(M58) Here diuerse of our men went on land vpon the very Cape, where, at

their arriuall they found the spittes of Oke of the Sauages which had

roasted meate a litle before. And as they viewed the countrey they sawe

diuers beastes and foules, as blacke Foxes, Deere, Otters, great Foules

with redde legges, Pengwyns, and certaine others. But hauing found no

people here at this our first landing wee went againe on shipboorde, and

sayled farther foure leagues to the West of Cape Briton, where wee sawe

many Seales. (M59) And here hauing neede of fresh water we went againe on

shore. And passing somewhat more into the land, wee founde certaine round

pondes artificially made by the Sauages to keepe fish in, with certaine

weares in them made to take fish. To these pondes wee repayred to fill our

caske with water. (M60) Wee had not bene long here, but there came one

Sauage with blacke long hayre hanging about his shoulders who called vnto

vs, weauing his handes downewardes towardes his bellie, vsing these

wordes, Calitogh Calitogh: as wee drewe towardes him one of our mens

musket vnawares shot off: wherevpon hee fell downe, and rising vp suddenly

againe hee cryed thrise with a loude voyce Chiogh, Chiogh, Chiogh. (M61)

Thereupon nine or tenne of his fellowes running right vp ouer the bushes

with great agilitie and swiftnesse came towardes vs with white staues in

their handes like halfe pikes, and their dogges of colour blacke not so

bigge as a grey-hounde followed them at the heeles; but wee retired vnto

our boate without any hurt at all receiued. Howbeit one of them brake an

hogshead which wee had filled with fresh water, with a great branche of a

tree which lay on the ground. Vpon which occasion we bestowed halfe a

dozen muskets shotte vpon them, which they avoyded by falling flatte to

the earth, and afterwarde retired themselues to the woodes. One of the

Sauages, which seemed to bee their Captaine, ware a long mantle of beastes

skinnes hanging on one of his shoulders. The rest were all naked except

their priuities, which were couered with a skinne tyed behinde. After they

had escaped our shotte they made a great fire on the shore, belike to giue

their fellowes warning of vs.

The kindes of trees that wee noted to bee here, were goodly Okes, Firre

trees of a great height, a kinde of tree called of vs Quickbeame, and

Cherie trees, and diuerse other kindes to vs vnknowne, because wee stayed

not long with diligence to obserue them: and there is great shewe of

rosen, pitch, and tarre. Wee found in both the places where wee went on

land abundance of Raspeses, Strawberies, Hurtes, and herbes of good smell,

and diuers good for the skuruie, and grasse very ranke and of great

length. (M62) Wee sawe fiue or sixe boates sayling to the Southwestwardes

of Cape Briton, which wee iudged to bee Christians, which had some trade

that way. Wee sawe also, while wee were on shore, the manner of their

hanging vp their fish and flesh with withes to dry in the ayre: they also

lay them vpon raftes and hurdles and make a smoake vnder them, or a softe

fire, and so drie them as the Sauages vse to doe in Virginia.

(M63) While wee lay foure leagues South of Cape Briton wee sounded and had

sixtie fathomes black ozie ground. And sayling thence Westwarde nine or

ten leagues off the shore, we had twenty foure fathomes redde sande, and

small whitish stones. (M64) Wee continued our course so farre to the

Southwest, that wee brought ourselues into the latitude of fourtie foure

degrees and an half, hauing sayled fiftie or sixtie leagues to the

Southwest of Cape Briton. We found the current betweene this Cape Briton

and Cape Rey to set out toward the Eastsoutheast. (M65) In our course to

the West of Cape Briton we saw exceeding great store of seales, and

abundance of Porposes, whereof we killed eleuen. We sawe Whales also of

all sortes aswel small as great: and here our men tooke many Iberded

Coddes with one teate vnderneath, which are like to the Northeast Cods,

and better then those of Newfoundland.

(M66) From our arriuall at the hauen of Saint Francis in Newfoundland,

(which was as is aforesayde the eleuenth of Iuly) we continued beating vp

and downe on the coast of Arambec to the West and Southwest of Cape Briton

vntil the twentie eight of September, fully by the space of eleuen weekes:

and then by the perswasion of our Master and certaine others wee shaped

our course homeward by the Isles of the Açores, and came first to Coruo

and Flores, where beating vp and downe, and missing of expected pray, we

sayled by Tercera, and from thence to Saint Michael, where we sought to

boorde a Portugall shippe, which we found too well appointed for vs to

bring along with vs, and so being forced to leaue them behinde and hauing

wasted all our victuals, wee were constrained against our willes to hasten

home vnto our narrowe Seas: but it was the two and twentieth of December

before wee could get into the Downes: where for lacke of winde wee kept

our Christmas with dry breade onely for dropping of our clothes. (M67) One

thing very strange hapened in this voyage: to witte, that a mightie great

Whale followed our shippe by the space of many dayes as we passed by Cape

Razo, which by no meanes wee coulde chase from our ship, untill one of our

men fell ouerboord and was drowned, after which time shee immediatly

forsooke vs, and neuer afterward appeared vnto vs.(12)

XI. A briefe note concerning the voyage of M. George Drake of Apsham to

Isle of Ramea in the aforesayd yere 1593.

In the beginning of the former relation written by Richard Fisher seruant

to the worshipfull Master Hill of Redriffe is, as you reade, a briefe

reporte of their loosing of their consort the shippe of Master George

Drake of Apsham: which though shee came directly to the Isle of Ramea, yet

because shee was not ready so soone by two moneths as she ought to haue

bene, she was not onely the hinderance of her consort the Marigolde, and

lost the season of the yere for the making of her voyage of killing the

Morses or Sea Oxen, which are to be taken in Aprill, May, and Iune: but

also suffered the fit places and harboroughs in the Isle which are but

two, as farre as I can learne, to be forestalled and taken vp by the

Britons of Saint Malo and the Baskes of Saint Iohn de Luz, by comming a

day after the Fayre, as wee say. Which lingering improuidence of our men

hath bene the ouerthrowe of many a worthy enterprize and of the

vndertakers of the same.

The relation of this voyage at large I was promised by the Authour

himselfe: but the same not comming to my handes in tyme I am constrained

to leaue it out. The want whereof, for the better vnderstanding of the

state of the sayde Island, the frequenting of that gainefull trade by the

aforesayd nations of the Britons and Baskes, may in part be supplyed by

the voyage of Master Charles Leigh to the sayde Island of Ramea: which

also comming much too late thither, as Master George Drake had done, was

wholly preuented and shutte out to his and his friendes no small detriment

and mischiefe, and to the discouraging of others hereafter in the sayde

gainefull and profitable trade.

Neuerthelesse albeit hitherto the successe hath not answered our

expectation through our owne default, as is abouesaid, yet I was very

willing to set downe in briefe and homely stile some mention of these

three voyages of our owne men. The first of M. George Drake, the second of

M. Siluester Wyet, the third of M. Charles Leigh, because they are the

first, for ought that hitherto is come to my knowledge, of our own Nation,

that haue conducted English ships so farre within this gulfe of S.

Laurence, and haue brought vs true relation of the manifold gaine which

the French, Britaynes, Baskes, and Biskaines do yerely returne from the

sayd partes; while wee this long time haue stood still and haue bene idle

lookers on, making courtesie who should giue the first aduenture, or once

being giuen, who should continue or prosecute the same.

XII. The voyage of the Grace of Bristoll of M. Rice Iones, a Barke of

thirty-fiue Tunnes, vp into the Bay of Saint Laurence to the Northwest of

Newfoundland, as farre as the Ile of Assumption or Natiscotec, for the

barbes or fynnes of Whales and traine Oyle, made by Siluester Wyet,

Shipmaster of Bristoll.

Wee departed with the aforesaid Barke manned with twelue men for the place

aforesaid from Bristoll the 4 of Aprill 1594 and fell with Cape d’Espere

on the coast of Newefoundland the nineteenth of May in the heighth of 47.

We went thence for Cape Raz, being distant from thence 18 or 19 leagues,

the very same day.

The 20 day we were thwart of Cape Raz.

Then we set our course Northwest for Cape S. Marie, which is distant from

Cape Raz 19 leagues, and is on the Eastside of the great bay of Placentia

almost at the entrie thereof.

(M68) From thence we shaped our course for the Islands of S. Pedro passing

by the broken Islands of the Martyers, our course to the Isles of S. Pedro

was West and by North. In these Isles of S. Pedro there is a faire

harbour, which we went into with our barke, and found there 2 ships of

Sibiburo fishing for Cod: where we stayed 2 dayes, and tooke in balest for

our ship. There are as faire and tall firre trees growing therein, as in

any other part of Newfoundland. Then wee departed thence, and as we came

out of the harbours mouth we laid the ship vpon the lee, and in 2 houres

space we tooke with our hookes 3 or 4 hundred great Cods for our prouision

of our ship. Then we departed from the Isle of S. Pedro to enter into the

gulffe of S. Laurence betweene Cape Briton and the said Isle, and set our

course West North West, and fel with Cape de Rey which wee found to be

distant from the Isles of S. Pedro 42 leagues. From Cape de Rey to Cape de

Angullie we set our course Northnorthwest being distant thence 12 or 13

leagues. From the Cape de Angullie into the Bay of S. George we ran

Northeast and by East some 18 or 19 leagues.

In this bay of Saint George, we found the wrackes of 2 great Biskaine

ships, which had bene cast away three yeeres before: where we had some

seuen or eight hundred Whale finnes, and some yron bolts and chaines of

their mayne shrouds and fore shroudes: al their traine was beaten out with

the weather but the caske remained still. Some part of the commodities

were spoiled by tumbling downe of the clifts of the hils, which couered

part of the caske, and the greater part of those Whale finnes, which we

vnderstood to be there by foure Spaniards which escaped, and were brought

to S. Iohn de Luz. Here we found the houses of the Sauages, made of firre

trees bound together in the top and set round like a Doue-house, and

couered with the barkes of firre trees, wee found also some part of their

victuals, which were Deeres flesh roasted vpon wooden spits at the fire,

and a dish made of a ryne of a tree, sowed together with the sinowes of

the Deere, wherein was oile of the Deere. There were also foules called

Cormorants, which they had pluckt and made ready to haue dressed, and

there we found a wooden spoone of their making. And we discerned the

tracks of the feete of some fortie or fiftie men, women and children.

When we had dispatched our businesse in this bay of S. George and stayed

there ten dayes, wee departed for the Northern point of the said Bay,

which is nine or ten leagues broade. Then being enformed, that the Whales

which are deadly wounded in the grand Bay, and yet escape the fisher for a

time, are woont vsually to shoot themselues on shore on the Isle of

Assumption, or Natiscotec, which lieth in the very mouth of the great

riuer that runneth vp to Canada, we shaped our course ouer to that long

Isle of Natiscotec, and wee found the distance of the way to the Estermost

ende thereof to be about fourty foure leagues: and it standeth in the

latitude of 49. (M69) Here wee arriued about the middest of Iune at the

East end, and rode in eighteene fadome water, in faire white sand and very

good ankerage, and for tryall heaued a lyne ouerboorde and found

wonderfull faire and great Cod fish: we went also seuen of vs on shore and

found there exceeding fayre great woods of tall firre trees, and heard and

sawe store of land and sea foules, and sawe the footing of diuers beastes

in the sand when we were on shore. From the Easter end we went to the

Norther side of the Island, which we perceiued to be but narrow in respect

of the length thereof. And after wee had searched two dayes and a night

for the Whales which were wounded which we hoped to haue found there, and

missed of our purpose, we returned backe to the Southwarde, and were

within one league of the Island of Penguin, which lyeth South from the

Eastermost part of Natiscoter some twelue leagues. From the Isle of

Penguin wee shaped our course for Cape de Rey and had sight of the Island

of Cape Briton: then returned wee by the Isles of Saint Pedro, and so came

into the Bay of Placentia, and arriued in the Easterside thereof some ten

leagues vp within the Bay among the fishermen of Saint Iohn de Luz and of

Sibiburo and of Biskay, which were to the number of threescore and odde

sayles, whereof eight shippes onely were Spaniardes, of whom we were very

well vsed and they wished heartily for peace betweene them and vs. There

the men of Saint Iohn and Sibiburo men bestowed two pinnesses on vs to

make vp our voyage with fish. Then wee departed ouer to the other side of

the Bay, where we arriued in an harbour which is called Pesmarck, and

there made our stage and fished so long, that in the ende the Sauages

came, and in the night, when our men were at rest, cut both our pinnesse

and get them againe. Then for feare of a shrewder turne of the Sauages, we

departed for Cape Saint Marie, and hauing passed Cape Kaz, we passed

Northwarde foureteene leagues and arriued in Farrillon, and finding there

two and twentie sayles of Englishmen, wee made vp our fishing voyage to

the full in that harborough the twentieth foure of August to our good

content: and departing thence we arriued first in Combe and staied there a

seuen night, and afterward in Hungrod in the riuer of Bristoll by the

grace of God the 24 of September. 1594.

