On Sunday the ninth of May in the yeere 1540. I set saile with two

ships, the one called Saint Peter being Admirall, and the other Saint

Catherine, and wee set forward meaning to goe to the hauen of Saint Iago

of good hope: but before wee arriued there wee had a terrible storme,

wherewith they which were in the ship called Saint Catherine, being more

afraid then was neede, cast ouer boord nine pieces of Ordinance, two

ankers and one cable, and many other things as needfull for the

enterprise wherein we went, as the ship it selfe. Assoone as we were

arriued at the hauen of Saint Iago I repaired my losse which I had

receiued, prouided my selfe of things necessary, and tooke aboord my

people which looked for my comming, and directed my course toward the

hauen of Aguaiauall. And being there arriued I vnderstood that the

Generall Francis Vazquez de Coronado was departed with all his people:

whereupon taking the ship called Saint Gabriel which carried victuals

for the armie I led her with mee to put in execution your Lordships

order. Afterward I followed my course along the coast without departing

from the same, to see if I could find any token, or any Indian which

could giue me knowledge of him: and in sailing so neere the shore I

discouered other very good hauens, for the ships whereof Captaine

Francis de Vllua was General for the Marquesse de Valle neither sawe nor

found them. [Sidenote: These shoalds are the bottome of mar Bermejo, or

the Bay of California.] And when we were come to the flats and shoalds

from whence the foresaid fleete returned, it seemed as well to me as to

the rest, that we had the firme land before vs, and that those shoalds

were so perilous and fearefull, that it was a thing to be considered

whither with our skiffes we could enter in among them: and the Pilotes

and the rest of the company would haue had vs done as Captaine Vllua

did, and haue returned backe againe. But because your Lordship commanded

mee, that I should bring you the secret of that gulfe, I resolued, that

although I had knowen I should haue lost the shippes, I would not haue

ceased for any thing to haue seene the head thereof: and therefore I

commanded Nicolas Zamorano Pilote maior, and Dominico del Castello that

eche of them should take a boate, and their lead in their hands, and

runne in among those shoalds, to see if they could find out the chanell

whereby the shippes might enter in: to whom it seemed that the ships

might saile vp higher (although with great trauell and danger) and in

this sort I and he began to follow our way which they had taken, and

within a short while after wee found our selues fast on the sands with

all our three ships, in such sort that one could not helpe another,

neither could the boates succour vs, because the current was so great

that it was impossible for one of vs to come vnto another: whereupon we

were in such great ieopardie that the decke of the Admirall was

oftentimes vnder water, and if a great surge of the sea had not come and

driuen our ship right vp, and gaue her leaue as it were to breath a

while, we had there bin drowned: and likewise the other two shippes

found themselves in very great hazard, yet because they were lesser and

drewe lesse water, their danger was not so great as ours: Nowe it

pleased God vpon the returne of the flood that the shippes came on

flote, and so wee went forward. And although the company would haue

returned backe, yet for all this I determined to goe forwarde, and to

pursue our attempted voyage: and we passed forward with much adoe,

turning our stemmes now this way, now that way, to seeke to find the

chanel. [Sidenote: The bottome of the Bay of California.] And it pleased

God that after this sort we came to the very bottoms of the Bay: where

we found a very mightie riuer, which ranne with so great fury of a

streame, that we could hardly saile against it.[53] In this sort I

determined as wel as I could to go vp this riuer, and with two boates,

leauing the third with the ships, and twenty men, my selfe being in one

of them with Roderigo Maldonado treasurer of this fleet, and Gaspar de

Castilleia comptroller, and with certaine small pieces of artillerie I

began to saile vp the river, and charged all my company, that none of

them should stirre nor vse any signe, but he whom I appointed, although

wee found Indians. [Sidenote: They goe vp the riuer of Buena guia the

26. of August.] The same day, which was Thursday the sixe and twentieth

of August, following our voyage with drawing the boats with halsers we

went about some 6 leagues; and the next day which was Friday by the

breake of day thus following our way vpward, I saw certaine Indians

which went toward certaine cottages neere vnto the water, who assoone as

they saw vs, ten or twelue of them rose vp furiously, and crying with a

loud voyce, other of their companions came running together to the

number of 50 which with all haste carried out of their cottages such

things as they had, and layd them vnder certaine shrubs and many of them

came running toward that part whether wee approched, making great signes

vnto vs that we should goe backe againe, vsing great threatnings against

vs, one while running on this side and an other while on that side. I

seeing them in such a rage, caused our boates to lanch from the shore

into the middes of the riuer, that the Indians might be out of feare,

and I rode at anker, and set my people in as good order as I could,

charging them that no man should speake, nor make any signe nor motion,

nor stirre out of his place, nor should not be offended for anything

that the Indians did, nor should shewe no token of warre: and by this

meanes the Indians came euery foote neere the riuers side to see vs: and

I gate by little and little toward them where the riuer seemed to be

deepest. In this meane space there were aboue two hundred and fiftie

Indians assembled together with bowes and arrowes, and with certaine

banners in warrelike sort in such maner as those of New Spayne doe vse:

and perceiuing that I drewe toward the shore, they came with great cryes

toward vs with bowes and arrowes put into them, and with their banners

displayed. And I went vnto the stemme of my boate with the interpreter

which I carried with me, whom I commanded to speake vnto them, and when

he spake, they neither vnderstood him, nor he them, although because

they sawe him to be after their fashion, they stayed themselues: and

seeing this I drewe neerer the shore, and they with great cryes came to

keepe mee from the shore of the riuer, making signes that I should not

come any further, putting stakes in my way betweene the water and the

land: and the more I lingered, the more people still flocked together.

Which when I had considered I beganne to make them signes of peace, and

taking my sword and target, I cast them downe in the boate and set my

feete vpon them, giving them to vnderstand with this and other tokens

that I desired not to haue warre with them, and that they should doe the

like: [Sidenote: A very good course taken to appease unknowen Sauages.]

Also I tooke a banner and cast it downe; and I caused my company that

were with mee to sit downe likewise, and taking the wares of exchange

which I carried with mee, I called them to giue them some of them: yet

for all this none of them stirred to take any of them, but rather

flocked together, and beganne to make a great murmuring among

themselues: and suddenly one came out from among them with a staffe

wherein certayne shelles were set, and entred into the water to giue

them vnto mee, and I tooke them, and made signes vnto him that hee

should come neere me, which when he had done, I embraced him, and gaue

him in recompence certaine beades and other things, and he returning

with them vnto his fellowes, began to looke vpon them, and to parley

together, and within a while after many of them came toward me, to whom

I made signes to lay downe their banners, and to leaue their weapons:

which they did incontinently, then I made signes that they should lay

them altogether, and should goe aside from them, which likewise they

did: and they caused those Indians which newly came thither to leaue

them, and to lay them together with the rest. After this I called them

vnto me, and to all them which came I gaue some smal trifle, vsing them

gently, and by this time they were so many that came thronging about

mee, that I thought I could not stay any longer in safety among them,

and I made signes vnto them that they should withdraw themselues, and

that they should stand al vpon the side of an hill which was there

betweene a plaine and the riuer, and that they should not presse to me

aboue ten at a time. And immediately the most ancient among them called

unto them with a loud voyce, willing them to do so: and some ten or

twelue of them came where I was: whereupon seeing my selfe in some

securitie, I determined to goe on land the more to put them out of

feare: and for my more securitie, I made signes vnto them, to sit downe

on the ground which they did: but when they saw that ten or twelue of my

companions came a shore after me, they began to be angry, and I made

signes vnto them that we would be friends, and that they should not

feare, and herewithal they were pacified, and sate down as they did

before, and I went vnto them, and imbraced them, giuing them certain

trifles, commanding mine interpreter to speake vnto them, for I greatly

desired to vnderstand their maner of speech, and the cry which they made

at mee. And that I might knowe what maner of foode they had, I made a

signe vnto them, that wee would gladly eate, and they brought mee

certaine cakes of Maiz, and a loafe of Mizquiqui, and they made signes

vnto mee that they desired to see an harquebuse shot off, which I caused

to be discharged, and they were all wonderfully afraid, except two or

three olde men among them which were not mooued at all, but rather cried

out vpon the rest, because they were afrayd: and through the speach of

one of these olde men, they began to rise vp from the ground, and to lay

hold on their weapons: whom when I sought to appease, I would haue giuen

him a silken girdle of diuers colours, and hee in a great rage bitte his

nether lippe cruelly, and gaue mee a thumpe with his elbowe on the

brest, and turned in a great furie to speake vnto his company. After

that I saw them aduance their banners, I determined to returne my selfe

gently to my boates, and with a small gale of wind I set sayle, whereby

wee might breake the current which was very great, although my company

were not well pleased to goe any farther. In the meane space the Indians

came following vs along the shore of the riuer, making signes that I

should come on land, and that they would giue mee food to eate, some of

them sucking their fingers, and others entred into the water with

certaine cakes of Maiz, to giue me them in my boate.

[53] Rio Colorado.

Chap. 2.

Of the habite, armour and stature of the Indians. A relation of many

others with whom he had by signes traffique, victuals and many

courtesies.

