came so fast [1210] vpon vs that it made our haires stare [1211]
vpright vpon our heades, it was so fearefull to behold; by which meanes
we could not make fast [1212] our scutes, so that we thought verily
that it was a foreshewing of our last end; for we draue away so hard
with the ice, and were so sore prest between a flake of ice, that we
thought verily the scutes would burst in a hundredth peeces, which made
vs looke pittifully one upon the other, for no counsell nor aduise was
to be found, [1213] but euery minute of an houre [1214] we saw death
before our eies. At last, being in this discomfort and extreeme
necessity, ye master said [1215] if we could take hold with a rope vpon
the fast ice, [1216] we might therewith drawe ye scute vp, and so get
it out of the great drift of ice. But as this counsell was good, yet it
was so full of daunger, that it was the hazard of his life that should
take vpon him to doe it; and without doing it, was it most certaine yt
it would cost us all our liues. This counsell (as I said) was good, but
no man (like to the tale of ye mise) durst hang the bell about ye cats
necke, fearing to be drowned; yet necessity required to haue it done,
and the most danger made vs chuse the least. So that being in that
perplexity [and as a drowned calf may safely be risked], [1217] I being
the lightest of all our company tooke on me to fasten [1218] a rope
vpon the fast ice; and so creeping from one peece of driuing ice to
another, by Gods help got to the fast ice, where I made a rope fast to
a high howell, [1219] and they that were in the scute drew it thereby
vnto the said fast ice, and then one man alone could drawe more than
all of them could have done before. And when we had gotten thither, in
all haste we tooke our sicke men out and layd them vpon the ice, laying
clothes and other things vnder them [for them to rest on], and then
tooke all our goods out of the scutes, and so drew them vpon the ice,
whereby for that time we were deliuered from that great danger, making
account that we had escaped out of death’s clawes, [1220] as it was
most true.
The 18 of June we repaired and amended our scutes againe, being much
bruised and crushed with the racking of the ice, and were forced to
driue all the nailes fast againe, and to peece many things about them,
[1221] God sending vs wood wherewith we moult our pitch, and did all
other things that belonged thereunto. That done, some of vs went vpon
the land [1222] to seeke for egges, which the sick men longed for, but
we could find none, but we found foure birds, not without great danger
of our liues betweene the ice and the firme land, wherein we often
fell, and were in no small danger.
The 19 of June it was indifferent weather, the wind north-west, and
[during the day west and] west south-west, but we were still shut vp in
the ice and saw no opening, which made us thinke that there would be
our last aboade, and that we should neuer get from thence; but on the
other side we comforted our selves againe, that seeing God had helped
vs oftentimes unexpectedly in many perils, and that his arme as yet was
not shortened, but that he could [still] helpe vs [1223] at his good
will and pleasure, it made vs somewhat comfortable, and caused vs to
speake cheerfully one unto the other.
The 20 of June it was indifferent weather, the wind west, and when the
sunne was south-east [½ p. 7 A.M.] Claes Adrianson [1224] began to be
extreme sicke, whereby we perceiued that he would not liue long, and
the boateson [1225] came into our scute [1226] and told vs in what case
he was, and that he could not long continue aliue; whereupon William
Barents spake and said, I thinke I shal not liue long after him; [1227]
and yet we did not ivdge William Barents to be so sicke, for we sat
talking one with the other, and spake of many things, and William
Barents read in my card which I had made touching our voiage, [1228]
[and we had some discussion about it]; at last he laid away the card
and spake vnto me, saying, Gerrit, give me some drinke; [1229] and he
had no sooner drunke but he was taken with so sodain a qualme, that he
turned his eies in his head and died presently, and we had no time to
call the maister out of the [other] scute to speake vnto him; and so he
died before Claes Adrianson [who died shortly after him]. The death of
William Barents put vs in no small discomfort, as being the chiefe
guide and onely pilot on whom we reposed our selues next vnder God;
[1230] but we could not striue against God, and therefore we must of
force be content.
The 21 of June the ice began to driue away againe, and God made vs some
opening with [a] south south-west wind; and when the sunne was [about]
north west the wind began to blow south-east with a good gale, and we
began to make preparations to go from thence.
The 22 of June, in the morning, it blew a good gale out of the
south-east, and then the sea was reasonable open, but we were forced to
draw our scutes ouer the ice to get vnto it, which was great paine and
labour vnto vs, for first we were forced to draw our scutes ouer a
peece of ice of 50 paces long, and there put them into the water, and
then againe to draw them vp vpon other ice, and after draw them at the
least 300 [1231] paces more ouer the ice, before we could bring them to
a good place, where we might easily get out. And being gotten vnto the
open water, we committed our selues to God and set saile, the sunne
being about east-north-east, with an indifferent gale of wind out of
the south and south-south-east, and sailed west and west and by south,
till the sunne was south, and than we were round about enclosed with
ice againe, and could not get out, but were forced to lie still. But
not long after the ice opened againe like to a sluce [1232] and we
passed through it and set saile againe, and so sailed along by the
land, but were presently enclosed with ice; but, being in hope of
opening againe, meane time we eate somewhat, for the ice went not away
as it did before. After that we vsed all the meanes we could to breake
it, but all in vaine; and yet a good while after the ice opened againe
[of itself], and we got out and sailed along by the land, west and by
south, with a south wind.
The 23 of June we sailed still forward west and by south till the sunne
was south-east, and got to the Trust Point, [1233] which is distant
from the Ice Point 25 [100] miles, and then could go noe further
because the ice laie so hard and so close together; and yet it was
faire weather. The same day we tooke the hight of the sunne with the
astralabium and also with our astronomicall ring, and found his hight
to be 37 degrees, and his declination 23 degrees and 30 minutes, which
taken from the hight aforesaid, there rested 13 degrees and 30 minutes,
which substracted out of 90 degrees, the hight of the Pole was 76
degrees and 30 minutes. [1234] And it was faire sunne-shine weather,
and yet it was not so strong as to melt the snow that we might haue
water to drink; so that we set all our tin platers and other things
[1235] full of snow [in the sun] to melt, and so molt it [by the
reflection of the sun, so that we had water to drink]; and [we also]
put snow into our mouthes, to melt it downe into our throates; [1236]
but all was not enough, so that we were compelled to endure great
thirst.
The stretching of the land from the house [1237] where we wintered,
along by the north side of Noua Zembla to the Straights of Waigats,
where we passed ouer to the coast of Russia, and ouer the entry of the
White Sea to Cola, [1238] according to the card [1239] here ensueing.
From the Low Land [1240] to the Streame Baie,
[1241] the course east and west 4 [16] miles.
From the Streame Baie to the Ice-hauen Point,
[1242] the course east and by north 3 [12] miles.
From the Ice-hauen Point to the Islands Point,
[1243] the course east north-east 5 [20] miles.
From the Islands Point to the Flushingers Point,
[1244] the course north-east and by east 3 [12] miles.
From the Flushingers Point to ye Head Point,
[1245] the course north-east 4 [16] miles.
From the Head Point to the Point of Desire,
[1246] the course south and north 6 [24] miles.
From the Point of Desire to the Island[s] of
Orange, [1247] north-west 8 [32] miles.
From the Islands of Orange to the Ice Point,
[1248] the course west and west and by south 5 [20] miles.
From the Ice Point to the Point of Thrust [1249]
the course [west and] west and by south 25 [100] miles.
From the Point of Trust to Nassawes Point,
[1250] the course [1251] west and by north 10 [40] miles.
From the Nassawe Point to the east end of the
Crosse Island, [1252] the course west and by
north 8 [32] miles.
From the east end of the Crosse Island to
Williams Island, [1253] the course west and by
south 3 [12] miles.
From Williams Island to the Black Point, [1254]
the course west south-west 6 [24] miles.
From the Black Point, to the east end of the
Admirable Island, [1255] the course west
south-west 7 [28] miles.
From the east to the west point of the Admirable
Island, the course west south-west 5 [20] miles.
From the west point of the Admirable Island to
Cape Planto, [1256] the course south-west and by
west 10 [40] miles.
From Cape de Planto to Lombs-bay, [1257] the
course west south-west 8 [32] miles.
From Lombs-bay to the Staues Point, [1258] the
course west south-west
From the Staues Point to [Cape de Prior or] 10 [40] miles.
Langenesse, [1259] the course south-west and by
south 14 [56] miles.
