Part 19

After going ashore, in the Haven _Quintero_, he saw abundance of Wild Horses drinking out of a Rivulet, supply’d with fresh Water from an adjoyning steep Mountain; so soon as they espy’d Men, they instantly running away, were seen no more.

[Sidenote: Bloody fight between the _Hollanders_ and _Spanish_ Fleet.]

Having left _Quintero_, and spent a Moneth in Sailing farther, they discry’d eight great Ships; whereupon the Prisoners inform’d them, that it was the _Spanish_ Fleet, of which _Roderigo de Mendoza_ was Admiral, fitted out on purpose to fight _Spilbergen_, whose coming (as we said) was known a year before. At midnight _Mendoza_ Boarded _Spilbergen_, but was so roughly receiv’d, that he was forc’d to Retreat with the loss of the Ship _St. Francisco_. At Day-break, the _Holland_ Admiral fir’d at _Mendoza_, who answering with equal courage, occasion’d a smart Engagement, wherein the _Spaniards_ were so hard beset, that they put forth a White Flag; but it was immediately taken in again by the Commanders aboard, choosing rather to die, than surrender, because they had mock’d at _Mendoza_, when he hinted the difficulty of the Enterprize in the Grand _Peruvian_ Councel, saying, _They went out, onely to take a few disabled_ Hollanders, _and tying them hand and feet, carry them to Execution_. Yet their high and proud Stomachs prov’d very fatal to them, for afterwards totally routed and put to flight, most of them sunk by the way.

[Sidenote: _Calyow de Lima._]

This done, the _Hollanders_ victoriously Sail’d to _Calyow de Lima_, having a convenient Haven: The City adorn’d with curious Houses and Temples, is strengthen’d by a Platform, Planted with great Guns towards the Sea, and the Shore was guarded by eight Troops of Horse, and four thousand Foot; whereupon _Spilbergen_, who was yet to go so great a Voyage, judg’d it no way convenient to adventure the loss of all on the good or bad event of a Battel, especially being so much over-power’d by the number of the Enemy: Wherefore seeing no hopes of Victory, setting forward to _Guarma_, he got some fresh Provisions.

[Sidenote: _Peyta_ burnt.]

Against the City _Peyta_, he play’d his Cannon with such fury, that the Townsmen deserted the place, which he observing, set it on fire, and Sail’d to _Aquapulque_, where from the Fort at first the _Spaniards_ fired some Guns at them; but soon after changing humor, they came to an Accommodation, furnishing the _Hollanders_ with convenient Provisions. Passing on, and coming to _Selaques_, both Natives and _Spaniards_ having suffer’d some of the _Hollanders_ to Land; after set upon them treacherously in a Thicket, but to their little advantage, for they made so good a Defence, that the Assailants not able to bear the brunt, fled with great loss.

_Spilbergen_ Sailing from hence to the _Manilla_’s, waited there for the _Spanish_ Admiral _Juan de Silva_, who had made (as was reported) great preparations for him long since; but seeing it was in vain, at last he return’d to _Zealand_ where he came to an Anchor, loaden with Riches, in the middle of Summer, _Anno 1617._

SECT. XVII. _The Expedition of_ William Corneliszon Schouten, _and_ Jacob Le Maire.

[Sidenote: _Mabrabomma_, what manner of Isle.]

[Sidenote: _Schouten_ in great danger.]

[Sidenote: Incredible many Eggs.]

[Sidenote: Great Corps.]

[Sidenote: _Ketch_ burnt.]

[Sidenote: Strange Horn.]