[Sidenote: Good forecast.] In this sort we went vp two leagues, and I

arriued neere a cliffe of an hill, whereupon was an arbour made newly,

where they made signes vnto me, crying that I should go thither, shewing

me the same with their handes, and telling mee that there was meate to

eate. But I would not goe thither, seeing the place was apt for some

ambush, but followed on my voyage, within a while after issued out from

thence aboue a thousand armed men with their bowes and arrowes, and

after that many women and children shewed themselues, toward whom I

would not goe, but because the Sunne was almost set, I rode in the

middest of the riuer. These Indians came decked after sundry fashions,

some came with a painting that couered their face all ouer, some had

their faces halfe couered, but all besmouched with cole, and euery one

as it liked him best. Others carried visards before them of the same

colour which had the shape of faces. They weare on their heads a piece

of a Deeres skinne two spannes broad set after the maner of a helmet,

and vpon it certaine small sticks with some sortes of fethers. Their

weapons were bowes and arrowes of hard wood, and two or three sorts of

maces of wood hardened in the fire. This is a mightie people, well

feitured, and without any grossenesse. They haue holes bored in their

nostrels whereat certaine pendents hang: and others weare shelles, and

their eares are full of holes, whereon they hang bones and shelles. All

of them both great and small weare a girdle about their waste made of

diuerse colours, and in the middle is fastened a round bunch of

feathers, which hangeth downe behind like a tayle. Likewise on the

brawne of their armes they weare a streit string, which they wind so

often about that it becommeth as broad as ones hand. They weare certaine

pieces of Deeres bones fastened to their armes, wherewith they strike

off the sweate, and at the other certaine small pipes of canes.

[Sidenote: Pipes and bagges of tobacco.] They carry also certaine little

long bagges about an hand broade tyed to their left arme, which serue

them also instead of brasers for their bowes, full of the powder of a

certaine herbe, whereof they make a certaine beuerage. They haue their

bodies traced with coles, their haire cut before, and behind it hangs

downe to their wast. The women goe naked, and weare a great wreath of

fethers behind them, and before painted and glued together, and their

haire like the men. There were among these Indians three or foure men in

womens apparell. Nowe the next day being Saturday very early I went

forward on my way vp the riuer, setting on shore two men for eache boate

to drawe them with the rope, and about breaking foorth of the Sunne, wee

heard a mightie crie of Indians on both sides of the riuer with their

weapons, but without any banner. I thought good to attend their comming,

aswell to see what they woulde haue, as also to try whither our

interpreter could vnderstand them. When they came ouer against vs they

leapt into the riuer on both sides with their bowes and arrowes, and

when they spake, our interpreter vnderstoode them not: whereupon I

beganne to make a signe vnto them that they should lay away their

weapons, as the other had done. Some did as I willed them, and some did

not, and those which did, I willed to come neere me and gaue them some

things which we had to trucke withall, which when the others perceiued,

that they might likewise haue their part, they layd away their weapons

likewise. I iudging my selfe to be in securitie leaped on shore with

them, and stoode in the middest of them, who vnderstanding that I came

not to fight with them, began to giue some of those shels and beades,

and some brought me certaine skinnes well dressed, and others Maiz and a

roll of the same naughtily grinded, so that none of them came vnto me

that brought mee not something, and before they gaue it me going a

little way from mee they began to cry out amayne, and made a signe with

their bodies and armes, and afterward they approached to giue me that

which they brought. And now that the Sunne beganne to set I put off from

the shore, and rode, in the middest of the riuer. The next morning

before break of day on both sides of the riuer wee heard greater cries

and of more Indians, which leaped into the riuer to swimme, and they

came to bring mee certaine gourdes full of Maiz, and of those wrethes

which I spake of before. [Sidenote: A notable policie.] I shewed vnto

them Wheate and Beanes, and other seedes, to see whether they had any of

those kindes: but they shewed me that they had no knowledge of them, and

wondred at all of them, and by signes I came to vnderstand that the

thing which they most esteemed and reuerenced was the Sunne: and I

signified vnto them that I came from the Sunne. Whereat they maruelled,

and then they began to beholde me from the toppe to the toe, and shewed

me more favour then they did before; and when I asked them for food,

they brought me such aboundance that I was inforced twise to call for

the boates to put it into them, and from that time forward of all the

things which they brought me they flang vp into the ayre one part vnto

the Sunne, and afterward turned towards me to giue mee the other part:

and so I was alwayes better serued and esteemed of them as well in

drawing of the boats vp the riuer, as also in giuing me food to eat: and

they shewed me so great loue, that when I stayed they would have carried

vs in their armes vnto their houses: and in no kind of thing they would

breake my commandment: and for my suretie, I willed them not to carry

any weapons in my sight: and they were so careful to doe so, that if any

man came newly thither with them, suddenly they would goe and meete him

to cause him to lay them downe farre from mee: and I shewed them that I

tooke great pleasure in their so doing: [Sidenote: Swarmes of people.]

and to some of the chiefe of them I gaue certaine little napkins and

other trifles; for if I should haue giuen somewhat to euery one of them

in particular, all the small wares in New Spayne would not haue

sufficed. Sometimes it fell out (such was the great loue and good wil

which they shewed me) that if any Indians came thither by chance with

their weapons, and if any one being warned to leaue them behind him, if

by negligence, or because he vnderstood them not at the first warning,

he had not layd them away, they would runne vnto him, and take them from

him by force, and would breake them in pieces in my presence. Afterward

they tooke the rope so louingly, and with striuing one with another for

it, that we had no need to pray them to doe it. Wherefore if we had not

had this helpe, the current of the riuer being exceeding great, and our

men that drew the rope being not well acquainted with that occupation, it

would haue beene impossible for vs to haue gotten vp the riuer so

against the streame. When I perceiued that they vnderstood mee in all

things, and that I likewise vnderstoode them, I thought good to try by

some way or other to make a good entrance to find some good issue to

obtaine my desire: And I caused certaine crosses to be made of certaine

small sticks and paper, and among others when I gaue any thing I gaue

them these as things of most price and kissed them, making signes vnto

them that they should honour them and make great account of them, and

that they should weare them at their necks: giuing them to vnderstand

that this signe was from heauen, and they tooke them and kissed them,

and lifted them vp aloft, and seemed greatly to reioyce thereat when

they did so, and sometime I tooke them into my boate, shewing them great

good will, and sometime I gaue them of those trifles which I caried with

me. And at length the matter grew to such issue, that I had not paper

and stickes ynough to make crosses. In this matter that day I was very

well accompanied, vntill that when night approched I sought to lanch out

into the riuer, and went to ride in the middest of the streame, and they

came to aske leaue of me to depart, saying that they would returne the

next day with victuals to visite me, and so by litle and little they

departed, so that there stayed not aboue fiftie which made fires ouer

against vs, and stayed there al night calling vs, and before the day was

perfectly broken, they leapt into the water and swamme vnto vs asking

for the rope, and we gaue it them with a good will, thanking God for the

good prouision which he gaue vs to go vp the riuer: for the Indians were

so many, that if they had gone about to let our passage, although we had

bene many more then wee were, they might haue done it.

Chap. 3.

One of the Indians vnderstanding the language of the interpreter,

asketh many questions of the originall of the Spaniards, he

telleth him that their Captaine is the child of the Sunne, and

that he was sent of the Sunne vnto them, and they would haue

receiued him for their king. They take this Indian into their

boat, and of him they haue many informations of that countrey.

[Sidenote: A wise deuise.] In this manner we sailed vntill Tuesday at

night, going as we were wont, causing mine interpreter to speak vnto the

people to see if peraduenture any of them could vnderstand him, I

perceiued that one answered him, whereupon I caused the boates to be

stayed, and called him, which hee vnderstoode, charging mine interpreter

that hee should not speake nor answere him any thing else, but onely

that which I said vnto him: and I saw as I stood still that that Indian

began to speake to the people with great furie: whereupon all of them

beganne to drawe together, and mine interpreter vnderstood, that he

which came to the boate sayd vnto them, that he desired to knowe what

nation we were, and whence wee came, and whither we came out of the

water, or out of the earth, or from heauen: And at this speech an

infinite number of people came together, which maruelled to see mee

speake: and this Indian turned on this side and on that side to speake

vnto them in another language which mine interpreter vnderstood not.

Whereas he asked me what we were, I answered that we were Christians,

and that we came from farre to see them: and answering to the question,

who had sent me, I said, I was sent by the Sunne, pointing vnto him by

signes as at the first, because they should not take mee in a lye. He

beganne againe to ask mee, how the Sunne had sent me, seeing he went

aloft in the skie and never stoode still, and seeing these many yeeres

neither he nor their olde men had euer seene such as we were, of whome

they euer had any kind of knowledge, and that Sunne till that houre had

neuer sent any other. I answered him that it was true that the Sunne

made his course aloft in the skie, and did neuer stand still, yet

neuertheless that they might well perceiue that at his going downe and

rising in the morning hee came neere vnto the earth, where his dwelling

was, and that they euer sawe him come out of one place, and that hee had

made mee in that land and countrey from whence hee came, like as hee had

made many others which hee had sent into other parties, and that nowe

hee had sent me to visitie and view the same riuer, and the people that

dwelt neere the same, that I should speake vnto them, and should ioyne

with them in friendshippe, and should giue them things which they had

not, and that I should charge them that they should not make warre one

against another. Whereunto he answered, that I should tell him the cause

why the Sunne had not sent mee no sooner to pacifie the warres which had

continued a long time among them, wherein many had beene slaine. I tolde

him the cause hereof was, because at that time I was but a child. Then

he asked the interpreter whether wee tooke him with vs perforce hauing

taken him in the war, or whether he came with vs of his own accord. He

answered him that he was with vs of his owne accord, and was very wel

appaid of our company. He returned to enquire, why we brought none saue

him onely that vnderstood vs, and wherefore we vnderstood not all other

men, seeing we were the children of the Sunne: he answered, that the

Sunne also had begotten him, and giuen him a language to vnderstand him,

and me, and others: that the Sunne knew well that they dwelt there, but

that because he had many other businesses, and because I was but yong

hee sent me no sooner. And he turning vnto me sayd suddenly: Comest thou

therefore hither to bee our Lord, and that wee should serue thee? I

supposing that I should not please him if I should haue said yea,

answered him, not to be their Lord, but rather to be their brother, and

to giue them such things as I had. He asked me, whether the Sunne had

begotten me as he had begotten others, and whether I was his kinsman or

his sonne: I answered him that I was his sonne. He proceeded to aske me

whether the rest that were with me were also the children of the Sunne,

I answered him no, but that they were borne all with me in one countrey,

where I was brought vp. Then he cryed out with a loud voyce and sayd,

seeing thou doest vs so much good, and wilt not haue vs to make warre,

and art the child of the Sunne, wee will all receiue thee for our Lord,

and alwayes serue thee, therefore wee pray thee that thou wilt not

depart hence nor leaue vs: and suddenly hee turned to the people, and

beganne to tell them, that I was the childe of the Sunne, and that

therefore they should all chuse me for their Lord. Those Indians hearing

this, were astonied beyond measure, and came neerer still more and more

to behold me. That Indian also asked mee other questions, which to auoyd

tediousnesse I doe not recite: and in this wise we passed the day, and

seeing the night approch, I began by all meanes I could deuise to get

this fellow into our boat with vs: and he refusing to goe with vs, the

interpreter told him that wee would put him on the other side of the

riuer, and vpon this condition he entred into our boate, and there I

made very much of him, and gaue him the best entertaynement I could,

putting him alwayes in securitie, and when I iudged him to be out of all

suspition, I thought it good to aske him somewhat of that countrey. And

among the first things that I asked him this was one, whether hee had

euer seene any men like vs, or had heard any report of them. [Sidenote:

