_Philippines_, _Vizcaino_ was to be again fitted out to discover a
Harbour on the Western Coast of _California_, for the Reception of
the _Aquapulco_ Ship; but the Death of _Vizcaino_ prevented that
Design being carried into Execution; as the Court had found so many
Disappointments, and such ill Success in these Undertakings, they did
not think proper to entrust it to any other Person in the _Philippines_
or _New Spain_. And _Venegas_ says, Hist of _Cal._ Vol. i. P. 180.
'During the succeeding nine Years inconsiderable Voyages only were
made to _California_, and these rather to fish for Pearls, or procure
them by Barter, than to make any Settlement, and therefore they
have been thought below any separate Account, especially as in the
subsequent Royal Commissions they are only mentioned in general without
any Circumstances.' Though Commissions were given to go into these
Parts, without any Account remaining to whom, and on what particular
Occasion; it is not to be doubted as in all Commissions of this Nature
they would be under an Obligation to make a Report to the Court, and
it is not to be understood that these Commissions were continued for
nine Years only; and therefore what hath been said as to _Parmentiers_
and the Jesuits, their having been in these Parts, is not the least
improbable. By these Commissions they were not confined to the Gulph
of _California_, is evident from Father _Kino_, as already mentioned,
giving Names in his Map to Villages, or occasional Settlements rather,
on the River _Santo Thome_: And he says, P. 299, what made Father
_Kino_ desirous of discovering whether _California_ was an Island or
not, 'That all the Moderns had placed it as an Island, there being
extant also some Journals of Mariners, according to which they went
round _California_ through a Streight, and gave the Parts and Places
through which they passed their own Names.' It appears from this
Account they were permitted, by these Commissions, to rove about,
though not to make Settlements, induced by their private Advantage,
and the Advantage to the Government was from their Discoveries. Also
Vol. i. P. 182, he mentions, 'That a great many private Persons, from
the Coast of _Culiacan_ and _Chametla_, made Trips in small Boats to
the Coast of _California_, either to fish for Pearls, or purchase them
of the _Indians_;' which is agreeable to _de Fonte_'s Account of the
Master and Mariners he procured at _Zalagua_ and _Compostilo_. We may
also observe what the Missionaries say, as to the Tides at the Head
of the Bay, which still adds to the Authenticity of this Account.
'In those Parts the Tide shifts every six Hours; the Flood, with a
frightful Impetuosity, rises from three to seven Fathoms, overflowing
the flat Country for some Leagues, and the Ebb necessarily returns with
the same dangerous Violence.--However the Pilot went on Shore in the
Pinnace, at several Parts, in order to make a complete Drawing of it
for his Chart; was equally convinced that this Cape was the Extremity
of the Gulph of _California_, and that the Waters beyond it were those
of the River _Colorado_.' Therefore it was, from the exact Observation
of the Tide which this Pilot took so much Pains to make, an unsettled
Point from whence the Tide proceeded. Which, at the Time of _de
Fonte_'s Expedition, was said to come from the Northward, agreeable to
the then prevailing Opinion of _California_ being an Island. According
to the usual Practice, though the true Cause of a Phænomena is unknown,
to quote that Phænomena that favours a System which there is a Desire
to establish as a Truth, not only in support of but to confirm such
System, as to render the Truth of it unquestionable.
After _Vizcaino_'s Death, and though the Court of _Spain_ was
disappointed as to finding able and sufficient Persons in _New Spain_
whom they could intrust, yet Adventures were made by private Persons,
at their own Expence, both for Discovery and Settlements; yet these
could not be undertaken without the Permission of his Majesty,
who had taken it into his own Hand to grant such Commissions, and
mostly required a Voyage to _Old Spain_ to attain them; and the next
Expedition that was made, at the Crown's Expence, was conducted by an
Admiral from _Old Spain_, who arrived in _New Spain_ in 1643, Admiral
_Cassanate_, with full Power and Necessaries to equip a Fleet, and
make Settlements in _California_; and he sailed on such Expedition in
1644. By which it is apparent that there were Ships at that Time in
_New Spain_ proper for such Expeditions. As he came into these Parts
within three Years after _de Fonte_'s Expedition, and took the Command
as Admiral of _New Spain_ when he arrived, it is to be supposed the
Expedition _Cassanate_ was sent on was too fatiguing for _de Fonte_,
who was therefore retired to his Government of _Chili_. In the Year
1649 Admiral _Cassanate_, in Reward for his Services, being after the
same Manner promoted to the Government of _Chili_, _de Fonte_ must be
dead at that Time. This Circumstance fixes the Period in which the Copy
of this Letter was taken.