XIII. The voyage of M. Charles Leigh, and diuers others to Cape Briton and

the Isle of Ramea.

The Hopewell of London of the burthen of 120 tunnes, whereof was M.

William Crafton, and the Chancewel of London of the burthen of 70 tunnes,

whereof was M. Steuen Bennet, bound vnto the riuer of Canada, set to sea

at the sole and proper charge of Charles Leigh and Abraham Van Herwick of

London merchants (the saide Charles Leigh himselfe, and Steuen Van Herwick

brother to the sayd Abraham, going themselues in the said ships as chiefe

commanders of the voyage) departed from Graues-end on Fryday morning the 8

of April 1597. And after some hindrances, arriuing at Falmouth in Cornewal

the 28 of the said moneth put to sea againe. And with prosperous windes

the 18 of May we were vpon the Banke of Newfoundland. The 19 we lost the

Chancewel. The 20 we had sight of land and entred within the bay of

Assumption, where our men contrary to my knowledge fought with a French

ship: and afterward in the same bay wee met with our consort. Whereupon we

presently put to sea againe: and the next day we arriued at Caplen bay,

where we remained by extremitie of foule weather, and to mend a pinnes of

7 or 8 tunnes (which was giuen vs at Farrillon by M. Wil. Sayer of

Dartmouth the Admiral of that place) vntill the last of May. On which day

departing from thence in the afternoone we put in to Rogneuse to seeke

Shallops but could find none. The first of Iune we set saile from

Rogneuse, and the second we put roome to a bay vnder the Northside of Cape

Raz being inforced in by an extreme storme. The 4 we set saile, and this

day we saw a great Island of yce. The 5 at night we lost the Chancewell in

a fog at the mouth of the bay of Placentia. The 11 at Sunne setting we had

sight of Cape Briton. (M70) And the 12 by reason of contrary windes we

cast anker vnder the Northeast ende of the Isle of Menego to the North of

Cape Briton in 16 fathome reasonable ground. In that place we caught great

store of Cods, which were larger and better fish then any in Newfoundland.

The 13 wee weyed anker againe, and being becalmed about a league from the

shore we fell to fishing where the Cods did bite at least 20 fathomes

aboue ground, and almost as fast as we could hale them into the ship.

(M71) The 14 we came to the two Islands of Birds, some 23 leagues from

Monego: where there were such abundance of Birds, as is almost incredible

to report. (M72) And vpon the lesse of these Islands of Birds, we saw

great store of Morsses or sea Oxen, which were a sleepe vpon the rockes:

but when we approched nere vnto them with our boate they cast themselues

into the sea and pursued vs with such furie as that we were glad to flee

from them. The 16 we arriued at Brians Island, which lyeth 5 leagues West

from the Island of Birds. About this Island ther is as great aboundance of

cods as in any place can be found. In litle more then an houre we caught

with 4 hookes 250 of them. Here we caught also a great Turbut which was an

elle long and a yard broad: which was so great that the hooke could not

hold her into the ship: but when she was aboue water she bent the hooke

and escaped. (M73) In this Island we found exceeding good ground both for

corne and meadow, and great store of wood, but of smal groweth. Springes

of fresh water we found none in all the Island, but some standing pooles

of raine water. The same day at night we weighed anker againe. The 17 we

had stormy weather. The 18 we came to the Isle of Ramea, where we

appointed to meet with our consort. And approching neere vnto the

harborough of Halabolina we cast anker in 3 fadomes water and sent our

great boate into the harborough, with the masters mate and some dozen more

of the company: who when they came in, found 4 ships. Namely 2 of Saint

Malo in Britaigne, and two of Sibiburo adioyning to Saint Iohn de Luz

being the French Kings subiects, whom they supposed to haue bene of

Spaine, and so affirmed vnto vs. Whereupon wee went presently into

harborough, finding but eleuen foote and an halfe of water vpon the barre

and a mightie great current in, when wee had cast anker we sent presently

to speake with the masters of all the ships: but those only of Saint Malo

came aboord, whom wee entertained very friendly, and demaunded of whence

the other two shippes were. They sayde as they thought of Saint Iohn de

Luz or Sibiburo. Then we presently sent our boate for the Masters of both

the sayd shippes, to request them to come aboord, and to bring with them

there Charters parties and other euidences, to the ende we might knowe of

whence they were. At which message one of the sayde Masters came aboord,

with the Pilote and Masters mate of the other shippe: whom when we had

examined, they sayd that they were of Sibiburo, and the French Kings

subiects. We requested them for our better securitie in the harborough

peaceably to deliuer up their powder and munition: promising them that if

we found them to be the French Kings subiects it shoulde be kept in

safetie for them without diminishing. But they woulde not consent

thereunto: whereunto we replyed, that vnlesse they would consent thereunto

we would hold them to be our enemies. They not consenting, we sent the

boate well manned to fetch their powder and munition from aboorde their

ship; but straightly commanded our men not to touch anything else in the

ship vpon their further perill: which they promised to performe. When they

came aboorde the said ships which were mored together, they were resisted

by force of armes, but quickly they got the victorie: which done, they

fell presently to pillaging of the Baskes, contrary to their promise:

whereupon we sent another to forbidde them: but when he came to them, none

was more ready of pillage then he. Whereupon I went my selfe, and tooke

away from our men whatsoever they had pillaged, and gaue it againe to the

owners: onely I sent aboord our owne ship their powder and munition to be

kept in safetie vntil we knew farther what they were. When I had done, I

gaue the Baskes possession of their shippe againe, and tolde them they

should not loose the valewe of one peny if they were the French Kings

subjects. Then I caryed away all our men, and also tooke with me two or

three of the chiefest of them, and when I came aboord went to examining of

them, and by circumstances found one of the ships to belong to France:

whereupon I tolde the master of the said ship, that I was throughly

satisfied that he was of France and so dismissed him in peace. Of the

other ship we had great presumption that she was of Spaine, but had no

certaine proofe thereof, wherefore wee dismissed them likewise in peace.

After I had thus dismissed them, our ships company fell into a mutiny, and

more then half of them resolued to cary one of those ships away. But they

were preuented of their euill purpose by ayde which the saide ships

receiued from their countreymen in the other harborough: (M74) For the

next morning, which was the twentieth of Iune, very early there were

gathered together out of all the ships in both harboroughs, at the least

300 Frenchmen and Britons, who had planted vpon the shore three pieces of

Ordinance against vs, and had prepared them selues in al readinesse to

fight with vs, which so soone as as we had discried them gaue the onset

vpon vs with at least an hundred small shot out of the woods. There were

also in a readines to assault vs about three hundred Sauages. (M75) But

after we had skirmished a while with them, we procured a parley by one of

the men of Saint Malo, whose ship rowed hard by vs: In which parley they

required some of our men to come on shore vnto them: wherevpon wee

requested M. Ralph Hill and the Boatswaines mate to go on shore to them:

whom when they had they detained as prisoners; and then required the

powder and munition, which we had of the Baskes in possession; which we

surrendered vnto them in safetie as our intent alwayes was, which done,

there (M76) came aboord vnto vs one Captaine Charles, who was captaine of

the great ship of Saint Malo, which rode in the other harborough: who

challenged our great boate which we had at Farillon to be his. And while

we were in talke with him about the two Baskes which at first we thought

to be Spaniards, wee had almost bene betraied. For the said Captaine

Charles with halfe a dozen more of his company kept themselues aboord of

our ship and held vs in a talke, while thirtie or fortie others should

haue entred our ship vnawares from one of the ships of S. Malo, which

professed to be our friend, and vnto whom we shewed all courtesie. But we

perceiuing their treacherous intent, threatned to set fire on the said

ship, which was then thwart our hawse, from which they would haue entred.

By which resolution of ours God did discourage them from effecting their

mischieuous purposes. Now the said captaine Charles when he saw himself

preuented of his wicked intents, took his boat presently to go on shore,

and promised that all things should be ended in peace betweene vs, and

that he would send vs our two men againe. But when he was on shore he

presently sent for our great boat which he claimed to be his, and withall

commanded vs out of the harborough, but he sent not our men as he

promised, we being now the weaker side did not only deliuer his boat but

also determined to be gon and then requested them to help vs with our

anker which was on shore; but they would not. Then we desired them to cut

the bent of the cable vpon the anker on shore (for we durst not send our

boat lest they should haue kept from vs both our boat and men) which they

promised to do for vs, as also to send our men; but when they were on

shore, they would do neither. We therefore seeing their falshood in euery

thing, durst no longer tary for feare of farther treachery; wherefore we

concluded to cut our cable in the hawse: which we did, and so departed the

harborow about 9 of the clock, leauing two of our men with our cable and

anker, and 20 fathoms of a new hawser behind vs. And as we were going

away, they made great shewes of friendship, and dranke vnto vs from the

shore; but more for feare then loue, and requested vs to come on shore for

our men, whom then they deliuered. (M77) The same morning in passing ouer

the barre before the harborowes mouth, and by that time that we had all

our men aboord, our ship came on ground vpon the sands; where we lay some

8 houres: during which time, at low water we trimmed our ship without

boord, and by the great prouidence of God found our leake which then we

stopped. About sixe of the clocke at night we got our ship on float

againe, and that night ankered within part of the barre, which then

because of the wind we could not passe. (M78) But it pleased God to send

vs faire weather all that night, and the next day by noone we had gotten

our ship cleane ouer the bar. The 21 day after we got ouer the barre the

wind arose at east and eastsoutheast, we blew right into the bay: which if

it had come before we were cleere of the bar, we had both ship and men

perished in the sands. (M79) The same day, because the wind kept vs within

the bay, we went to the Isle Blanch, where the ships of the other harborow

had their stages: but it was at least two leagues from their ships: where

we hoped by friendship to procure a shallope and assurance of our cable

and anker againe. But when we had approched nere the shore with our ship,

and weaued them with a white flag, they in sted of comming vnto vs, sent

their message by a bullet out of a piece of great ordinance, which they

had placed on shore of purpose against vs; so that they would neither

speake with vs, nor permit vs to come nere them. Thus we departed, and

would haue put to sea that night: but there was much wind at East, which

kept vs within the bay, and inforced vs to come to an anker vnder Isle

Blanch. The next morning being the 22. we put to sea, and about 12 of the

clocke the same day, the wind being at Northeast and foule weather, the

master sayd he could not ply vp to Grande Coste, because of the leeshore,

and the wind against vs, and therefore asked what we should do. (M80) I

asked then how farre we had to the river of cape Briton: he sayd a little

way. Then sayd I, If it be not farre, we were best to go thither to trade

with the Sauages while the wind is contrary, and to take in water and

balist, which we wanted. To which the master sayd, that if I would he

would cary vs thither. I thinking it to be the best course, sayd I was

content, so farre forth as that from thence we tooke the first faire wind

for Grande Coste. Hereupon the master willed him at the helme to keepe his

course southeast and southeast and by south. Presently after I asked him

how many leagues we had to the sayd riuer, and from the sayd riuer to

Grande Coste. He then sayd that we had 40. leagues to the riuer, and from

the riuer to Grande Coste 120 leagues. Hereupon I said I would not consent

to go so far out of our way, but willed him to keep his directest course

for Grande Coste; which he did. Within one halfe houre afterwards the 23

day the gunner and company of the ship presented me and the master with a

request in writing to returne for England or to goe for the Islands of

Açores for a man of war, for they would not proceed on their voyage to

Grande Coste; and therefore do what I could they turned the the helme

homewards. (M81) The 14 of Iune we sent our boat on shore in a great bay

vpon the Isle of Cape Briton for water. The 25 we arriued on the West side

of the Isle of Menego, where we left some caske on shore in a sandy bay,

but could not tary for foule weather. The 26 we cast anker in another bay

vpon the maine of Cape Briton. (M82) The 27 about tenne of the clocke in

the morning we met with eight men of the Chancewell our consort in a

shallope; who told vs that their ship was cast away vpon the maine of Cape

Briton, within a great bay eighteene leagues within the Cape, and vpon a

rocke within a mile of the shore, vpon the 23 of this moneth about one of

the clocke in the afternoon: and that they had cleered their ship from the

rocke: but being bilged and full of water, they presently did run her vp

into a sandy bay, where she was no sooner come on ground, but presently

after there came aboord many shallops with store of French men, who robbed

and spoiled all they could lay hands on, pillaging the poore men euen to

their very shirts, and vsing them in sauage maner: whereas they should

rather as Christians haue aided them in that distresse. Which newes when

we heard, we blessed God, who by his diuine prouidence and vnspeakeable

mercy had not onely preserued all the men, but brought vs thither so

miraculously to ayd and comfort them. (M83) So presently we put into the

road where the Chancewell lay; where was also one ship of Sibiburo, whose

men that holpe to pillage the Chancewell were runne away into the woods.

