Part 17

Not long after this great Execution, _Blasco Nunnez Vela_ came to _Peru_, and being appointed Vice-Roy, had four Councellors assign’d him, with whom he was to consult in all Affairs; and especially to set the _Indians_ at liberty, which till then had suffer’d much misery under the _Spanish_ Tyranny: To perform which, the Emperor had given an Order under his Great Seal, which was to be publish’d and proclaim’d in all Places. _Vela_ at his arrival faithfully perform’d all his Commands, seiz’d upon _Vacca de Castro_, because he had Executed _Almagro_ without any Examination or Tryal; yet by this means he got the hatred of all, so that most of the _Spaniards_ chose _Gonsalvo Pizarro_ for their Chief, whereby Affairs grew daily more and more out of Order. _Nunnez Vela_ laid all the blame thereof upon _William Xuarez_, Governor of _Lima_, whom he sent for in the Night, and correcting over-severely, gave him also two mortal Wounds, of which he presently died: The Body was in the Morning drawn along the Streets, which caus’d so great a murmuring amongst the Inhabitants, that soon after they seem’d to make a general Insurrection: Wherefore _Nunnez Vela_ fearing the worst, resolv’d to convey himself from thence _incognito_, and pass to _Truxillo_: But his four Councellors advis’d him to the contrary; yet he took his own way, causing all his Treasure to be sent aboard; and having made ready his Horses to depart, the Common People in a tumultuous manner set upon the Palace, catching, snatching up, and carrying away all the Silver they could find, and meeting the Vice-Roy, seiz’d, and thrust him into a Dungeon; which done, they fell at variance amongst themselves; for some would have him executed, but others insisted to have him sent Prisoner to _Spain_; which last being the more moderate, getting the upper Hand, _Vela_ was put aboard, and committed to the custody of _Didacus Alvarez_, who Anchoring in the Mouth of the River _Tombez_ (kindness growing betwixt them) releas’d the Vice-Roy his Prisoner, and set him ashore, who not long after got some Forces together.

[Sidenote: Is Beheaded.]

Mean while _Pizarro_ was every where acknowledg’d for Supreme Governor, who having Intelligence of the Vice-Roys Design, sent _Francisco Carvayales_ thither, between whom and _Vela_ was a sharp Encounter; but at last being worsted, and retaken by _Carvayales_, he was soon after executed, and his Head plac’d on a Pole near the Gallows.

The Emperor _Charles_ turmoil’d with Wars at home, saw no likelyhood to settle the confus’d Affairs of _Peru_; yet at last he thought it convenient to send one _Peter Gasca_ thither, an Ecclesiastick, of a subtile and ingenious Wit, who landing _Anno 1546._ in _Lima_, with no other Title than _Chief Councellor to the Emperor_, took quite another course than _Vela_, perswading them all, that Affairs should be setled in order, according to their own desires, and former Miscarriages never be remembred, being utterly deleted by an Act of Oblivion.

[Sidenote: _Gasca_’s murderous Exploits.]

[Sidenote: _Gonsalves Pizarro_ strangled.]

[Sidenote: Cruelty us’d on _Carvayales_.]

The News of this General Pardon spreading it self far and near, wrought a great change; for _Pizarro_’s Intimates, and those nearest of Concern, shrunk daily from him; which _Gasca_ observing, march’d against him; and that they might make the more haste, they loaded several _Peruvians_, chain’d, with their Arms, whom when they lagg’d, they switch’d and whipp’d before them. And now both Armies being met, and discharging their Cannons at one another, with considerable loss to each side, whole Regiments came running over to _Gasca_; so that _Pizarro_ being quite forsaken, yielded himself to the mercy of the Conqueror, who accus’d him of High Treason, and caus’d him to be strangled in a Dungeon, and fix’d his Head on a Marble Pillar in _Lima_, environ’d with Iron Rails, and inscrib’d with a brief Account of all his Offences. But _Gasca_ not thus satisfied, hang’d up several Commanders, and whipping and stigmatizing others, condemn’d them after to the Gallies: But his greatest spight was against the Field-Marshal _Carvayales_, a Person of the Age of fourscore years, whom tying to a Horses Tail, he caus’d a whole Hour to be drawn up and down the Market-place, scorn’d and derided of all People; which done, he was quarter’d alive.

Not long after _Gasca_ surrendred the Command of _Peru_ to the Learned _Cianca_, and carried an unvaluable Treasure to _Germany_, for the Emperor _Charles_, who gave him in requital for his faithful Service, the Bishoprick of _Valentia_.

SECT. XII. _The Expeditions of_ John Stade, _and_ Nicholas Durando Villegagnon.