As what _Venegas_ says as to the Account (which Account hath been
before mentioned) given by _Seyxas y Lovera_, as to its wanting the
necessary Authenticity. Besides the usual Licences, wherein the
Licencers declare there is nothing contrary to good Manners, and
besides being dedicated to the King in his Royal and Supreme Council of
the _Indies_, _Seyxas_'s Book hath the Licence and Approbation of the
Professor of Divinity in the University of _Alcara_, Preacher to the
King, and Principal of a College of Jesuits in _Madrid_. Hath also the
Approbation and Licence of the Professor of Erudition and Mathematicks
in the Imperial College of the Company of the Jesuits at _Madrid_.
What unfavourable Opinion soever we may entertain of the Principles of
these Persons, we must have such an Opinion of their Prudence, that
they would not sign their Approbation to a Book while it contained an
unnecessary Lie, which could be easily expunged, or until they were
satisfied as to the Authenticity of this Account which _Seyxas_ gives
of _Peche_'s Voyage, having been published in various Places. And it is
indisputable from the Countenance his Book received, he was looked on
at that Time as a deserving honest Man.
_Venegas_ designedly omits other Accounts dispersed in various Books
for Want of necessary Authenticity; but it is not to be understood that
he absolutely denies that such Accounts are true. Neither is there so
great an Improbability in such Discoveries having been made, as some
of these Accounts mention, as is imagined, when such Accounts are duly
considered.
We have already mentioned one Account which engaged the Attention
of the King of _Spain_, therefore must have been of some Authority.
There is another Account (unless it be the same Account differently
represented) of a Ship that, to the Northward of Cape _Blanco_, on the
Coast of _California_, passed through the Streight into the _North
Sea_, and to _Old Spain_, which was also made known to the King of
_Spain_, mentioned by _Torquemada_, Vol. i. P. 725.
Most of the Discoveries are reported to have been made by Ships coming
from the _Moluccas_, or from the _Philippine_ Islands to the Eastward,
and which have met with bad Weather. And what, in those Times, Ships
were necessitated to do, if there was a Continuance of hard Gales of
Wind, we may learn from the Schedule of _Philip_ the Third, History
of _California_, Vol. i. P. 175, after mentioning a Harbour found by
_Vizcaino_, on the Western Coast of _California_, adds, 'And lies very
convenient for Ships returning from the _Philippine_ Islands to put
into, and thus, in case of Storms, avoid the Necessity of making for
_Japan_, as they have several Times done, and expended great Sums of
Money. Besides, they usually have Sight of the Coast of _China_, which
is an additional Benefit, as knowing where they are, they will not as
formerly, in case of bad Weather, make for _Japan_, or those Islands,
as the same Winds which would carry them thither, bring them into this
Harbour. Again, P. 177, considering how much it concerns the Security
of Ships coming from those Islands, in a Voyage of no less than 2000
Leagues, on a wide and tempestuous Sea, that they should be provided
with a Port where they might put in and furnish themselves with Water,
Wood, and Provisions: That the said Port of _Monterey_ lies in 37
Degrees, nearly about half Way the Voyage.'
A Ship flying before the Wind, and the People steering her towards the
Coast of _America_, to avoid _Japan_ and the Islands, making a Cape
Land on the Coast of _California_, would run for what they supposed
a Harbour, and the bad Weather continuing might proceed up the Bay
or Opening they were then in, to meet with the Inhabitants, in order
to obtain Refreshments, and to learn where they were, by which Means
find a Passage. As Ships were distressed in hard Gales of Wind, in the
Manner the Schedule mentions, there is no Improbability of a Passage
being first accidentally discovered by a single Ship coming from Sea
with a leading Wind into a large Opening, in Expectation of a Harbour,
though such Discovery hath not been made by Ships intentionally sent
along Shore for that Purpose.