But the master thereof which had dealt very honestly with our men stayed

in his ship, and came aboord of vs whom we vsed well, not taking any thing

from him that was his, but onely such things as we could finde of our

owne. And when we had dispatched our businesse, we gaue him one good

cable, one olde cable and an anker, one shallop with mast, sailes, and

other furniture, and other things which belonged to the ship. In

recompence whereof he gaue vs two hogsheads of sider, one barrel of peaze,

and 25 score of fish. The 29 betimes in the morning we departed from that

road toward a great Biskaine some 7 leagues off of 300 tun, whose men

dealt most doggedly with the Chancewels company. The same night we ankered

at the mouth of the harborow, where the Biskain was. The 30 betimes in the

morning we put into the harborow; and approching nere their stage, we saw

it vncouered, and so suspected the ship to be gone: whereupon we sent our

pinnesse on shore with a dozen men, who when they came, found great store

of fish on shore, but all the men were fled: neither could they perceiue

whether the ship should be gone, but as they thought to sea. This day

about twelue of the clocke we tooke a Sauages boat which our men pursued:

but all the Sauages ran away into the woods, and our men brought their

boat on boord. The same day in the afternoone we brought our ship to an

anker in the harborow: and the same day we tooke three hogsheads and an

halfe of traine, and some 300 of greene fish. (M84) Also in the euening

three of the Sauages, whose boat we had, came vnto vs for their boat; to

whom we gaue coats and kniues, and restored them their boate againe. The

next day being the first of Iuly, the rest of the Sauages came vnto vs,

among whom was their king, whose name was Itarey, and their queene, to

whom also we gaue coats and kniues, and other trifles. (M85) These Sauages

called the harborow Cibo. In this place are the greatest multitude of

lobsters that euer we heard of: for we caught at one hawle with a little

draw net aboue 140. The fourth of Iuly in the morning we departed from

Cibo. And the fift we cast anker in a reasonable good harborow called New

Port vnder an Island some eight leagues from Cibo, and within three

leagues from the English port. At this place in pursuing certaine shallops

of a ship of Rochel, one of them came aboord, who told vs, that the

Biskainer whom we sought, was in the English port with two Biskainers

more, and two ships of Rochel. Thereupon wee sent one of our men in the

Rochellers shallop to parle with the admiral and others our friends in the

English port, requesting them ayd for the recouery of our things, which

the other ship called the Santa Maria of S. Vincent (whereof was Master

Iohannes de Harte, and Pilot Adame de Lauandote) had robbed from the

Chancewell. To which they answered, that if we would come in vnto them in

peace, they would assist vs what they might. This answere we had the sixt

day: and the seuenth in the fornoone we arriued in the English port, and

cast anker aloofe from the other ships: which done, I went aboord the

Admirall, to desire the performance of his promise: who sent for Iohannes

de Harte, who was contented to restore most of our things againe:

whereupon I went aboord his ship to haue them restored. This day and the

eighth I spent in procuring such things as they had robbed; but yet in the

end we wanted a great part thereof. Then we were briefe with them, and

willed them either to restore vs the rest of our things which they had, or

els we would both inforce them to doe it, and also haue satisfaction for

our victuals and merchandises which by their meanes were lost in the

Chancewell. The ninth in the morning wee prepared our ship to goe neere

vnto them. Whereupon their Admirall sent his boat aboord, and desired to

speake with mee: then I went aboord vnto him, and desired to haue our

things with peace and quietnesse, proffering to make him and the Masters

of the two ships of Rochel our vmpires, and what they should aduise I

would stand vnto. Heereupon he went aboord the other ship to make peace;

but they would heare no reason, neither yet condescend to restore any

thing els which they had of ours. Then I desired that as I came in peace

vnto them, they would so set me aboord my ship againe: which they denied

to doe, but most vniustly detained me and Stephen van Herwicke who was

with me. A while after our shallop came with foure men to know how I did,

and to fetch me aboord: but so soone as she came to the Admirals ships

side, his men entred, and tooke her away, detaining our men also as

prisoners with vs. Then presently all the three Biskainers made toward our

ship, which was not carelesse to get the winde of them all: and hauing by

the mercy of God obtained the same, shee then stayed for them: but when

they saw they had lost their aduantage, they presently turned their

course, making as great haste in againe as they did out before. Afterwards

I attempted twise to goe aboord, but was still enforced backe by the two

other Biskainers, who sought our liues: so that in the end the Master of

the Admirall was inforced to man his great boat to waft vs: and yet

notwithstanding they bent a piece of great ordinance at vs: for we were to

passe by them vnto our ship: but we rescued our shallop vnder our Masters

great boat; and by that meanes passed in safety. The next morning being

the tenth of the moneth, we purposed if the winde had serued our turne, to

haue made them to repent their euill dealing, and to restore vs our owne

againe, or els to haue suncke their ships if we could. (M86) But the winde

serued not our turne for that purpose; but caried vs to sea: so that the

same morning wee tooke our course toward the bay of S. Laurence in

Newfoundland: where wee hoped to finde a Spanish ship, which as we had

intelligence, did fish at that place. (M87) The thirteenth day we had

sight of S. Peters Islands. And the foureteenth day being foggy and misty

weather, while we made towards the land, we sent our shallop before the

shippe to discouer dangers: but in the fogge, through the mens negligence

which were in her, she lost vs: yet we kept on our course, thinking that

although we could not see them, yet they might see our ship: and comming

into sixteene fathoms water we cast anker, supposing our selues to be

neere the shore: and in the euening it pleased God to giue vs for the

space of one quarter of an houre clere weather, by which we found our

selues to be imbayed, and also had sight of our shallop, which was at the

point of a land about one league from vs. The same night we went further

into the same bay, where we had very good riding. The fifteenth we went on

shore, and in that place found footing of deere, and before we returned we

killed one. (M88) The eighteenth we departed toward S. Laurence: the same

euening we had sight of S. Laurence, and sent off our boat in the night

with our Master and sixteene men to surprise the Spanyard, which lay in

Litle S. Laurence: who presently vpon the entrance of our men surrendered

vp their ship and goods. The nineteenth in the morning before day, the

Master of our ship with two more, and three Spanyards, tooke a boat and

came foorth to meet our shippe, but being foggy, he cast anker by the

mouth of the harborow, thinking in faire weather to put out to our ship,

which through the current and foggy weather was put fiue or sixe leagues

to leeward: and while they were at anker in the boat they were surprised

again by certaine Basks of S. Iohn de Luz who were in Great S. Laurence

hard by. These Basks with their forces (hauing receiued intelligence by

one of the Spanyards, who sleeping on shore, escaped vnto them ouerland)

on the sudden surprised the sayd boat with our Master and others: and then

presently made vnto the ship; but our men aboord defended them off. (M89)

In the end they threatned that vnlesse they would yeeld, they would kill

M. Crafton and our other men before their eyes. So at last vpon M.

Craftons intreaty and our mens, to saue their liues, they yeelded vp the

ship againe, vpon condition, that they should not iniure any of our men,

but should let them all with their weapons peaceably depart: yet when our

men had yeelded, they brake their couenant, profering them great violence,

threatning to kill them, disarming them, stripping their clothes from

their backs, and vsing them more like dogs then men. After they had thus

robbed our men of their prize and weapons, they presently towed the shippe

with their boats out of that harborow into Great S. Laurence, where their

owne shippes did ride, and within lesse then an houre after they had

caried our prize away, our shippe arriued in the bay: where after we had

bene a while at anker, our shallop came aboord vnto vs, with most part of

our sixteene men, who tolde vs the whole story before recited, as also

that captaine Laurence had caried away our Master, and Stephen van

Herwicke prisoners, and turned the rest of our men on shore in the woods,

without either meat, drinke, or almost any apparell. The 20 all our men

came aboord, except the two prisoners: and the same day we tooke with our

boats three of the Spanyards shallops, with fiue hogsheads of traine oile

in ech of them, and in one boat foure Spanyards; but the men of the other

two shallops fled on shore. The same day also we tooke the Master of one

of the ships which was in the harborow with three other of his men, whom

we detained prisoners to ransome M. Crafton and Stephen van Henrick: The

22 captaine Laurence sent them aboord, and we also released all our

prisoners, except one Spanyard, who was boatswaine of the Spanish ship,

whom we kept with vs: and the same day we set from thence. (M90) The 24 we

had aduice of our Spanyard of certain Leagers which were in the harborow

of cape S. Mary. Whereupon the same night, being within fiue or six

leagues of the harborow, I sent off our two shallops with thirty men to

discouer the harborow, and to surprise the enemy. The 25 in the morning we

approched the harborow with our ship, and in the mouth thereof we espied

three shallops, two whereof were ours, and the third of a ship of Rochel,

which they had surprised with foure men in her: who told them that there

were but two ships in the harborow, whereof one was of Rochel, and the

other of Bell isle. And as we were discoursing with the Rochellers, we had

sight of the ships: whereupon we sent our boat aboord the Rocheller to

certifie him that we were his friends, and to request him not to hinder

our fight with the enemy. This message being sent, we made all the haste

we could vnto the ship of Belle isle, which first began with vs with three

great shot, one whereof hit our maintopsaile, but both the other missed

vs. And we also sent one vnto them: then being approched nere vnto them

ten or twelue of vs went in a shallop to enter them, and we caried also a

warpe with vs to make fast vnto their ship, whereby our ship might the

better come vp to ayd vs. And when we boorded them in our boat, they

betooke themselues to their close fights, playing chiefly vpon vs with

shot and pikes out at two ports, between which we entred very dangerously,

escaping neere dangers both by shot and pike. Some of our men were

wounded, but no great harme was done. And mine owne piece in entring, was

shot out of my hand into the sea: which shot also burst one side of the

ladder, by which I entred. We had not long bene aboord, but through the

helpe of God we caused them to yeeld vnto our mercy. (M91) There were of

them in the ship aboue forty men, most whereof we sent aboord our shippe,

there to be kept in holde, with order to our chyrurgion to dresse the

wounded men, one of which was wounded vnto death. That done, we had then

time to view our prize, which we found of great defence, and a notable

strong ship, almost two hundred tun in burden, very well appointed, and in

all things fitted for a man of warre. They had also foureteene or fifteene

men more, which were then absent from the ship; otherwise we should haue

had the hoter fight. The same day we got our sailes to the yard, and our

top masts on end, and rigged the shippe what we could. The 26 day we got

some oile aboord, and there we taried vntill the second of August, fitting

our selues for the sea, and getting fish aboord as weather serued vs.

During our abode there we diuided our men, and appointed to ech ship their

company, my selfe and my friends being resolued to take our passage in the

prize; wherein when we were shipped, and the company, there arose great

enmity against vs by the other shippe, which afterward was quieted. The

second day of August, hauing taken in water and wood, we put to sea from

that harborow in company of the Hopewell, with purpose to go directly to

Parlican, which is an harborow in the North part of Newfoundland, where we

expected another prize. But when we came to sea we found our sailes so

olde, our ropes so rotten, and our prouision of bread and drinke so short,

as that we were constrained to make our resolution directly for England:

whereupon we drew out our reasons the fourth day of August, and sent them

aboord the Hopewell, to certifie them the cause of our resolution for

England: wherat they were generally offended, thinking and saying, that we

in the prize went about to cousin and deceiue them. To conclude, they sent

vs word that they would keepe vs company for England. But I had giuen

William Crafton commission before to go for the Island of the Açores, and

there to spend his victuals for a man of warre. The next day being the

fift of August, hauing a faire winde, we put off from the coast of

Newfoundland, and kept our course directly for England, the Hopewell

keeping vs company vntill midday, whenas hauing lost vs in a fogge, she

shot off two pieces of ordinance, and we answered her with three:

afterwards we spake not with her, supposing that she went for the Islands.

The 27 of August, drawing neere the coast of England, we sounded and found

ground at seuenty fadoms. Some of the mariners, thinking we were in

Bristow channell, and other in Silly channell: so that through variety of

iudgements, and euil marinership we were faine to dance the hay foure

dayes together, sometimes running to the Northeast, sometimes to the

Southeast, then againe to the East and Eastnortheast. Thus did we spend

faire winds, and lose our time vntill the last of August. And then it

pleased God that we fell with the Island of Lundy within the channell of

Bristoll; from whence we shaped our course: and after diuers dangers, the

third of September we met with the Tramontane of the Queene off Dartmouth;

to the captaine whereof we gaue certaine things that he had need of. The

fift of September I landed on the outside of the Isle of Wight, and within

few dayes after it pleased God to bring the ship in safety to London,

where she was made prize as belonging to the enemies of this land.

Certaine obseruations touching the countreys and places where we

trauelled.

The Newfoundland we found very subiect to fogs and mists. The ground of it

is very rocky: and vpon it there is great store of firre trees, and in

some places red; and about the shore it hath great abundance of cod fish.

We were on land in it in foure seuerall places: 1 At Caplin bay and

Farrillon: 2 At Cape Rase: 3 At the harborow of Lano, which lieth foure

leagues to the West of Cape Laurence: 4 At S. Marie port.

The Island of Monego for the soile is much like Newfoundland, but the fish

about it, as also throwout the Grande Bay within Cape Briton, is much

larger and better than that of the Newfoundland. This Island is scant two

leagues long, and very narrow. In the midst of it, a great way within the

wood is a great poole. Here we were thrise on shore: once at the East

side, and twise at the West.