Some Merchants that were call’d the _Austrian_ Company, fitted out one Ship with sixty five, and a Ketch with two and twenty Sea-men, giving the Command thereof to the Captains _Schouten_ and _Le Maire_: _Anno 1615._ they Weigh’d Anchor from the _Texel_; the first took a view of one of the three Islands, call’d _Mabrabomma_, lying before _Cape Sierra Leona_. This Island appearing a great height out of the Sea, was not inhabited, they seeing onely three Wild Buffles, many Wild Cats, Birds which bark’d like Dogs, Wild Palm-Trees, Lemon-Trees, Turtles, Crocodiles, Partridges, and Storks: From hence, passing by the dangerous Shelf _Abrolhos_, they ran into _Porto Desire_, where on the Rocks they found abundance of Eggs, and Spierings, or Smelts, and Spiregrass sixteen Inches long, wherefore they call’d that Inlet _Spierings-Bay_. Their Sloop also brought two Sea-Lions, and one hundred and fifty _Penguins_ from the _Penguin_ Isles, having Sail’d two Leagues up the River; in the interim, the ground being meer Stone, and their Anchors coming home, the great Ship drove against a Rock, and at Ebbing Water, broke off the outermost Planks and Iron-Work, and the Ketch also striking on a high Shelf, was at low Ebb two Fathom with her Keel above the Water, and had without peradventure been overset, and bilg’d, but a fresh North-West Wind kept her upright, yet at last, the Weather growing calm, she lean’d, but the Tide coming in very fast, set her afloat, so that she was miraculously sav’d; then setting Sail again to _King’s-Island_, they found so many Eggs of black _Mews_, that one without stirring from his place, might reach above fifty Nests, and in each of them at least three Eggs, which they carry’d aboard by thousands. Their Boat Rowing Southerly down the River, found some Ostriches, and Beasts not unlike Stags, but with exceeding long Necks. On the Hills lay Stones heap’d one upon another, which removing, they found Dead Bodies of eleven Foot long; here they spent their time in cleansing their Ships, and new Sheathing the Ketch, but as they were Tallowing, the Flame accidentally got between the Crevisses which immediately taking Fire, in a short time consum’d it to Ashes: The great Ship had gotten a Horn in her Bow, seven Foot under Water; this Horn being firm without any hollowness, and not unlike a great Elephants Tooth, struck thorow two Ashen and one Oaken Plank, sticking in a Rib of the like Wood, and yet above half a Foot remain’d out to be seen.

[Sidenote: Great Mews.]

At length _Schouten_ Weighing Anchor from _Porto Desire_, and Sailing to four and fifty Degrees Southern Latitude, met whole Shoals of Whales, insomuch, that he was fain to Tacque to and again to shun them. Sea-Pies, bigger than Swans, came flying in great numbers aboard, suffering themselves to be taken with the hand. On the North-side they spy’d a high and scraggy Coast spreading it self to the East South-East, which they call’d, The _States Countrey_, that which lay to the Westward of it, _Maurice_ of _Nassau_, the Islands in fifty seven Degrees _Barnevield_’s Isles, and the sharp Point in which lay the Snowy Mountains, Southward of the _Magellan Straights_ end, the _Cape_ of _Hoorn_.

[Sidenote: _Straights Le Maire._]

_Schouten_ had now gotten the height of fifty nine Degrees, when he enter’d the South-Sea, through the new passage between _Mauritius_ and the _States-Countrey_, which was call’d from his Partner, _The Straights of Le Maire_.

[Sidenote: Isles in the South-Sea.]

Near the two Isles _Juan Fernando_, they found great store of Fish, after that they view’d these Islands, that lay scatter’d up and down the South-Sea, each of them they nam’d according to their several occasions, calling the first, _The Isle of Dogs_, because they have abundance of Dogs there that could not bark: Another, _The Bottomless Island_, because the Sea was so deep about it, that they could not come to an Anchor. The Inhabitants who go naked, with their Skins pounced full of strange shapes, of blue Snakes, Dragons, and such like Creatures, Salli’d out of the Woods upon the _Hollanders_ with great Clubs, to which was fasten’d the Sword or Snout of a Sword-Fish, and also with Slings.

Somewhat further they came to _Water-Land_, and _Flyes-Island_, the first so nam’d, because the Shore round about was planted with Trees, but in the middle all lay cover’d with Salt-Water; the other from the _Flyes_, which with incredible numbers troubled the Sea-men four days together.

[Sidenote: Strange entertainment at the Horn Islands.]

Moreover, the Reception or Entertainment which _Schouten_ was welcom’d withal, at the _Hoorn-Islands_, being very remarkable, we will in brief relate:

Anchoring in nine Fathom Water, Shelly ground, before a fresh Rivulet, three _Hollanders_ sent to the King were by him courteously entertain’d, who with strange humility, not bow’d, but kissing their Feet fell flat on the ground, and put the _Hollanders_ Feet upon his Neck; and after this manner of Salutation, waited upon them aboard: Yet although this King fawn’d so much, and seem’d so humble, yet he was very severe over his Subjects, for finding one that had filch’d a Sword, he not onely brought and restor’d it, but immediately Executed the Thief before their Faces.

_Le Maire_ and _Arias Claeszoon_ were much honor’d here, for the old and young King put their Crowns on their Heads, curiously Wrought of fine White Feathers, and the end adorn’d with small Red and Green Feathers; they gave also to each of them a Pigeon, White to their Wings, the hinder part Black, and under their Bellies Red.