Newes of bearded and white men.] Hee answered mee no, sauing that hee

had sometime hearde of olde men, that very farre from that Countrey

there were other white men, and with beardes like vs, and that hee knewe

nothing else. I asked him also whether hee knewe a place called Ceuola,

and a Riuer called Totonteac, and hee answered mee no. Whereupon

perceiuing that hee coulde not giue mee any knowledge of Francis Vazquez

nor of his company, I determined to aske him other things of that

countrey, and of their maner of life: and beganne to enquire of him,

whether they helde that there was one God, creator of heauen and earth,

or that they worshipped any other Idol. [Sidenote: The Sunne worshipped

as God.] And hee answered mee no: but that they esteemed and reuerenced

the Sunne aboue all things, because it warmed them and made their

croppes to growe: and that of all things which they did eate, they cast

a little vp into the ayre vnto him. I asked him next whether they had

any Lorde, and hee sayde no: but that they knewe well, that there was a

great Lorde, but they knewe not well which way hee dwelt. And I tolde

him that hee was in heauen, and that hee was called Iesus Christ, and I

went no farther in diuinitie with him. I asked him whether they had any

warre, and for what occasion. Hee answered that they had warre and that

very great, and vpon exceeding small occasions: for when they had no

cause to make warre, they assembled together, and some of them sayd, let

vs goe to make warre in such a place, and then all of them set forward

with their weapons. I asked them who commanded the armie: he answered

the eldest and most valiant, and that when they sayd they should

proceede no farther, that suddenly they retired from the warre. I prayed

him to tell me what they did with those men which they killed in

battell: he answered me that they tooke out the hearts of some of them,

and eat them, and others they burned; and he added, that if it had not

bene for my comming, they should haue bin now at warre: and because I

commanded them that they should not war, and that they should cease from

armes, therefore as long as I should not command them to take armes,

they would not begin to wage warre against others, and they said among

themselues, that seeing I was come vnto them, they had giuen ouer their

intention of making warre, and that they had a good mind to liue in

peace. [Sidenote: Certaine warlike people behind a mountaine.] He

complained of certaine people which dwelt behind in a mountaine which

made great war vpon them, and slew many of them: I answered him, that

from henceforward they should not need to feare any more, because I had

commanded them to be quiet, and if they would not obey my commandement I

would chasten them and kill them. He enquired of me how I could kill

them seeing we were so few, and they so many in number. And because it

was now late and that I saw by this time he was weary to stay any longer

with me, I let him goe out of my boat, and therewith I dismissed him

very well content.

Chap. 4.

Of Naguachato and other chiefe men of those Indians they receiue

great store of victuals, they cause them to set vp a crosse in

their countreys, and hee teacheth them to worship it. They haue

newes of many people, of their diuers languages, and customes in

matrimony, how they punish adultery, of their opinions concerning

the dead, and of the sicknesses which they are subiect vnto.

The next day betimes in the morning came the chiefe man among them

called Naguachato, and wished me to come on land because he had great

store of victuals to giue me. And because I saw my selfe in securitie I

did so without doubting; and incontinently an olde man came with rols of

that Maiz, and certaine litle gourds, and calling me with a loud voyce

and vsing many gestures with his body and armes, came neere vnto me, and

causing me to turne me vnto that people, and hee himselfe also turning

vnto them sayd vnto them, Sagueyca, and all the people answered with a

great voyce, Hu, and hee offred to the Sunne a little of euery thing

that he had there, and likewise a little more vnto me (although

afterward he gaue me all the rest) and did the like to all that were

with me: and calling out mine interpreter, by meanes of him I gaue them

thanks, telling them that because my boats were litle I had not brought

many things to giue them in exchange, but that I would come againe

another time and bring them, and that if they would go with me in my

boates vnto my ships which I had beneath at the riuers mouth, I would

giue them many things. They answered that they would do so, being very

glad in countenance. Here by the helpe of mine interpreter I sought to

instruct them what the sign of the crosse meant, and willed them to

bring me a piece of timber, wherof I caused a great crosse to be made,

and commanded al those that were with mee that when it was made they

should worship it, and beseech the Lord to grant his grace that so great

a people might come to the knowledge of his holy Catholike faith: and

this done I told them by mine interpreter that I left them that signe,

in token that I tooke them for my brethren, and that they should keepe

it for me carefully vntill I returned, and that euery morning at the

Sunne rising they should kneele before it. And they tooke it

incontinently, and without suffering it to touch the ground, they

carried it to set it vp in the middest of their houses, where all of

them might beholde it; and I willed them alwayes to worshippe it because

it would preserue them from euill. They asked me how deep they should

set in the ground, and I shewed them. [Sidenote: These people are

greatly inclined to learne the Christian faith.] Great store of people

followed the same, and they that stayed behinde inquired of mee, how

they should ioyne their handes, and how they should kneele to worship

the same; and they seemed to haue great desire to learne it. [Sidenote:

The Riuer in diuers places full of shelfes.] This done, I tooke that

chiefe man of the Countrey, and going to our boates with him, I followed

my iourney vp the Riuer, and all the company on both sides of the shoare

accompanied me with great good will, and serued me in drawing of our

boates, and in halling vs off the sands whereupon we often fel: for in

many places we found the riuer so shoald, that we had no water for our

boats. As wee thus went on our way, some of the Indians which I had left

behind me, came after vs to pray mee that I would throughly instruct

them, how they should ioyne their hands in the worshipping of the

crosse: others shewed me whether they were well set in such and such

sort, so that they would not let me be quiet. Neere vnto the other side

of the riuer was greater store of people, which called vnto me very

often, that I would receiue the victuals which they had brought me. And

because I perceiued that one enuied the other, because I would not leaue

them discontented, I did so. And here came before me another old man

like vnto the former with the like ceremonyes and offrings: and I sought

to learne something of him as I had done of the other. This man said

likewise to the rest of the people, This is our lord. Now you see how

long ago our ancesters told vs, that there were bearded and white people

in the world, and we laughed them to scorne. I which am old and the rest

which are here, haue neuer seene any such people as these. And if you

wil not beleeue me, behold these people which be in this riuer: let vs

giue them therefore meate, seeing they giue vs of their victuals: let vs

willingly serue this lord, which wisheth vs so well, and forbiddeth vs

to make warre, and imbraceth all of vs: and they haue mouth, handes and

eyes as we haue, and speake as we doe. I gaue these likewise another

crosse as I had done to the others beneath, and said vnto them the selfe

same words: which they listened vnto with a better will, and vsed

greater diligence to learne that which I said. [Sidenote: Another

nation.] Afterward as I passed farther vp the riuer, I found another

people, whom mine interpreter vnderstood not a whit: wherefore I shewed

them by signes the selfe same ceremonies of worshipping the crosse,

which I had taught the rest. And that principal old man which I tooke

with me, told me that farthur vp the riuer I should find people which

would vnderstand mine interpreter: and being now late, some of those men

called me to giue me victuals, and did in all poynts as the others had

done, dauncing and playing to shew me pleasure. [Sidenote: People of 23.

languages dwelling along this riuer.] I desired to know what people

liued on the banks of this riuer: and I vnderstood by this man that it

was inhabited by 23 languages, and these were bordering vpon the riuer,

besides others not farre off, and that there were besides these 23.

languages, other people also which hee knewe not, aboue the riuer. I

asked him whether euery people were liuing in one towne together: and he

answered me, No: but that they had many houses standing scattered in the

fieldes, and that euery people had their Countrey seuerall and

distinguished, and that in euery habitation there were great store of

people. [Sidenote: Acuco as Gomara writeth is on a strong mountaine.] He

shewed me a towne which was in a mountaine, and told me that there was

there great store of people of bad conditions, which made continual

warre vpon them: which being without a gouernour, and dwelling in that

desert place, where small store of Maiz groweth, came downe into the

playne to buy it in trucke of Deeres skinnes, wherewith they were

apparelled with long garments, which they did cutte with rasors, and

sewed with needles made of Deeres bones: and that they had great houses

of stone. I asked them whether there were any there of that Countrey;

and I found one woman which ware a garment like a little Mantle, which

clad her from the waste downe to the ground, of a Deeres skin well

dressed. Then I asked him whether the people which dwelt on the riuers

side, dwelt alwayes there, or els sometime went to dwell in some other

place: he answered me, that in the summer season they aboade there, and

sowed there; and after they had gathered in their croppe they went their

way, and dwelt in other houses which they had at the foote of the

mountaine farre from the riuer. And hee shewed me by signes that the

houses were of wood compassed with earth without, and I vnderstood that

they made a round house, wherein the men and women liued all together. I

asked him whether their women were common or no: he tolde me no, and

that hee which was married, was to haue but one wife only. I desired to

know what order they kept in marying: and he tolde me, that if any man

had a daughter to marry, he went where the people kept, and said, I haue

a daughter to marry, is there any man here that wil haue her? And if

there were any that would haue her, he answered that he would haue her:

and so the mariage was made. [Sidenote: Dancing and singing at mariages

of the Sauages.] And that the father of him which would have her,

brought something to giue the yong woman; and from that houre forward

the mariage was taken to be finished, and that they sang and danced: and

that when night came, the parents tooke them, and left them together in

a place where no body might see them. And I learned that brethren, and

sisters, and kinsfolk married not together: and that maydes before they

were married conuersed not with men, nor talked not with them, but kept

at home at their houses and in their possessions, and wrought: and that

if by chance any one had company with men before she were married, her

husband forsooke her, and went away into other Countreyes: and that

those women which fell into this fault, were accompted naughty packs.