The three Islands of birds are sandy red, but with the multitude of birds

vpon them they looke white. The birds sit there as thicke as stones lie in

a paued street. The greatest of the Islands is about a mile in compasse.

The second is little less. The third is a very little one, like a small

rocke. At the second of these there lay on the shore in the Sunshine about

thirty or forty sea-oxen or morses: which when our boat came nere them,

presently made into the sea, and swam after the boat.

Brions Island wee found to be very good, and sandy ground. It hath in it

store of firre trees. It is somewhat more than a league long, and about

three leagues in compasse. Here we were on land once, and went from the

one side of it to the other.

The Island of Ramea we tooke to be like ground as Brions Island, hauing

also abundance of firre trees. It seemeth to be in length about twelue or

thirteene leagues at least. We were there in harborow, but not on shore,

which we much desired, and hoped to haue bene: but the conflict which we

had there with the Basks and Britons, mentioned before, preuented vs.

The Isle Blanche likewise seemeth in quality of the ground and bignesse of

it to be much like Brions Island aforesayd, but somewhat lesse. We were

not on shore vpon it, but rode before it at anker.

The land of Cape Briton we found to be somewhat like the Newfoundland, but

rather better. Here toward the West end of it we saw the clouds lie lower

then the hils: as we did also at Cape Laurence in Newfoundland. The

Easterly end of the land of Cape Briton is nothing so high land, as the

West. We went on shore vpon it in fiue places: 1 At the bay where the

Chancewell was cast away: 2 At Cibo: 3 At a little Island betweene Cibo

and the New port: 4 At the New port: And 5 at Port Ingles, or the English

port.

Concerning the nature and fruitfulnesse of Brions Island, Isle Blanche,

and of Ramea, they do by nature yeeld exceeding plenty of wood, great

store of wild corne like barley, strawberries, gooseberries, mulberies,

white roses, and store of wilde peason. Also about the sayd Islands the

sea yeeldeth great abundance of fish of diuers sorts. And the sayd Islands

also seeme to proffer, through the labour of man, plenty of all kinde of

our graine, of roots, of hempe, and other necessary commodities.

Charles Leigh.

XIV. The first relation of Iaques Carthier of S. Malo, of the new land

called New France, newly discovered in the yere of our Lord 1534.

How M. Iaques Carthier departed from the Port of S. Malo, with two ships,

and came to Newfoundland, and how he entred into the Port of Buona Vista.

After that Sir Charles of Mouy knight lord of Meylleraye, and Viceadmirall

of France had caused the Captaines, Masters, and Mariners of the shippes

to be sworne to behaue themselues truely and faithfully in the seruice of

the most Christian King of France, vnder the charge of the sayd Carthier,

vpon the twentieth day of Aprill 1534, we departed from the Port of S.

Malo with two ships of threescore tun apiece burden, and 61 well appointed

men in each one: and with such prosperous weather we sailed onwards, that

vpon the tenth day of May we came to Newfoundland, where we entred into

the Cape of Buona Vista, which is in latitude 48 degrees and a halfe, and

in longitude ——.(13) But because of the great store of the ice that was

alongst the sayd land, we were constrayned to enter into an hauen called

S. Katherins Hauen, distant from the other Port about fiue leagues toward

Southsoutheast: there did we stay tenne days looking for faire weather;

and in the meanwhile we mended and dressed our boats.

How we came to the Island of Birds, and of the great quantity of birds

that there be.

Vpon the 21 of May the wind being in the West, we hoisted saile, and

sailed toward North and by East from the cape of Buona Vista vntil we came

to the Island of Birds, which was enuironed about with a banke of ice, but

broken and crackt: notwithstanding the sayd banke, our two boats went

thither to take in some birds, whereof there is such plenty, that vnlesse

a man did see them, he would thinke it an incredible thing: for albeit the

Island (which containeth about a league in circuit) be so full of them,

that they seeme to haue been brought thither, and sowed for the nonce, yet

are there an hundred folde as many houering about as within; some of which

are as big as iayes, blacke and white, with beaks like vnto crowes: they

lie alwayes upon the sea; they cannot flie very high, because their wings

are so little, and no bigger then halfe ones hand, yet do they flie as

swiftly as any birds of the aire leuell to the water; they are also

exceeding fat: we named them Aporath. In lesse then halfe an houre we

filled two boats full of them, as if they had bene with stones: so that

besides them which we did eat fresh, euery ship did powder and salt fiue

or sixe barrels full of them.

Of two sorts of birds, the one called Godetz, the other Margaulx; and how

we came to Carpunt.

Besides these, there is another kinde of birds which houer in the aire,

and ouer the sea, lesser than the others; and these doe all gather

themselves together in the Island, and put themselues vnder the wings of

birds that are greater: these we named Godetz. There are also of another

sort, but bigger, and white, which bite euen as dogs: those we named

Margaulx. And albeit the sayd island be 14 leagues from the maine land,

notwithstanding beares come swimming thither to eat of the sayd (M92)

birds: and our men found one there as great as any cow, and as white as

any swan, who in their presence leapt into the sea: and vpon Whitsunmunday

(following our voyage toward the land) we met her by the way, swimming

toward land as swiftly as we could saile. So soone as we saw her, we

pursued her with our boats, and by maine strength tooke her, whose flesh

was as good to be eaten as the flesh of a calf of two yeres olde. (M93)

The Wednesday following, being the 27 of the moneth, we came to the

entrance of the bay of the Castles; but because the weather was ill and

the great store of ice we found, we were constrained to enter into an

harborow about the sayd entrance called Carpunt, where, because we would

not come out of it, we stayed til the ninth of Iune, what time we

departed, hoping with the helpe of God to saile further then the said

Carpunt, which is latitude 51 degrees.

The description of Newfoundland, from Cape Razo to Cape Degrad.

The land from Cape Razo to Cape Degrad, which is the point of the entrance

of the bay that trendeth from head to head toward Northnortheast, and

Southsouthwest. All this part of land is parted into Islands one so near

the other, that there are but small riuers betweene them: thorow the which

you may passe with little boats, and therefore there are certaine good

harborows, among which are those of Carpunt and Degrad. In one of these

Islands that is the highest of them all, being the top of it you may

plainly see the two low Islands that are nere to Cape Razo, from whence to

the port of Carpunt they count it fiue and twenty leagues; and there are

two entrances thereat, one on the East, the other on the South side of the

Island. But you must take heed of the side and point of the East, because

that euery where there is nothing els but shelues, and the water is very

shallow: you must go about the Island toward the West the length of halfe

a cable or thereabout, and then to goe toward the South to the sayd

Carpunt. Also you are to take heed of three shelues that are in the

chanell vnder the water: and toward the Island on the East side in the

chanell, the water is of three or four fadome deepe, and cleere ground.

The other trendeth toward Eastnortheast, and on the West you may go on

shore.

Of the Island which is now called S. Katherins Island.

Going from the point Degrad, and entring into the sayd bay toward the West

and by North: there is some doubt of two Islands that are on the right

side, one of the which is distant from the sayd point three leagues, and

the other seuen, either more or lesse then the first, being a low and

plaine land, and it seemeth to be part of the maine land. I named it Saint

Katherines Island; in which, toward the Northeast there is very dry soile;

but about a quarter of a league from it, very ill ground so that you must

go a little about. The sayd Island and the Port of Castles trend toward

North northeast, and South southwest, and they are about 15. leagues

asunder. (M94) From the said port of Castles to the port of Gutte, which

is in the northerne part of the said Bay, that trendeth toward East

northeast, and West southwest, there are 12. leagues and an halfe: and

about two leagues from the port of Balances, that is to say, the third

part athwart the saide Bay the depth being sounded it is about 38.

fadomes: and from the said port of Balances to the white Sands towards

West southwest there is 15. leagues, but you must take heed of a shelfe

that lyeth about 3. leagues outward from the said white Sands on the

Southwest side aboue water like a boat.

Of the place called Blanc Sablon or the white Sand: of the Iland of Brest,

and of the Iland of Birds, of the sorts and quantitie of birds that there

are found: and of the Port called the Islettes.

White Sand is a Road in the which there is no place guarded from the

South, nor southeast. (M95) But toward South southwest from the saide road

there are two Ilands, one of the which is called Brest Iland, and the

other the Iland of Birds, in which there is great store of Godetz, and

crowes with red beakes and red feete: they make their nestes in holes

vnder the ground euen as Conies. A point of land being passed about a

league from white Sand, there is a Port and passage found called the

Islettes, a better place then white Sand: and there is great fishing. From

the said Port of the Islettes vnto another called Brest, the circuit is

about ten leagues. This Port is in latitude 51. degrees and 55. minutes,

and longitude ——.(14) From the Islettes to that place there are many other

Ilands: and the saide Port of Brest is also amongst those Ilands. Moreouer

the Ilands do compasse more then 3. leagues from the said Brest, being

low, and ouer them are the other lands aboue mentioned seene.

How we with our ships entred into the Port of Brest, and sayling onward

toward the West we passed amidst the Islettes, which were so many in

number, that it was not possible to tell them: and how we named them the

Islettes.

Vpon the 10. of June wee with our ships entred into the Port of Brest, to

furnish our selues with water and wood, and to make vs ready to passe the

said Bay. Vpon S. Barnabas day Seruice being heard, we with our boats went

beyond the said Port toward the west, to see what harboroughes were there:

wee passed through the midst of the Islettes, which were so many in number

that it was not possible they might be tolde, for they continued about 10.

leagues beyond the said Port. We to rest our selues stayed in one of them

a night, and there we found great store of ducke egges, and other birds

that there do make their nests, we named them all The Islettes.

Of the Port called S. Antonies Port, S. Seruans Port, Iames Cartiers Port:

of the riuer called S. Iames: of the customes and apparell of the

inhabitants in the Iland of White Sand.

The next day we passed the said Ilands, and beyond them all we found a

good hauen, which we named S. Antonies Hauen, and one or two leagues

beyond wee found a little riuer towarde the southwest coast, that is

betweene two other Ilands, and is a good harborough. There we set vp a

Crosse, and named it S. Seruans Port: and on the Southwest side of the

said Port and riuer, about one league there is a small Iland as round as

an Ouen, enuironed about with many other litle Ilands that giue notice to

the said Ports. Further about two leagues there is another greater riuer,

in (M96) which we tooke a good store of salmon, that we named S. Iames his

Riuer. Being in the said riuer, we saw a ship of Rochel that the night

before had passed the Port of Brest, where they thought to haue gone a

fishing: but the Mariners knew not where they were. We with our boats

approched neere vnto it, and did direct it to another Port one league more

toward the West than the said riuer of S. Iames, which I take to be one of

the best in all the world, and therefore wee named it Iames Carthiers

Sound. If the soile were as good as the harboroughes are, it were a great

commoditie: but it is not to be called The new Land, but rather stones and

wilde cragges, and a place fit for wilde beastes, for in all the North

Iland I did not see a Cart-load of good earth: yet went I on shoare in

many places, and in the Iland of White Sand, there is nothing else but

mosse and small thornes scattered here and there, withered and dry. To be

short, I beleeue that this was the land that God allotted to Caine. There

are men of an indifferent good stature and bignesse, but wilde and vnruly:

they weare their haire tied on the top like a wreath of hay, and put a

wooden pinne within it, or any other such thing instead of a naile, and

with them they binde certaine birdes feathers. They are clothed with

beastes skinnes as well the men as women, but that the women go somewhat

straiter and closer in their garments than the men do, with their wastes

girded: they paint themselues with certaine Roan colours: (M97) their

boates are made of the barke of birch trees, with the which they fish and

take great store of Seales, and as farre as we could vnderstand since our

comming thither, that is not their habitation, but they come from the

maine land out of hotter countreys, to catch the saide seales and other

necessaries for their liuing.

Of certaine Capes, that is to say, The double Cape, The pointed Cape, Cape

Royal, and the Cape of Milke: of the mountaines of Granges: of the Ilands

of Doue houses: and of the great fishing of Cods.

Vpon the 13. of that moneth we came to our ships againe with our boats on

purpose to saile forwards because the weather was faire, and vpon Sunday

we caused Seruice to be saide; then on Munday being the 15. of the moneth

we departed from Brest, and sailed toward the South to take a view of the

lands that there wee had seene, that seemed vnto vs to bee two Ilands: but

when we were amidst the Bay, we knew it to be firme land, where was a

great double Cape one aboue the other, and therefore wee named it The

double Cape. In the entrance of the Bay wee sounded, and found it to be an

hundred fadome round about vs. From Brest to The double Cape there is

about 20 leagues, and about fiue or sixe leagues beyond we sounded againe

and found 40 fadome water. The said land lieth Northeast and Southwest.