It is to be observed, the People of the _Philippine_ Islands are those
who most talked of a Passage: They informed _Peche_ and others; and it
is easily accounted for why they should do so: For if the _Portugueze_
made the Discovery in a Ship from the _Moluccas_, there was a constant
Intercourse between them and the People of the _Philippines_; and
whether the Discovery was made by the _Spaniards_ or _Portugueze_,
some of the Company who were aboard such Ship as had passed through
the Streight from the _South_ to the _North Sea_, would return to
the _Moluccas_ or the _Philippines_; and others would meet their
Acquaintance from thence in _Portugal_ or _Old Spain_; who would take
Pleasure in relating to them the Accounts of their Voyage, and which
they who heard those Accounts would be equally fond of communicating
to others, especially when they returned back to the _Indies_. By
which Means it would be known that there had been such a Discovery;
and it would be out of the Power of the King of _Spain_ or _Portugal_
to prevent its being so far known, but could prevent the Account of
such Discovery being published, or the Particulars communicated to
Foreigners.
In the Year 1568 _Salvatierra_, a Gentleman of _Spain_, who had
accidentally landed in _Ireland_ from the _West Indies_, gave an
Account of a Passage having been made by one _Andrew Urdanietta_, and
by the Circumstances of that Account it was about the Year 1556 or
1557. This _Urdanietta_ was a Friar, was with and greatly assisted
_Andrew Miguel Lopez de Legaspi_ in the Expedition to the _Philippine_
Islands in the Year 1564, and was called the celebrated Religious
_Andrew de Urdanietta_. His being thus employed, and so serviceable
in this Expedition to the _Philippine_ Islands, as he is said to have
been, implies, that he had a prior Knowledge of those Parts, and must
have been there before; and the Character that _Salvatierra_ gave
of him to Sir _Hugh Sydney_, then Lord Deputy of _Ireland_, and Sir
_Humphrey Gilbert_, was, that he was the greatest Discoverer by Sea
that was in that Age.
_Salvatierra_ said that _a North-west Passage_ was constantly believed
to be in _America_ navigable; and that _Urdanietta_ had shewed him
at _Mexico_ eight Years before _Salvatierra_ arrived in _Ireland_,
a Chart made from his own Observations in a Voyage in which he came
from _Mare del Zur_ into _Germany_, through this North-west Passage,
wherein such Passage was expressed, agreeing with _Ortelius_'s Map:
That _Urdanietta_ had told the King of _Portugal_ of it as he came
there from _Germany_ in his return home; but the King earnestly
intreated him not to discover this Secret to any Nation: _For that_
(said he) _if_ England _had once a Knowledge and Experience of it, it
would greatly hinder the King of_ Spain _and me_. And _Salvatierra_ was
himself persuaded of a Passage by the Friar _Urdanietta_, and by the
common Opinion of the _Spaniards_ inhabiting _America_.
It was this Account with some other that gained the Attention of the
greatest Men of that Age to pursue the Discovery of a North-west
Passage. Neither would _Dudley_, _Walsingham_, or Sir _Humphrey
Gilbert_, and other honourable Persons about the Court, be deceived
with fictitious Stories, and pursue a Phantom. Could the great
Abilities and Penetration of a _Walsingham_ be defective in this
Respect, which was so perfect in all other Respects, as to be the
Admiration of the present Age. Those who condemn this Account, and some
other Accounts of this Sort, have not considered, that upon a slight
Surmise or Suspicion only they put their Judgments in Competition with
and in Contradiction to the Judgments of those great Men, who embraced
no Opinion as to any Matter but what was founded in Reason, and all
the Circumstances relating to which they had first fully considered,
and which Opinion they adhered to. As to a North-west Passage, making
a Distinction between the Disappointments as to the effecting the
Discovery of a Passage, and the Probability there was of their being
such Passage. The King of _Spain_ was equally successless as to the
Execution, and at the same Time as much assured of the Practicability
of making it; for which Reason Secretary _Walsingham_ was concerned at
his Death, as the Attention of the Publick was drawn to a _North-east_
Passage, by which nothing more was proposed than a Trade to _Cathæy_ or
_China_, and that a North-west Passage was neglected on the Part of the
_English_.
