How the launch went to examine the mouth of the great river,
and what else happened with reference to excursions inland.
The Master of the Camp was sent to examine the mouth of the river,
which is in the middle of the bay, with the launch, a boat, and a party
of men. He tried the depth of the river mouth, and found that there was
no bottom, with the length of an oar and his own arm. He went further
up in the boat, and the view of the river gave much pleasure to those
who were with him, as well for its size and the clearness of the water,
as for its gentle current and the beauty of the trees on its banks.
The launch passed further up, and our people landed on the bank and
went inland. They found a small village of four streets, and an open
space at the most elevated part. All round there were many farms,
surrounded by palings. Two spies were posted, who warned the natives,
and they all fled. Our people found in their houses several kinds
of fish, roasted and wrapped in plantain leaves, and a quantity of
raw mussel-shells in baskets, as well as fruits and flowers hung
on poles. Near there was a burial-place. They also found a flute,
and certain small things worked out of pieces of marble and jasper. As
they heard drums and shells, and a great murmuring noise, understanding
that it came from a large number of people, they retreated, followed
by the natives, who did not dare to attack them. Finally, they got
to the launch in peace, and returned to the ships.
On many other occasions our people went to fish and to seek for
things very necessary for the requirements of the ships, returning
well content with the excellence of the land. Encounters with the
natives were not wanting, and I believe they killed some natives,
although they denied it to me.