In the interim, the King of _Water-Island_ visited the other, by whom _Le Maire_ was treated: When they met, they made strange shews of Honor to each other, but at last shew’d their Salvageness by eating raw Fish, and rudely Dancing before the _Hollanders_. _Le Maire_ going into the Countrey, and climbing up a high Mountain, saw nothing but Morass Wilds, and Vallies, lying under Water: The King and his Retinue here kept him company, during his stay there, when weary with walking, they sate down together under Coco-Nut-Trees; the young King tying a String about his Leg, climb’d with exceeding dexterity up a high Tree, bringing several Coco-Nuts down with him, which he open’d very expeditiously.

_Arias Claeszoon_, Rowing ashore one night, found the King sitting under a Roof, resting on four Pillars, where several Naked Women Danc’d before him according to their Musick, which was Taboring upon a hollow Piece of Wood, which yielded a murmuring sound without any distinct Tune.

[Illustration]

[Sidenote: _Cava_ a strange Liquor.]

[Sidenote: Impudent Women.]

But the two Kings meeting again, the next day Complemented one another with more antick and ridiculous Postures, sitting side by side under the Roof, imploring their God, with their Hands folded, and their Heads bow’d to the ground: At this interview, four _Holland_ Trumpeters and Drummers stood playing before the King, to the great admiration and amazement of the Islanders, which were near ten thousand gather’d together upon the News of the strangers to attend the two Kings. Soon after a great company of Rusticks came running thither, which had a green Herb call’d _Cava_, ty’d about their middle; on a sudden they began all to chaw this _Cava_, throwing that which they had chaw’d into a large Woodden Trough, then putting Water to it, they Kneaded it together; which done, brought the Liquor on their Heads to the two Kings, before whom they kneel’d when they gave them any: Yet notwithstanding they receiv’d such honor from their Subjects, they shew’d servile respects to the _Hollanders_, for every King presented them with a Pig, which they first laid on their Heads, then kneeling, put it down at _Le Maire_’s Feet, and bowing their Heads to the ground, rose again. They wear their Hair long, which Brayded, hung on the left side of their Heads down to their Hips, ty’d at the end with two Knots; but the Nobility had two such Locks: All of them went naked, their Privities onely cover’d. The smallest of the Men exceeded the biggest of the _Hollanders_ in tallness. The Women had long Breasts hanging like Satchels down to their Bellies, and so unshamefac’d, that they prostituted themselves to any, in sight of all Men; and still at low Water, their business was to catch Fish, which they greedily eat raw.

[Sidenote: Strange wild men.]

[Sidenote: Deform’d people.]

After all this Entertainment, Weighing from hence, _Schouten_ Sail’d along the Coast of _New-Guiny_, where three Boats full of _Negro_’s came Rowing towards them, Slinging very fiercely Stones at them, and hovering about, attended their motion all night. Next morning, seven Boats more coming to their assistance, they set upon the _Hollanders_, but soon fled from their Bullets; yet two of the _Negro_’s were taken, that in each Nostril wore a Ring. Sailing further, several Boats came aboard of them, whereof those that Row’d, breaking their _Assagays_ or Launces over their Heads, enter’d the Ship; the Hair of their Heads and Beards bedawb’d with Lime, flew about, whilst they Danc’d on the Decks, after they had eaten a good Meal: But they endeavor’d to reward this their kind Entertainment with Treachery, for going ashore, they soon after return’d in greater numbers, and sat upon the Anchors which lay over the Bows of the Ship, and there being a great calm, endeavor’d to Towe the Ship towards the Shore, whilst others threw Stones and Arrows. But so soon as the _Hollanders_ firing their Guns Wounded several of them, they all fled, except some which they took Prisoners, whereof one whom they afterwards call’d _Moses_, did them great service.

But _Le Maire_ was amaz’d at nothing more, than when on the next Coast he saw several little Houses built about nine Foot high, out of which many People issu’d, which were all deform’d, either having Wry Noses, Bow Legs, Squint Eyes, or crooked Backs, and all in one part or another mis-shapen.

At last, Anchoring before _Jacatra_, the Ship was stopt there by order of the _East-India_ Company, and the Men divided and put aboard those Ships that Sail’d from _India_ to _Holland_, and arriv’d in safety at _Flushing_, after they had Sail’d about the World, in two years and eighteen days.

SECT. XVIII. _Voyage of the_ Nassavian _Fleet, under the Command of_ Jaques L’Heremite, _and_ Geen Huigo Schapenham.

[Sidenote: Remarkable Exploits of _L’Hermite_.]

The _United Netherlands_, to abate the _Spanish_ Greatness, set out a considerable Fleet, which they sent to try their fortune, in making Prize of what ever they could light upon in any of their Havens wash’d by the South-Sea.