From [Cape Prior or] Langenes to Cape de Cant,
[1260] the course south-west and by south 6 [24] miles.
From Cape de Cant to the Point with the black
clifts, [1261] the course south and by west 4 [16] miles.
From the Point with the black cliftes to the
Black Island, [1262] the course south south-east 3 [12] miles.
From the Black Island to Constint-sarke, [1263]
the course east and west 2 [8] miles.
From Constint-sarke, [1264] to the Crosse Point,
[1265] the course south south-east 5 [20] miles.
From Crosse Point to S. Laurence Bay, [1266] the
course south-east [1267] 6 [24] miles.
From S. Laurence Bay [1268] to Mel-hauen, [1269]
the course [south] south-east 6 [24] miles.
From Mel-hauen to the Two Islands, [1270] the
course south south-east 16 [64] miles.
From the 2 Islands, where we crost ouer to the
Russia coast, to the Islands of Matfloo and
Delgoye, [1271] the course south-west [1272] 30 [120] myles.
From Matfloo and Delgoye to the creeke [1273]
where we sailed the compasse [almost] round
aboute, and came to the same place againe 22 [88] miles.
From that creeke to Colgoy, [1274] the course
west north-west 18 [72] miles.
From Colgoy to the east point of Camdenas,
[1275] the course west north-west 20 [80] miles.
From the east point of Camdenas to the west side
of the White Sea, the course west north-west 40 [160] miles.
From the west point of the White Sea to the 7
Islands, [1276] the course north-west 14 [56] miles.
From the 7 Islands, to the west end of Kilduin,
[1277] the course north-west 20 [80] miles.
From the west end of Kelduin to the place where
John Cornelis came vnto vs, [1278] the course
north-west and by west 7 [28] miles.
From thence to Cola, [1279] the course most
[1280] southerly 18 [72] miles.
So that we sailed in two open scutes, some times
in the ice, then ouer the ice, and through the
sea 381 [1524] miles.
[1281]
The 24 of June, the sunne being easterly, we rowed here and there
[round about] in the ice, to see where we might best goe out, but we
saw no opening; but when the sunne was south we got through into the
sea, for the which we thanked God most heartilie that he had sent vs an
vnexpected opening; and then we sailed with an east wind and went
lustily forward, so that we made our account to get aboue [1282] the
Point of Nassawes; [1283] [but we were again prevented by the ice which
beset us, so that we were obliged to stop on the east side of the Point
of Nassau] close by the land, and we could easily see the Point of
Nassawes, and made our account to be about 3 [12] miles from it, the
wind being south and south south-west. Then sixe of our men went on
land and there found some wood, whereof they brought as much as they
could into the scutes, but found neither birds nor egges; with the
which wood they sod [1284] a pot of water pap (which we called
matsammore [1285]), that we might eate some warme thing, the wind
blowing stil southerly, [and the longer it blew the stronger it grew.]
The 25th of June it blew a great south wind, and the ice whereunto we
made our selues fast was not very strong, whereby we were in greate
feare that we should breake off from it and driue into the sea; for [in
the evening], when the sun was in the west, a peece of that ice brake
of, whereby we were forced to dislodge and make our selues fast to
another peece of ice.
The 26 of June it still blew hard out of the south, and broke the ice
whereunto we were fast in peeces, and we thereby draue into the sea,
and could get no more to the fast ice, whereby we were in a thousand
dangers to be all cast away; and driuing in yt sort in the sea, we
rowed as much as we could, but we could not get neere vnto the land,
therefore we hoysed vp our fock; [1286] and so made vp with our saile;
[1287] but our fock-mast [1288] brake twice in peeces, and then it was
worse for vs than before, [1289] and notwithstanding that there blew a
great gale of wind, yet we were forced to hoyse vp our great sayle,
[1290] but the wind blew so hard into it that if we had not presently
taken it in againe we had sunke in the sea, [1291] or else our boate
would haue bin filled with water [so that we must have sunk]; for the
water began to leap ouer borde, [1292] and we were a good way in the
sea, at which time the waues went so hollow [and so short] that it was
most fearful, and we thereby saw nothing but death before our eyes, and
euery twinckling of an eye lookt when we should sincke. But God, that
had deliuered us out of so many dangers of death, holpe vs once againe,
and contrary to our expectations sent vs a north-west wind, and so with
great danger we got to ye fast ice againe. When we were deliuered out
of that danger, and knew not where our other scute [1293] was, we
sailed one mile [4 miles] along by the fast ice, but found it not,
whereby we were wholy out of heart and in great feare yt they were
drowned; at which time it was mistie weather. And so sailing along, and
hearing no newes of our other scute, [1294] we shot of a musket, wh
they hearing shot of another, but yet we could not see each other;
meane time approaching nearer to each other, and the weather waxing
somewhat cleerer, as we and they shot once againe, we saw the smoke of
their peeces, and at last we met together againe, and saw them ly fast
between driuing and fast ice. And when we got near unto them, we went
ouer the ice and holp them to vnlade the goods out of their scute, and
drew it ouer the ice, and with much paine and trouble brought it into
the open water againe; and while they were fast in the ice, we [1295]
found some wood vpon the land by the sea side, and when we lay by each
other we sod [1296] some bread and water together and eate it vp warme,
which did vs much good.
The 27 [1297] of June we set saile with an indifferent gale out of the
east, and got a mile [4 miles] aboue the Cape de Nassaw one the west
side thereof, and then we had the wind against vs, and we were forced
to take in our sailes and began to rowe. And as we went along [the firm
ice] close by the land, we saw so many sea-horses lying vpon the ice
[more than we had ever seen before] that it was admirable, [1298] and a
great number of birds, at the which we discharged 2 muskets and killed
twelue of them, which we fetcht into our scutes. And rowing in that
sort, we had a great mist, and then we entred into [the] driuing ice,
so that we were compelled to make our scutes fast vnto the fast ice,
and to stay there till the weather brake vp, [1299] the wind being west
north-west and right against vs.
The 28th of June, when the sunne was in the east, we laid all our goods
vpon the ice, and then drew the scutes vpon the ice also, because we
were so hardly prest on all sides with the ice, and the wind came out
of the sea vpon the land, and therefore we were in feare to be wholely
inclosed with the ice, and should not be able to get out thereof
againe. And being vpon the ice, we laid sailes [1300] ouer our scutes,
and laie downe to rest, appointing one of our men to keepe watch; and
when the sunne was north there came three beares towards our scutes,
wherewith he that kept the watch cried [out lustily], three beares,
three beares; at which noise we leapt out of our boates with our
muskets, that were laden with haile-shot [1301] to shoote at birds, and
had no time to discharge [1302] them, and therefore shot at them
therewith; and although that kinde of shot could not hurt them much yet
they ranne away, and in the meane time they gaue vs leisure to lade our
muskets with bullets, and by that meanes we shot one of the three dead,
which the other two perceauing ranne away, but within two houres after
they came againe, but when they were almost at vs and heard us make a
noise, they ranne away; at which time the wind was west and west and by
north, which made the ice driue with great force into the east.
The 29th of June, the sunne being south south-west, the two beares came
againe to the place where the dead beare laie, where one of them tooke
the dead beare in his mouth, and went a great way with it ouer the
rugged ice, and then began to eate it; which we perceauing, shot a
musket at her, but she hearing the noise thereof, ran away, and let the
dead beare lie. Then four of vs went thither, and saw that in so short
a time she had eaten almost the halfe of her; [and] we tooke the dead
beare and laid it vpon a high heap of ice, [so] that we might see it
out of our scute, that if the beare came againe we might shoot at her.
At which time we tried [1303] the great strenght of the beare, that
carried the dead bear as lightely in her mouth as if it had beene
nothing, whereas we foure had enough to doe to cary away the halfe dead
beare betweene vs. Then the wind still held west, which draue the ice
into the east.
The 30 of June in the morning, when the sunne was east and by north,
the ice draue hard eastward by meanes of the west wind, and then there
came two beares vpon a peece of ice that draue in the sea, and thought
to set vpon vs, and made show as if they would leape into the water and
come to vs, but did nothing, whereby we were of opinion that they were
the same beares that had beene there before; and about the
south-south-east sunne there came an other beare vpon the fast ice, and
made [straight] towards vs; but being neare vs, and hearing vs make a
noise, she went away againe. Then the wind was west-south-west, and the
ice began somewhat to falle from the land; but because it was mistie
weather and a hard wind, we durst not put to sea, but staid for a
better opportunitie.