And that if after they were maried, any man were taken in adultery with

another woman, they put him to death: and that no man might haue more

that one wife, but very secretly. [Sidenote: They burne their dead.]

They tolde mee that they burned those which dyed: and such as remayned

widowes, stayed halfe a yeere, or a whole yeere before they married. I

desired to know what they thought of such as were dead. Hee told me that

they went to another world, but that they had neither punishment nor

glory. The greatest sicknesse that this people dye of is vomiting of

blood by the mouth: and they haue Physicions which cure them with

charmes and blowing which they make. [Sidenote: Pipes to drinke Tabacco

with.] The apparell of these people were like the former: they carried

their pipes with them to perfume themselues, like as the people of New

Spaine vse Tabacco. I inquired whether they had any gouernour, and found

that they had none, but that every family had their seuerall gouernour.

[Sidenote: Maize, gourds, Mill.] These people haue besides their Maiz

certaine gourds, and another corne like vnto Mill: [Sidenote:

Grindestones, earthern pots, good fish.] they haue grindstones and

earthern pots, wherein they boyle those gourds, and fish of the riuer,

which are very good. My interpreter could goe no farther then this

place: for he said that those which we should find farther on our way,

were their enemies, and therefore I sent him backe very well contented.

Not long after I espied many Indians to come crying with a loude voice,

and running after me. [Sidenote: This riuer ouerfloweth his banks at

certaine seasons.] I stayed to know what they would haue; and they told

me that they had set vp the crosse which I had giuen them, in the midst

of their dwellings as I had appointed, but that I was to wit, that when

the riuer did ouerflow, it was wont to reach to that place, therefore

they prayed mee to giue them leaue to remove it, and to set it in

another place where the riuer could not come at it, nor carry it away:

which I granted them.

Chap. 5.

Of an Indian of that countrey they haue relation of the state of

Ceuola, and of the conditions and customes of these people, and of

their gouernour: and likewise of the countreys not farre distant

from thence, whereof one was called Quicoma, and the other Coama:

of the people of Quicoma, and of the other Indians not farre

distant they receiue courtesie.

Thus sayling I came where were many Indians, and another interpreter,

which I caused to come with me in my boat. And because it was cold, and

my people were wet, I leapt on shore, and commanded a fire to be made,

and as we stood thus warming our selues, an Indian came and strooke me

on the arme, pointing with his finger to a wood, out of which I saw two

companies of men come with their weapons, and he told me that they came

to set vpon vs: and because I meant not to fall out with any of them, I

retired my company into our boats, and the Indians which were with me

swam into the water, and saued themselues on the other side of the

riuer. In the meane season I inquired of that Indian which I had with

me, what people they were that came out of the wood: and he told me that

they were their enemies, and therefore these others at their approch

without saying any word leapt into the water: and did so, because they

meant to turne backe againe, being without weapons, because they brought

none with them, because they vnderstood my wil and pleasure, that they

should cary none. I inquired the same things of this interpreter which I

had done of the other of the things of that countrey, because I

vnderstood that among some people one man vsed to haue many wiues, and

among others but one. [Sidenote: Ceuola 40 dayes iourney from thence by

the riuer.] Now I vnderstood by him, that he had bin at Ceuola, and that

it was a moneths iourney from his country, and that from that place by a

path that went along that riuer a man might easily trauel thither in xl.

daies, and that the occasion that moued him to go thither, was only to

see Ceuola, because it was a great thing, and had very hie houses of

stone of 3. or 4. lofts, and windowes on ech side; that the houses were

compassed about with a wall conteining the height of a man and an halfe,

and that aloft and beneath they were inhabited with people, and that

they vsed the same weapons, that others vsed, which we had seene, that

is to say, bowes and arrowes, maces, staues and bucklers: [Sidenote:

Turqueses in Ceuola.] and that they had one gouernor, and that they were

apparelled with mantles, and with oxe-hides, and that their mantles had

a painting about them, and that their gouernour ware a long shirt very

fine girded vnto him, and ouer the same diuers mantles: and that the

women ware very long garments, and that they were white, and went all

couered: and that euery day many Indians wayted at the gate of their

gouernour to serue him, and that they did weare many Azure or blew

stones, which were digged out of a rocke of stone, and that they had but

one wife, with whom they were maried, and that when their gouernors

died, all the goods that they had were buried with them. And likewise

all the while they eate, many of their men waite at their table to court

them, and see them eate, and that they eate with napkins, and that they

haue bathes. On Thursday morning at breake of day the Indians came with

the like cry to the banke of the riuer, and with greater desire to serue

vs, bringing me meat to eat, and making me the like good cheere, which

the others had done vnto me, hauing vnderstood what I was: and I gaue

them crosses, with the self same order which I did vnto the former. And

going farther vp the riuer I came to a country where I found better

gouernment: for the inhabitants are wholly obedient vnto one only. But

returning againe to conferre with mine interpreter touching the

dwellings of those of Ceuola, he tolde me, that the lord of that

countrey had a dog like that which I caried with me. [Sidenote: This was

the Negro that went with Frier Marco de Niza.] Afterward when I called

for dinner, this interpreter saw certaine dishes caried in the first and

later seruice, whereupon he told me that the lord of Ceuola had also

such as those were, but that they were greene, and that none other had

of them sauing their gouernour, and that they were 4, which he had

gotten together with that dogge, and other things, of a blacke man which

had a beard, but that he knew not from what quarter he came thither, and

that the king caused him afterward to be killed, as he heard say. I

asked him whether he knew of any towne that was neere vnto that place:

he tolde me that aboue the riuer he knew some, and that among the rest

there was a lord of a towne called Quicoma, and another of a towne

called Coama: and that they had great store of people vnder them. And

after he had giuen me this information, he craued leaue of me to returne

vnto his companions. From hence I began againe to set saile, and within

a dayes sayling I found a towne dispeopled: where assoone as I was

entred, by chance there arriued there 500. Indians with their bowes and

arrowes, and with them was that principal Indian called Naguachato,

which I had left behind, and brought with them certaine conies and

yucas: and after I had friendly interteined them all, departing from

them, I gaue them license to returne to their houses. As I passed

further by the desert, I came to certain cotages, out of which much

people came toward me with an old man before them, crying in a language

which mine interpreter wel vnderstood, and he said vnto those men:

Brethren, you see here that lord; let vs giue him such as we haue,

seeing he dooth vs pleasure, and hath passed through so many

discourteous people, to come to visit vs. And hauing thus said, he

offred to the Sunne, and then to me in like sort as the rest had done.

These had certaine great bags and well made of the skins of fishes

called Sea-bremes. And I vnderstood that this was a towne belonging vnto

the lord of Quicoma, which people came thither onely to gather the fruit

of their haruest in summer; and among them I found one which vnderstood

mine interpreter very well: whereupon very easily I gaue them the like

instruction of the crosse which I had giuen to others behind. These

people had cotton, but they were not very carefull to vse the same:

because there was none among them that knew the arte of weauing, and to

make apparel thereof. They asked me how they should set vp their crosse

when they were come to their dwelling which was in the mountaine, and

whether it were best to make an house about it, that it might not be

wet, and whether they should hang any thing vpon the armes therof. I

said no; and that it sufficed to set it in a place where it might be

seene of all men, vntill I returned: and lest peraduenture any men of

warre should come that way, they offred mee more men to goe with me,

saying that they were naughty men which I should finde aboue; but I

would haue none: neuerthelesse 20. of them went with me, which when I

drew neere vnto those which were their enemies, they warned mee thereof:

and I found their centinels set vpon their guarde on their borders. On

Saturday morning I found a great squadron of people sitting vnder an

exceeding great arbour, and another part of them without: and when I saw

that they rose not vp, I passed along on my voyage: when they beheld

this an old man rose vp which said vnto me, Sir, why doe you not receiue

victuals to eate of vs, seeing you haue taken food of others? I

answered, that I tooke nothing but that which was giuen me, and that I

went to none but to such as requested me. Here without any stay they

brought me victuals, saying vnto me, that because I entred not into

their houses, and stayed all day and all night in the riuer, and because

I was the sonne of the Sunne, all men were to receiue me for their lord.