The next day being the 16 of the moneth we sailed along the said coast

toward the Southwest, and by South about 35 leagues from the double Cape,

where we found very steepe and wilde hilles, among the which were seene

certaine smal cabbans, which we in the countrey call Granges, and

therefore we named them The hilles of the Granges. The other lands and

mountaines are all craggie, cleft and cut, and betwixt them and the Sea,

there are other Ilands, but low. The day before through the darke mists

and fogges of the weather, we could not haue sight of any land, but in the

euening we spied an entrance into the land, by a riuer among the said

Hilles of Granges, and a Cape lying toward the Southwest about 3 leagues

from vs. The said Cape is on the top of it blunt-pointed, and also toward

the Sea it endeth in a point, wherefore wee named it The pointed Cape, on

the North side of which there is a plaine Iland. And because we would haue

notice of the said entrance, to see if there were any good hauens, we

strooke saile for that night. The next day being the 17 of the moneth we

had stormie weather from Northeast, wherefore we tooke our way toward the

Southwest, vntill Thursday morning, and we went about 37 leagues, till wee

came athwart a Bay full of round Ilands like doue houses, and therefore

wee named them The doue houses. And from the Bay of S. Iulian, from the

which to a Cape that lieth South and by West, which wee called Cape Roial,

there are 7. leagues, and toward the West southwest side of the saide

Cape, there is another that beneath is all craggie, and aboue round. On

the North side of which about halfe a league there lieth a low Iland: that

Cape we named The Cape of milke. Betweene these two Capes there are

certaine low Ilands, aboue which there are also certaine others that shew

that there be some riuers. About two leagues from Cape royall wee sounded

and found 20 fadome water, and there is the greatest fishing of Cods that

possible may be: for staying for our company, in lesse then an houre we

tooke aboue an hundreth of them.

Of certaine Ilands that lie betweene Cape Royall, and The Cape of milke.

The next day being the 18 of the moneth, the winde with such rage turned

against vs, that we were constrained to go backe towards Cape Royal,

thinking there to finde some harborough, and with our boates went to

discouer betweene the Cape Royal, and the Cape of Milke, and found that

aboue the low Ilands there is a great and very deepe gulfe, within which

are certaine Ilands. The said gulfe on the Southside is shut vp. The

foresaid low grounds are on one of the sides of the entrance, and Cape

Royal is on the other. The saide low grounds doe stretch themselues more

then halfe a league within the Sea. It is a plaine countrey, but an ill

soile: and in the middest of the entrance thereof, there is an Iland. The

saide gulfe in latitude is fourtie eight degrees and an halfe, and in

longitude ——.(15) That night we found no harborough, and therefore we

lanched out into the Sea, leauing the Cape toward the West.

Of the Iland called S. Iohn.

From the said day vntill the 24 of the moneth being S. Iohns day we had

both stormie weather and winde against vs, with such darknesse and mistes,

that vntill S. Iohns day, we could haue no sight of any land, and then we

had sight of a Cape of land, that from Cape Royal lieth Southwest about 35

leagues, but that day was so foggie and mistie, that we could not come

neere land, and because it was S. Iohns day, we named it Cape S. Iohn.

Of certaine Ilands called the Ilands of Margaulx, and of the kinds of beas

and birds that there are found. Of the Iland of Brion, and Cape Dolphin.

The next day being the 25. of the moneth, the weather was also stormie,

darke, and windy, but yet we sailed a part of the day toward West North

west, and in the euening wee out our selues athwart vntill the second

quarter: when as we departed, then did we by our compasse know that we

were Northwest and by West about seuen leagues and an halfe from the Cape

of S. Iohn, and as wee were about to hoise saile, the winde turned into

the Northwest, wherefore we went Southeast, about 15. leagues, and came to

three Ilands, two of which are as steepe and vpright as any wall, so that

it was not possible to climbe them: and betweene them there is a little

rocke. These Ilands were as full of birds, as any field or medow is of

grasse, which there do make their nestes: and in the greatest of them,

there was a great and infinite number of those that wee call Margaulx,

that are white, and bigger then any geese, which were seuered in one part.

In the other were onely Godetz, but toward the shoare there were of those

Godetz, and great Apponatz, like to those of that Iland that we aboue haue

mentioned: we went downe to the lowest part of the least Iland, where we

killed aboue a thousand of those Godetz, and Apponatz. (M98) We put into

our boates so many of them as we pleased, for in lesse then one houre we

might haue filled thirtie such boats of them: we named them The Ilands of

Margaulx. About fiue leagues from the said Ilands on the West, there is

another Iland that is about two leagues in length, and so much in breadth:

there did we stay all night to take in water and wood. That Iland is

enuironed round about with sand, and hath a very good road about it three

or foure fadome deepe. Those Ilands haue the best soile that euer we saw,

for that one of their fields is more worth then all the New land. We found

it all full of goodly trees, medowes, fields full of wild corne and peason

bloomed, as thicke, as ranke, and as faire as any can be seene in

Britaine, so that they seemed to haue bene plowed and sowed. There was

also a great store of gooseberies, strawberies, damaske roses, parseley,

with other very sweete and pleasant hearbes. (M99) About the said Iland

are very great beastes as great as oxen, which haue two great teeth in

their mouths like vnto Elephants teeth, and liue also in the Sea. We saw

one of them sleeping vpon the banke of the water: wee thinking to take it,

went to it with our boates, but so soone as he heard vs, he cast himselfe

into the Sea. We also saw beares and wolues: we named it Brions Iland.

About it toward Southeast, and Northwest, there are great lakes. As farre

as I could gather and comprehend, I thinke that there be some passage

betweene New found land, and Brions land. If so it were, it would be a

great shortening, aswel of the time as of the way, if any perfection could

be found in it. About foure leagues from that Iland toward West-South-west

is the firme land, which seemeth to be as an Iland compassed about with

litle Ilands of sands. There is a goodly Cape which we named Cape Dolphin,

for there is the beginning of good grounds. On the 27. of Iune we

compassed the said lands about that lie West Southwest: and a farre off

they seeme to be little hilles of sand, for they are but low landes: wee

could neither goe to them, nor land on them, because the winde was against

vs. That day we went 15. leagues.

Of the Iland called Alezai, and of the cape of S. Peter.

The next day we went along the said land about 10. leagues, till we came

to a Cape of redde land, that is all craggie, within the which there is a

bracke looking toward the North. It is a very low countrey. There is also

betweene the Sea and a certaine poole, a plaine field: and from that Cape

of land and the poole vnto another Cape, there are about 14 leagues. The

land is fashioned as it were halfe a circle, all compassed about with sand

like a ditch, ouer which as farre as ones eye can stretch, there is

nothing but marrish grounds and standing pooles. And before you come to

the first Cape very neere the maine land there are two little Ilands.

About fiue leagues from the second Cape toward the Southwest, there is

another Iland very high and pointed, which we named Alezai. The first Cape

we named S. Peters Cape, because vpon that day we came thither.

Of the Cape called Cape Orleans: of the Riuer of boates: of Wilde mens

Cape: and of the qualitie and temperature of the countrey.

From Brions Iland to this place there is good anckorage of sand, and

hauing sounded toward Southwest euen to the shoare about fiue leagues, wee

found twentie and fiue fadome water, and within one league twelue fadome,

and very neere the shoare six fadome, rather more then lesse, and also

good anckorage. But because wee would bee the better acquainted with this

stonie and rockie ground, wee strooke our sailes lowe and athwart. The

next day being the last of the moneth saue one, the winde blewe South and

by East. Wee sailed Westward vntill Tuesday morning at Sunne rising, being

the last of the moneth, without any sight or knowledge of any lande except

in the euening toward Sunne set, that wee discouered a lande which seemed

to be two Ilands, that were beyond vs West southwest, about nine or tenne

leagues. All the next day till the next morning at sunne rising wee sailed

Westward about fourtie leagues, and by the way we perceiued that the land

we had seene like Ilands, was firme land, lying South southeast, and North

northwest, to a very good Cape of land called Cape Orleans. (M100) Al the

said land is low and plaine, and the fairest that may possibly be seene,

full of goodly medowes and trees. True it is that we could finde no

harborough there, because it is all full of shelues and sands. We with our

boats went on shore in many places, and among the rest wee entred into a

goodly riuer, but very shallow, which we named The riuer of boats, because

that there wee saw boates full of wild men that were crossing the riuer.

We had no other notice of the said wild men: for the wind came from the

sea, and so beat vs against the shore, that wee were constrained to retire

our selues with our boates toward our ships. Till the next day morning at

Sunne rising, being the first of Iuly we sailed Northeast, in which time

there rose great mistes and stormes, and therefore wee strucke our sailes

till two of the clocke in the afternoone, that the weather became cleare,

and there we had sight of Cape Orleans, and of another about seuen leagues

from vs, lying North and by East, and that we called Wilde mens Cape. On

the Northside of this Cape about halfe a league, there is a very dangerous

shelfe, and banke of stones. Whilst wee were at this Cape, we sawe a man

running after our boates that were going along the coast, who made signes

vnto vs that we should returne toward the said Cape againe. We seeing such

signes, began to turne toward him, but he seeing vs come, began to flee:

so soone as we were come on shoare, we set a knife before him and a

woollen girdle on a little staffe, and then came to our ships again. That

day we trended the said land about 9. or 10. leagues, hoping to finde some

good harborough, but it was not possible: for as I haue said already, it

is a very low land, and enuironed round about with great shelues.

Neuerthelesse we went that (M101) day on shore in foure places to see the

goodly and sweete smelling trees that were there: we found them to be

Cedars, ewetrees, Pines, white elmes, ashes, willowes, with many other

sorts of trees to vs vnknowen, but without any fruit. The grounds where no

wood is, are very faire, and all full of peason, white and red

gooseberies, strawberies, blackeberies, and wilde corne, euen like vnto

Rie, which seemed to have bene sowen and plowed. This countrey is of

better temperature then any other that can be seene, and very hote. There

are many thrushes, stockdoues, and other birds: to be short, there wanteth

nothing but good harboroughs.

Of the Bay called S. Lunario, and other notable Bayes and Capes of land,

and of the qualitie, and goodnesse of those grounds.

The next day being the second of Iuly we discouered and had sight of land

on the Northerne side toward vs, that did joyne vnto the land abouesaid,

al compassed about, and we knew that it had about ——(16) in depth, and as

much athwart, and we named it S. Lunarios Bay, and with our boats we went

to the Cape toward the North, and found the shore so shallow, that for the

space of a league from land there was but a fadome water. On the Northeast

side from the said Cape about 7. or 8. leagues there is another Cape of

land, in the middst whereof there is a Bay fashioned trianglewise, very

deepe, and as farre off, as we could ken from it the same lieth Northeast.

The said Bay is compassed about with sands and shelues about 10. leagues

from land, and there is but two fadome water: from the said Cape to the

bank of the other, there is about 15. leagues. We being a crosse the said

Capes, discouered another land and Cape, and as farre as we could ken, it

lay North and by East. All that night the weather was very ill, and great

winds, so that wee were constrained to beare a smal saile vntil the next

morning, being the thirde of July when the winde came from the West: and

we sailed Northward to haue a sight of the land that we had left on the

Northeast side, aboue the low lands, among which high and low lands there

is a gulfe or breach in some places about 55. fadome deepe, and 15.

leagues in bredth. By reason of the great depth and bredth of the gulfe,

and change of the lands, (M102) we conceiued hope that we should finde a

passage, like vnto the passage of The Castles. The said gulfe lieth East

Northeast, and West southwest. The ground that lieth on the Southside of

the said gulfe, is as good and easie to be manured, and full of as goodly

fields and meadowes, as any that euer wee haue seene, as plaine and smooth

as any die: and that which lyeth on the North is a countrey altogether

hilly, full of woods, and very high and great trees of sundry sorts:

(M103) among the rest there are as goodly Ceders, and Firre trees, as

possibly can be seene, able to make mastes for ships of three hundred

Tunne: neither did we see any place that was not full of the saide trees,

except two onely that were full of goodly medowes, with two very faire

lakes. The middest of the said Bay is 47. degrees and halfe in latitude.

Of the Cape D’Esperance, or the Cape of Hope, and of S. Martins Creeke,

and how seven boats full of wilde men comming to our boat, would not

retire themselues, but being terrified with our Culuerins which we shot at

them, and our lances, they fled with great hast.