The 1 of Julie it was indifferent faire weather, with a west-north-west
wind; and in the morning, the sunne being east, there came a beare from
the driuing yce and swam over the water to the fast yce whereon we lay;
but when she heard vs she came no nearer, but ran away. And when the
sunne was south-east, the ice came so fast in towards vs, that all the
ice whereon we lay with our scutes and our goods brake and ran one
peece vpon another, whereby we were in no small feare, [1304] for at
that time most of our goods fell into the water. But we with great
diligence drew our scutes [1305] further vpon the ice towards the land,
where we thought to be better defended from the driuing of the ice, and
as we went to fetch our goods we fell into the greatest trouble that
euer we had before, for yt we endured so great danger in the sauing
thereof, that as we laid hold vpon one peece thereof the rest sunke
downe with the ice, and many times the ice brake vnder our owne feet;
whereby we were wholy discomforted and in a maner cleane out of all
hope, expecting no issue thereof, in such sort that our trouble at that
time surmounted all our former cares and impeachments. And when we
thought to draw vp our boates [1306] vpon the ice, the ice brake vnder
vs, and we were caried away with the scute and al [1307] by the driuing
ice; and when we thought to saue the goods the ice brake vnder our
feet, and with that the scute brak in many places, especially yt which
we had mended; [1308] as ye mast, ye mast planke, [1309] and almost all
the scute, [1310] wherein one of our men that was sick and a chest of
mony lay, which we with great danger of our liues got out from it; for
as we were doing it, the ice that was vnder our feet draue from vs and
slid vpon other ice, [1311] whereby we were in danger to burst both our
armes and our legs. At which time, thinking yt we had been cleane quit
of our scute, [1312] we beheld each other in pittiful maner, knowing
not what we should doe, our liues depending thereon; but God made so
good prouision for vs, yt ye peeces of ice draue from each other,
wherewith we ran in great haste vnto the scute [1313] and drew it to vs
again in such case as it was, and layd it vpon the fast ice by the
boate, [1314] where it was in more security, which put us unto an
exceeding and great and dangerous labor from the time that the sunne
was south-east vntill it was west south-west, and in al that time we
rested not, which made vs extreame weary and wholy out of comfort, for
that it troubled vs sore, and it was much more fearfull vnto vs then at
that time when William Barents dyed; for there we were almost drowned,
and that day we lost (which was sounke in the sea) two barrels of
bread, a chest wt linnen cloth, a driefat [1315] with the sailors
[best] clothes, our astron[omi]cale ring, a pack of scarlet cloth, a
runlet of oyle, and some cheeses, and a runlet of wine, which bongd
with the ice, [1316] so that there was not anything thereof saued.
The 2 of Julie, the sunne east, there came another beare vnto vs, but
we making a noyse she ran away; and when the sun was west south-west it
began to be faire weather. Then we began to mend our scute [1317] with
the planks wherewith we had made the buyckmish; [1318] and while 6 of
vs were busied about mending of our scute, the other sixe went further
into the land, to seeke for some wood, and to fetch some stones to lay
vpon the ice, that we might make a fire thereon, therewith to melt our
pitch, which we should need about the scute, as also to see if they
could fetch any wood for a mast [for the boat], which they found with
certain stones, [1319] and brought them where the scutes lay. And when
they came to vs againe they shewed vs that they had found certain wood
which had bin clouen, [1320] and brought some wedges with them
wherewith the said wood had been clouen, whereby it appeared that men
had bin there. Then we made all the haste we could to make a fire, and
to melt our pitch, and to do al other things that were necessary to be
done for the repairing of our scute, so that we got it ready againe by
that the sunne was north-east; at which time also we rosted [1321] our
birds [which we had shot], and made a good meale with them.
The 3 of July in the morning, the sunne being east, two of our men went
to the water, and there they found two of our oares, our helme sticke,
[1322] the pack of scarlet cloth, the chest with linnen cloth, and a
hat that fell out of the driefat, [1323] whereby we gest [1324] that it
was broken in peeces; which they perceiuing, tooke as much with them as
they could carry, and came vnto us, showing vs that they had left more
goods behind them, whereupon the maister with 5 more of vs went
thither, and drew al the goods vpon the firme ice, yt when we went away
we might take it with vs; but they could not carry the chest nor the
pack of cloth (that were ful of water) because of their waight, but
were forced to let them stand till we went away, that the water might
drop out [1325] of them [and we might afterwards fetch them], and so
they did. [1326] The sunne being south-west there came another great
beare vnto vs, which the man that kept watch saw not, and had beene
deuoured by her if one of our other men that lay downe in the ship
[1327] had not espied her, and called to him that kept watch to looke
to himselfe, who therewith ran away. Meane time the beare was shot into
the body, but she escaped; and that time the wind was east north-east.
The 4 of July it was so faire cleare weather, that from the time we
were first in Noua Zembla we had not the like. Then wee washt the
veluets, that had been wet with the salt water, in fresh water drawne
out of snow, and then dryed them and packt them vp againe; at which
time the wind was west and west south-west.
The 5 of July it was faire weather, the wind west south-west. The same
day dyed John Franson [1328] of Harlem (Claes Adrians [1329] nephew,
that dyed the same day when William Barents dyed [1330]), the sunne
being then about north north-west; at which time the ice came mightily
driuing in vpon vs, and then sixe of our men went into the land, and
there fetcht some fire-wood to dresse our meate.
The 6 of July it was misty weather, but about euening it began to
cleere vp, and the wind was south-east, which put vs in some comfort,
and yet we lay fast vpon the ice.
The 7 of July it was faire weather with some raine, the wind west
south-west, and at euening west and by north. Then wee went to the open
water, and there killed [1331] thirteene birds, which wee tooke vppon a
peece of driuing ice, [1332] and layd them vpon the fast ice.
The 8 of July it was close [1333] misty weather; then we drest the
foules [1334] which we had killed, which gaue us a princely mealetide.
[1335] In the euening there blew a fresh gale of wind, out of the
north-east, which put vs in great comfort to get from thence.
The 9 of July, in the morning, the ice began to driue, whereby we got
open water on the land side, and then also the fast ice whereon we lay
began to driue; whereupon the master and ye men went to fetch the pack
and the chest that stood vpon the ice, to put them into the scute, and
then drew the scutes to the water at least 340 paces, which was hard
for vs to do, in regard that the labour was great and we very weake.
And when the sun was south south-east we set saile with an east wind;
but when the sunne was west we were forced to make towards the fast ice
againe, because thereabouts it was not yet gon; [1336] ye wind being
south and came right from the land, whereby we were in good hope that
it would driue awaye, and that we should proceede in our voyage.
The 10 of July, from the time that the sunne was east north-east till
it was east, we tooke great paines and labour to get through the ice;
and at last we got through, and rowed forth [1337] vntill wee happened
to fall betweene two great flakes [1338] of ice, that closed one with
the other, so that we could not get through, but were forced to draw
the scutes vpon them, and to vnlade the goods, and then to draw them
ouer to the open water on the other side, and then we must go fetch the
goods also to the same place, being at least 110 paces long, which was
very hard for vs; but there was no remedy, for it was but a folly for
vs to thinke of any wearines. And when we were in the open water
againe, we rowed forward as well as we could, but we had not rowed long
before we fell betweene two great flakes of ice, that came driuing one
against the other, but by Gods help and our speedy rowing we got from
betweene them before they closed vp, and being through, we had a hard
west wind right in our teeth, so that of force we were constrained to
make towards the fast ice that lay by the shore, and at last with much
trouble we got vnto it. And being there, we thought to row along by the
fast ice vnto an island that we saw before vs; but by reason of the
hard contrary wind we could not goe farre, so that we were compelled to
draw the scutes and the goods vpon the ice, to see what weather [1339]
God would send vs; but our courages were cooled to see ourselues so
often inclosed in ye ice, being in great feare yt by meanes of the long
and continuall paines (which we were forced to take) we should loose
all our strength, and by that meanes should not long be able to
continue or hold out.
