Part 18

_Forbisher_’s Men had by this time fill’d two Barrels with a Mineral not unlike Gold, but was afterwards found to be of little value. Nothing else of Remark did he find here, except great long-hair’d Men, who being exceeding salvage, subtilly plot nothing else but to murder, lurking for Men, like Wild Beasts for their Prey, whom, when caught, they tear in pieces. Close fitted to their Bodies, they wore the Skins of several Wild Beasts, priding in the Tails which hung down betwixt their Legs. Their Tents are of conjoyn’d Whalebones, cover’d over with the like Skins, the Entrance always facing the South. They use Bowes, Arrows, Slings, and two sorts of Boats: In the biggest they can carry seventeen Men, which are made of several Wooden Planks clinch’d together, and cased on both sides with Leather: The smallest ones are cover’d just in the same manner, much resembling a Weavers Shuttle, having in the middle a Hole, wherein a Man sits, who drawing the Cover of the Boat about his Waste by Strings, with one Oar makes swift Passage.

The Countrey it self is barren, yet feeds abundance of Deer, Hares, Wolves, Bears, and Dogs like Wolves, whose Flesh serves the Inhabitants for Food.

This Countrey seems to be exceedingly troubled with great Earthquakes, because several pieces of Rocks, and whole Mountains rent asunder, may be seen in divers places.

The fourth of _August_, _Forbisher_ having elevated the Pole to sixty eight Degrees, beyond what _Sebastian Cabot_, the first Discoverer of those Parts, and set out by _Henry_ the Seventh, had done (for _America_ Northward never before had been so far penetrated) and laden with a sort of shining Sand, which he believ’d might contain much of a Golden Oar, having with him three of the Natives, _viz._ a Man, a Woman, and a Child, set Sail for _England_, and the seventh of _September_ came to _Milford_-Haven, and not long after arriv’d in _London_, where in short time the Salvages died.

[Illustration]

[Sidenote: Sir _Francis Drake_’s Expedition.]

At the same time when _Forbisher_ sail’d Northerly, Sir _Francis Drake_ also, fitted out by Queen _Elizabeth_, steer’d another Course, sailing by _Cape Blanko_ and _Cape Verde_, along the _African_ Coast, to _Brasile_, where he caught several Sea-Wolves, and Anchoring in the River _La Plata_, furnish’d himself with Fresh Water: Then proceeding on his Voyage through the crooked _Straights of Magellan_, he came to an Anchor before _Moucha_, wash’d by the _South Sea_. The Islanders receiv’d him very courteously, because they were inform’d that the _English_ were at great Wars with the _Spaniards_, to avoid whose Cruelties, they had deserted the main Continent, and setled on _Moucha_. One of these _Mouchaners_ going aboard, serv’d them for a Pilot to the Haven _Valparizo_, where _Drake_ burnt the _St. Jago_, a small Village, and plundring all the Countrey about it, got together a great Treasure of Gold and Silver. Before _Arica_ he took three _Spanish_ Ships, richly laden; and before _Lima_, four more, having an unvaluable Treasure of Pearls and Gold aboard them. Thus inrich’d, he steer’d his Course Northerly to forty two Degrees; but the Cold forcing him to fall four Degrees to the Southward, he discover’d a very pleasant and inhabited Coast, the People whereof shew’d him great kindness: The King himself coming aboard with a great Train, set a Crown of Gold upon _Drakes_ Head, and gave him a Golden Scepter, and an Ivory Chain. After this he inspected the Islands _Tidor_, _Ternata_, _Java_, _Zeilon_, and _Cape de Bona Esperanza_, from whence, after a three Years Voyage, having encompass’d the World, he came safe to _London_, where he rested not long; for sailing _Anno 1585._ to _America_, he took great Prizes from the Cities _St. Jago_, _St. Domingo_, _St. Augustin_, and _Carthagena_, setting them all on Fire. Thus again returning home victoriously, and after the famous defeat of the _Spanish Armado_, he rigg’d out a new Fleet, having for his Vice-Admiral Captain _Hawkins_: Their Design was to have sail’d to _Panama_; but both dying, and so the Commission ceasing, the expected great and golden Project also died with them.