[Sidenote: _Stade_ taken by the _Cannibals_.]

[Sidenote: His strange Entertainment amongst them.]

About the same time that _Gasca_ arriv’d in _Spain_, _John Stade_ had the Command over a small Fort rais’d of Stone and Earth, on the Island _Maro_, adjacent to _Brasile_, because the Salvage People of _Tupin Imba_ sail’d twice a year from the Countrey of Brikioka, to _Maro_, at the time when the Plant Abbati was ripe, of which they made the Liquor that they generally drink at their Humane Banquets: They also landed on Maro about the _Bratti_-Fishing. This _Bratti_ is a Fish of a very delicious taste, either caught in Nets, or shot by the _Tupin Imba_, and carried to their several Habitations. Against these People _Stade_ kept a continual Guard, when _Heliodorus Hesse_, Son to _Eobanus Hesse_, the famous _Latin_ Poet in _Germany_, came to visit him. _Stade_ to entertain his Guest the better, went into the Woods to hunt for Venison, where he was taken by the _Tupin Imba_, of which the King march’d in the Rear with a great Palm-Tree Club, and carried him towards the Sea side, that he, with others that waited on the Shore, might make up a _Kawewipepicke_ (that is, _A Feast of Rosted Men_) But because _Stade_ being a _German_ of a large Body, well-skinn’d, young, plump and fat, they all concluded to spare this Dainty, and carry him alive to _Brikioka_, that with such a Banquet they might highly caress their Wives: But the Journey being long, and a just melancholy possessing him with fear, and the terror of certain death, and to be Food for such ravenous _Cannibals_, so macerated and consum’d him, that he was almost dwindled away to Skin and Bone; whereupon thinking him thus lean to make but few savory Morsels, they chang’d their resolutions, and growing better acquainted, he having learn’d their Tongue, and being able to discourse with them, they lik’d his company so well, that they let him live amongst them. Nine years _Stade_ had been a Slave amongst these Man-eaters, when the _French_ coming thither, bought him for a few Trifles, and carried him to _Normandy_, where landing _Anno 1555._ he went from thence to _Hamburgh_, being his Native Countrey.

[Sidenote: _Durande_’s Expedition.]

[Sidenote: Dissention in the new Colony.]

[Sidenote: Wickedness of _Cointak_ against the Ministers.]

[Sidenote: _Durande_ drowns three Religious Men.]

_Nicholas Durande_ a _Frenchman_ set Sail from _Havre de Grace_, at the same time when _Stade_ came thither. This _Durande_ having lost a Castle in _Brittain_, to the great prejudice of the _French_, out of a pretence of advancing their Affairs, and to fill up their almost exhausted Treasury, reported, That the _Spanish_ and _Portuguese_ Forces were driven out of _India_, where they had gather’d so much Wealth; and it would certainly redound to the Honor and Profit of _France_, if they could become Masters of the Gold and Silver Mines. King _Henry_ the Second approving of the Proposal, and the more because the Admiral _Gasper Coligni_ was also very earnest, looking upon it as a safe Retreat for the Protestants, at that time cruelly persecuted: and _Durande_, sensible of the Admirals thoughts, privately inform’d him, That in his _American_ Design he chiefly aim’d to plant a True Church of God in _America_, where the Professors might enjoy themselves peaceably. This Report being spread amongst those that call’d themselves _Protestants_, (fled from _Switzerland_ in great numbers to _France_) made many of them venture upon the Design; who having fitted themselves, and setting sail with three Ships, after some time arriv’d on the Coast of _Brasile_, and landed on the _Rock-Island_, in the Haven _Januario_: Here _Durande_ built several Watch-houses, and the Fort _Coligni_, which he fortified with a considerable number of Guns: Not long after he writ to _John Calvin_, That he would please to furnish this new Plantation in _Brasile_ with good and able Teachers of the Gospel; which Request being immediately taken into serious consideration by the Classes, one _Philip Corguileray_, a Gentleman near _Geneva_, set Sail out of the Haven _Honfleurs_, with three Ships, freighted with some Provisions, several Persons of divers Trades, and two Ministers, _Peter Richer_, and _William Chartier_: But he had scarce made _Africa_, when they began to have a scarcity of Victuals; wherefore they turn’d their Design of setling the Gospel in _America_, to Pyracy, where they made small scruple or difference, whether Friends or Foes, but made Prize of all they could light upon, though indeed their Ministers both preach’d and perswaded the contrary, amongst whom a Controversie happening, put other Business into their Heads; for one _John Cointak_, formerly a _Parisian Sorbonist_, was also amongst those that remov’d from _Geneva_, who pretended that _Coligni_ had promis’d him a Ministers place, so soon as he landed at _Brasile_; but _Richer_ and _Chartier_, not satisfied that there was any such Promise, and consequently thinking themselves not obliged by his bare Assertion, told him, That themselves being able, under God, to perform the Work, they needed no such Coadjutor: This bred so great a Rancor between them, that _Cointak_ accus’d them for teaching false Doctrine, and chiefly that they did not mix the Wine at their Sacraments with Water, which Father _Clemens_ had strictly commanded. _Durande_, being prevail’d on by the Cardinal of _Lorein_, joyn’d with _Cointak_, and thereupon so sharply persecuted the _Protestants_, that he starv’d several of them, which others to escape fled to the _Brasilians_: Nay, he took _John Du Bordell_, _Matthias Vermeil_, and _Peter Bourdon_, out of their Sick-Beds, and tying their Hands and Feet, threw them headlong from a Rock into the Sea: Soon after which, the bloody Persecutor return’d with ill success to _France_, where he wrote a Book against the Reform’d Religion; but all the Honor which he gain’d was, that all Parties on both sides accounted him a distracted Person.