The Cape of the said South land was called The Cape of Hope, through the

hope that there we had to finde some passage. The fourth of Iuly we went

along the coast of the said land on the Northerly side to find some

harborough, where wee entred into a creeke altogether open toward the

South, where there is no succour against the wind: we thought good to name

it S. Martines Creeke. There we stayed from the fourth of Iuly vntil the

twelfth: while we were there, on Munday being the sixth of the moneth,

Seruice being done, wee with one of our boates went to discouer a Cape and

point of land that on the Westerne side was about seuen or eight leagues

from vs, to see which way it did bend, and being within halfe a league of

it, wee sawe two companies of boates of wilde men going from one land to

the other: (M104) their boates were in number about fourtie or fiftie. One

part of the which came to the said point, and a great number of men went

on shore making a great noise, beckening vnto vs that wee should come on

land, shewing vs certaine skinnes vpon pieces of wood, but because we had

but one onely boat, wee would not goe to them, but went to the other side

lying in the See: they seeing vs flee, prepared two of their boats to

follow vs, with which came also fiue more of them that were comming from

the Sea side, all which approched neere vnto our boate, dancing, and

making many signes of ioy and mirth, as it were desiring our friendship,

saying in their tongue Napeu tondamen assurtah, with many other words that

we vnderstood not. But because (as we haue said) we had but one boat, wee

would not stand to their courtesie, but made signes vnto them that they

should turne back, which they would not do, but with great furie came

toward vs: and suddenly with their boates compassed vs about: and because

they would not away from vs by any signes that we could make, we shot off

two pieces among them, which did so terrifie them, that they put

themselues to flight toward the sayde point, making a great noise: and

hauing staid a while, they began anew, euen as at the first to come to vs

againe, and being come neere our boat wee strucke at them with two lances,

which thing was so great a terrour vnto them, that with great haste they

beganne to flee, and would no more follow vs.

How the said wilde men comming to our ships, and our men going toward

them, both parties went on land, and how the saide wilde men with great

ioy began to trafique with our men.

The next day part of the saide wilde men with nine of their boates came to

the point and entrance of the Creeke, where we with our ships were at

road. We being aduertised of their comming, went to the point where they

were with our boates: but so soone as they saw vs, they began to flee,

making signes that they came to trafique with us, shewing vs, such skinnes

as they cloth themselues withall, which are of small value. We likewise

made signes vnto them, that we wished them no euill: and in signe thereof

two of our men ventured to go on land to them, and carry them kniues with

other Iron wares, and a red hat to giue vnto their Captaine. Which when

they saw, they also came on land, and brought some of their skinnes, and

so began to deale with vs, seeming to be very glad to haue our iron ware

and other things, stil dancing with many other ceremonies, as with their

hands to cast Sea water on their heads. They gave vs whatsoeuer they had,

not keeping any thing, so that they were constrained to go back againe

naked, and made signes that the next day they would come againe, and bring

more skinnes with them.

How that we hauing sent two of our men on land with wares, there came

about 300. wilde men with great gladnesse. Of the qualitie of the

countrey, what it bringeth forth, and of the Bay called Baie du Chaleur,

or The Bay of heat.

Vpon Thursday being the eight of the moneth, because the winde was not

good to go out with our ships, we set our boates in a readinesse to goe to

discouer the said Bay, and that day wee went 25. leagues within it. The

next day the wind and weather being faire, we sailed vntil noone, in which

time we had notice of a great part of the said Bay, and how that ouer the

low lands, there were other lands with high mountaines: but seeing that

there was no passage at all, wee began to turne back againe, taking our

way along the coast: and sayling, we saw certaine wilde men that stood

vpon the shoare of a lake, that is among the low grounds, who were making

fires and smokes: wee went thither, and found that there was a channel of

the sea that did enter into the lake, and setting our boats at one of the

banks of the chanell, the wilde men with one of their boates came vnto vs,

and brought vp pieces of Seales ready sodden, puttiug them vpon pieces of

wood: then retiring themselues, they would make signes vnto vs, that they

did giue them vs. We sent two men vnto them with hatchets, kniues, beads,

and other such like ware, whereat they were very glad, and by and by in

clusters they came to the shore where wee were, with their boates,

bringing with them skinnes and other such things as they had, to haue of

our wares. (M105) They were more than 300. men, women, and children: Some

of the women, which came not ouer, wee might see stand vp to the knees in

water, singing and dancing: the other that had passed the riuer where we

were, came very friendly to vs, rubbing our armes with their owne handes,

then would they lift them vp toward heauen, shewing many signes of

gladnesse: and in such wise were wee assured one of another, that we very

familiarly began to trafique for whatsoeuer they had, til they had nothing

but their naked bodies; for they gaue vs all whatsoeuer they had, and that

was but of small value. We perceiued that this people might very easily be

conuerted to our Religion. They goe from place to place. They liue onely

with fishing. They haue an ordinarie time to fish for their prouision. The

countrey is hotter than the countrey of Spaine, and the fairest that can

possibly be found, altogether smooth, and leuel. There is no place be it

neuer so little, but it hath some trees (yea albeit it be sandie) or else

is full of wilde corne, that hath an eare like vnto Rie: the corne is like

oates, and smal peason as thicke as if they had bene sowen and plowed,

white and red gooseberies, strawberies, blackberies, white and red Roses,

with many other floures of very sweet and pleasant smell. There be also

many goodly medowes full of grasse, and lakes wherein great plentie of

salmons be. (M106) They call a hatchet in their tongue Cochi, and a knife

Bacon: we named it The bay of heat.

Of another nation of wilde men: of their manners, liuing, and clothing.

Being certified that there was no passage through the said Bay, we hoised

saile, and went from S. Martines Creeke vpon Sunday being the 12. of July,

to goe and discouer further beyond the said Bay, and went along the sea

coast Eastward about eighteene leagues, till we came to the Cape of Prato,

where we found the tide very great, but shallow ground, and the Sea

stormie, so that we were constrained to draw toward shore, between the

said Cape and an Iland lying Eastward, about a league from the said Cape,

where we cast anker for that night. The next morning we hoised saile to

trend the said coast about, which lyeth North Northeast. But there rose

such a stormie and raging winde against vs, that we were constrained to

come to the place againe, from whence we were come: there did we stay all

that day til the next that we hoised vp saile, and came to the middest of

a riuer fiue or sixe leagues from the Cape of Prato Northward, and being

ouerthwart the said Riuer, there arose againe a contrary winde, with great

fogges and stormes. So that we were constrained vpon Tuesday being the

fourteenth of the moneth to enter into the riuer, and there did we stay

till the sixteenth of the moneth looking for faire weather to come out of

it: on which day being Thursday, the winde became so raging that one of

our ships lost an anker, and we were constrained to goe vp higher into the

riuer seuen or eight leagues, into a good harborough and ground that we

with our boates found out, and through the euill weather, tempest, and

darkenesse that was, wee stayed in the saide harborough till the fiue and

twentieth of the moneth, not being able to put out: in the meane time wee

sawe a great multitude of wilde men that were fishing for mackerels,

whereof there is great store. Their boates were about 40, and the persons

what with men, women, and children two hundred, which after they had

hanted our company a while, they came very familiarly with their boats to

the sides of our ships. We gaue them kniues, combes, beads of glasse, and

other trifles of small value, for which they made many signes of

gladnesse, lifting their hands vp to heauen dancing and singing in their

boates. These men may very well and truely be called Wilde, because there

is no poorer people in the world. For I thinke all that they had together,

besides their boates and nets was not worth fiue souce.(17) They goe

altogether naked sawing their priuities, which are couered with a little

skinne, and certaine olde skinnes that they cast vpon them. Neither in

nature nor in language, doe they any whit agree with them which we found

first: their heads be altogether shauen, except one bush of haire which

they suffer to grow vpon the top of their crowne as long as a horse taile,

and then with certaine leather strings binde it in a knot vpon their

heads. They haue no other dwelling but their boates, which they turne

vpside downe, and vnder them they lay themselues all along vpon the bare

ground. They eate their flesh almost raw, saue onely that they heat it a

little vpon imbers of coales, so doe they their fish. Vpon Magdalens day

we with our boates went to the bancke of the riuer, and freely went on

shore among them, whereat they made many signs, and all their men in two

or three companies began to sing and dance, seeming to be very glad of our

comming. They had caused all the young women to flee into the wood, two or

three excepted, that stayed with them, to ech of which we gaue a combe,

and a little bell made of Tinne, for which they were very glad, thanking

our Captaine, rubbing his armes and breasts with their hands. When the men

saw vs giue something vnto those that had stayed, it caused al the rest to

come out of the wood, to the end that that they should haue as much as the

others: These women are about twenty, who altogether in a knot fell vpon

our Captaine, touching and rubbing him with their hands, according to

their manner of cherishing and making much of one, who gaue to each of

them a little Tinne bell: then suddenly they began to dance, and sing many

songs. There we found great store of mackrels, that they had taken vpon

the shore, with certaine nets that they made to fish, of a kinde of Hempe

that groweth in that place where ordinarily they abide, for they neuer

come to the sea, but onely in fishing time. (M107) As farre as I

vnderstand, there groweth likewise a kind of Millet as big as Peason, like

vnto that which groweth in Bresil, which they eate in stead of bread. They

had great store of it. They call it in their tongue Kapaige. They haue

also Prunes (that is to say Damsins) which they dry for winter as we doe,

they call them Honesta. They haue also Figs, Nuts, Apples, and other

fruits, and Beans, that they call Sahu, their nuts Cahehya. If we shewed

them any thing that they haue not, nor know not what it is, shaking their

heads, they will say Nohda, which is as much to say, they haue it not, nor

they know it not. Of those things they haue, they would with signes shew

vs how to dresse them, and how they grow. They eate nothing that hath any

taste of salt. They are very great theeues, for they will filch and steale

whatsoeuer they can lay hold of, and all is fish that commeth to net.

How our men set vp a great Crosse vpon the poynt of the sayd Porte, and

the Captaine of those wild men, after a long Oration, was by our Captain

appeased, and contented that two of his Children should goe with him.

(M108) Vpon the 25 of the moneth, wee caused a faire high Crosse to be

made of the height of thirty foote, which was made in the presence of many

of them, vpon the point of the entrance of the sayd hauen, in the middest

whereof we hanged vp a Shield with three Floure de Luces in it, and in the

top was carued in the wood with Anticke letters this posie, Viue le Roy de

France. Then before them all we set it vpon the sayd point. They with

great heed beheld both the making and setting of it vp. So soone as it was

vp, we altogether kneeled downe before them, with our hands toward Heauen,

yeelding God thankes: and we made signes vnto them, shewing them the

Heauens, and that all our saluation, dependeth onely on him which in them

dwelleth: whereat they shewed a great admiration, looking first one at

another, and then vpon the Crosse. And after wee were returned to our

ships, their Captaine clad with an old Beares skin, with three of his

sonnes, and a brother of his with him, came vnto vs in one of their

boates, but they came not so neere vs as they were wont to doe: there he

made a long Oration vnto vs, shewing vs the crosse we had set vp, and

making a crosse with two fingers, then did he shew vs all the Countrey

about vs, as if he would say that all was his, and that wee should not set

vp any crosse without his leaue. His talke being ended, we shewed him an

Axe, faining that we would giue it him for his skin, to which he listned,

for by little and little hee came neere our ships. (M109) One of our

fellowes that was in our boate, tooke hold on theirs, and suddenly leapt

into it, with two or three more, who enforced them to enter into our

ships, whereat they were greatly astonished. But our Captain did

straightwaies assure them, that they should haue no harme, nor any iniurie

offred them at all, and entertained them very friendly, making them eate

and drinke. Then did we shew them with signes, that the crosse was but

onely set vp to be as a light and leader which wayes to enter into the

port, and that wee would shortly come againe, and bring good store of iron

wares and other things, but that we would take two of his children with

vs, and afterward bring them to the sayd port againe: and so wee clothed

two of them in shirts, and coloured coates, with red cappes, and put about

euery ones necke a copper chaine, whereat they were greatly contented:

then gaue they their old clothes to their fellowes that went backe againe,

and we gaue to each one of those three that went backe, a hatchet, and

some kniues, which made them very glad. After these were gone, and had

told the newes vnto their fellowes, in the after noone there came to our

ships sixe boates of them, with fiue or sixe men in euery one, to take

their farewels of those two we had detained to take with vs, and brought

them some fish, vttering many words which we did not vnderstand, making

signes that they would not remoue the crosse we had set vp.

How after we were departed from the sayd porte, following our voyage along

the sayd coast, we went to discover the land lying Southeast, and

Northwest.

The next day, being the 25 of the moneth, we had faire weather, and went

from the said port: and being out of the riuer, we sailed Eastnortheast,

for after the entrance into the said riuer, the land is enuironed about,

and maketh a bay in maner of halfe a circle, where being in our ships, we

might see all the coast sayling behind, which we came to seeke, the land

lying Southeast and Northwest, the course of which was distant from the

riuer about twentie leagues.

Of the Cape S. Aluise, and Cape Memorancie, and certaine other lands, and

how one of our Boates touched a Rocke and suddenly went ouer it.