I made them signes to sit down, and called that old man which mine

interpreter vnderstood, and asked him whose that countrey was, and

whether the lord thereof was there, he said yes: and I called him to me;

and when he was come, I imbraced him, shewing him great loue: and when I

saw that all of them tooke great pleasure at the friendly interteinment

which I gaue him, I put a shirt vpon him, and gaue him other trifles,

and willed mine interpreter to vse the like speaches to that lord which

he had done to the rest; and that done, I gaue him a crosse, which he

receiued with a very good wil, as the others did: and this lord went a

great way with me, vntill I was called vnto from the other side of the

riuer, where the former old man stood with much people: to whom I gaue

another crosse, vsing the like speach to them which I had vnto the rest,

to wit, how they should vse it. Then following my way, I mette with

another great company of people, with whom came that very same olde man

whom mine interpreter vnderstood; and when I saw their lord which he

shewed vnto me, I prayed him to come with me into my boat, which he did

very willingly, and so I went still vp the riuer, and the olde man came

and shewed me who were the chiefe lords: and I spake vnto them alwayes

with great courtesie, and all of them shewed that they reioyced much

thereat, and spake very wel of my comming thither. At night I withdrew

my selfe into the midst of the riuer, and asked him many things

concerning that country: and I found him as willing and wel disposed to

shew them me, as I was desirous to know them. [Sidenote: Ceuola a goodly

thing.] I asked him of Ceuola: and he told me he had bin there, and that

it was a goodly thing, and that the lord thereof was very wel obeyed:

and that there were other lords thereabout, with whom he was at

continual warre. I asked him whether they had siluer and gold, and he

beholding certain bels, said they had metal of their colour. [Sidenote:

Gold and siluer in a mountaine neere Ceuola.] I inquired whether they

made it there and he answered me no, but that they brought it from a

certain mountaine, where an old woman dwelt. [Sidenote: This riuer

seemeth to bee Northward by the colde.] I demanded whether he had any

knowledge of a riuer called Totonteac, he answered me no, but of another

exceeding mighty riuer, wherein there were such huge Crocodiles, that of

their hides they made bucklers, and that they worship the Sunne neither

more nor lesse then those which I had passed: and when they offer vnto

him the fruits of the earth, they say: Receiue hereof, for thou hast

created them, and that they loued him much, because he warmed them; and

that when he brake not foorth, they were acolde. Herein reasoning with

him, he began somewhat to complaine, saying vnto me, I know not

wherefore the Sunne vseth these termes with vs, because he giueth vs not

clothes, nor people to spin nor to weaue them, nor other things which he

giueth to many other, and he complayned that those of that country would

not suffer them to come there, and would not giue them of their corne. I

told him that I would remedie this, whereat he remayned very well

satisfied.

Chap. 6.

They are aduertised by the Indians, wherefore the lorde of Ceuola

killed the Negro, which went with Frier Marco, and of many other

things: And of an old woman called Guatazaca, which liueth in a

lake and eateth no food. The description of a beast, of the skinne

whereof they make targets. The suspition that they conceiue of

them, that they are of those Christians which were seene at

Ceuola, and how they cunningly saue themselues.

The next day which was Sunday before breake of day, began their cry as

they were woont: and this was the cry of 2. or 3. sorts of people, which

had lyen all night neere the riuers side, wayting for me: and they tooke

Maiz and other corne in their mouth, and sprinkled me therewith, saying

that that was the fashion which they vsed when they sacrificed vnto the

Sunne: afterward they gaue me of their victuals to eat, and among other

things, they gaue me many white peason. I gaue them a crosse as I had

done to the rest: and in the meane season that old man tolde them great

matters of my doing, and poynted me out with his finger, saying, this is

the lord, the sonne of the Sunne: and they made me to combe my beard,

and to set mine apparel handsomely which I ware vpon my backe. And so

great was the confidence that they had in me, that all of them told me

what things had passed, and did passe among them, and what good or bad

mind they bare one toward another. I asked them wherefore they imparted

vnto me all their secrets, and that old man answered mee: Thou art our

lord, and we ought to hide nothing from our lord. After these things,

following on our way, I began againe to inquire of him the state of

Ceuola, and whether he knewe that those of this countrey had euer seene

people like vnto vs: he answered me no, sauing one Negro which ware

about his legs and armes certain things which did ring. [Sidenote: The

Negro that went with Frier Marco de Niza slaine.] Your lordship is to

cal to mind how this Negro which went with frier Marco was wont to weare

bels, and feathers on his armes and legs, and that he caried plates of

diuers colours, and that it was not much aboue a yeere agoe since he

came into those parts. [Sidenote: The cause wherefore Stephan Dorantez

the Negro was slaine.] I demanded vpon what occasion he was killed; and

he answered me, That the lord of Ceuola inquired of him whether he had

other brethren: he answered that he had an infinite number, and that

they had great store of weapons with them, and that they were not very

farre from thence. Which when he had heard, many of the chiefe men

consulted together, and resolued to kil him, that he might not giue

newes vnto these his brethren, where they dwelt, and that for this cause

they slew him, and cut him into many pieces, which were diuided among

all those chiefe lords, that they might know assuredly that he was dead:

and also that he had a dogge like mine, which he likewise killed a great

while after. I asked him whether they of Ceuola had any enemies, and he

said they had. And he reckoned vnto me 14. or 15. lords which had warre

with them: and that they had mantles, and bowes like those aboue

mentioned: howbeit he told me that I should find going vp the riuer a

people that had no warre neither with their neighbors, nor with any

other. [Sidenote: Antonio d'Espejo speaketh of such a great lake.] He

told me that they had 3. or 4. sorts of trees bearing most excellent

fruite to eate: and that in a certaine lake dwelt an olde woman, which

was much honoured and worshipped of them: and that shee remayned in a

litle house which was there, and that she neuer did eate any thing: and

that there they made things which did sound, and that many mantles,

feathers and Maiz were giuen vnto her. I asked what her name was, and he

tolde me that she was called Guatuzaca, and that thereabout were many

lords which in their life and death, vsed the like orders which they of

Ceuola did, which had their dwelling in the summer with painted mantles,

and in the winter dwelt in houses of wood of 2. or 3. lofts hie: and

that he had seene all these things, sauing the old woman. And when

againe I began to aske him more questions, he would not answere me,

saying that he was wearie of me: and many of those Indians comming about

me, they said among themselues: Let vs marke him well, that we may knowe

him when he commeth back againe. The Monday following, the riuer was

beset with people like to them, and I began to request the old man to

tell me what people were in that countrey, which told me he thought I

would soone forget them: and here he reckoned vp vnto me a great number

of lords, and people at the least 200. And discoursing with him of their

armour, he said that some of them had certaine very large targets of

lether, aboue two fingers thicke. [Sidenote: This might be the crooke

backed oxe of Quiuira.] I asked him of what beasts skinne they made

them: and he discribed vnto me a very great beast, like vnto an Oxe, but

longer by a great handfull, with broad feete, the legs as bigge as the

thigh of a man, and the head seuen handfuls long, the forehead of three

spannes, and the eyes bigger then ones fist, and the hornes of the

length of a mans leg, out of which grew sharpe poynts, an handfull long,

the forfeete and hinderfeete aboue seuen handfuls bigge, with a wrethed

tayle, but very great; and holding vp his armes aboue his head, he said

the beast was higher then that. After this hee gaue mee information of

another olde woman which dwelt toward the sea side. I spent this day in

giuing crosses to those people as I had done vnto the former. This old

man that was with me leapt on shore, and fell in conference with another

which that day had often called him; and here both of them vsed many

gestures in their speach, moouing their armes, and poynting at me.

[Sidenote: The Sauages treasons to be taken heede of.] Therefore I sent

mine interpreter out, willing him to drawe neere vnto them, and listen

what they said; and within a while I called him, and asked him whereof

they talked, and he sayd, that he which made those gestures said vnto

the other, that in Ceuola there were others like vnto vs with beards,

and that they said they were Christians, and that both of them sayd that

we were all of one company, and that it were a good deede to kill vs,

that those others might haue no knowledge of vs, lest they might come to

doe them harme: and that the old man had answered him, this is the sonne

of the Sunne, and our lord, he doth vs good, and wil not enter into our

houses, although we request him thereunto: he will take away nothing of

ours, he wil meddle with none of our women, and that to be short, he had

spoken many other things in my commendation and fauour: and for all this

the other stedfastly affirmed that we were all one, and that the old man

said, Let vs goe vnto him, and aske him whether he be a Christian as the

other be, or els the sonne of the Sonne: and the old man came vnto me,

and sayd: In the countrey of Ceuola whereof you spake vnto me doe other

men like vnto you dwell. [Sidenote: Certaine newes of the Spanyards at

Ceuola.] Then I began to make as though I wondred, and answered him,

that it was impossible; and they assured me that it was true, and that

two men had seene them which came from thence, which reported that they

had things which did shoote fire, and swords as we had. I asked them

whether they had seene them with their owne eyes? and they answered no;

but that certaine of their companions had seene them. Then hee asked mee

whether I were the sonne of the Sunne, I answered him yea. They said

that those Christians of Ceuola said so likewise. And I answered them

that it might well be. Then they asked mee if those Christians of Ceuola

came to ioyne themselues with me, whether I would ioyne with them: and I

answered them, that they needed not to feare any whit at all, for if

they were the sonnes of the Sunne as they said, they must needes be my

brethren, and would vse towards all men the like loue and courtesie

which I vsed: whereupon hereat they seemed to be somewhat satisfied.

Chap. 7.

It is tolde him that they are ten dayes iourney distant from Ceuola,

and that there be Christians there, which make warre against the

lords of that countrey. Of the Sodomie which those Indians vse

with foure young men, appoynted for that seruice, which weare

womens apparel. Seeing they could not send newes of their being

there to them of Ceuola, they went backe againe downe the riuer to

their ships.