_Jaques L’Hermite_ had ten Ships under his Command, Mann’d with sixteen hundred thirty seven Men, and two hundred ninety four Brass and Iron Guns, with which he set Sail from _Goree_, _Anno 1623._ and coming before _Cape Vincent_, he discover’d eleven _Turkish_ Pirates, whom fighting, he beat, and re-took the _Holland_ Ships they had made Prize of.

At _Roxents Head_, _L’Hermite_ gave chase to fifteen _Spanish_ Ships, and coming up with them, sunk eleven, and took four laden with Sugar. Afterwards Anchoring at _Safia_, he sent the Ship _Over-yssel_, and a Frigat call’d the _Gray-Hound_, to Convoy home the Prizes; afterward being inform’d, that thirty _Spanish_ Ships were making to them, Sailing into the Haven _St. Vincent_, the Spring Water that he supply’d his empty Cask with being brakkish, caus’d an excoriation of the Guts, which brought the Bloody-Flux, whereby he lost many of his Sea-men; being well entertain’d by the Salvages of _Antonio_, they went on to _Sierra Leona_, a Mountainous Point full of Lime-Trees, here they found the Names of _Sr. Francis Drake_, and other _English_ cut in a Rock.

After that he put in at the fruitful Island _Annabon_, where he caus’d his Chirurgeon to be Beheaded.

[Sidenote: _Vegar_ a wicked man.]

This wicked Man being brought to the Torture, would confess nothing concerning the Crimes objected against him, but being strip’d for Execution, they found a small Bag hanging on his Breast, in which lay a Serpents Skin and Tongue, with which he had Poyson’d several Men, but he confess’d nothing.

The first of _February_, the Fleet came to _Cape de Pemias_, which they know at a great distance, by its high Mountains cover’d with Snow.

In short time after, Sailing by the Mouth of the _Straights_ of _La Maire_, they met with very tempestuous Weather, and seventeen of their Men going ashore, were devour’d by the _Cannibals_ of _Terra del Fuogo_. These People being all _Whites_, and of a large Stature, Paint themselves Red, and go stark naked, except some of highest quality who tie a Deer Skin about their Necks; and the Women cover their Nakedness with a piece of Leather: They live in Bowers made of the Branches of Trees, Stak’d three Foot deep, in a round at bottom, and above like our Tents, Canopy’d, the top of which open, to carry out the Smoke like a Chimney; and have no other Houshold-stuff than some Baskets, in which they lay their few Fishing Implements. They go continually Arm’d with Clubs, Arrows, Slings, and Stone-Knives: Their Boats being only the Trunk of a Tree made hollow, rise up before and behind like a Half-Moon, and are fourteen, and some sixteen Foot long, and two broad, and Row swifter than a Pinnace with many Oars. Lastly, they are so Salvage, that they seem rather to be Beasts than Men, knowing no Religion, ill Natur’d, cruel and Treacherous.

From hence, passing on, _L’Hermite_ refresh’d at the desolate Isle _Fernando_, and so Steer’d his Course to _Calla de Lima_, on whose Coast, taking a _Spanish_ Vessel, the Prisoners told him, that their Plate-Fleet had Weigh’d Anchor, and were gone to _Panama_; only the Admiral which carry’d forty Brass Guns, with fifty Merchant-Men, lay close under the Shore, Guarded by three Stone Bulwarks, Fortifi’d with fifty Guns.

_L’Hermite_ having a design upon these, took three _Spanish_ Vessels that were going thither, and at midnight, sent Captain _Adrian Tol_, _Peter Slobbe_, and _Meindert Egbertszon_, with twelve well Mann’d Boats, furnish’d with Brass Drakes, and Hand-Granado’s, to Attaque the _Spanish_ Fleet that lay hard by; and whilst some gave a false Alarm on the North of _Callao_, the Boats Rowing from Ship to Ship, in short time fir’d forty of them; although the _Spaniards_ from the Shore endeavor’d by their Shot to drive back the Enemy, neither the Fort or Admiral sparing Powder nor Ball.

In this valiant Exploit the _Hollanders_ had onely seven Men kill’d, and fifteen Wounded: About break of day, seven of the _Spanish_ Ships floated, burning towards the _Dutch_ Fleet, which were as terrible as now Fire-ships, which forc’d them to Weigh Anchor to shun them.

After that, _L’Hermite_ took two Ships laden with Wine, a third full of Wood, and a fourth with Wheat: One of these Prizes he fitted and prepar’d for a Fire-ship, and sending her to Board the _Spanish_ Admiral, it ran aground within shot of him; whereupon being batter’d by the Admirals Guns, and those from the Bulwarks, and at last taking Fire gave but a small blow, because most part of the Powder had taken Wet.

