner,viz.Messouhunting with Wolves, they scented a Deer which being closely pursu’d, leap’d into a neighboring Pool, the Wolves following it, were drown’d;Messoucoming 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 surfaceof the Earth to be overflow’d.Messouafterwards 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 whichMessourestor’d the World; shot Arrows into Trees, which became fruitful Branches. Here also reside an innumerable manySorcerers, call’dPillotoa’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, whichAtaensicobeying, 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:Ataensicfollow’d the fallen Tree, and being big with Child, bare a Daughter, which growing up to years, was Deliver’d of two Daughters,viz.TaoviscaronandJouskeha, the eldest of which slew the youngest: By these Fables we may discern their obscure knowledge ofNoah’s Flood,Eve’s Fall, andCain’s Murder. No less ridiculous is that which they believe concerning the Creation,viz.That the Waters were inclos’d within a Frog, whichJouskehacausing to be cut open, all Streams and Rivers issuing out, had their Original from thence: This done,Jouskehaopen’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’dEcaregniendi, where they first Paint their Faces, which done, they go to a Hut inhabited by an old Man, nam’dOsotrach, 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 oneOkifor the Governor of the Sea, and seasons of the Year: They also Religiously Worship the RockTsankchi Arasta, which they believe some ages ago was once a Man, but afterward Transform’d into a Rock, in which aDæmonresides, 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’dThakabech, who climb’d on the top of a Tree, which by his blowing thereon grew so high, that it touch’d the Clouds, andThakabecheasily 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,Thakabechgoing 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 overtheir Meat, which they eat singing; such fond and Superstitious Conceits make up the Religion of these poor deluded People.
Nova Scotia, orNew Scotland, formerly call’dAccadia, is commonly accounted a part ofNew France, (viz.that part which lying on the South side of the RiverCanada, and shooting South-Easterly into a bosom of the Sea, forms it self into aPeninsula, between the Gulph of St.Lawrence, and the BayFrancoise) 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 allNova Franciabesides, hath been long in dispute betweenUsand theFrench, 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 theEnglishpart, in a Remonstrance Address’d to the King and Council by SirLewis Kirk, and his BrotherJohn KirkEsquire; 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 inAmerica, lying on either side of the RiverCanada, which a long time since were known by the Names ofNova Francia, andNova Scotia, were at first discover’d and found out by theEnglish, in the time ofHenrythe Seventh, King ofEngland; 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 QueenElizabeth; 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 ofEngland: Neither was it unto any otherChristianPrinces, or their Subjects more clearly known or discover’d, untill about the year 1600. some of theFrenchunderstanding 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 RiverCanada, did afterwards, inAnno 1604.(under the Conduct ofPeter de Gua,Lordof Monts,who in the year 1606. was follow’d byMonsieur de Pourtrincourt) Possess themselves ofL’Accadie, lying on the South side of the said River, naming the wholeNova Francia, challenging to themselves for many years, at leastde facto, the Possession thereof, with sole liberty of Commerce there.
“2. InAnno 1621.KingJamesofEnglandlooking upon the Possession gotten there by theFrench, as upon an Invasion, did by his Letters Patents Grant unto SirWilliam AlexanderaScotchman(Created afterwards Earl ofSterling,by KingCharlesthe First)L’Accadie, by the Name ofNova Scotia; who in the year 1622, and 1623.after SirSamuel Argalhad driven outBiardandMasse,and demolishing their Fort, carry’d them Prisonersto 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 KingCharlesthe First, with the LadyHenrietta Maria, the saidL’Accadie, orNova Scotia, was by Order of the King ofEnglandreturn’d into the Possession of theFrench.
“3. Afterwards a War arising between his Majesty KingCharlesthe First, andLewisthe XIII.Anno 1627.and1628. SirDavid Kirkand his Brethren and Relations ofEngland, 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 RiverCanada, and to expel and eject all theFrenchTrading in those Parts, wherein they had good Success; and inAnno 1627.did there seize upon about eighteen of theFrenchShips, wherein were found a hundred thirty five Pieces of Ordnance, design’d for relief of theRoyal FortinL’Accadie, andQuebeckinNova Francia, under the Command ofMonsieur de Rocmand, andMonsieur de la Tour, Father ofde la Tour, Governor of the saidRoyal Fort, whom, together with the said Ships and Guns, they brought intoEngland; and in the year 1628. they Possess’d themselves of the whole Region ofCanadaorNova Francia, situate on the North side of the River, together with the Fort or Castle ofQuebeck, SirLewis Kirkbeing then constituted Governor of the place, theFrenchbeing then either expell’d or convey’d intoEngland, and the Arms of the King ofEnglandbeing publickly there erected, and every where plac’d; and before the year 1628. it was brought to pass by the said SirWilliam Alexander, (assisted both by the advice and charge of the saidKirk) that in the parts ofL’Accadie, orNova Scotia, on the South side of the RiverCanada, the whole place, with the Forts thereon built, being by him subdu’d, presently came under the Power of the King ofEngland; that Region on the South side falling into the Possession of the said SirWilliam Alexander, and that on the North side, into the Possession of theKirks.