SECT. XIII. _The Expeditions of_ John Ribald, Renatus Laudonier, _and_ Gurgie.

[Sidenote: _Florida_ unhappily discover’d.]

[Sidenote: _Ribald_’s Voyage.]

[Sidenote: The Garrison in _Florida_ in great want.]

[Sidenote: Unheard-of Hunger.]

_Florida_ being upon the Continent of _America_, and so call’d by _John Pontæus_, who landed there upon _Palm-Sunday_, though _Sebastian Gaboto_ a _Venetian_, imploy’d by _Henry_ the Seventh King of _England_, landed there before, may well be term’d _the_ Europeans _Bloody Stage_, _Pontæus_ being slain here: But _Ferdinand Sotto_ exercis’d against the Inhabitants inhumane Cruelty five years together; yet at last died of a deep discontent, because he could not reach his Aims, having condemn’d so many _Floridans_ fruitlesly to dig for Gold in the Mines. However, since that, _Julian Sumanus_ and _Peter Ahumada_ undertook the Work anew, but with the like bad Success. _Anno 1545._ one _Lodowick Cancello_, a _Dominican_, thought to effect great things with four of his Associates; but landing on _Florida_, was destroy’d by the Natives. But _Gasper Coligni_ the Marshal, neither discourag’d by these miserable Proceedings, nor the former Treachery of _Durande_, prepar’d for a new Expedition thither; and accordingly _John Ribald_ was fitted with two Ships from _Diep_, at the Charge of _Charles_ the Ninth King of _France_, wherewith having sail’d thirty Degrees Northern Latitude, he came before the Promontory of _Francisco_, where he ran up into the Mouth of a wide River, to which he gave the denomination of _Dolphin_, upon whose Banks were whole Mulberry-Woods, which nourish’d Silk-Worms in strange abundance. From hence he sail’d by the _Wolves Head_ (a Point so call’d, because great numbers of Wolves breed there) and leaving the _Cedar-Island_, landed on _Florida_, where he built a Triangular Fort, and having furnish’d it with Men, Guns, and Provisions, sail’d back for more Supplies to _France_; but coming thither, found all things in disorder, occasion’d by a War amongst themselves; so that the _French_ which guarded and dwelt in the Fort, waited in vain for Relief, and their Provisions growing scant, thought it fittest and their best way to build a Vessel, and sail from thence; which having effected, and being gone about the third part of their Voyage there hapned such a Calm for twenty Days, that they made not the least way, which drove them to so great extremity, their Provisions being spent, that they drank their own Urine, and fed upon their old Shoes, which also in a short time failing, they agreed amongst themselves to kill and eat one of their Sea-men, call’d _Henry Lacher_, on whose Flesh they liv’d some days; but being again driven to the greatest want imaginable, in this extremity of Desparation, their Condition being altogether hopeless, an _English_ Frigat discovering them, and observing by their manner of Sailing that they were in some great want, drawing near, sent their Long-boat aboard, and found them so weak, that they were not able to handle their Tack; whereupon generously taking pity of them, they reliev’d them, and conducted them to the Coast of England, and then brought them to Queen _Elizabeth_, who had formerly design’d to rig a Fleet for _Florida_.

[Sidenote: _Laudonier_’s Voyage.]

[Sidenote: Remarkable difference in the _French_ Fleet.]