[Sidenote: Ceuola tenne dayes distant from this place. A desert of ten

dayes iourney.] Then I prayed them to tel me how many dayes that kingdom

of Ceuola, which they spake of, was distant from that riuer: and that

man answered, that there was the space of tenne dayes iourney without

habitation, and that he made none accompt of the rest of the way,

because there were people to be found. Vpon this aduertisement I was

desirous to certifie Captaine Francis Vazquez of my being there, and

imparted my mind with my souldiers, among whom I found none that was

willing to goe thither, although I offered them many rewards in your

lordships name, onely one Negro slaue though with an euil wil offred

himselfe vnto me to go thither: but I looked for the comming of those

two Indians which they tolde me of, and herewithall we went on our way

vp the riuer against the streame in such sort as we had done before.

Here that olde man shewed me as a strange thing a sonne of his clad in

womans apparel, exercising their office: I asked him how many there were

of these among them, and he told me there were foure; and that when any

of them died, there was a search made of all the women with child which

were in the country, and that the first sonne which was borne of them,

was appoynted to doe that duetie belonging vnto women, and that the

women clad him in their apparell, saying, that seeing he was to doe that

which belonged to them, he should weare their apparel: these yong men

may not haue carnall copulation with any woman: but all the yong men of

the countrey which are to marrie, may company with them. These men

receiue no kind of reward for this incestuous act of the people of that

countrey, because they haue libertie to take whatsoeuer they find in any

house for their food. I saw likewise certaine women which liued

dishonestly among men: and I asked the old man whether they were

married, who answered me noe, but they were common women, which liued

apart from the married women. I came at length after these discourses to

pray them to send for those Indians, which they said had bin at Ceuola,

and they told me that they were eight dayes iourney distant from that

place, but that notwithstanding there was one among them which was their

companion and which had spoken with them, as he met them on the way,

when they went to see the kingdome of Ceuola, and that they told him

that he were not best to goe any farther, for he should find there a

fierce nation like vs: and of the same qualities and making, which had

fought much with the people of Ceuola, because they had killed a Negro

of their company saying, Wherefore haue yee killed him? what did he to

you? did he take any bread from you, or do you any other wrong? and such

like speech. And they said moreouer, that these people were called

Christians, which dwelt in a great house, and that many of them had oxen

like those of Ceuola, and other litle blacke beastes with wooll and

hornes, and that some of them had beasts which they rode vpon, which ran

very swiftly; and that one day before their departure, from sunne rising

vntill sunne setting these Christians were all day in comming thither,

and all of them lodged in that place where others had lodged, and that

these two met with two Christians, which asked them whence they were,

and whether they had fields sowen with corne: and they told them that

they dwelt in a farre country, and that they had corne, and that then

they gaue each of them a litle cap and they gaue them another to cary to

their other companions, which they promised to do, and departed quickly.

When I vnderstood this, I spoke againe with my company, to see if any

one of them would go thither, but I found them vnwilling as at the

first, and they layd against me greater inconueniences. [Sidenote: A

desert.] Then I called the old man to see if he would giue me any people

to goe with me, and victuals to trauel through that wildernes, but he

laid before me many inconueniences and dangers, which I might incurre in

that voyage, shewing me the danger that there was in passing by a lord

of Cumana, which threatned to make warre vpon them, because his people

had entred into the others country to take a stagge, and that I should

not therefore depart thence without seeing him punished. And when I

replied that in any wise I must needes goe to Ceuola, he willed me to

surcease from that purpose, for they looked that that lord without a

doubt would come to annoy them, and that therefore they could not leaue

their countrey naked to goe with me, and that it would be better, that I

would make an end of that warre betweene them, and that then I might

haue their company to Ceuola. And vpon this point we grew to such

variance, that we began to grow into choler, and in a rage he would haue

gone out of the boat, but I stayed him, and with gentle speeches began

to pacifie him, seeing that it imported mee much to haue him my friend:

but for all my courtesies which I shewed him, I could not alter him from

his mind, wherein he stil remained obstinate. In the meane while I sent

a man away vnto my ships to giue them knowledge of the iourney that I

had determined to make. After this I prayed the old man that he would

fetch him backe again, because I had determined, that seeing I saw no

meanes to be able to go to Ceuola, and because I would stay no longer

among those people because they should not discouer me, and likewise

because I meant in person to visit my ships, with determination to

returne againe vp the riuer, carying with me other companions, and leaue

there some which I had sicke, and telling the olde man and the rest that

I would returne, and leauing them satisfied the best I could (although

they alwayes said that I went away for feare) I returned downe the

riuer: and that way which I had gone against the streame vp the riuer in

15 dayes and an halfe, [Sidenote: He returneth in 2 dayes and an halfe

to his ships.] I made in my returne in 2 dayes and an halfe, because the

streame was great and very swift. In this wise going downe the riuer,

much people came to the banks, saying, Sir, wherefore doe you leaue vs?

what discourtesie hath bin done vnto you? did you not say that you would

remayne continually with vs, and be our Lord; And turne backe again? if

any man aboue the riuer hath done you any wrong we will goe with our

weapons with you and kill him; and such like words ful of loue and

kindnes.

Chap. 8.

When they came to their shippes the Captaine named the coast La

Campanna de la Cruz, and builded a Chapel vnto our Lady, and

called the riuer El Rio de Buena Guia, and returned vp the same

againe? when he came to Quicona and Coama the Lords of those

places vsed him very courteously.

Vpon mine arriuall at my ships I found all my people in health, although

very heauie for my long stay, and because the current had fretted fower

of their cables, and that they had lost two ankers which were recouered.

After we had brought our ships together, I caused them to bring them

into a good harbour, and to giue the carena to the shippe called Sanct

Peter, and to mend all that were needfull. And here assembling all my

company together, I opened vnto them what knowledge I had receiued of

Francis Vasquez; and how it might be that in those sixeteene dayes

space which I was in sayling vp the riuer he might peraduenture haue

some knowledge of me, and that I was minded to returne vp the riuer once

againe to try if I could finde any means to ioyne myself with him: and

although some spake against my determination, I caused al my boates to

bee made ready, because the ships had no need of them. [Sidenote: Mark

what things the Spaniardes cary with them in newe discoueries.] I caused

one of them to be filled with wares of exchange, with corne and other

seedes, with hennes and cockes of Castile, and departed vp the riuer,

leauing order that in that prouince called Campanna de la Cruz they

should build an Oratorie or Chapell, and called it the Chappell of our

Lady de la Buena Guia, and that they should call this riuer Rio de Buena

because that is your Lordships Deuise: I carried with me Nicolas

Zamorano Pilote mayor, to take the height of the pole. And I departed

on Tuesday the fourteenth of September, and on Wednesday I came vnto the

first dwellings of the first Indians, which came running to hinder my

passage, supposing that we had bene other people, for we caried with vs

a fifer, and a drummer, and I was clad in other apparell, then I went in

before, when they saw me first of all: and when they knew me they

stayed, though I could not grow vnto perfect friendship with them,

whereupon I gaue some of those seedes which I brought with mee; teaching

them how they should sow them, and after I had sayled 3 leagues, my

first interpretour came euen to my boat to seeke me with great ioy, of

whom I demanded wherefore he had left me, he tolde me that certaine

companions of his had led him away. I made him good countenance and

better intertainment, because he should beare me companie againe,

considering howe much it did importe me to haue him with me. [Sidenote:

Parrats in these parts.] He excused himselfe because he stayed there to

bring mee certaine feathers of Parrats, which he gaue me. [Sidenote: Two

moones to Ceuola.] I asked him what people these were, and whether they

had any Lord: hee answered me yea; and named three or foure vnto me, of

24 or 25 names of people which he knew and that they had houses painted

within, and that they had trafficke with those of Ceuola, and that in

two moones he came into the countrey. [Sidenote: Another booke written

of the particulars of that countrey.] He told me moreouer many other

names of Lords, and other people, which I haue written downe in a booke

of mine, which I will bring myselfe vnto your Lordship. But I thought

good to deliuer this brief relation to Augustine Guerriero in this hauen

of Colima, that he might send it ouerland to your Lordshippe, to whom I

haue many other things to imparte.

But to returne to my iourney, I arrived at Quicama, where the Indians

came forth with great ioy and gladnes to receive me, aduertizing me that

their Lord waited for my comming; to whom when I was come I found that

he had with him fiue or sixe thousand men without weapons, from whom he

went aparte with some two hundred onely, all which brought victuals with

them, and so he came towards me, going before the rest with great

authoritie, and before him and on each side of him were certaine which

made the people stand aside, making him way to passe. Hee ware a garment

close before and behind and open on both sides, fastened with buttons,

wrought with white and blacke checker worke, it was very soft and well

made, being of the skinnes of certaine delicate fishes called Sea

breams. Assoone as he was come to the waters side his seruants tooke him

vp in their armes, and brought him into my boate, where I embraced him

and receiued him with great ioy, shewing vnto him much kindnesse: vpon

which intertainment his people standing by and beholding the same seemed

not a litle to reioyce. This Lord turning himselfe to his people willed

them to consider my courtesie, and that he being of his owne accord come

vnto me with a strange people, they might see how good a man I was, and

with how great loue I had entertained him, and that therefore they

should take me for their Lord, and that all of them should become my

seruants, and doe whatsoever I would command them. There I caused him to

sit downe, and to eat certaine conserues of sugar which I had brought

with mee, and willed the interpreter to thanke him in my name for the

fauour which he had done me in vouchsafing to come to see mee,

recommending vnto him the worshipping of the crosse, and all such other

things as I had recommended to the rest of the Indians; namely that they

should liue in peace, and should leaue off warres, and should continue

alwayes good friendes together: he answered that of long time they had

continued in warres with their neighbours, but that from thence forward

he would command his people that they should giue food to all strangers

that passed through his kingdome, and that they should doe them no kinde

of wrong, and that if any nation should come to inuade him, he said he

would tell them howe I had commanded that they should liue in peace, and

if they refused the same, he would defend himselfe, and promised me,

that he would neuer goe to seeke warre, if others came not to invade

him. Then I gaue him certaine trifles, as well of the seedes which I

brought, as of the hens of Castile, wherewith he was not a litle

pleased. And at my departure I caryed certaine of his people with me, to

make friendship betweene them and those other people which dwelt aboue

the Riuer: and here the interpreter came vnto me, to craue leaue to

returne home: and I gaue him certaine gifts wherewith he departed

greatly satisfied.