[Sidenote: _Candish_ his Expedition.]

A Year after the death of these famous Navigators, Captain _Thomas Candish_ Mann’d with a hundred and twenty Men, and Provisions for two Years, setting sail in a lucky Hour, a second time encompass’d the World, passing the _Straights of Magellan_; in which Voyage having got above ten times the value of his Charge, by taking the _Spanish_ Carrack _St. Anna_, valued at twenty Tun of Gold; and at last freighted with a Mass of Treasure, he came safe into the River of _Thames_.

[Sidenote: _Smith_’s Voyage.]

But much worse success had Captain _John Smith_, who weigh’d Anchor _Anno 1614._ with two Ships, fitted out by several Merchants in _London_, for _New-England_, and on the Island _Monachigga_ to load Copper, Gold, and other Minerals that were to be had there, and also to fish for Whales: But there were no such Minerals to be found there, nor any Whales to be taken on the Coast, because the time of the Year was past; so that he return’d home without Success. However, not long after, they undertook the same Expedition a second time, but with worse Fortune; for being gotten in sight of _Virginia_, he was treacherously set upon, and taken by the _French_, who accus’d him, that he had destroy’d the Plantations in _Nova Francia_, and unless he would make satisfaction for the Damage, they threatned him with death. He was carried Prisoner to _Rochel_, in a _French_ Ship; but not far from thence surpris’d by a mighty Storm, _Smith_ finding an opportunity, leap’d into the Boat, and driving betwixt the Waves, at last, half dead, was thrown upon the Island of _Oleron_, whom afterwards, having lost all, an _English_ Ship took in, and brought to his Native Countrey.

SECT. XV. Netherland _Expedition by_ Jaques Mahu, _and_ Simon de Cordes.

[Sidenote: _Mahu_’s Voyage.]

Five Ships being fitted out at _Rotterdam_, the Command of them was given to _Jaques Mahu_ and _Simon de Cordes_, who on the twenty seventh of _June, Anno 1598._ weigh’d Anchor from the _Goree_, and sail’d on an immense Voyage; at last landing at the Island _St. Jago_, they won a strong Castle there, and took two Barques; but at last Articled with the _Portuguese_, that they might undisturb’d supply themselves with Fresh Water, yet they, as if they minded no Agreements, whilst the _Dutch_ were filling their Casks, came down upon them with two hundred Horse, each having a Foot-Soldier behind him; but the _Hollanders_ made so stout resistance, that they put them all to flight.

The City of _St. Jago_, which gives Denomination to the whole Island, is built long-wise, having a convenient Haven, like a Crescent: Through the City glides a River, on both sides of which, beyond the Town, arise several high Mountains: That part which faces the Sea, hath Fortifications, defended with strong Bulwarks. The _Portuguese_ had brought all their Guns to bear towards the Sea, to sink the _Holland Ships_, which they invited thither under pretence of kindness; but a great Storm hindred the Fleet, that they could not Anchor at the appointed place; onely two of the Ships sail’d pretty near, but not within Shot.

[Illustration: St. IAGO]

From hence steering to the Desolate Island _Brava_, they saw nothing but five ruin’d Houses, the Door of one stopp’d up with great Stones, which being taken away, was found full of _Turkish_ Wheat, which prov’d a great kindness to the Sea-men.

[Sidenote: _Mahu_ dies.]

[Sidenote: _Cordes_ his Voyage.]

Mean while the Admiral _Mahu_ died, and his Body put into a Chest fill’d up with Stones, was thrown over-board; so that _Simon des Cordes_ carrying the Flag, steer’d his Course to _Guinee_, there to refresh himself; for most of his Men were so weakned by the Scurvey, that they were scarce able to hand the Sails.