On Munday being the 27 of the moneth, about sunne-set we went along the

said land, as we haue said, lying Southeast and Northwest, till Wednesday

that we saw another Cape where the land beginneth to bend toward the East:

we went along about 15 leagues, then doeth the land begin to turne

Northward. About three leagues from the sayd Cape we sounded, and found 24

fadome water. The said lands are plaine, and the fairest and most without

woods that we haue seene, with goodly greene fields and medowes: we named

the sayd Cape S. Aluise Cape, because that was his day: it is 49 degrees

and an halfe in latitude, and in longitude ——.(18) On Wednesday morning we

were on the East side of the Cape, and being almost night we went

Northwestward for to approch neere to the sayd land, which trendeth North

and South. From S. Aluise Cape to another called Cape Memorancie, about

fifteene leagues, the land beginneth to bend Northwest. (M110) About three

leagues from the sayd Cape we would needes sound, but wee could finde no

ground at 150 fadome, yet went we along the said land about tenne leagues,

to the latitude of 50 degrees. The Saturday following, being the first of

August, by Sunne rising, wee had certaine other landes, lying North and

Northeast, that were very high and craggie, and seemed to be mountaines:

betweene which were other low lands with woods and riuers: wee went about

the sayd lands, as well on the one side as on the other, still bending

Northwest, to see if it were either a gulfe, or a passage, vntill the fift

of the moneth. The distance from one land to the other is about fifteene

leagues. The middle betweene them both is 50 degrees and a terce in

latitude. We had much adoe to go fiue miles farther, the winds were so

great and the tide against vs. And at fiue miles end, we might plainely

see and perceiue land on both sides, which there beginneth to spread it

selfe, but because we rather fell, then got way against the wind, we went

toward land, purposing to goe to another Cape of land, lying Southward,

which was the farthermost out into the sea that we could see, about fiue

leagues from vs, but so soone as we came thither, we found it to be naught

else but Rockes, stones, and craggie cliffes, such as we had not found any

where since we had sailed Southward from S. Iohns Cape: and then was the

tide with vs, which caried vs against the wind Westward, so that as we

were sayling along the sayd coast, one of our boats touched a Rocke, and

suddenly went ouer, but we were constrained to leape out for to direct it

on according to the tide.

How after we had agreed and consulted what was best to be done, we

purposed to returne: and of S. Peters Streight, and of Cape Tiennot.

After we had sailed along the sayd coast, for the space of two houres,

behold, the tide began to turne against vs, with so swift and raging a

course, that it was not possible for vs with 13 oares to row or get one

stones cast farther, so that we were constrained to leaue our boates with

some of our men to guard them, and 10 or 12 men went ashore to the sayd

Cape, where we found that the land beginneth to bend Southwest, which

hauing seene, we came to our boats againe, and so to our ships, which were

stil ready vnder saile, hoping to go forward: but for all that, they were

fallen more then foure leagues to leeward from the place where we had left

them, where so soone as we came, wee assembled together all our Captaines,

Masters, and Mariners, to haue their aduice and opinion what was best to

be done: and after that euery one had said, considering that the Easterly

winds began to beare away, and blow, and that the flood was so great, that

we did but fall, and that there was nothing to be gotten, and that stormes

and tempests began to reigne in Newfound land, and that we were so farre

from home, not knowing the perils and dangers that were behind, for either

we must agree to returne home againe, or els to stay there all the yeere.

Moreouer, we did consider, that if the Northerne winds did take vs, it

were not possible for vs to depart thence. All which opinions being heard

and considered, we altogether determined to addresse our selues homeward.

(M111) Nowe because vpon Saint Peters day wee entred into the sayd

Streite, wee named it Saint Peters Streite. Wee sounded it in many places,

in some wee found 150 fadome water, in some 100, and neere the shoare

sixtie, and cleere ground. From that day till Wednesday following, we had

a good and prosperous gale of winde, so that we trended the said North

shore East, Southeast, West Northwest: for such is the situation of it,

except one Cape of low lands that bendeth more toward the Southeast, about

twenty fiue leagues from the Streight. In this place we saw certaine

smokes, that the people of the countrey made vpon the sayd cape: but

because the wind blewe vs toward the coast, we went not to them, which

when they saw, they came with two boates and twelue men vnto vs, and as

freely came vnto our ships, as if they had bene French men, and gaue vs to

vnderstand, that they came from the great gulfe,(19) and that Tiennot was

their Captaine, who then was vpon that Cape, making signes vnto vs, that

they were going home to their Countreys whence we were come with our

ships, and that they were laden with Fish. We named the sayd Cape, Cape

Tiennot. From the said Cape all the land trendeth Eastsoutheast, and

Westnorthwest. All these lands lie low, very pleasant, enuironed with

sand, where the sea is entermingled with marishes and shallowes, the space

of twentie leagues: then doth the land begin to trend from West to

Eastnortheast altogether enuironed with Islands two or three leagues from

land, in which as farre as we could see, are many dangerous shelues more

then foure or fiue leagues from land.

How that vpon the ninth of August wee entred within White Sands, and vpon

the fift of September we came to the Port of S. Malo.

From the sayd Wednesday vntill Saturday following, we had a great wind

from the Southwest, which caused vs to run Eastnortheast, on which day we

came to the Easterly partes of Newfoundland, between the Granges and the

Double Cape. There began great stormie windes comming from the East with

great rage: wherefore we coasted the Cape Northnorthwest, to search the

Northerne part, which is (as we haue sayd) all enuironed with Islands, and

being neere the said Islands and land, the wind turned into the South,

which brought vs within the sayd gulfe, so that the next day being the 9

of August, we by the grace of God entred within the white Sands. And this

is so much as we haue discouered. After that, vpon the 15 of August, being

the feast of the Assumption of our Lady, after that we had heard seruice,

we altogether departed from the porte of White Sands, and with a happy and

prosperous weather we came into the middle of the sea, that is between

Newfoundland and Britanie, in which place we were tost and turmoyled three

dayes long with great stormes and windy tempests comming from the East,

which with the ayde and assistance of God we suffred: then had we faire

weather, and vpon the fift of September, in the sayd yere, we came to the

Port of S. Malo whence we departed.

The language that is spoken in the Land newly discouered, called New

France.

God ——

the Sunne Isnez

the Heauen camet

the Day ——

the Night aiagla

Water ame

Sand estogaz

a sayle aganie

the Head agonaze

the Throate conguedo

the Nose hehonguesto

the Teeth hesangue

the Nayles agetascu

the Feete ochedasco

the Legs anoudasco

a dead man amocdaza

a Skinne aionasca

that Man yca

a Hatchet asogne

a Cod fish gadagoursere

good to be eaten guesande

Flesh ————

Almonds anougaza

Figs asconda

Gold henyosco

the priuie members assegnega

an Arrow cacta

a greene Tree haueda

an earthen dish vndaco

a Bow ————

Brasse aignetaze

the Brow ansce

a Feather yco

the Moone casmogan

the Earth conda

the Wind canut

the Raine onnoscon

Bread cacacomy

the Sea amet

a Ship casaomy

a Man vndo

the Haires hoc hosco

the Eyes ygata

the Mouth heche

the Eares hontasco

the Armes agescu

a Woman enrasesco

a sicke Man alouedeche

Shooes atta

a skinne to couer a mans ouscozon

priuy members

red cloth cahoneta

a Knife agoheda

a Mackrell agedoneta

Nuttes caheya

Apples honesta

Beanes sahe

a Sword achesco

XV. A shorte and briefe narration of the Nauigation made by the

commandement of the King of France, to the Islands of Canada, Hochelaga,

Saguenay, and diuers others which now are called New France, with the

particular customes, and maners of the inhabitants therein.

Chap 1.

In the yeere of our Lord 1535, vpon Whitsunday, being the 16. of May, by

the commandement of our Captaine Iames Cartier, and with a common accord,

in the Cathedrall Church of S. Malo we deuoutly each one confessed our

selues, and receiued the Sacrament: and all entring into the Quier of the

sayd Church, wee presented our selues before the Reuerend Father in

Christ, the Lord Bishop of S. Malo, who blessed vs all, being in his

Bishops roabes. The Wednesday following, being the 19. of May, there arose

a good gale of wind, and therefore we hoysed sayle with three ships, that

is to say, the great Hermina, being in burden about a hundreth, or a

hundreth and twentie tunne, wherein the foresaid Captaine Iames Cartier

was Generall, and master Thomas Frosmont chiefe Master, accompanied with

master Claudius de Pont Briand, sonne to the Lorde of Montceuell, and

Cup-bearer to the Dolphin of France, Charles of Pomeraies, Iohn Powlet,

and other Gentlemen. In the second ship called the little Hermina, being

of threescore tunne burden, were Captaines vnder the sayd Cartier, Mace

Salobert, and Master William Marie. In the third ship called the

Hermerillon, being of forty tunne in burden, were Captains M. William

Britton, and M. Iames Maringare. So we sayled with a good and prosperous

wind, vntill the 20 of the said moneth, at which time the weather turned

into stormes and tempests, the which with contrary winds, and darkenesse,

endured so long that our ships being without any rest, suffered as much as

any ships that euer went on seas: so that the 25 of Iune, by reason of

that foule and foggie weather, all our ships lost sight one of another

againe till wee came to Newfoundland where wee had appointed to meete.

After we had lost one another, wee in the Generals ship were with contrary

winds tost to and fro on the sea, vntill the seuenth of Iuly, vpon which

lyeth from the maine land 14 leagues. This Island is so full of birds,

that all our ships might easily haue bene fraighted with them, and yet for

the great number that there is, it would not seeme that any were taken

away. We to victuall our selues filled two boats of them. (M112) This

Island hath the Pole eleuated 49 degrees, and 40 minutes. (M113) Vpon the

eight of the sayd moneth we sailed further, and with a prosperous weather,

came to the Port called The Port of white sands, that is in the Bay called

The Bay of Castels, where we had purposed to meete and stay together the

15 of the said moneth. In this place therefore we looked for our fellowes,

that is to say, the other two ships, till the 26 of the moneth, on which

day both came together. So soone as our fellowes were come, we set our

ships in a readines, taking in both water, wood, and other necessaries.

And then on the 29 of the sayd moneth, early in the morning we hoised

saile to passe on further, and sayling along the Northerne coast that

runneth Northeast and Southwest, til two houres after Sun-set or

thereabouts, then we crossed along two Islands, which doe stretch further

foorth then the others, which we called S. Williams Islands, being distant

about 20 leagues or more from the Port of Brest. All the coast from the

Castels to that place lieth East and West, Northeast and Southwest, hauing

betweene it sundry little Islands, altogether barren and full of stones,

without either earth or trees, except certain valleys only. The next day

being the 30 of Iuly, we sailed on Westward to find out other Islands

which as yet we had not found 12 leagues and a halfe, among which there is

a great Bay toward the North all full of Islands and great creekes, where

many good harboroughs seeme to be: them we named S. Marthas Islands, from

which about a league and a halfe further into the sea there is a dangerous

shallow, wherein are fiue rockes, which lie from Saint Marthas Islands

about seuen leagues as you passe into the sayd Islands, on the East and on

the West side, to which we came the sayd day an houre after noone, and

from that houre vntill midnight we sailed about fifteene leagues athwart a

cape of the lower Islands, which we named S. Germans Islands.

Southeastward, from which place about three leagues, there is a very

dangerous shallow. Likewise betweene S. Germans cape and Saint Marthas,

about two leagues from the sayd Islands, there lyeth a banke of sand, vpon

which banke the water is but foure fadome deepe, and therefore seeing the

danger of the coast, we strucke saile and went no further that night: The

next day being the last of Iuly, we went all along the coast that runneth

East and West, and somewhat Southeasterly which is all enuironed about

with Islands and drie sands, and in trueth is very dangerous. The length

from S. Germans Cape to the said Islands is about 17 leagues and a halfe,

at the end of which there is a goodly plot of ground full of huge and high

trees, albeit the rest of the coast be compassed about with sands without

any signe or shew of harboroughs, till we came to Cape Thiennot, which

trendeth Northwest about seuen leagues from the foresaid Islands, which

Cape Thiennot we noted in our former voyage, and therefore we sailed on

all that night West and Westnorthwest, till it was day, and then the wind

turned against vs, wherefore we went to seeke a hauen wherein we might

harbour our ships, and by good hap, found one fit for our purpose, about

seuen leagues and a halfe beyond Cape Thiennot, and that we named S.