It was an Opinion received in _England_ in the Year 1560, or earlier,
that there was such a Passage; and before the _Philippines_ were
settled by the _Spaniards_. Soon after the Discovery of _Urdanietta_,
_Frobisher_, who set out in 1576, is said to have projected his Design,
and made an Application for fifteen Years before. Did not succeed in
the City probably, as they might not see any certain Advantage; but
when he applied to the Court he succeeded. On what Plan he went is also
evident, to find an Entrance to Northward of the _Labrador_; for when
he fell in with the South-west Part of _Greenland_, it was supposed by
him to be the _Labrador_ Coast.
There is another Account on the Oath of _Thomas Cowles_ of _Bedmester_,
taken the 9th of _April_ 1579, at a Time when Oaths were considered
by all People as solemn and sacred Obligations to declare the Truth.
He says that six Years before, he heard a _Portugueze_ read a Book
which he set out six Years before in print in the _Portugal_ Tongue,
declaring that he, _Martin Chacke_, had found, now twelve Years past,
a Way from the _Portugal Indies_ through the Gulph of _Newfoundland_,
which he thought to be in Latitude 59° of the North Pole, by Means that
he being in the said _Indies_ with four Ships of great Burthen, and
he himself being in a small Ship of eighty Ton, far driven from the
Company of the other four Ships with a West Wind; after that he had
passed along by a great Number of Islands, which were in the Gulph of
the said _Newfoundland_, and after that he overshot the Gulph, he set
no more Sight on any other Land, until he fell in with the North-west
Part of _Ireland_; and from thence he took his Course homeward, and by
that Means came to _Lisbon_ four or five Weeks before the other Ships.
But the Books were afterwards called in by the King's Order.
This Passage was made about ten Years after that of _Urdanietta_; and
it is probable _Chacke_ was encouraged to proceed through such Passage,
from the Report or an Account which he had heard of such Passage having
been before made. It is evident he met with some Difficulties in such
Passage which delayed him, as the Ships were at _Lisbon_ so soon after
him, and as he expresses that he was far driven from the other four
Ships he left them in a low Latitude, and being got to the Northward,
without any Expectation of rejoining them, proceeded intentionally to
make his Voyage by the Passage; which he would not have done to the
Hazard of losing his Vessel and Cargo, for he was not on Discovery, but
returning to _Lisbon_ in Company with other loaden Vessels, from whom
he was separated, unless he had been assured that what he undertook was
practicable, and a Passage had been made by some Vessel before that
Time. This Account was received as a Truth by the principal People of
the Kingdom, who certainly made a due Enquiry as to the Character of
the Person who made the Affidavit with respect to his Capacity, there
would be a proper Precaution also, at the Time of administering such
Affidavit, that it was exact and only what he knew positively as to
this Matter, tho' there might be other Circumstances which he was not
so positive in. And as this Account was at that Time believed, it must
have been on better Reasons than can be at present urged by any one to
call the Veracity of this Account in Question.
_Juan de Fuca_ (the Account is from _Purchase_ and _North-west Fox_)
was an ancient Pilot, who had been in the _West India_ of _Spain_ for
near forty Years, and had sailed as Mariner and Pilot to many Places
thereof in Service of the _Spaniards_.
He was Pilot of three small Ships which the _Viceroy_ of _Mexico_
sent from thence, armed with a hundred Soldiers, under a _Spaniard_
Captain, to discover the Streights of _Anian_ along the Coast of the
_South Sea_, and to fortify in that Streight, to resist the Passage of
the _English_ Nation, but by Reason of a Mutiny which happened amongst
the Soldiers, for some ill Practices of the Captain, the Voyage was
overset, and they returned to _New Spain_.
The Viceroy sent _de Fuca_ out again in 1592, with a small Caravel
and Pinnace, armed with Mariners only, for the Discovery of the said
Streights. Finding the Land to trend North and North-east, with a
broad Inlet between 47 and 48, he entered it, and sailing therein more
than twenty Days, found the Land trending still, sometimes North-west,
sometimes North-east, and also South-eastward, far broader Sea than at
the said Entrance; and passed by diverse Islands in that Entrance.