Mean while, no News having been heard of the foremention’d _French_ Plantation in _Brasile_, and _Coligni_’s Difference with the King being decided, he prevail’d so much, that _Renatus Laudonier_ should with three Ships sail to relieve the Garrison in the late deserted Fort. _Laudonier_ landing in _Nova Francia_, found a Stone with a _French_ Inscription, plac’d on the Shore by _Ribald_, and hung full of Laurel Garlands: Then he visited the King _Saturiona_, whose Son _Atorcus_ had several Children by his own Mother, according to a Salvage Custom observ’d in that Countrey. Whilst they stay’d here, a Fiery Meteor appear’d in the Sky, with such fervor, that some Rivers boyl’d with the heat of it, and the Fish parboyl’d, died; nay more, it scorch’d all the Plants far and near: The Natives ascrib’d this Plague to the _French_ Cannons, by which means they stood in great fear of the _French_, who might have done great things had not they differ’d amongst themselves; For a Sea-man nam’d _Rubel Patracon_, pretending to have skill in _Necromancy_, would undertake to shew the Places where the Gold and Silver Mines were, which the rest of the Sea-men believing, rebell’d against _Laudonier_, and though sick, imprison’d him, forcing him to sign a Writing to this effect, That the two Ships, of which the Rebels made _Vassar_ and _Trincant_ Commanders, should with his leave and permittance sail to _New Spain_ for Provisions. Whilst they were preparing for their Voyage, _Rupiferrir_ having been sent to the King _Utina_, came back with many rich Presents, and withal brought Information of the Gold and Silver Mynes _Apalatica_; but _Vassar_ and _Trincant_ taking no notice thereof, set forth, and took a _Spanish_ Carvel, richly laden before _Havana_, whose Commander they agreed to release on the payment of a great Ransom; but the Masters Son being sent ashore to fetch the Money which they had agreed for, in stead thereof, made his Fathers Mischance known; whereupon two great Frigats and a Galley were the next Morning very early sent to attaque the _French_, between whom was a sharp Encounter; but in a short time the two Pyrats were sunk, and the Prisoners sold for Slaves, excepting a few that escap’d in their Long-boat.

[Sidenote: Great cruelty of the _Spaniards_ against the _French_.]

[Sidenote: _Gurgie_’s valiant Exploits against the _Spaniards_.]

In this interim _Laudonier_ receiving no Supply from _France_, was brought to great extremity; for the Rebels had carried great part of his Store with them. In these straights he was forc’d by those that staid with him, contrary to the Articles of Peace lately made with King _Utina_, to take him Prisoner, in hopes that for his Liberty he would procure them some Provisions; but the Inhabitants incens’d at the baseness of so unexpected an Action, could not be wrought upon by any means to give them Relief; but grown more perverse than before, appointed a general Meeting to elect another King; so that out of all hopes, they utterly gave themselves over for lost. In this desperate condition, _John Haukins_, a great Sea-Captain, came thither with four _English_ Ships, who pitying their misery, furnish’d them with Necessaries, and having onely four Vessels, lent them one, because _Laudonier_ was at that time too weak to endure the Sea; but not long after recovering strength, and all things ready to set Sail, _Ribald_ came to an Anchor before _Charles-Fort_, with seven Ships from _Diep_: Within few days after, the _Spanish_ Admiral _Peter Melandez_ arriv’d with eight Frigats, whereof the French having Intelligence, cut their Cables, and stood out to Sea, whom the _Spaniards_ chac’d, but could not reach; whereupon leaving them, they landed in the Mouth of the River _Dolphin_, where by help of the _Moorish_ Slaves they began to intrench themselves; of which _Ribald_ having notice, immediately sail’d thither, at least to disturb, if not absolutely drive them from their Work; but surpriz’d in the way by a great Storm, lost most of his Fleet, ingag’d among the Rocks; yet the Men were most of them sav’d. In this Storm the _Spaniards_ also suffer’d great damage, yet made an Advantage of the _Frenchmens_ Misfortune, marching with all speed to _Charles-Fort_, in which were onely two hundred weak Men, _Ribald_ having taken the primest Soldiers along with him. In the Morning before Sun-rise the _Spaniards_ made a fierce Assault, and in a short time became Masters of the Place, which _Laudonier_ seeing, fled in a Boat; others leaping from the Walls into the Moat, sav’d themselves by swimming: Whoever fell into the Victors Hands, was without mercy slain; nay, such was the _Spaniards_ inveterate malice to the _French_, that wanting living Bodies, they exercis’d their Cruelty upon the dead, pulling out their Eyes, and cutting off their Members, carrying them in Triumph on the Points of their Swords. In the interim, the Storm ceasing, _Ribald_ approach’d _Charles-Fort_, with his shatter’d Fleet, but was so amaz’d when he saw the _Spanish_ Flag set upon the Walls, and _Vallemond_ marching towards him with a Squadron of _Spaniards_, that although a River lay between them, yet he presently came to a Treaty, and deliver’d up all his Men, being above four hundred, upon promise of good Quarter; but the _Spaniards_ in stead of keeping their Agreement, bound them, leading them all to the Castle, where, both against their Articles, and the Law of Arms, they massacred them, and burnt their Bodies; but _Ribald_ being quarter’d, they fix’d his Limbs upon Poles about the Walls, sending his Head to _Sevil_. When _Charles_ the Ninth, King of _France_, receiv’d notice hereof, he was not in the least concern’d at the _Spanish_ Cruelty us’d to his Subjects, out of a particular hatred to _Coligni_, the first Promoter of the Voyage. But though the _French_ Crown so little regarded the inhumane Usage committed by the _Spaniards_ in _Charles-Fort_, yet _Dominicus Gurgie_ shew’d himself so highly concern’d thereat, that turning all his Goods into Money, he levied two hundred Soldiers, and fourscore Sea-men, which he put aboard three small Ships, pretending that he would onely touch at _Brasile_; but sailing beyond _Cuba_, he stood directly for _Florida_, where after his Landing he was kindly receiv’d by _Saturiona_ the King, who complaining much against the _Spaniards_ Oppressions, sent to joyn with him his Kinsman _Olotocara_, having the Command of a great Army.