[Sidenote: Strange King in _Guinee_.]

Arriving at their intended Port, the Sick were carried ashore; and the Vice-Admiral _Beuningen_, being conducted by a _French_ Guide, went to the Vice-Roy of that Countrey, who sat on a low Bench, with a Sheeps-skin under his Feet, in a Violet-colour’d Cloth Suit, without any Linnen, Shirt, Shoes, or Stockins; on his Head a Cap made of yellow, red, and blue Eastern Cloth; his Face whitened with Ashes, shew’d in several places its natural blackness, appearing through the Colours; about his Neck a Collar or Chain of Glass Beads: Behind him sat his Nobles, with Cocks Feathers on their Heads, and their Skins painted Red.

_Beuningen_ plac’d by the King on a Mat, complain’d to him, That the _Guineans_ fled from him where-ever he came, though in Friendship, to barter _European_ Commodities with them, against Fruits, Poultrey, Sheep, and other Provisions: Whereupon the King promis’d to furnish him therewith, and invited _Beuningen_ to Dinner. After some stay, the Kings Wives entred the Palace, a very mean and ill-favour’d Building, more like a great Barn than a Kings House, and plac’d a kind of nasty Trough on the Ground, in which lay nothing but some wild Herbs, and a piece of a smoak’d Sea-Calf; and though he was a Person of the largest size, and corpulent, yet he eat sparingly. _Beuningen_, though exceeding hungry, found little rellish in such kind of Meats; wherefore spreading a Napkin, his Attendants brought him some Bisket and _Spanish_ Wine, whereof after the King had tasted, he lik’d so well the rellish, that it rock’d him asleep, whilst _Beuningen_ walk’d to the Sea-side to refresh himself; but the _Guineans_ coming about him, he was forc’d to return to the King, who waking at the noise, appear’d highly incens’d at his People, and took _Beuningen_ into his House: However the Subjects, notwithstanding the Kings Commands, when _Beuningen_ was sent into a neighboring Hut, kept Watch about it all Night: The next Morning early an old Woman entred, muttering to her self, and went out and in to _Beuningen_ three times one after another, knocking on a Box not unlike a Pair of Bellows, out of which flew abundance of Dust about _Beuningen_, which caus’d a great Laughter amongst the _Guineans_. The King also coming to him, presented him with two Goats, and four Hens, and so conducted him back to the Ships.

[Sidenote: Bloody Sea, very strange.]

[Sidenote: Salvages in the _Straights of Magellan_.]

_Beuningen_ seeing that there was no good to be done, set sail from thence, and coming before the River _La Plata_ in _America_, it appear’d Blood-red. Out of the Water which was taken up in Buckets, started a sort of Insects like Fleas, which caus’d a strange and sad Distemper amongst the Sea-men, that when any Meat was offer’d to them, so soon as ever they put it to their Mouths, they would fall down backwards in a swoon, foaming and frothing at the Mouth, and turning up the White of their Eyes, die distracted. Suffering under this Disaster, they hasted from thence with all speed, and sailing into the _Straights of Magellan_ they kill’d above fourteen hundred _Penguyins_, which is a Bird that preys on Fish, and lives in Holes under Ground; they somewhat resemble a Goose, onely they stand more upright, and are double-crested, with two plumy Combs. Coming to an Anchor in the _Green-Bay_, there arose a great Storm, which continued several days, so that they were forc’d to moor their Vessels with four Anchors, extremely afflicted both with Hunger and Cold, preserving themselves alive by eating young Grout, at that time not above a span high from the Ground; but this course Food bred an incurable Dropsie, that posted them on to a sudden death. Afterwards, when the Weather grew more pleasant, the Inhabitants being Gyants, most of them eleven Foot high, grew more troublesom, oftentimes assailing them, and throwing Darts pointed like Harping-Irons, at which they were very expert. Their Salvage Natures may appear by their Dealings with the dead _Hollanders_, cutting off their Heads, and bruising them to pieces, sticking Darts through their Hearts, and cutting off their Privities.