“4. OnMarch 29. 1632.a Peace being concluded between KingCharlesthe First, andLewisthe XIII. it was amongst other things on the part of the King ofEnglandagreed, That all the Forts, as well inL’Accadieas inNova Francia, should be restor’d into the Possession of the Subjects of theFrenchKing, which was exactly perform’d on the part of theEnglish, though to the great damage of theKirks; but on the part of theFrench, 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 theKirksdid thereupon suffer loss, to the value of five thousand PoundsSterl.which were to be paid them byMonsieur de Cane a French-man, but remain unpaid to this day.
“5.Anno 1633.the King ofEnglandtaking notice, that although the Forts and Castles, according to the League, were deliver’d up into the Possession of theFrench, (especially such as had been erected during their Possession thereof) yet that hisEnglishSubjects 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, DatedMay 11. 1633.upon consideration had of the Expences, which the saidKirkshad laid out upon the reducing of that Countrey with the Fort ofQuebeck, to the value of 50000lb.; and also of their ready obeisance in resigning up the same on his Royal Command, Grant unto SirLewis Kirk, and his BrotherJohn Kirkand his Associates, for the term of thirty one years (not yet expir’d) full Priviledge, not only of Trade and Commerce in the RiverCanada, 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, SirLewis Kirkand his BrotherJohn Kirk, and his Associates, in the Moneth ofFebruarynext following,viz.in 1633. set forth a Ship call’dThe 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 theFrenchforceably seiz’d on,and carry’d intoFranceand her Lading, as if she had been lawful Prize, Confiscated; whereupon theKirkssuffer’d loss, to the value of twelve thousand Pounds. And although the LordScudamore, Ambassador inFrance, by the King ofEnglandsspecial Command, and the saidJohn Kirkbeing there in Person, by the King’s Command, did often earnestly urge, that the Moneys due to the saidKirks, 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 atCanada; yet he could obtain nothing, but after some years fruitless endeavors return’d intoEnglandwithout 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 ofL’Accadie, sends forth several Ships under the Command of oneSedgwick, who by vertue of the Authority granted him byCromwel, assaulted and subdu’d the aforesaid Forts inNova Scotia, and restor’d them into the Possession of theEnglish: And although in the year 1655. a League of firm Peace and Amity being concluded betweenCromweland theFrenchKing, theFrenchAmbassador did often urge the Restitution to the Possession of theFrench; yet for the same causes aforesaid, which had mov’dCromwelto 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 theEnglishremains firm and just, and that the Forts and Bulwarks before specifi’d, are without all peradventure under the Power and Jurisdiction of the King ofEngland.”
Since the Restauration of his present Majesty, theFrenchAmbassador representing unto the King the Pretensions of theFrenchunto the several Forts and other places inAccadie, and urging the non-performance of the Articles of Agreement betweenOliver Cromweland theFrenchKing, mov’d the King ofEngland,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 theEnglish: Not long after which, whether upon the Ambassadors request, or upon other important Affairs intervening, or upon what other ground soever it were, theFrenchwere suffer’d to re-enter on the foresaid places, and do yet keep Possession of them, till such time as theEnglishclaim under the just Title of theKirks, shall meet with some fit occasion of being reviv’d.
That which we suppose gives theFrenchso much the more confidence in their claim of this Country, is their presumption upon the Expedition ofJames Quartier, whom they will have to be the first Discoverer, if not Possessor, not onely of the Isle ofAssumption, but also of this Coast ofNova Francia, not taking notice it seems ofSebastian Cabot, underHenrythe Seventh.
The chief places of Note in this Countrey, are, 1.Port Royal, a Colony ofFrench, said to have been Planted there byMonsieur de Montzin 1604. by report, capable of receiving a thousand Ships; and in 1613. (theFrenchbeing driven out by SirSamuel Argal, Governor ofVirginia, who took PrisonersBiardandMasse, and demolish’d the Fort atPort Royal) given by Patent, as aforemention’d, to SirWilliam Alexander; afterwards by him sold again to theFrench; then in the time ofOliver Cromwelre-taken by MajorSedgwick; lastly, re-possess’d by theFrench. 2. St.Luke’s Bay, orPortua Mouton. 3.Gaspe, orGachepe. 4.The Haven of Passepay.5. TheBay de ToutesIsles.6.The Fort de la Heve.7.The Cape of Sable.Within the Southern PointForchu, lies the IsleLongu, which boasts of a Silver Mine.
The most noted People of the ancient Inhabitants ofAccadiewere theIroquois, lying most South-Westerly upon the Sea Coast, who us’d to drive a great Trade in Beavers and other Commodities.
Westerly before the RiverChovacoetliesBacchus Isle, full of Vineyards.
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 theMaizserve in stead of Poles for their Beans to run up upon.
BeyondCape de Rocherlies the brave HarborBeauport, 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 ofMalabaris 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 ofNova Francia, we shall conclude with an account of all Material Passages relating to theFrench, from their own Narrations as followeth.
Quartier’s Expedition.
Scurvy, when known.