The 11 of July in the morning as we sate fast vpon the ice, the sunne
being north-east, there came a great beare out of the water running
towards vs, but we watcht for her with three muskets, and when she came
within 30 paces of vs we shot all the three muskets at her and killed
her outright, so that she stirred not a foote, and we might see the fat
run out at the holes of her skinne, that was shot in with the muskets,
swimme vpon the water like oyle; and [she] so driving [1340] dead upon
the water, we went vpon a flake of ice to her, and putting a rope about
her neck drew her vp vpon the ice and smit out her teeth; at which time
we measured her body, and found it to be eight foote thick. [1341] Then
we had a west wind with a close [1342] weather; but when the sunne was
south it began to cleere vp; then three of our men went to the island
that lay before vs, and being there they saw the Crosse Island [1343]
lying west-ward from them, and went thither to see if that sommer there
had been any Russian there, and went thither vpon the fast ice that lay
between the two islands; and being in the island, they could not
percieue that any man had beene in it since we were there. There they
got 70 [burrow-ducks’ [1344]] egges, but when they had them they knew
not wherein to carry them; at last one of them put off his breeches,
and tying them fast below, they carried them betweene two of them, and
the third bare the musket; and so [they] came to vs againe, after they
had been twelue hours out, which put vs in no small feare to think what
was become of them. They told vs that they had many times gone vp to
the knees in water vpon the ice betweene both the islands, and it was
at least 6 [24] miles to and fro that they had gone, which made vs
wonder how they could indure it, seeing we were all so weake. With the
egges that they had brought we were al wel comforted, and fared like
lords, so that we found some reliefe in our great misery, [1345] and
then we shared our last wine amongst us, whereof euery one had three
glasses. [1346]
The 12 of July in the morning, when the sunne was east, the wind began
to blow east and east north-east, with misty weather; and at euening
six of our men went into the land [1347] to seeke certaine stones,
[1348] and found some, but none of the best sort; and comming backe
againe, either of them brought some wood.
The 13 of July it was a faire day; then seuen of our men went to the
firme land to seeke for more stones, and found some; at which time the
wind was south-east.
The 14 of July it was faire weather with a good south wind, and then
the ice began to driue from the land, whereby we were in good hope to
haue an open water; but the wind turning westerly againe, it lay still
[firm]. When the sunne was south-west, three of our men went to the
next island that lay before vs, and there shot a bercheynet, [1349]
which they brought to the scute and gaue it amongst vs, for all our
goods were [in] common.
The 15 of July it was misty weather; that morning the wind was
south-east, but the sunne being west it began to raine, and the wind
turned west and west south-west.
The 16 of July there came a beare from the firme land that came very
neere vnto vs, by reason that it was as white as snow, whereby at first
we could not discerne it to be a beare, because it shewed so like the
snow; but by her stirring at last wee perceiued her, and as she came
neere vnto vs we shot at her and hit her, but she ran away. That
morning the wind was west, and after that againe east north-east, with
close [1350] weather.
The 17 of July, about the south south-east sunne, 5 of our men went
againe to the nearest island to see if there appeared any open water,
for our long staying there was no small griefe vnto vs, perceiuing not
how we should get from thence; who being halfe way thither, they found
a beare lying behind a peece of ice, which the day before had beene
shot by vs, but she hearing vs went away; but one of our men following
her with a boate-hooke, thrust her into the skinne, [1351] wherewith
the beare rose vp vpon her hinder feet, and as the man thrust at her
againe, she stroke the iron of the boat-hooke in peeces, wherewith the
man fell downe vpon his buttocks. Which our other two men seeing, two
of them shot the beare into the body, and with that she ran away, but
the other man went after her with his broken staffe, and stroke the
beare vpon the backe, wherewith the beare turned about against the man
three times one after the other; and then the other two came to her,
and shot her into the body againe, wherewith she sat downe vpon her
buttocks, and could scant [1352] runne any further; and then they shot
once againe, wherewith she fell downe, and they smot [1353] her teeth
out of her head. All that day the wind was north-east and east
north-east.
The 18 of July, about the east sunne, three of our men went vp vpon the
highest part of the land, to see if there was any open water in the
sea; at which time they saw much open water, but it was so farre from
the land that they were almost out of comfort, because it lay so farre
from the land and the fast ice; being of opinion that we should not be
able to drawe the scutes and the goods so farre thither, because our
strengthes stil began to decrease, [1354] and the sore labour and paine
that we were forced to indure more and more increased. And comming to
our scutes, they brought vs that newes; but we, being compelled
thereunto by necessity, abandoned all wearines and faint heartednes,
and determined with our selues to bring the boates and the goods to the
water side, and to row vnto that ice where we must passe ouer to get to
the open water. And when we got to it, we vnladed our scutes, and drewe
them first [the one and then the other] ouer the ice to the open water,
and after that the goods, it being at the least 1000 paces; which was
so sore a labour for vs, that as we were in hand therewith we were in a
manner ready to leaue off in the middle thereof, and feared that wee
should not goe through withall; but for that we had gone through so
many dangers, we hoped yt we should not be faint therin, wishing yt it
might be ye last trouble yt we should as then indure, and so wt great
difficulty got into the open water about the south-west sunne. Then we
set saile till the sunne was west and by south, and presently fell
amongst the ice againe, where we were forced to drawe vp the scutes
againe vpon the ice; and being vpon it, we could see the Crosse Island,
which we gest to be about a mile [4 miles] from vs, the wind then being
east and east north-east.
The 19 of July, lying in that manner vpon the ice, about the east sunne
seuen of our men went to the Crosse Island, and being there they saw
great store of open water in ye west, wherewith they much reioyced, and
made as great haste as they could to get to the scutes againe; but
before they came away they got a hundred egges, and brought them away
with them. And comming to the scutes, they shewed vs that they had seen
as much open water in the sea as they could decerne; being in good hope
that that would be the last time that they should draw the scutes ouer
the ice, and that it should be no more measured by vs, [1355] and in
that sort put vs in good comfort. Whereupon we made speede to dresse
our egges, and shared them amongst vs; and presently, the sun being
south south-west, we fell to worke to make all things ready to bring
the scutes to the water, which were to be drawen at least 270 [1356]
paces ouer the ice, which we did with a good [1357] courage because we
were in good hope that it would be the last time. And getting to the
water, we put to sea, with Gods [merciful] helpe [in his mercy], with
an east and east north-east wind and a good gale, [1358] so that with
the west sun we past by the Crosse Island, which is distant from Cape
de Nassawes 10 [40] miles. And presently after that the ice left vs,
and we got cleere out of it; yet we saw some in the sea, but it
troubled vs not; and so we held our course west and by south, with a
good gale of wind [1359] out of the east and east north-east, so that
we gest that betweene euery mealetide [1360] we sailed eighteene [72]
miles, wherewith we were exceedingly comforted [and full of joy],
giuing God thanks that he had deliuered [and saved] vs out of so great
and many difficulties (wherein it seemed that we should haue bin
ouerwhelmed), hoping in his mercie that from thence foorth he would
[still mercifully] ayde vs. [1361]
The 20 of July, hauing still a good gale, [1362] about the south-east
sunne we past along by the Black Point, [1363] which is twelue [48]
miles distant from the Crosse Island, and sailed west south-west; and
about the euening with the west sunne we saw the Admirable Island,
[1364] and about the north sunne past along by it, which is distant
from the Black Point eight [32] miles. And passing along by it, we saw
about two hundred sea horses lying upon a flake of ice, and we sayled
close by them and draue them from thence, which had almost cost vs
deere; [1365] for they, being mighty strong fishes [1366] and of great
force, swam towards vs (as if they would be reuenged on us for the
dispight that we had don them) round about our scuts [1367] with a
great noyse, as if they would haue deuoured vs; but we escaped from
them by reason that we had a good gale of wind, yet it was not wisely
done of vs to wake sleeping wolues.
The 21 of July we past by Cape Pluncio [1368] about the east north-east
sunne, which lyeth west south-west eight [32] miles from ye Admirable
Island; [1369] and with the good gale yt we had, about ye south-west
sun we sailed by Langenes, 9 [36] miles from Cape Pluncio; there the
land reacheth most south-west, and we had a good [1370] north-east
winde.