[Sidenote: A wild Woman.]

At last the Fleet getting into the _South Sea_, were by stress of Weather separated one from another: Two Ships, being the _Faith_, and the _Good Tydings_, were driven back into the _Straights of Magellan_, where they suffer’d the uttermost extremity of Hunger: Here they took a wild Woman, and two Children, who being of a sallow Complexion, had a great hanging Belly, a wide Mouth, crooked Legs, long Heels, and Breasts like Cows Udders; about her Neck a String of Snail-shells, and upon her Back a Beasts Skin, fastned about her Neck with the Sinews of it; her Food nought else but live Fowls: The same Diet the Children fed upon: The youngest being but six Months old, had his Mouth full of Teeth, and ran without any help: The eldest they carried to _Amsterdam_; but having kept the Woman aboard two Nights, they gave her several Trifles, and set her ashore. Here they found old Ice in the middle of Summer, four Foot thick.

_Beuningen_ lingred in the _Straights of Magellan_, and being tired out with Hunger, Cold, and Storms, return’d home; and had they not by accident taken abundance of Coneys, they had all perish’d. Above two Years had this unhappy Voyage lasted, when they arriv’d at their Native Countrey, with six and thirty Men, being all that remain’d alive of a hundred and five.

SECT. XVI. _The Expedition of_ Oliver van Noord.

[Sidenote: _Porto Desire._]

[Sidenote: Sea-Dogs.]

Two Months after _Mahu_, _Oliver Van Noord_ set sail with four Ships, and two hundred forty eight Men, from the _Maes_. Having reach’d the _Princes Island_, he lost seven of his Men by the Treachery of the _Portuguese_; and Anchoring before the City _Javeiro_, he was no better entertain’d by the same Nation: Here having a Rencounter, and both Sides receiving considerable Loss, he steer’d for St. _Sebastian_, a fruitful Island, producing an Herb very wholesom against the _Scurvey_: Here the Sea-men found great store of Sea-Mews, and Parrots, besides several sorts of delicious Fish. The approaching Winter advis’d them from entring the _Straights of Magellan_ so late; wherefore they judg’d it best to seek a convenient Harbor, to put their Sick ashore to refresh themselves. The Island _St. Hellen_, for its fruitfulness, seem’d to be the most convenient for this purpose; but a great Storm preventing them, they came to _St. Clara_, where taking in Fresh Water, they cast Anchor in _Porto Desire_. In this Haven they saw a kind of Sea-Dogs, whose fore-parts being overgrown with long Hair, seem’d like a Lyon, and the Feet like Mens Hands; over their Eyes and Upper-lips grew black and white Hair, which in Stormy Weather stands staring upright, but in Calm, lies flat and smooth; they Urine backwards, sleep very soundly, and cast their Young every Month: Their Flesh well-boyl’d prov’d a savory Dish.

[Sidenote: Strange Tombs.]

_Van Noord_ going ashore here, saw not a Man; but only Burying-places on high Rocks, built of red Stones, and adorn’d both within and without with Bowes, Arrows, and other strange things: Under the Heads of the Dead lay four-square Shells, and other things artificially carv’d. Curiosity made them desirous to make a further search into the Countrey; wherefore he rowed during a whole Tide up a River; and when their Boat ran aground at the time of Ebb, he walk’d several Leagues up into the Countrey, where he saw nothing but Deer, Buffles, and Ostriches: and because he saw no People, he judg’d the Coast to be uninhabited; but returning again, he found it otherwise; for the Sea-men, though commanded to stay in the Boat, which lay in the middle of the River, went ashore, where they were so fiercely set upon by thirty of the Natives, that three of them were kill’d, and another wounded in the Leg. These People are very strong and Salvage, with painted Faces, and long Hair; but after this Encounter, they saw no more of them.