In this interim, while thus their design went prosperously on, their Admiral _L’Heremite_ dy’d, whom they Bury’d on the Island _Lima_, and _Schapenham_, in defiance of the Vice-Roy in _Callao_, caus’d one and twenty _Spaniards_ to be hang’d at the Yard-Arm, because he had sent him a scornful Answer on the Proposals concerning the delivery of the Prisoners.

[Sidenote: _Vershoor_’s Exploit.]

[Sidenote: _Schapenham_’s remarkable Exploits.]

[Sidenote: _Schapenham_ dies.]

_Cornelius Jacobszoon_ Sailing to _Pisco_ with four Sail from the Fleet, could do no good there, for he not onely found the City to be surrounded with a Wall of fifteen Foot high, but having also many Earthen Redoubts, behind which lay above two thousand arm’d Men, wherefore he deserted the same after some Rancounters: But the Rear-Admiral, _John Williamszoon Vershoor_, who was sent to _Gainquil_, had much better luck; for he not onely took that Metropolis, but also burnt a new Royal _Gallion_, and two lesser Vessels; carry’d a conquer’d Vessel to _Lima_; slew above a hundred _Spaniards_, and threw seventeen overboard, because they had shot Poyson’d Bullets against the Law of Arms; of which Conquest Captain _Engelbert Shutte_ had the greatest honor: But the Sea-men grew weaker and weaker by the Scurvy, and all of them would have perish’d, had they not found a soveraign Herb on the highest Mountains of _Lima_. _Schapenham_ being chose Admiral in _L’Heremites_ place, Weigh’d Anchor from _Callao_, and ran into the Inlet _Piscadores_, where on the shore he rais’d a Sconce; yet not long after departed from thence without any effect, but lost twenty eight Men, through the bad Conduct of their Commanders; the like number he lost also at _Aquapulque_, on the side of which City stands a Castle with four strong Bulwarks; the _Holland_ Fire-ship lay just without the reach of the shot, the rest lay along the shore in a row, there to seize upon the Vessels expected thither from the _Manillaes_: But because the Scurvy raged amongst the Sea-men, and disabled them, they waited in vain, _Schapenham_ Sail’d through the South-Sea to the _Ladrones_, where he found store of Provisions. _Anno 1625._ in _March_, he drop’d Anchor before _Maleye_, and from thence went with _Herman Spiult_, the Governor for the _East-India_ Company in _Amboina_, to _Ceram_, where they Conquer’d the Fort _Lochoe_, and soon after _Cambella_; then the Fleet being divided, _Schapenham_ carry’d home two Ships from _Batavia_, and the remainder return’d at several times, they being hir’d to serve the _East-India_ Company to _Surratta_, _Malacca_, _Coromandel_, and the _Molucco Isles_: _Schapenham_ Deceasing near _Bantum_, and being Bury’d on _Pulo Boftok_, the Ships arriv’d at the _Texel_ in _July, Anno 1626._

Henry Brewer _his Voyage_.

_Anno 1643._ _Brewer_ set Sail with four Ships from _Reciffo_, and ran close along the _States-Isle_, so dangerous and Rocky, that he durst not put in to the Land; from which flew great abundance of Party-colour’d Ducks, with sharp Bills, about the Ships, and under the Keels swam also Whales.

[Sidenote: Sea Lions.]

[Sidenote: _Brewer_’s Haven.]

[Sidenote: Remarkable Exploits.]

On the West side of the _Straights Le Maire_, _Brown_ ran into _Valentine_’s Inlet, where he was much troubled by the Winds which came whistling through the hollow Mountains with great and sudden gusts: The shore afforded red and black Strawberries, _Carville_ and Muscles, to the great refreshment of the Sea-men, who daily saw Sea-Lions, but could not come to shoot one of them, for no sooner they perceiv’d any body, but they Diving under Water, swam away; and though they saw Mens Foot-steps of eighteen Inches long, yet they never found any Men. Thence Sailing into the South-Sea, along the Coast of _Chili_, they enter’d a Bay which they nam’d _Brewer’s-Haven_; where Landing, they walk’d towards a great Smoke which they saw afar off, but coming near it, found only two Houses within a large Plain, full of Sheep, Oxen, and Horses; before the Houses stood Woodden Crosses.

[Sidenote: _Ter Bergen_’s Exploit.]

[Sidenote: _Castro_ a City.]

[Sidenote: Stream _Chili_.]

[Sidenote: _Brewer_ Dies.]

[Sidenote: Strange accident.]

[Sidenote: _Baldivia_, a brave City.]