The 22 of July, we hauing so good a gale of wind, [1371] when we came
to Cape de Cant, [1372] there we went on land to seeke for some birds
and egs, but we found none; so we sayled forwards. But after yt, about
ye south sun, we saw a clift [1373] yt was ful of birds; thither we
sailed, and casting stones at them, we killed 22 birds and got fifteene
egges, which one of our men fetcht from the clift, and if we would haue
stayed there any longer we might haue taken a hundred or two hundred
birds at least; but because the maister was somewhat further into
sea-ward then we and stayed for vs, and for that we would not loose
that faire fore-wind, [1374] we [speedily] sailed forwards [close] a
long by the land; and about the south-west sunne we came to another
point, where we got [about] a hundred [and] twenty fiue birds, which we
tooke with our hands out of their neasts, and some we killed with
stones and made them fal downe into the water; for it is a thing
certaine yt those birds neuer vsed to see men, and that no man had euer
sought or vsed to take them, for else they would haue flowne away,
[1375] and that they feared no body but the foxes and other wilde
beastes, that could not clime up the high clifts, [1376] and that
therefore they had made their nests thereon, where they were out of
feare of any beastes comming vnto them; for we were in no small daunger
of breaking of our legges and armes, especially as we came downe
againe, because the clift was so high and so stepe. Those birds had
euery one but one egge in their neasts, and that lay vpon the bare
clift without any straw or other [soft] thing vnder them, which is to
be wondred at to thinke how they could breed [1377] their young ones in
so great cold; but it is to be thought and beleeued that they therfore
sit but vpon one egge, that so the heat which they giue in breeding so
many, [having so much more power,] may be wholy giuen vnto one egge,
and by that meanes it hath all the heat of the birde vnto it selfe,
[and is not divided among many eggs at the same time]. And there also
we found many egges, but most of them were foule and bad. And when we
left them, [1378] the wind fell flat against vs and blew [a strong
breeze from the] north-west, and there also we had much ice, and we
tooke great paines to get from the ice, but we could not get aboue it.
[1379] And at last by lauering [1380] we fell into the ice; and being
there we saw much open water [1381] towards the land, whereunto we made
as well as we could. But our maister, (that was [with his boat] more to
sea ward,) perceiuing vs to be in the ice, thought we had gotten some
hurt, and lauered to and againe along by the ice; but at last seeing
that we sailed therein, [1382] he was of opinion that we saw some open
water, [1383] and that we made towards it (as it was true), and
therefore he wound also towards vs and came to land by us, where we
found a good hauen and lay safe almost from all winds, and he came
thither about two houres after vs. There we went on land, and got some
eggs and [picked up] some wood to make a fire, wherewith we made ready
[1384] the birds that we had taken; at which time we had a north-west
wind with close [1385] weather.
The 23 of July it was darke and mistie weather, with a north wind,
whereby we were forced to lye still in that creeke or hauen: meanetime
some of our men went on land, [1386] to seeke for some egges and
[perchance also for] stones, [1387] but found not many, but a
reasonable number of good stones.
The 24 of July it was faire weather, but the wind still northerly,
whereby we were forced to lye still; and about noone we tooke the higth
of ye sun with our astrolabium, and found it to be eleuated aboue the
horizon 37 degrees and 20 min., his declination 20 degrees and 10
minutes, which substracted from ye higth aforesaid rested 17 degrees
and 10 minutes, which taken from 90 degrees, the higth of the Pole was
73 degrees and 10 minutes. [1388] And for yt we lay stil there, some of
our men went often times on land to seeke stones, and found some that
were as good as euer any that we found.
The 25 of July it was darke misty weather, the wind north, but we were
forced to ly still because it blew so hard.
The 26 of July it began to be faire weather, which we had not had for
certaine [1389] daies together, the wind still north; and about the
south sunne we put to sea, but it was so great a creeke that we were
forced to put foure [16] miles into the sea, [1390] before wee could
get about [1391] the point thereof; and it was most in [1392] the wind,
so that it was midnight before wee got aboue it, sometimes sayling and
sometimes rowing; and hauing past it, we stroke [1393] our sailes and
rowed along by the land.
The 27 of July it was faire cleare weather, so that we rowed all that
day through the broken ice along by the land, the wind being
north-west; and at evening, about the west sunne, we came to a place
where there ran a great streame, [1394] whereby we thought that we were
about Constinsarke; [1395] for we saw a great creeke, and we were of
opinion yt it went through to the Tartarian Sea. [1396] Our course was
most south-west: about the north sunne we past along by the Crosse
Point, [1397] and sailed between the firme land and an island, and then
went south south-east with a north-west wind, and made good speed, the
maister with ye scute being a good way before us; but when he had
gotten about ye point of the island he staied for vs, and there we lay
[some time] by ye clifts, [1398] hoping to take some birds, but got
none; at which time we had sailed from Cape de Cant along by
Constinsarke to the Crosse Point 20 [80] miles, our course south
south-east, the wind north-west.
The 28 of July it was faire weather, with a north-east wind; then we
sailed along by the land, and with the south-west sunne got before S.
Laurence Bay, or Sconce Point, [1399] and sayled south south-east 6
[24] miles; and being there, we found two Russians lodgies [1400] or
ships beyond the Point, wherewith we were [on the one hand] not a
little comforted to thinke that we were come to the place where we
found men, but were [on the other hand] in some doubt of them because
they were so many, for at that time wee sawe at least 30 men, and knew
not what [sort of persons] they were [whether savages or other
foreigners [1401]]. There with much paine and labour we got to the
land, which they perceiuing, left off their worke and came towards vs,
but without any armes; and wee also went on shore, as many as were
well, [1402] for diuers of vs were very ill at ease and weake by reason
of a great scouring in their bodies. [1403] And when wee met together
wee saluted each other in friendly wise, they after theirs, and we
after our manner. And when we were met, both they and we lookt each
other stedfastly [and pitifully] in the face, for that some of them
knew vs, and we them to bee the same men which the yeare before, when
we past through the Weigats, had been in our ship; [1404] at which time
we perceiued yt they were abasht and wondered at vs, [1405] to remember
that at that time we were so well furnished with a [splendid] great
ship, that was exceedingly prouided of all things necessary, and then
to see vs so leane and bare, [1406] and with so small [open] scutes
into that country. And amongst them there were two that in friendly
manner clapt ye master and me upon the shoulder, as knowing vs since ye
[former] voiage: for there was none of all our men that was as then in
that voiage [1407] but we two onley; and [they] asked vs for our
crable, [1408] meaning our ship, and we shewed them by signes as well
as we could (for we had no interpreter) that we had lost our ship in
the ice; wherewith they sayd Crable pro pal, [1409] which we vnderstood
to be, Haue you lost your ship? and we made answere, Crable pro pal,
which was as much as to say, that we had lost our ship. And many more
words we could not vse, because we vnderstood not each other. Then they
made shew [1410] to be sorry for our losse and to be grieued that we
the yeare before had beene there with so many ships, and then to see vs
in so simple manner, [1411] and made vs signes that then they had
drunke wine in our ship, and asked vs what drinke we had now; wherewith
one of our men went into the scute [1412] and drew some water, and let
them taste thereof; but they shakt their heads, and said No dobbre,
[1413] that is, it is not good. Then our master went neerer vnto them
and shewed them his mouth, to giue them to vnderstand that we were
troubled with a loosnesse in our bellies, [1414] and to know if they
could giue vs any councel to help it; but they thought we made shew
that we had great hunger, wherewith one of them went unto their lodging
[1415] and fetcht a round rie loafe weighing about 8 pounds, with some
smoked [1416] foules, which we accepted thankfully, and gaue them in
exchange halfe a dozen of muschuyt. [1417] Then our master led two of
the chiefe of them with him into his scute, and gaue them some of the
wine that we had, being almost a gallon, [1418] for it was so neere
out. And while we staied there we were very familiar with them, and
went to the place where they lay, and sod some of our mischuyt [1419]
with water by their fire, that we might eate some warme thing downe
into our bodies. And we were much comforted to see the Russians, for
that in thirteene moneths time [since] that we departed from John
Cornelison [1420] we had not seene any man, but onely monsterous and
cruell [1421] wild beares; for that [1422] as then we were in some
comfort, to see that we had liued so long to come in company of men
againe, and therewith we said vnto each other, now we hope that it will
fall out better with vs, seeing we haue found men againe, thanking God
with all our hearts, that he had beene so gracious and mercifull vnto
vs, to giue vs life vntill that time.
The 29 of July it was reasonable faire weather, and that morning the
Russians began to make preparation to be gone and to set saile; at
which time they digd certaine barrels with traine oile out of the
sieges, [1423] which they had buried there, and put it into their
ships; and we not knowing whither they would go, saw them saile towards
ye Weigats: at which time also we set saile and followed after them.