But _Van Noord_ having spent fourteen Months in search, and lost a hundred Men, set sail again with three Ships; for one of them, being the _Unity_, he burnt at the Island _Clara_, where he Winter’d, because of a great Leak which could not be stopp’d. Here they brought five thousand Fowls aboard, which much increased their Stock of Provisions.

From hence parting the Wide Ocean, into the _Straights of Magellan_, four times the Fleet attempted to go into the _South-Sea_, and was as often driven back by cross Weather into the _Straights_; but the fifth time prov’d more successful; for having got through, and left the _Straights_ a handsom way astern, they discover’d two Islands, from one of which the Sea-men going aland, brought four Boys and two Girls; who afterward instructed in their Tongue, inform’d them concerning the scituation of the Countreys thereabout.

[Sidenote: _Philip-Stadt_ forsaken through famine.]

After that, the Fleet Sail’d into _Hungers Haven_, where they found the ruines of the deserted _Philip-Stadt_, which Captain _Thomas Candish_ had seen fourteen years before, fortifi’d with four Bulwarks; but now onely some Houses, a Church, and a Gibbet were standing: Four hundred _Spaniards_ built that City, as a Key to the _Straights_ of _Magellan_. But all their Provisions being spent in three years time, and no relief coming from _Spain_, and what they Sow’d expecting the hopes of a Harvest, the Salvages coming down by night destroy’d; which caus’d so great a Famine to rage amongst them, that many dy’d, not so much as putting off their Clothes, who lying in the Houses unbury’d, occasion’d such a stench in the City, that the remainder fled into the Field; where they liv’d a whole year by the Fruits of the Trees, Herbs, and Roots: At last, three and twenty of them, amongst which were two Women remaining yet alive, resolv’d to travel to the River _La Plata_ and accordingly set forward, but what became of them could never yet be heard, only one _Ferdinando_ that was of that company, accidentally wandring from the rest, happen’d to light upon _Candish_’s Fleet.

[Sidenote: _Mocha_, what kind of Island.]

Here _Van Noord_ set on Shore the Vice-Admiral _Jacob Claeszoon Ilpendam_, for some crimes which he had committed; and leaving him behind, Sail’d from thence thorow the South-Sea along the Coast of _Chili_ and _Mocha_; which Island, of a considerable bigness, rises in the middle with a forked Mountain, from which a convenient River comes flowing down into the Countrey.

[Sidenote: _Cica_, a strange Drink.]

The Inhabitants conducted the _Hollanders_ to their Village, consisting of about fifty Houses built of Straw, but were forbid to go into their Huts: Upon the Mens call the Women appear’d, which being divided into three parties, humbly kneel’d down before them; and soon after an old Woman brought an Earthen Can full of _Cica_, a Liquor made of _Mays_, whose extracted Juyce, boyl’d and put into Tubs, ferments like our Beer or Ale, with a cap of Barm, with which they treated the _Hollanders_, who drinking moderately, were well refresh’d; but the Natives will ply this Liquor, till they make themselves Distracted, and are mad Drunk.

[Sidenote: _Van Noord_ takes a _Spanish_ Ship.]

From hence _Van Noord_ steer’d his course to _Sancta Maria_, where in his way he took a _Spanish_ Ship, call’d _Buon Jesus_, that is, _Good Jesus_, and receiv’d intelligence from the Prisoners, that the Admiral _Simon de Cordes_, with twenty three Men was kill’d by the _Americans_ on the Promontory _Lavapia_, being the head Land or Point opposite to _St. Maries_; that a year since, tydings were brought to _Lima_ of his Fleet; so that they had made all things ready to withstand him. But _Van Noord_ hinder’d by strong contrary Winds, not able to reach _Sancta Maria_, stood directly for _St. Jago_, in whose Haven lay a great _Spanish_ Ship full of _Indians_, and two other going in, which two he set on Fire, and the third he Tow’d towards his Fleet; repenting extremely that he had given liberty, and set _Francisco de Ivarro_ Commander of the _Buon Jesus_ ashore; because he afterwards understood from the _Spanish_ Pilot, that _Ivarra_ threw ten thousand two hundred pound weight of Gold, pack’d in fifty two Cases, over-board, when he observ’d that he was like to loose his Ship.