The next day I came to Coama, and many of them knew me not, seeing me

clad in other aparrel, but the old man which was there as soone as he

knew me leapt into the water, saying vnto me, Sir, lo here is the man

which you left with me, which came forth very ioyfull and pleasant

declaring vnto me the great courtesies which that people had shewed him,

saying that they had strouen together who should haue him to his house,

and that it was incredible to thinke what care they had at the rising of

the Sunne to hold vp their hands and kneele before the Crosse. I gaue

them of my seedes and thanked them hartily for the good entertainement

which they had shewed my man, and they besought me that I would leaue

him with them, which I granted them vntill my return, and he stayed

among them very willingly. [Sidenote: Treason of the sauages.] Thus I

went forward vp the Riuer, taking that olde man in my companie, which

tolde mee, that two Indians came from Cumana to enquire for the

Christians, and that he had answered them that he knew none such, but

that he knew one which was the sonne of the Sunne, and that they had

perswaded him to ioyne with them to kill mee and my companions. I wished

him to lend me two Indians, and I would send word by them, that I would

come vnto them, and was desirous of their friendship, but that if they

on the contrary would haue warre, I would make such a warre with them,

that should displease them. And so I passed through all that people, and

some came and asked me, why I had not giuen them Crosses as well as the

rest, and so I gaue them some.

Chap. 9.

They goe on land, and see the people worship the Crosse which they

had giuen them. The Captain causeth an Indian to make a draught of

the countrey: hee sendeth a Crosse to the Lord of Cumana, and

going down the Riuer with the streame, he arriueth at his ships.

Of the error of the Pilots of Cortez as touching the situation of

this Coast.

The next day I went on land to see certaine cottages, and I found many

women and children holding vp their hands and kneeling before a Crosse

which I had giuen them. When I came thither I did the like my self; and

conferring with the old man, he began to informe me of as many people

and Prouinces as he knew. And when euening was come I called the old man

to come and lodge with mee in my boate; hee answered that hee would not

goe with mee because I would wearie him with asking him questions of so

many matters: I told him that I would request him nothing else but that

he would set me downe in a chart as much as he knew concerning that

Riuer, and what maner of people those were which dwelt vpon the banckes

thereof on both sides: which he did willingly. And then he requested me

that I would describe my countrey vnto him, as he had done his vnto me.

And for to content him, I caused a draught of certaine things to be made

for him. The next day I entred betweene certaine very high mountaines,

through which this Riuer passeth with a streight chanel, and the boats

went vp against the streame very hardly for want of men to draw the

same. Here certaine Indians came and told me, that in the same place

there were certaine people of Cumana, and among the rest an enchanter,

who enquired which way we would passe; and they telling him that we

meant to passe by the Riuer, he set certaine canes on both sides

thereof, through which wee passed, without receiuing any kinde of domage

which they intended against vs. Thus going forward I came vnto the house

of the olde man which was in my company, and here I caused a very high

crosse to be set vp, whereupon I engraued certaine letters to signifie

that I was come thither: and this I did, that if by chance any of the

people of the generall Vasquez de Coronado should come thither, they

might haue knowledge of my being there. At length seeing I could not

attaine to the knowledge of that which I sought for, I determined to

returne backe vnto my ships. And being ready to depart there arriued two

Indians, which by meanes of the interpreters of the old man, told me

that they were sent to me, and that they were of Cumana, and that their

Lord could not come himselfe, because he was farre from that place, but

desired me to signifie vnto him what my pleasure was. I told them, that

I wished that he would alwayes imbrace peace, and that I was comming to

see that countrey, but being inforced to returne backe downe the Riuer I

could not now doe it, but that hereafter I would returne, and that in

the meane season they should giue that Crosse vnto their Lorde, which

they promised me to do, and they went directly to cary him that Crosse

with certaine feathers which were on the same. [Sidenote: This Riuer ran

much farther vp then he had trauelled.] Of these I sought to vnderstand

what people dwelt vpward vpon the bankes of the Riuer, which gaue me

knowledge of many people, and told me that the Riuer went farre more vp

into the land then I had yet seene, but that they knew not the head

thereof, because it was very far into the countrey, and that many other

Riuers fell into the same.

Hauing learned thus much the next day morning I returned downe the

Riuer, and the day following I came where I had left my Spaniard, with

whom I spake, and told him that all things had gone well with me, and

that at this time and the former I had gone aboue 30 leagues into the

countrey. The Indians of that place inquired of me what the cause was of

my departure, and when I would returne: to whom I answered, that I would

returne shortly. Thus sayling downe the streame, a woman leapt into the

water crying vnto vs to stay for her, and shee came into our boate, and

crept vnder a bench, from whence we could not make her to come out: I

understood that shee did this, because her husband had taken vnto him

another wife, by whom hee had children, saying that she ment not to

dwell any longer with him, seeing he had taken another wife. Thus shee

and another Indian came with me of their owne accord, and so I came into

my ships, and making them ready we proceeded home on our voyage,

coasting and oftentimes going on land, and entering a great way into the

countrey, to see if I could learne any newes of Captaine Francis Vasquez

and his companie; of whom I could haue no other knowledge, but such as I

learned in the aforesaide Riuer. I bring with me many actes of taking

possession of all that Coast. And by the situation of the Riuer, and the

height which I tooke, I finde that that which the Masters and Pilots of

the Marquesse tooke is false, and that they were deceiued by 2 degrees,

and I haue sayled beyond them aboue 4 degrees. I sayled vp the Riuer 85

leagues, where I saw and learned all the particulars before mentioned,

and many other things; whereof when it shall please God to giue me leaue

to kisse your Lordships hands, I will deliuer you the full and perfect

relation. I thinke my selfe to haue had very good fortune, in that I

found Don Luis de Castilia, and Augustine Ghenero in the port of Colima:

for the Galiot of the Adelantado came vpon mee, which was there with the

rest of his fleet, and commanded me to strike sayle, which seeming a

strange thing vnto me, and not vnderstanding in what state things were

in Nueua Espanna, I went about to defend my selfe, and not to doe it. In

the meane while came Don Luis de Castilia in a boate and conferred with

mee, and I lay at anchor on the other side of the hauen where the saide

fleete road, and I gaue vnto him this relation (and to auoyd striffe I

determined to sayle away by night) which relation I caryed about me

briefly written; for I alwayes had a purpose to send the same, as soone

as I should touch vpon Nueua Espanna, to aduertise your Lordship of my

proceedings.

An extract of a Spanish letter written from Pueblo de los Angeles

in Nueua Espanna in October 1597, touching the discouerie of the

rich Isles of California, being distant eight dayes sayling from

the maine.

We haue seene a letter written the eight of October 1597, out of a towne

called Pueblo de los Angeles situate eighteene leagues from Mexico,

making mention of the Ilands of California situate two or three hundreth

leagues from the maine land of Nueua Espanna, in Mar del Sur: as that

thither haue bene sent before that time some people to conquer them:

which with losse of some twentie men were forced backe. After that they

had wel visited and found those Islands or countreys to be very rich of

gold and siluer mynes, and of very fayre Orientall pearles, which were

caught in good quantitie vpon one fathome and an halfe passing in

beautie the pearles of the Island Margarita: the report thereof caused

the Vice-roy of Mexico to send a citizen of Mexico with two hundreth men

to conquer the same. Therein also was affirmed that within eight dayes

they could sayle thither from the mayne.

The course which Sir Francis Drake held from the hauen of Guatulco

in the South sea on the backe side of Nueua Espanna, to the

North-west of California as far as fourtie three degrees: and his

returne back along the said Coast to thirtie eight degrees: where

finding a faire and goodly hauen, he landed, and staying there

many weekes, and discouering many excellent things in the

countrey and great shewe of rich minerall matter, and being

offered the dominion of the countrey by the Lord of the same, hee

tooke possession thereof in the behalfe of her Maiestie, and

named it Noua Albion.

Wee kept our course from the Isle of Cano (which lyeth in eight degrees

of Northerly latitude, and within two leagues of the maine of Nicaragua,

where wee calked and trimmed our ship) along the Coast of Nueua Espanna,

vntill we came to the Hauen and Towne of Guatulco, which (as we were

informed) had but seuenteene Spaniards dwelling in it, and we found it

to stand in fifteene degrees and fiftie minutes.

Assoone as we were entred this Hauen we landed, and went presently to

the towne, and to the Towne house, were we found a Iudge sitting in

iudgement, he being associate with three other officers, vpon three

Negroes that had conspired the burning of the Towne: both which Iudges,

and prisoners we tooke, and brought them a shippeboord, and caused the

chiefe Iudge to write his letter to the Towne, to command all the

Townesmen to auoid, that we might safely water there. Which being done,

and they departed, wee ransaked the Towne, and in one house we found a

pot of the quantitie of a bushell full of royals of plate, which we

brought to our ship.

And here one Thomas Moone one of our companie, took a Spanish gentleman

as he was flying out of the Towne, and searching him he found a chaine

of Gold about him, and other jewels, which we tooke and so let him goe.

[Sidenote: The Portugal Pilote set on land.] At this place our Generall

among other Spaniards, set ashore his Portugall Pilote, which he tooke

at the Island of Cape Verde, out of a ship of Saint Marie port of

Portugall, and hauing set them ashoore, we departed thence.