[Sidenote: Is ungratefully rewarded.]

The _Spaniards_ by this time had not onely strengthned _Charles-Fort_, but also rais’d two others on each side of the River _Mayo_, in which three Holds lay Garrison’d above four hundred choice Soldiers. Those in the new Forts made little resistance; but quitting the same, and flying into a neighboring Wood, fell into an Ambuscade of _Indians_, who slew thirty of them, and preserv’d ninety for a Publick Execution. Thus they march’d on victoriously to _Charles-Fort_, where by the way sixty _Spaniards_ sallying out, were every one cut off, which much facilitated the _Frenchmens_ Work. The Governor _Melandez_, seeing a certain ruine attend him, fled into the Woods; but met there by the _Floridans_, return’d to the _French_, of whom he begg’d Life for himself, and some of his People: Yet _Gurgie_ deaf to all intreaties, would hear nothing, but pressing on, took them all Prisoners, and as a just Reward of their Cruelty to his Countrey-men, hang’d them on the next Trees: After which Execution, it can scarce be express’d how kindly the Natives entertain’d the _French_, because they had freed the Countrey from the _Spanish_ Oppressions. Thus having accomplish’d his Design, and returning home, he was nobly receiv’d at _Rochel_, but had not the least Countenance for all his trouble from the King; the Cardinal of _Lorein_ telling him, _That for his good Service he ought to suffer death, because he had fitted out three Ships upon his own Account, without Authority_.

SECT. XIV. _Four_ English _Expeditions, under the Conduct of our Famous Sea-Captains_ Martin Forbisher, _Sir_ Francis Drake, Thomas Candish, _and_ John Smith.

[Sidenote: _Forbisher_’s Expedition.]

Captain _Forbisher_ sailing to the Northern Parts of _America_, _Anno 1576._ chusing a bad time, the Year being too much spent, and the Ocean so full of Ice, that it forc’d him to return to _England_: Not many Months after, he renew’d his Voyage, Queen _Elizabeth_ having rigg’d out, and sent under his Command one Frigat and two Ketches, Mann’d with a hundred and forty Men: The twenty sixth of _May_ he weigh’d Anchor, and sail’d to the _Orkenies_, lying to the North of _Scotland_, where landing, he found the poor Islanders fled out of their Huts, into Caves and Dens among the Rocks. From thence he steer’d North-North-West, through abundance of floating Pieces of Timber, which oftentimes gave him great stops. The fourth of _July_ he made _Friezland_, where he met with a great Storm of Hail, mix’d with Snow: Before the Shore lay a great Ridge of Ice, which hindred for a while their Landing: Here he saw several Wild People, but could not come to speak with them; for upon the least approach they fled; yet when they saw any advantage, made resistance: At last, three of them came unarm’d to the Shore, beckoning _Forbisher_ to come to them; which he had done, had not great numbers of the Natives appear’d too soon from an Ambuscade in a Wood, and behind a Hill, who seeing themselves discover’d, march’d up into the Countrey, three onely staying on the Shore, of whom the middlemost feigning to be lame, at last fell down, whom his Companions took up, and carried a little way, but then forsook, by which the _English_ observing their Design, shot that the Sand flew all about him; whereupon forgetting his Lameness, he ran as swift as a Deer up a Hill.