The Fleet Sailing forward came to an Anchor before the _Thieves-Island_, whose Inhabitants are very light Finger’d, go stark naked, and are of great strength; they found the Women much Disfigur’d, their Noses, Lips, and Cheek-bones eaten by the _French_ Pox.

[Illustration]

[Sidenote: Performs great things.]

In the Bay _La Baya_, the _Dutch_ Admiral, with a _Spanish_ Flag on his top-Mast, sent one of his Sea-men in a Fryers garb ashore, if possible under that disguise, to get Provisions; which falling out according to their Design, they were supply’d with all manner of Victuals: After that, the _Hollanders_ burnt five Villages on the Island _Capull_; took a _Chinesy_ Vessel, one _Spanish_ Barque, and a _Carvel_ Laden with Brandy from _Cocos_; and after a great and bloody Fight sunk the Admiral of the _Manilla_’s, and so at last with various fortunes arriv’d at _Rotterdam_, having in three years encompass’d the World.

SECT. XVIA. _The Expedition_ of George Van Spilbergen.

_Anno 1614._ the eighth of _August_, the _East-India_ Company of the _United Netherlands_ set out seven Ships under the Command of _George Spilbergen_, who coming to _Cape St. Vincent_, and engaging with the _Portuguese_, took one of their Ships, and so proceeded on his Voyage to the _Straights_ of _Magellan_, but by a huge Storm, the Fleet was separated. Amongst those that were scatter’d was the good Ship call’d _Meruw_, in which some of the crew had conspir’d to have kill’d the Master, and seiz’d the Vessel; but he having some inkling thereof, set so stoutly upon two of the chief Contrivers with his drawn Hanger, that he forc’d them to leap over-board, and as stoutly ordering the rest, set all to rights.

[Sidenote: Strange Corps.]

But _Spilbergen_ Landing on one of the _Penguyn_ Islands, found two Dead Bodies just cover’d with Earth, about their Necks was a Chain of glistering Snail Shells neatly strung; the Grave stuck full of Bowes and Arrows, was pleasant to look upon, between several high Mountains, whose tops lay bury’d in Snow: The Fleet came out of the _Straights_ of _Magellan_, but not without great danger, for the South-Sea much disturb’d by tempestuous Weather, seem’d to raise its Waves up to the Sky, so that they had enough to do, from being ingag’d among the Rocks: But at last with great difficulty, wonderfully escaping all danger, they Anchor’d before _La Mocha_, an Island which on the North side lies low, and on the South defended by Rocks.

[Sidenote: _Spilbergen_ in great danger.]

[Sidenote: Strange sheep.]

_Spilbergen_ seeing abundance of Men standing on the Shore, Row’d thither to Barter for Merchandize, amongst them was a Sheep with a long Neck, bunch-Back’d like a Camel, a little Mouth, and long Legs; which Beast serves them in stead of Horses, to carry their burthens, and perform their Tillage. The _Americans_ breed up these Sheep every where, by reason of the extraordinary benefit they receive from them, some of them keeping no less than eighteen hundred. Their Shepherds ride upon a Beast almost like an Ox, and carry in their hands Copper-plates, hung round about with Bells, which they shake, making a different noise when their Sheep shall go in or out; and on their Heads wear Feathers like Coronets, standing upright.

[Sidenote: St. _Maries_ burnt.]

[Sidenote: And also _Val Parysa_.]

From thence, _Spilbergen_ departing, Landed at last on the Island of _St. Mary_, where he burnt all the _Spanish_ Villages; as he did also in _Val Parysa_.