Nicholas Hauen, it lieth amidst 4 Islands that stretch into the sea: Vpon

the neerest wee for a token set vp a woodden crosse. But note by the way,

that this crosse must be brought Northeast, and then bending toward it,

leaue it on the left hand and you shall find sixe fadome water, and within

the hauen foure. Also you are to take heede of two shelues that leane

outward halfe a league. All this coast is full of shoulds and very

dangerous, albeit in sight many good hauens seeme to be there, yet is

there nought else but shelues and sands. We staied and rested our selues

in the sayd hauen, vntill the seuenth of August being Sonday: on which day

we hoysed sayle, and came toward land on the South side toward Cape

Rabast, distant from the sayd hauen about twentie leagues Northnortheast,

and Southsouthwest: but the next day there rose a stormie and a contrary

winde, and because we could find no hauen there toward the South, thence

we went coasting along toward the North, beyond the abouesayd hauen about

ten leagues, where we found a goodly great gulfe, full of Islands,

passages, and entrances toward what wind soeuer you please to bend: for

the knowledge of this gulfe there is a great Island that is like to a Cape

of lande, stretching somewhat further foorth than the others, and about

two leagues within the land, there is an hill fashioned as it were an

heape of corne. We named the sayd gulfe Saint Laurence his bay. (M114) The

twelfth of the sayd moneth wee went from the sayd Saint Laurence his Bay,

or gulfe, sayling Westward, and discouered a Cape of land toward the

South, that runneth West and by South, distant from the sayd Saint

Laurence his Bay, about fiue and twenty leagues. And of the two wilde men

which wee tooke in our former voyage, it was tolde vs, that this was part

of the Southerne coaste, and that there was an Island, on the Southerly

parte of which is the way to goe from Honguedo (where the yeere before we

had taken them) to Canada, and that two dayes iourney from the sayd Cape,

and Island began the Kingdome of Saguenay, on the North shore extending

toward Canada, and about three leagues athwart the sayd Cape, there is a

hundreth fadome water. (M115) Moreouer I beleeue that there were neuer so

many Whales seen as wee saw that day about the sayd Cape. The next day

after being our Ladie day of August the fifteenth of the moneth, hauing

passed the Straight, we had notice of certaine lands that wee left toward

the South, which landes are full of very great and high hilles, and this

Cape wee named The Island of the Assumption, and one Cape of the said high

countreys lyeth Eastnortheast, and Westsouthwest, the distance betweene

which is about fiue and twenty leagues. The Countreys lying North may

plainely be perceiued to be higher then the Southerly, more then thirty

leagues in length. We trended the sayd landes about toward the South: from

the sayd day vntill Tewesday-noone following, the winde came West, and

therefore wee bended toward the North, purposing to goe and see the land

that we before had spied. Being arriued there, we found the sayd landes,

as it were ioyned together, and low toward the Sea. And the Northerly

mountaines that are vpon the sayd low lands stretch East, and West, and a

quarter of the South. Our wild men told vs that there was the beginning of

Saguenay, and that it was land inhabited, and that thence commeth the red

Copper, of them named Caignetdaze. There is betweene the Southerly lands,

and the Northerly about thirty leagues distance, and more then two

hundreth fadome depth. (M116) The sayd men did moreouer certifie vnto vs,

that there was the way and beginning of the great riuer of Hochelaga and

ready way to Canada, which riuer the further it went the narrower it came,

euen vnto Canada, and that then there was fresh water, which went so farre

vpwards, that they had neuer heard of any man who had gone to the head of

it, and that there is no other passage but with small boates. Our Captaine

hearing their talke, and how they did affirme no other passage to be

there, would not at that time proceede any further, till he had seene and

noted the other lands, and coast toward the North, which he had omitted to

see from S. Laurence his gulfe, because he would know, if between the

lands toward the North any passage anight be discouered.

Chap. 2. How our Captaine caused the ships to returne backe againe, only

to know if in Saint Laurence gulfe there were any passage toward the

North.

Vpon the 18 of August being Wednesday, our Captaine caused his shippes to

wind backe, and bend toward the other shore, so that we trended the said

Northerly cost, which runneth Northeast and Southwest, being fashioned

like vnto halfe a bowe, and is a very high land, but yet not so high as

that on the South parts. The Thursday following we came to seuen very high

Islands, which we named The round Islands. These Islands are distant from

the South shore about 40 leagues, and stretch out into the sea about 3 or

4 leagues. Against these there are goodly low grounds to be seene full of

goodly trees, which we the Friday following, with our boats compassed

about. Ouerthwart these lands there are diuers sandy shelues more then two

leagues into the sea, very dangerous, which at a low water remaine almost

dry. At the furthest bounds of these lowe lands, that containe about ten

leagues, there is a riuer of fresh water, that with such swiftnesse

runneth into the sea, that for the space of one league within it the water

is as fresh as any fountaine water. We with our boates entred in the sayd

riuer, at the entrance of which we found about one fadome and a halfe of

water. There are in this riuer many fishes shaped like horses, which as

our wild men told vs, all the day long lie in the water, and the night on

land: of which we saw therin a great number. (M117) The next day being the

21 of the moneth, by breake of day we hoysed saile, and sailed so long

along the said coast, that we had sight of the rest of the sayd Northerne

coast, which as yet we had not seene, and of the Island of the Assumption

which wee went to discouer, departing from the sayd land: which thing so

soone as we had done, and that we were certified no other passage to be

there, we came to our ships againe, which we had left at the said Islands,

where is a good harborough, the water being about nine or ten fadome.

(M118) In the same place by occasion of contrary winds and foggie mists,

we were constrained to stay, not being either able to come out of it, or

hoise saile, till the 24 of the moneth: On which day we departed and came

to a hauen on the Southerly coast about 80 leagues from the said Islands.

This hauen is ouer against three flat Islands that lie amidst the riuer,

because on the midway betweene those Islands, and the sayd hauen toward

the North, there is a very great riuer that runneth betweene the high and

low landes, and more then three leagues into the sea it hath many shelues,

and there is not altogether two fadome water, so that the place is very

dangerous: and neere vnto the said shelues, there is either fifteene or 20

fadomes from shore to shore. All the Northerly coaste runneth Northeast

and by North, and Southwest and by South. The said hauen wherin we stayed

on the South side, is as it were but a sluce of the waters that rise by

the flood, and but of smal accompt: we named them S. Iohns Islets, because

we found them, and entred into them the day of the beheading of that

Saint. And before you come to the said hauen, there is an Island lying

Eastward about 5 leagues distant from the same: betweene which and the

land there is no passage sauing only for smal boats. The hauen of S. Iohns

Islets dryeth vp all the waters that rise by flowing, although they flow

two fadome at the least. The best place to harborough ships therein is on

the South part of a little Island that is ouer against the said hauen,

whereby the bancke or shore of the Island riseth. (M119) Vpon the first of

September we departed out of the said hauen, purposing to go toward

Canada; and about 15 leagues from it toward the West, and Westsouthwest,

amidst the riuer, there are three Islands, ouer against the which there is

a riuer which runneth swift, and is of a great depth, and it is that which

leadeth, and runneth into the countrey and kingdome of Saguenay, as by the

two wild men of Canada it was told vs. This riuer passeth and runneth

along very high and steepe hils of bare stone, where very little earth is,

and notwithstanding there is great quantity of sundry sorts of trees that

grow in the said bare stones, euen as vpon good and fertile ground, in

such sort that we haue seene some so great as wel would suffise to make a

mast for a ship of 30 tunne burden, and as greene as possibly can be,

growing in a stony rocke without any earth at all. At the entrance of the

sayd riuer we met with 4 boats ful of wild men, which as far as we could

perceiue, very fearfully came toward vs, so that some of them went backe

againe, and the other came as neere vs as easily they might heare and

vnderstand one of our wild men, who told them his name, and then tooke

acquaintance of them, vpon whose word they came to vs. The next day being

the 2 of September, we came out of the sayd riuer to go to Canada, and by

reason of the seas flowing, the tide was very swift and dangerous, for

that on the South part of it there lie two Islands, about which, more then

three leagues compasse, lie many rocks and great stones, and but two

fadome water: and the flowing amidst those Islands is very vnconstant and

doubtful, so that if it had not bene for our boats, we had been in great

danger to lose our Pinnesse: and coasting along the said drie sands, there

is more then 30 fadom water.

About fiue leagues beyond the riuer of Saguenay Southwest, there is

another Iland on the Northside, wherein are certaine high lands, and

thereabouts we thought to haue cast anker, on purpose to stay the next

tide, but we could sound no ground in a 120 fadome, within a flight shoot

from shore, so that we were constrained to winde backe to the said Iland,

where wee sounded againe and found 35 fadome. The next morning we hoysed

saile and went thence, sayling further on, where we had notice of a

certaine kind of fish neuer before of any man seene or knowen. They are

about the bignesse of a porpose, yet nothing like them, of body very well

proportioned, headed like Grayhounds, altogither as white as snow without

any spot, within which riuer there is great quantitie of them: they doe

liue altogither betweene the Sea and the fresh water. These people of the

Countrey call them Adhothuys, they tolde vs that they be very sauory and

good to be eaten. Moreouer they affirme none to be found elsewhere but in

the mouth of that riuer. The sixth of the month, the weather being calme

and faire, we went about 15 leagues more vpward into the riuer, and there

lighted on an Iland that looketh Northward, and it maketh a little hauen

or creeke wherein are many and innumerable great Tortoyzes, continually

lying about that Iland. There are likewise great quantitie of the said

Adhothuys taken by the inhabitours of the countrey, and there is as great

a current in that place as is at Bordeux in France at euery tide. This

Iland is in length about three leagues, and in bredth two, and is a goodly

and fertile plot of ground, replenished with many goodly and great trees

of many sorts. (M120) Among the rest there are many Filberd-trees, which

we found hanging full of them, somewhat bigger and better in sauour then

ours, but somewhat harder, and therefore we called it The Iland of

Filberds. The seuenth of the moneth being our Ladies euen, after seruice

we went from that Iland to goe vp higher into the riuer, and came to 14

Ilands seuen or eight leagues from the Iland of Filberds, where the

countrey of Canada beginneth, one of which Ilands is ten leagues in

length, and fiue in bredth, greatly inhabited of such men as onely liue by

fishing of such sorts of fishes as the riuer affordeth, according to the

season of them. (M121) After we had cast anker betwene the said great

Iland, and the Northerly coast, we went on land and tooke our two wild men

with vs, meeting with many of these countrey people, who would not at all

approch vnto vs, but rather fled from vs, vntill our two men began to

speake vnto them, telling them that they were Taignoagoy and Domagaia, who

so soone as they had taken acquaintance of them, beganne greatly to

reioyce, dancing and shewing many sorts of ceremonies: and many of the

chiefest of them came to our boats and brought many Eeles and other sorts

of fishes, with two or three burdens of great Millet wherewith they make

their bread, and many great muske millions. The same day came also many

other boates full of those countreymen and women, to see and take

acquaintance of our two men, all which were as courteously receiued and

friendly entertained of our Captaine, as possibly could be. And to haue

them the better acquainted with him, and make them his friends, hee gaue

them many small gifts, but of small value: neuerthelesse they were greatly

contented with them. The next day following, the Lord of Canada (whose

proper name was Donnacona, but by the name of Lord they call him

Agouhanna) with twelue boats came to our ships, accompanied with many

people, who causing ten of his boates to goe backe with the other two,

approched vnto vs with sixteene men. Then beganne the said Agouhanna ouer

against the smallest of our ships, according to their maner and fashion,

to frame a long Oration, moouing all his bodie and members after a strange

fashion, which thing is a ceremonie and signe of gladnesse and securitie

among them, and then comming to the Generals ship, where Taignoagny and

Domagaia were, he spake with them and they with him, where they began to

tell and shew vnto him what they had seene in France, and what good

entertainement they had had: hearing which things the said Lord seemed to

be very glad thereof, and prayed our Captaine to reach him his arme, that

he might kisse it, which thing he did: their Lord taking it, laid it about

his necke, for so they vse to doe when they will make much of one. Then

our Captaine entred into Agouhannas boat, causing bread and wine to be

brought to make the said Lord and his companie to eate and drinke, which

thing they did, and were greatly thereby contented and satisfied. Our

Captaine for that time gaue them nothing, because he looked for a fitter

opportunity. These things being done, ech one tooke leaue of others, and

the said Lord went with his boats againe to his place of abode. Our

Captaine then caused our boates to be set in order, that with the next

tide he might goe vp higher into the riuer, to find some safe harborough

for our ships: and we passed vp the riuer against the streame about tenne

leagues, coasting the said Iland, at the end whereof, we found a goodly

and pleasant sound, where is a little riuer and hauen, where by reason of

the flood there is about three fadome water. (M122) This place seemed to

vs very fit and commodious to harbour our ships therein, and so we did

very safely, we named it the holy Crosse, for on that day we came thither.

(M123) Neere vnto it, there is a village, whereof Donnacona is Lord, and

there he keepeth his abode: it is called Stadacona, as goodly a plot of

ground as possibly may be seene, and therewithall very fruitfull, full of

goodly trees euen as in France, as Okes, Elmes, Ashes, Walnut trees, Maple

tres, Cydrons, Vines, and white Thornes, that bring foorth fruit as bigge

as any damsons, and many other sortes of trees, vnder which groweth as

faire tall hempe, as any in France, without any seede or any mans worke or

labour at all. Hauing considered the place, and finding it fit for our

purpose, our Captaine withdrew himselfe on purpose to returne to our

ships: but behold, as we were comming out of the riuer we met comming

against vs one of the Lords of the said village of Stadacona, accompanied

with many others, as men, women, and children, who after the fashion of

their country, in signe of mirth and ioy, began to make a long Oration,

the women still singing and dancing vp to the knees in water. Our Captaine

knowing their good will and kindnesse toward vs, caused the boat wherein

they were, to come vnto him, and gaue them certaine trifles, as kniues,

and beades of glasse, whereat they were maruellous glad, for being gone

about leagues from them, for the pleasure they concerned of our comming we

might heare them sing, and see them dance for all they were so farre.

Chap. 3. How our Captaine went to see and note the bignesse of the Iland,

and the nature of it, and then returned to the ships, causing them to be

brought to the riuer of The holy Crosse.