Our General at this place and time thinking himselfe both in respect of

his priuate injuries receiued from the Spaniards, as also of their

contempts and indignities offered to our Countrey and Prince in

generall, sufficiently satisfied, and reuenged: and supposing that her

Maiestie at his returne would rest contented with this seruice, purposed

to continue no longer vpon the Spanish coastes, but began to consider

and to consult of the best way for his Countrey.

He thought it not good to returne by the Streights, for two speciall

causes: the one, least the Spaniards should there waite, and attend for

him in great number and strength, whose handes he being left but one

ship, could not possibly escape. The other cause was the dangerous

situation of the mouth of the Streits of the South side, with continuall

stormes raining and blustring, as he found by experience, besides the

shoals and sands vpon the coast, wherefore he thought it not a good

course to aduenture that way: he resolued therefore to auoide these

hazards, to goe forward to the Islands of the Malucos, and therehence to

saile the course of the Portugales by the Cape of Bona Sperança.

Vpon this resolution, he began to thinke of his best way for the

Malucos, and finding himselfe, where hee now was, becalmed, hee sawe

that of necessitie hee must bee enforced to take a Spanish course,

namely to saile somewhat Northerly to get a good winde, and thus much we

sayled from the 16 of Aprill after our olde stile till the third of

Iune.

[Sidenote: Sir Francis Drake sayled on the backe side of America, to 43

degrees of Northerly latitude. 38 degrees.] The fift day of Iune being

in fortie three degrees towardes the pole Arcticke, being speedily come

out of the extreame heate, wee found the ayre so colde, that our men

being pinched with the same, complayned of the extremitie thereof, and

the further we went, the more the colde increased vpon vs, whereupon we

thought it best for that time to seeke land, and did so, finding it not

mountainous, but low plaine land, and we drew backe againe without

landing, til we came within thirtie eight degrees towardes the line. In

which height it pleased God to send vs into a faire and good Bay, with a

good winde to enter the same.

In this Bay wee ankered the seuententh of Iune, and the people of the

Countrey, hauing their houses close by the waters side, shewed

themselues vnto vs, and sent a present to our Generall.

When they came vnto vs, they greatly wondred at the things which we

brought, but our Generall (according to his naturall and accustomed

humanitie) curteously intreated them, and liberally bestowed on them

necessarie things to couer their nakednesse, whereupon they supposed vs

to be gods, and would not be perswaded to the contrary: the presentes

which they sent vnto our Generall were feathers, and cals of net worke.

[Sidenote: A description of the people and Countrey of Noua Albion.]

Their houses are digged round about with earth, and haue from the

vttermost brimmes of the circle clifts of wood set vpon them, ioyning

close together at the toppe like a spire steeple, which by reason of

that closenesse are very warme.

Their bed is the ground with rushes strawed on it, and lying about the

house, they haue the fire in the middest. The men goe naked, the women

take bulrushes and kembe them after the maner of hempe, and thereof

make their loose garments, which being knit about their middles, hang

downe about their hippes, hauing also about their shoulders a skinne of

Deere, with the haire vpon it. These women are very obedient and

seruiceable to their husbands.

After they were departed from vs, they came and visited vs the second

time, and brought with them feathers and bags of Tabacco for presents:

And when they came to the toppe of the hil (at the bottome whereof wee

had pitched our tents) they stayed themselues, where one appointed for

speaker, wearied himselfe with making a long oration, which done, they

left their bowes vpon the hill and came downe with their presents.

In the meane time the women remaining on the hill, tormented themselues

lamentably, tearing their flesh from their cheekes, whereby we perceiued

that they were about a sacrifice. In the meane time our Generall, with

his companie, went to prayer, and to reading of the Scriptures, at which

exercise they were attentiue and seemed greatly to be affected with it:

but when they were come vnto vs they restored againe vnto vs those

things which before we had bestowed vpon them.

The newes of our being there being spread through the countrey, the

people that inhabited round about came downe, and amongst them the king

himself, a man of a goodly stature, and comely personage, with many

other tall and warlike men: before whose comming were sent two

Ambassadours to our Generall, to signifie that their king was comming,

in doing of which message, their speech was continued about halfe an

howre. This ended, they by signes requested our Generall to send

something by their hand to their king, as a token that his comming might

bee in peace: wherein our Generall hauing satisfied them, they returned

with glad tidings to their king, who marched to vs with a princely

Maiestie, the people crying continually after their maner, and as they

drewe neere vnto vs, so did they striue to behaue themselues in their

actions with comelinesse.

[Sidenote: These are like chaines of Esurnoy in Canada and Hochelage.]

In the fore front was a man of a goodly personage, who bare the scepter,

or mace before the king, whereupon hanged two crownes, a lesse and a

bigger, with three chaines of a marueilous length: the crownes were made

of knit work wrought artificially with feathers of diuers colours: the

chaines were made of a bony substance and few be the persons among them

that are admitted to weare them: and of that number also the persons

are stinted, as some ten, some twelue, &c. Next vnto him which bare the

scepter, was the king himselfe, with his Guarde about his person, clad

with Conie skinnes, and other skinnes: after them followed the naked

common sort of people, euery one hauing his face painted, some with

white, some with blacke, and other colours, and hauing in their hands

one thing or other for a present, not so much as their children, but

they also brought their presents.

In the meane time, our Generall gathered his men together, and marched

within his fenced place, making against their approching, a very warlike

shewe. They being trooped together in their order, and a general

salutation being made, there was presently a generall silence. When he

that bare the scepter before the king, being informed by another, whome

they assigned to that office, with a manly and loftie voice, proclaimed

that which the other spake to him in secret, continuing halfe an houre:

which ended, and a generall Amen as it were giuen, the king with the

whole number of men, and women (the children excepted) came downe

without any weapon, who descending to the foote of the hill, set

themselues in order.

In comming towards our bulwarks and tents, the scepter bearer began a

song, obseruing his measures in a dance, and that with a stately

countenance, whom the king with his Garde, and euery degree of persons

following, did in like maner sing and dance, sauing onely the women

which daunced and kept silence. The General permitted them to enter

within our bulwark, where they continued their song and daunce a

reasonable time. When they had satisfied themselues, they made signes to

our Generall to sit downe, to whom the king, and diuers others made

seueral orations, or rather supplication, that he would take their

prouince and kingdom into his hand, and become their king, making signes

that they would resigne vnto him their right and title of the whole

land, and become his subiects. [Sidenote: The king resignes his crowne

and kingdome to Sir Frances Drake. Great riches in Noua Albion.] In

which to perswade vs the better, the king and the rest, with one consent

and with great reuerence, ioyfully singing a song, did set the crowne

vpon his head, inriched his necke with all their chaines, and offered

vnto him many other things, honouring him by the name of Hioh, adding

thereunto as it seemed a signe of triumph: which thing our Generall

thought not meete to reiect, because hee knewe not what honour and

profite it might bee to our countrey. Wherefore in the name, and to the

vse of her Maiestie, he tooke the scepter, crowne and dignitie of the

said Countrey in his hands, wishing that the riches and treasure thereof

might so conueniently be transported to the inriching of her kingdome at

home, as it aboundeth in the same.

The common sort of the people leauing the king and his Guarde with our

Generall, scattered themselues together with their sacrifices among our

people, taking a diligent viewe of euery person; and such as pleased

their fancie, (which were the yongest) they inclosing them about offred

their sacrifices vnto them with lamentable weeping, scratching, and

tearing the flesh from their faces with their nayles, whereof issued

abundance of blood. But wee vsed signes to them of disliking this, and

stayed their hands from force, and directed them vpwardes to the liuing

God, whome onely they ought to worshippe. They shewed vnto vs their

wounds, and craued helpe of them at our handes, whereupon wee gaue them

lotions, plaisters, and ointments agreeing to the state of their

griefes, beseeching God to cure their deseases. Euery thirde day they

brought their sacrifices vnto vs, vntill they vnderstoode our meaning,

that we had no pleasure in them: yet they could not be long absent from

vs, but daily frequented our company to the houre of our departure,

which departure seemed so grieuous vnto them, that their ioy was turned

into sorrow. They intreated vs, that being absent wee would remember

them, and by stelth prouided a sacrifice, which we misliked.

Our necessarie businesse being ended, our Generall with his companie

traueiled vp into the Countrey to their villages, where we found heardes

of Deere by a thousand in a companie, being most large and fat of body.

[Sidenote: Abundance of strange conies.] We found the whole countrey to

bee a warren of a strange kinde of Conies, their bodyes in bignes as be

the Barbary Conies, their heads as the heades of ours, the feet of a

Want, and the taile of a Rat being of great length: vnder her chinne on

either side a bagge, into the which shee gathereth her meate when she

hath filled her belly abroad. The people eate their bodies, and make

great account of their skinnes, for their Kings coate was made of them.

Our Generall called this countrey, Noua Albion, and that for two causes:

the one in respect of the white bankes and cliffes, which lye towardes

the sea: and the other, because it might haue some affinitie with our

Countrey in name, which sometimes was so called.

[Sidenote: Golde and siluer in the earth of Noua Albion.] There is no

part of earth heere to be taken vp, wherein there is not some special

likelihood of gold or siluer.

At our departure hence our Generall set vp a monument of our being

there; as also of her Maiesties right and title to the same, namely a

plate nailed vpon a faire great poste, whereupon was ingrauen her

Maiesties name, the day and yeere of our arriuall there, with the free

giuing vp of the Prouince and people into her Maiesties hands, together

with her highnesse picture and armes, in a piece of sixe pence of current

English money vnder the plate, where vnder was also written the name of

our Generall.

It seemeth that the Spaniards hitherto had neuer bene in this part of

the countrey, neither did euer discouer the land by many degrees to the

Southwards of this place.