But they sayling before vs, and we following them along by the land,
the weather being close and misty, we lost the sight of them, and knew
not whether they put into any creeke or sayled forward; but we held on
our course south south-east, with a north-west wind, and then
south-east, betweene [the] two islands, vntill we were inclosed with
ice againe and saw no open water, whereby we supposed that they were
about the Weigats, and that the north-west wind had driuen the ice into
that creeke. And being so inclosed wt ice, and saw no open water before
vs, but with great labour and paines we went back againe to the two
islands aforesaid, and there about the north-east sunne we made our
scutes fast at one of the islands, for as then it began to blowe
hard[er and harder].
The 30 of July lying at anchor, [1424] the wind still blew [just as
stiff from the] north-west, with great store of raine and a sore
storme, so that although we had couered our scutes with our sailes, yet
we could not lye dry, which was an vnaccustomed thing vnto vs: for we
had had no raine in long time before, and yet we were forced to stay
there all that day.
The 31 of July, in the morning, about the north-east sunne, we rowed
from that island to another island, whereon there stood two crosses,
whereby we thought that some men had laine there about trade of
merchandise, as the other Russians that we saw before had done, but we
found no man there; the wind as then being north-west, whereby the ice
draue still towards the Weigats. [1425] There, to our great good, we
went on land, for in that island we found great store of leple leaues,
[1426] which serued vs exceeding well; and it seemed that God had
purposely sent vs thither, for as then we had many sicke men, and most
of vs were so troubled with a scouring in our bodies, and were thereby
become so weake, that we could hardly row, but by meanes of those
leaues we were healed thereof: for that as soone as we had eaten them
we were presently eased and healed, whereat we could not choose but
wonder, [1427] and therefore we gave God great thanks for that and for
many other his mercies shewed vnto vs, by his great and vnexpected ayd
lent vs in that our dangerous voyage. And so, as I sayd before, we eate
them by whole handfuls together, because in Holland wee had heard much
spoken of their great force, and as then found it to be much more than
we expected.
The 1 of August the wind blew hard north-west, and the ice, that for a
while had driuen towards the entry of the Weigats, stayed and draue no
more, but the sea went very hollow, [1428] whereby we were forced to
remoue our scutes on the other side of the island; to defend them from
the waues of the sea. And lying there, we went on land againe to fetch
more leple leaues, [1429] whereby wee had bin so wel holpen, and stil
more and more recouered our healths, and in so short time that we could
not choose but wonder thereat; so that as then some of vs could eate
bisket againe, which not long before they could not do. [1430]
The 2 of August it was dark misty weather, the wind stil blowing stiffe
north-west; at which time our victuals began to decrease, for as then
we had nothing but a little bread and water, and some of vs a little
cheese, which made vs long sore to be gone from thence, specially in
regard of our hunger, whereby our weake members began to be much
weaker, and yet we were forced to labour sore, which were two great
contraries; for it behoued vs rather to haue our bellies full, that so
we might be the stronger to endure our labour; but patience was our
point of trust. [1431]
The 3 of August, about the north sun, the weather being somewhat
better, we agreed amongst our selues to leaue Noua Zembla and to crosse
ouer to Russia; and so committing our selues to God, we set saile with
a north-west wind, and sailed south south-west till the sun was east,
and then we entred into ice againe, which put vs in great feare, for we
had crost ouer and left the ice vpon Noua Zembla, [1432] and were in
good hope yt we should not meet with any ice againe in so short space.
At which time, being [thus] in the ice, with calme weather, whereby our
sailes could doe vs no great good, we stroke [1433] our sailes and
began to row againe, and at last we rowed clean through the ice, [1434]
not without great and sore labour, and about the south-west sunne got
cleere thereof and entred into the large sea, [1435] where we saw no
ice; and then, what with sailing and rowing, we had made 20 [80] miles.
And so sailing forwards we thought to aproch neere vnto the Russian
coast, but about the north-west sunne we entred into the ice againe,
and then it was very cold, wherewith our hearts became very heauy,
fearing that it would alwaies continew in that sort, and that we should
neuer be freed thereof. And for that our boate [1436] could not make so
good way nor was not able to saile aboue [1437] the point of ice, we
were compelled to enter into the ice, for that being in it we perceiued
open sea beyond it; but the hardest matter was to get into it, for it
was very close, but at last we found a meanes to enter, and got in. And
being entred, it was somewhat better, and in the end with great paine
and labour we got into the open water. Our maister, that was in the
scute, [1438] which sailed better than our boate, [1439] got aboue
[1440] the point of the ice, and was in some feare that we were
inclosed with ye ice; but God sent vs the meanes to get out from it as
soone as he could saile about the point thereof, [1441] and so we met
together againe.
The 4 of August, about the south-east sunne, being gotten out of the
ice, we sailed forward with a north-west wind, and held our course
[mostly] southerly; and when the sunne was [about] south, at noone
time, we saw the coast of Russia lying before vs, whereat we were
exceeding glad; and going neerer vnto it, we stroke [1442] our sailes
and rowed on land, and found it to be very low land, like a bare strand
that might be flowed ouer with the water. [1443] There we lay till the
sunne was south-west; but perceiuing that there we could not much
further our selues, hauing as then sailed from the point of Noua Zembla
(from whence we put off) thither ful 30 [120] miles, we sailed forward
along by the coast of Russia with an indifferent gale of wind, and when
the sunne was north we saw another Russian iolle or ship, [1444] which
we sailed vnto to speake with them; and being hard by them, they came
al aboue hatches, [1445] and we cried vnto them, Candinaes, Candinaes,
[1446] whereby we asked them if we were about Candinaes, but they cryed
againe and sayd, Pitzora, Pitzora, [1447] to shew vs that we were
thereabouts. And for yt we sailed along by the coast, where it was very
drie, [1448] supposing that we held our course west and by north, that
so we might get beyond the point of Candinaes, we were wholy deceiued
by our compas, that stood vpon a chest bound with yron bands, which
made vs vary at least 2 points, whereby we were much more southerly
then we thought our course had bin, and also farre more easterly, for
we thought verily that we had not bin farre from Candinaes, and we were
three daies sailing from it, as after we perceiued; [1449] and for that
we found our selues to be so much out of our way, we stayed there all
night til day appeared.
The 5 of August, lying there, one of our men went on shore, and found
the land further in to be greene and ful of trees, [1450] and from
thence called to vs to bid vs bring our peeces on shore, saying that
there was wild deere to be killed, [1451] which made vs exceeding glad,
for then our victuales were almost spent, and we had nothing but some
broken bread, [1452] whereby we were wholy out of comfort, and [1453]
some of vs were of opinion that we should leaue the scutes and goe
further into the land, or else (they said) we should all die with
hunger, for that many daies before we were forced to fast, and hunger
was a sharpe sword which we could hardly endure any longer.
The 6 of August the weather began to be somewhat better; at which time
we determined to row forward, because the wind was [dead] against vs,
[so] that we might get out of the creeke, [1454] the wind being east
south-east, which was our course as then. And so, hauing rowed about
three [12] miles, we could get no further because it was so full in the
wind, and we al together heartlesse and faint, the land streatching
further north-east then we made account it had done, [1455] whereupon
we beheld each other in pittifull manner, for we had great want of
victuals, and knew not how farre we had to saile before we should get
any releefe, for al our victuals was almost consumed.
The 7 of August, the wind being west north-west, it serued vs well to
get out of that creeke, and so we sailed forward east and by north till
we got out of the creeke, to the place and the point of land where we
first had bin, and there made our scutes fast again; for the north-west
wind was right against vs, whereby our mens hearts and courages were
wholy abated, to see no issue how we should get from thence; for as
then sicknesses, hunger, and no meanes to be found how to get from
thence, consumed both our flesh and our bloud; but if we had found any
releefe, [1456] it would haue bin better with vs.
The 8 of August there was no better weather, but still the wind was
[dead] against vs, and we lay a good way one from the other, as we
found best place for vs; at which time there was most dislike [1457] in
our boate, in regard that some of vs were exceeding hungrie and could
not endure it any longer, but were wholy out of heart still [1458]
wishing to die.