He went upon Land in several Places, and saw some People on Land, clad
in Beasts Skins; and that the Land was very fruitful, and rich of Gold
and Silver, and Pearls, and other Things like _Nova Hispania_.
Being entered thus far in the said Streight, and come into the _North
Sea_ already, and finding the Sea wide enough every where, and to be
about thirty or forty Leagues wide in the Streight where he entered; he
thought he had well discharged his Office, and done the Thing he was
sent to do; and that he not being armed to resist the Force of the
savage People, that might happen to assault him, therefore set sail
and returned to _Nova Hispania_, where he arrived at _Aquapulco, Anno
1592_, hoping to be well rewarded by the Viceroy for his Voyage so
performed.
The Viceroy received him kindly, and gave him Promises; but after an
Expectation of two Years the Viceroy wished him to go to _Spain_, where
the King would reward him; and he accordingly went.
He was well received at Court; but after long Suit could get no Reward
to his Content, so stole away and came to _Italy_, to live amongst
his Kindred in his own Country, being very old, a _Greek_ by Birth,
born in the Island of _Sepholonica_, and his proper Name _Apostollos
Valerianos_.
_De Fuca_ went first to _Leghorn_, then to _Florence_, where he met
one _John Dowlass_, an _Englishman_, a famous Mariner, ready coming
for _Venice_, to be a Pilot for a _Venetian_ Ship to _England_; they
went in Company to _Venice_. _Dowlass_ being acquainted with Mr.
_Lock_, at least a considerable Merchant if not a Consul there; gave
him an Account of this _de Fuca_, and introduced him to Mr. _Lock_, who
gave Mr. _Lock_ the preceding Account; and made a Proposal, if Queen
_Elizabeth_ would make up the Loss which he had sustained aboard the
_Aquapulco_ Ship taken by Captain _Cavendish_, which was to the Value
of sixty Thousand Ducats, he would go to _England_, and serve her
Majesty to discover the _North-west Passage_ into the _South Sea_, and
engage his Life for the Performance, with a Ship of forty Tons and a
Pinnace. They had two several Meetings on this Occasion; and _Lock_,
at _de Fuca_'s Request, wrote to the old Lord _Treasurer Cecil_, Sir
_Walter Rawleigh_, and Mr. _Richard Hackluit_, the Cosmographer,
desiring a Hundred Pounds for to pay his Passage to _England_. His
Friends wrote _Lock_ Word, the Action was very well liked, if the
Money could be procured. As no great Expectations were to be had from
this Answer, _de Fuca_ left _Venice_ in a Fortnight after, pursued his
Design of going to _Greece_, and there died.
There is nothing in this Relation but what is very natural and simple.
_De Fuca_'s Demand was excessive, for which Reason, probably, as a Man
who over-rated his Services, he was not rewarded by the _Viceroy_ or
the _King_; yet the _Viceroy_ availed himself of him, by sending him
to Court to give an Account of his Voyage, which he might be ordered
to do, as another Expedition was desired, and a Representation for
that Purpose made by the Viceroy _Luis Velasco_, as is mentioned in the
Schedule of the King. History of _California_, P. 173.
It did not appear that he could certainly perform what he undertook,
concluding he was in the _North Sea_, from such Sea returned back to
_New Spain_, therefore had not acquired a Knowledge of the Entrance
into the Streights from the Eastward; which was the Difficulty that
obstructed this Discovery on the Part of the _English_, and had been so
much sought after, but unsuccessfully. His Age was also a very material
Objection, that he would scarce be able to bear the Fatigue of such a
Voyage, his Desire to undertake which immediately proceeded from his
Avarice: Nor was it confident that the Hundred Pounds should be sent
over to bring him to _England_, if the other Part of the Terms could
not be complied with; which seems to be the Meaning of the Expression,
the Action is well liked of if the Money could be procured. And _de
Fuca_, whose Motive for proposing this Undertaking, was to be satisfied
for his Loss by Captain _Cavendish_, would not have altered his Design
of going into his own Country, and proceeded to _England_, unless he
was assured of his being so gratified on a Performance of what he
undertook.
_Dowlass_, who was a good Mariner, as he travelled with him, and kept
his Company, would have had particular and frequent Conversation with
_de Fuca_, and who, as a Mariner, was more capable of finding out if
his Account was true, and was thoroughly satisfied it was so, as he
spoke to Mr. _Lock_ about him. Neither _Lock_ nor _Dowlass_ could
have any sinister Views, but only animated by a publick Spirit to do
their Country so acceptable a Service, which it was thought to be in
_England_, as it is said the Action is well liked of.
As to _de Fuca_ being taken Prisoner by Captain _Cavendish_, and how
did he escape out of the Hands of the _English_? When the Ship was
taken all the People were put ashore on the Coast of _California_, the
Goods were taken out, and then the Ship was set a Fire, which burnt to
the Water Mark, the Wreck floated ashore, they erected Jury-masts in
her, and fortunately got to _Aquapulco_.
_De Fuca_ says, the Cause he thought of the ill Reward he had of
the _Spaniards_ was, that they understood very well the _English_
Nation had now given over all their Voyages for the Discovery of a
_North-west Passage_, wherefore they feared not them to come any more
that Way into the _South Sea_; and therefore they needed not his
Service therein any more: Which is so far agreeable to the Accounts
of those Times, that, after the Death of Sir _Francis Walsingham_,
the Discovery of a North-west Passage had no Patron at Court; and Sir
_Francis_ had particularly interested himself in procuring _Davis_
to go on his last Expedition. The Discovery was not re-assumed until
the Year 1602, by the _Muscovy_ Company, who had never engaged as a
Company in this Discovery; but having made some successless Attempts,
as to the North-east Passage, fitted out Capt. _George Weymouth_ for
the Discovery of a North-west Passage, which it is observable was the
same Year with _Vizcaino_'s Expedition. And it is observable the next
Expedition for the Discovery of a North-west Passage, was not until the
Year 1606, when Mr. _John Knight_ was fitted out; and the same Year the
King of _Spain_ orders _Vizcaino_ on a third Expedition, but _Vizcaino_
died, though in the interim _Vizcaino_ had been to _Old Spain_, to
make Application to make a fresh Attempt, at his own Expence, and he
could not obtain Permission of his Majesty. As the Expeditions which
the Court of _Spain_ order peremptorily to be undertaken, correspond
as to the Time with those from _England_, shews a Jealousy on the
Part of the King of _Spain_ that the _English_ might succeed as to
a Passage through the Streights. And though it is mentioned as the
principal Design in the Expeditions by Order of the King of _Spain_,
is the Discovery of a Harbour for the _Aquapulco_ Ship, the Publick
understood there was yet a farther Design, and as much may be collected
from the King of _Spain_'s Schedule in 1606. Count _de Monterey_, 'by
pursuing the Discovery intended by _Don Luis de Velasco_, wrote to me
concerning, and was of Opinion that small Vessels from the Harbour
of _Aquapulco_ were the fittest; and that in the Discovery might be
included the Coasts and Bays of the Gulph of _California_, and of the
Fishery, to which, in my Letter of the 27th of _September_ 1599, I
ordered to be answered, that the Discovery, and making Draughts, with
Observations of that Coast, and the Bays along it, having appeared to
me _highly convenient_, it was my Will he should immediately put it
in Execution, without troubling himself about _California_, unless
occasionally--And _Sebastian Vizcaino_ carefully informed himself of
these _Indians_, and many others, whom he discovered along the Coast
for above eight Hundred Leagues; and they all told him, that up the
Country there were large Towns, Silver, and Gold; whence he is inclined
to believe that great Riches may be discovered, especially as, in some
Parts of the Land, Veins of Metal are to be seen; and that the Time of
their Summer being known, a farther Discovery might be made of them
by _going within_ the Country, and that the Remainder of it may be
discovered along the Coast, as it reaches beyond 42 Degrees, the Limits
specified to the said _Sebastian Vizcaino_ in his Instructions.' Though
these Orders were received in _Mexico_ in 1599, no Voyage was set out
on until 1602, the Time that _Weymouth_ sailed, then probably enforced
by additional Orders from the Court of _Spain_. The Expedition which
was overturned by the Mutiny of the Soldiers, seems to have been about
the Time of Captain _Davis_'s Expedition; for _de Fuca_ says, after the
Voyage was so ill ended, the Viceroy set him out again in 1592, which
implies a Distance of Time between the first and second Voyage.