The 9 of August it was all one weather, so that the wind blowing
contrary we were forced to lye still and could goe no further, our
greefe still increasing more and more. At last, two of our men went out
of the scute wherein the maister was, which we perceiuing two of our
men also landed, and went altogether about a mile [4 miles] into the
countrie, [1459] and at last saw a banke, by the which there issued a
great streame of water, [1460] which we thought to be the way from
whence the Russians came betweene Candinaes and the firme land of
Russia. [1461] And as our men came backe againe, in the way as they
went along they found a dead sea-horse [1462] that stanke exceedingly,
which they drew with them to our scute, [1463] thinking that they
should haue a dainty morsell [1464] out of it, because they endured so
great hunger; but we [dissuaded them from it, and] told them that
without doubt it would kil us, and that it were better for vs to endure
pouerty and hunger for a time, then to venture vpon it; saying, that
seeing God, who [1465] in so many great extremitys had sent vs a happy
issue, stil liued and was exceeding powerfull, we hoped and nothing
doubting that he would not altogether forsake vs, but rather helpe vs
when we were most in dispaire. [1466]
The 10 of August it was stil a north-west wind, with mistie and darke
[1467] weather, so that we were driuen [1468] to lie still; at which
time it was no need for vs to aske one another how we fared, for we
could well gesse it by our countenances.
The 11 of August, in the morning, it was faire calme weather; so that,
the sunne being about north-east, the master sent one of his men to vs
to bid vs prepare our selues to set saile, but we had made our selues
ready thereunto before he came, and [had] began to rowe towards him. At
which time, for that I was very weake and no longer able to rowe, as
also for that our boate [1469] was harder to rowe then the scute,
[1470] I was set in the scute to guide the helme, and one that was
stronger was sent out of the scute into the boate to rowe in my place,
that we might keepe company together; and so we rowed till ye sunne was
south, and then we had a good gale of wind out of the south, which made
vs take in our oares, and then we hoised vp our sailes, wherewith we
made good way; but in the euening the wind began to blowe hard, whereby
we were forced to take in our sailes and to rowe towards the land,
where we laid our scutes vpon the strand, [1471] and went on land to
seeke for fresh water, but found none. And because we could goe no
further, we laid our sailes ouer the boates to couer vs from the
weather; at which time it began to raine very hard, and at midnight it
thundred and lightned, with more store of raine, where with our company
were much disquieted to see that they found no meanes of releefe, but
still entred into further trouble and danger.
The 12 of August it was faire weather; at which time, the sunne being
east, we saw a Russia lodgie [1472] come towards vs with al his sailes
vp, wherewith we were not a little comforted, which we perceauing from
the strand, where we laie with our scutes, we desired the master that
we might goe [1473] vnto him to speake with him, and to get some
victuales of them; and to that end we made as much haste as we could to
launche out our scutes, [1474] and sailed toward them. And when we got
to them, the master went into the lodgie to aske them how farre we had
to Candinaes, which we could not well learne of them because we
understood them not. They held vp their fiue fingers vnto vs, but we
knew not what they ment thereby, but after we perceaued that thereby
they would show us that there stood five crosses upon it; and they
brought their compas out and shewed vs that it lay north-west from us,
which our compas also shewed vs, which reckning also we had made; but
when we saw we could haue no better intelligence from them, the master
went further into their ship, and pointed to a barrell of fish yt he
saw therein, making signes to know whether they would sel it vnto vs,
showing them a peece of 8 royles; [1475] which they vnderstanding, gave
vs 102 fishes, with some cakes which they had made of meale when they
sod [1476] their fishe. And about the south sunne we left them, being
glad that we had gotten some victuales, for long before we had had but
two [1477] ounces of bread a day with a little water, and nothing else,
and with that we were forced to comfort our selues as well as we could.
The fishes we shared amongst vs equally, to one as much as another,
[1478] without any difference. And when we had left them, we held our
course west and by north, with a south and a south and by east wind;
and when the sunne was west south west it began to thunder and raine,
but it continued not long, for shortly after the weather began to
cleare vp againe; and passing forward in that sort, we saw the sunne in
our common compas go downe north and by west. [1479]
The 13 of August we [again] had the wind against vs, being west
south-west, and our course was west and by north, whereby we were
forced to put to the shore againe, where two of our men went on the
land to see how it laie, and whether the point of Candinaes reacht not
out from thence into the sea, for we gest that we were not farre from
it. Our men comming againe, showed vs that they had seene a house vpon
the land, but no man in it, and said further that they could not
perceaue but that it was the point of Candinaes that we had seene,
wherewith we were somewhat comforted, and went into our scutes againe,
and rowed along by the land; at which time hope made vs to be of good
comfort, and procured vs to doe more then we could well haue done, for
our liues and maintenance consisted therein. And in that sort rowing
along by the land, we saw an other Russian iollie [1480] lying vpon the
shore, which was broken in peeces; but we past by it, and a little
after that we saw a house at the water-side, whereunto some of our men
went, wherein also they found no man, but only an ouen. And when they
came againe to the scute, they brought some leple leaues [1481] with
them, which they had found [1482] as they went. And as we rowed along
by the point, we had [again] a good gale of winde [1483] out of the
east, at which time we hoised vp our sailes and sailed foreward. And
after noone, about the south-west sunne, we perceaued that the point
which we had seene laie south-ward, whereby we were fully perswaded
that it was the point of Candinaes, from whence we ment [1484] to saile
ouer the mouth of the White Sea; [1485] and to that end we borded each
other and deuided our candles and all other things that we should need
amongst vs, [1486] to helpe our selues therewith, and so put of from
the land, thinking to passe ouer the White Sea to the coast of Russia.
[1487] And sailing in that sort with a good winde, about midnight there
rose a great storme out of the north, wherewith we stroke saile and
made it shorter; [1488] but our other boate, that was harder vnder
saile, [1489] (knowing not that we had lessened our sailes,) sailed
foreward, whereby we straied one from the other, for then it was very
darke.
The 14 of August in the morning, it being indifferent good weather with
a south-west wind, we sailed west north-west, and then it began to
cleare vp, so that we [just] saw our [other] boate, and did what we
could to get vnto her, but we could not, because it began to be mistie
weather againe; and therefore we said unto each other, let vs hold on
our course, we shal finde them wel enough on the north coast, when we
are past the White Sea. [1490] Our course was west north-west, the wind
being south-west and by west, and about the south-west sunne, we could
get no further, because the wind fel contrary, whereby we were forced
to strike our sailes and to row forward; and in that sort, rowing till
the sunne was west, there blew an indifferent gale of wind [1491] out
of the east, and therewith we set saile (and yet we rowed with two
oares) till the sunne was north north-west, and then the wind began to
blow somewhat stronger east and east south-east, at which time we tooke
in our oares and sailed forward west north-west.
The 15 of August wee saw the sunne rise east north-east, wherevpon we
thought that our compasse varied somewhat; [1492] and when the sunne
was east it was calme weather againe, wherewith we were forced to take
in our sailes and to row againe, but it was not long before wee had a
gale of winde [1493] out of the south-east, and then we hoysed vp our
sailes againe, and went forward west and by south. And sayling in that
manner with a good forewind, [1494] when the sunne was south we saw
land, [1495] thinking that as then we had beene on the west side of the
White Sea beyond Cardinaes; and being close vnder the land, we saw sixe
Russian lodgies [1496] lying there, to whom we sailed and spake with
them, asking them how far wee were from Kilduin; [1497] but although
they vnderstood vs not well, yet they made vs such signes that we
vnderstood by them that we were still farre from thence, and that we
were yet on the east side of Candinaes. And with that they stroke their
hands together, [1498] thereby signifying yt we must first passe ouer
the White Sea, and that our scutes were too little to doe it, and that
it would be ouer great daunger for vs to passe ouer it with so small
scutes, and that Candinaes was still north-west from vs. Then wee asked
them for some bread, and they gaue vs a loafe, which [dry as it was]
wee eate hungerly vp as wee were rowing, but wee would not beleeue them
that we were still on the east side of Cardinaes, for we thought verily
that wee had past ouer the White Sea. And when we left them, we rowed
along by the land, the wind beeing north; and about the north-west
sunne we had a good wind againe from the south-east, and therewith we
sayled along by the shore, and saw a great Russian lodgie lying on the
starreboord from vs, which we thought came out of the White Sea.
The 16 of August in the morning, sayling forward north-west, wee
perceiued that we were in a creeke, [1499] and so made towards ye
Russian lodgie which we had seene on our starreboord, which at last
with great labour and much paine we got vnto; and comming to them about
the south-east sunne, with a hard wind, we asked them how farre we were
from Sembla de Cool [1500] or Kilduin; but they shooke their heads, and
shewed us that we were on the east side of Zembla de Candinaes [1501]
but we would not beleeue them. And then we asked them [for] some
victuals, wherewith they gaue vs certaine plaice, for the which the
maister gaue them a peece of money, and [we] sailed from them againe,
to get out of that hole where wee were, [1502] as it reacht into the
sea; but they perceiuing that we tooke a wrong course and that the
flood was almost past, sent two men vnto vs, in a small boate, with a
great loafe of bread, which they gaue vs, and made signes vnto vs to
come aboord of their ship againe, [1503] for that they intended to haue
further speech with vs and to help [1504] vs, which we seemed not to
refuse and desiring not to be vnthankfull, gaue them a peece of money
and a peece of linnen cloth, but they stayed still by vs, and they that
were in the great lodgie held vp bacon and butter vnto vs, to mooue vs
to come aboord of them againe, and so we did. And being with them, they
showed vs that we were stil on the east side of the point of Candinaes;
then we fetcht our card [1505] and let them see it, by the which they
shewed vs that we were still on the east side of the White Sea and of
Candinaes; which we vnderstanding, were in some doubt with our selues
[1506] because we had so great a voiage to make ouer the White Sea, and
were in more feare for our companions that were in the boate, [1507] as
also yt hauing sailed 22 [88] miles along by the Russian coast, [1508]
we had gotten no further, but were then to saile ouer the mouth of the
White Sea with so small prouision; for which cause the master bought of
ye Russians three sacks wt meale, two flitches and a halfe of bacon, a
pot of Russia butter, and a runlet of honny, for prouision for vs and
our boate [1509] when we should meet with it againe. And for yt in the
meane time the flood was past, we sailed with the [beginning of the]
ebbe out of the aforesaid creeke [1510] where the Russians boate [1511]
came to vs, and entred into the sea with a good south-east wind,
holding our course north north-west; and there we saw a point that
reacht out into the sea, which we thought to be Candinaes, but we
sailed still forward, and the land reached north-west. [1512] In the
euening, the sunne being north-west, when we saw that we did not much
good with rowing, and that the streame [1513] was almost past, we lay
still, and sod [1514] a pot full of water and meale, which tasted
exceeding well, because we had put some bacon fat and honny into it, so
that we thought it to be a feastiuall day [1515] with vs, but still our
minds ran vpon our boate, [1516] because we knew not where it was.
The 17 of August, lying at anchor, in the morning at breake of day we
saw a Russian lodgie that came sayling out of the White Sea, to whom we
rowed, that we might haue some instruction [1517] from him; and when we
boorded him, without asking or speaking vnto him, he gaue vs a loafe of
bread, and by signes shewed vs as well as he could that he had seene
our companions, and that there was seuen men in the boate; but we not
knowing well what they sayd, neither yet beleeuing them, they made
other signes vnto vs, [1518] and held vp their seuen fingers and
pointed to our scute, thereby shewing that there were so many men in
the boate, [1519] and that they had sold them bread, flesh, fish, and
other victualls. And while we staid in their lodgie, we saw a small
compasse therein, which we knew that they had bought [1520] of our
chiefe boatson, [1521] which they likewise acknowledged. Then we
vnderstanding them well, askt them how long it was since they saw our
boate [1522] and whereabouts it was, [and] they made signes vnto vs
that it was the day before. And to conclude, they showed vs great
friendship, for the which we thanked them; and so, being glad of the
good newes wee had heard we tooke our leaues of them, much reioycing
that wee heard of our companions welfare, and specially because they
had gotten victuals from the Russians, which was the thing that wee
most doubted of, in regard that we knew what small prouision they had
with them. Which done, we rowed as hard as we could, to try if we might
ouertake them, as being still in doubt that they had not prouision
inough, wishing that we had had part of ours: and hauing rowed al that
day with great labour along by the land, about midnight we found a fall
of fresh water, and then we went on land to fetch some [water], and
there also we got some leple leaues. [1523] And as we thought to row
forward, we were forced to saile, because the flood was past, [1524]
and still wee lookt earnestly out for the point of Candinaes, and the
fiue crosses, whereof we had beene instructed by the Russians, but we
could not see it.
The 18 of August in the morning, the sunne being east, [in order to
gain time] wee puled vp our stone (which we vsed in steed of an anchor,
[1525]) and rowed along by the land till the sunne was south, then wee
saw a point of land reaching into the sea, and on it certaine signes of
crosses, [1526] which as we went neerer vnto wee saw perfectly; and
when the sunne was west, wee perceiued that the land reached west and
south-west, so that thereby we knew it certainly to be the point of
Candinaes, lying at the mouth of the White Sea, which we were to
crosse, and had long desired to see it. This point is easily to be
knowne, hauing fiue crosses standing vpon it, which are perfectly to be
decerned, one the east side in the south-east, and one the other side
in the south-west. [1527] And when we thought to saile from thence to
the west side of the White Sea towards the coast of Norway, we found
that one of our runlets of fresh water was almost leakt out; and for
that we had about 40 Dutch [160] miles to saile ouer the sea before we
should get any fresh water, we sought meanes first to row on land to
get some, but because the waues went so high we durst not do it; and so
hauing a good north-east wind (which was not for vs too slack [1528])
we set forward in the name of God, and when the sunne was north-west we
past the point, [1529] and all that night and the next day sailed with
a good wind, and [in] all that time rowed but while three glasses were
run out; [1530] and the next night after ensuing hauing still a good
wind, in the morning about the east north-east sunne we saw land one
the west side of the White Sea, which we found by the rushing of the
sea vpon the land before we saw it. And perceiuing it to be ful of
clifts, [1531] and not low sandy ground with same hills [1532] as it is
on the east side of the White Sea, we assured our selues [1533] that we
were on ye west side of the White Sea, vpon the coast of Lapeland, for
the which we thanked God that he had helped vs to saile over the White
Sea in thirty houres, it being forty Dutch [160] miles at the least,
our course being west with a [nice] north-east wind.
The 20 of August, being not farre from the land, the north-east wind
left vs, and then it began to blow stiffe north-west; at which time,
seeing we could not make much way by sailing forward, we determined to
put in betweene certaine clifts, and when we got close to the land we
espied certaine crosses with warders [1534] vpon them, whereby we
vnderstood that it was a good way, [1535] and so put into it. And being
entred a litle way within it, we saw a great Russian lodgie [1536]
lying at an anchor, whereunto we rowed as fast as we could, and there
also we saw certaine houses wherein men dwelt. And when we got to the
lodgie, we made our selues fast vnto it, [1537] and cast our tent ouer
the scute, for as then it began to raine. Then we went on land into the
houses that stood vpon the shore, where they showed vs great
friendship, leading vs into their stoawes, [1538] and there dried our
wet clothes, and then seething some fish, bade vs sit downe and eate
somewhat with them. [1539] In those little houses we found thirteene
Russians, who euery morning went out [in two boats] to fish in the sea;
whereof two of them had charge ouer the rest. They liued very poorely,
and ordinarily eate nothing but fish and bread. [1540] At euening, when
we prepared our selues to go to our scute againe, they prayed the
maister and me to stay with them in their houses, which the maister
thanked them for, would not do [and went into the boat], but I stayed
with them al that night. Besides those thirteene men, there was two
Laplanders more and three women with a child, that liued very poorely
of the ouerplus [1541] which the Russians gaue them, as a peece of fish
and some fishes heades, which the Russians threw away and they with
great thankfulnesse tooke them vp, so that in respect of their pouertie
[and ill condition] we thought our selues to bee well furnished, [1542]
and yet we had little inough, but as it seemed their ordinary liuing
was in that manner. And we were forced to stay there for that the wind
being north-west, it was against vs.
The 21 of August it rained most part of the day, but not so much after
dinner as before. Then our master brought [1543] good store of fresh
fish, which we sod, [1544] and eate our bellies full, which in long
time we had not done, and therewith sod some meale and water in steed
of bread, whereby we were well comforted. After noone, when the raine
began to lessen, we went [at times a little] further into the land and
sought for some leple leaues, [1545] and then we saw two men vpon ye
hilles, whereupon we said one to the other, hereabouts there must more
people dwel, for there came two men towards vs, but we, regarding them
not, went back againe to our scute and towards the houses. The two men
that were vpon the hilles (being some of our men that were in the
[other] boate,) perceauing [also] the Russian lodgie, came downe the
hill towards her to buy [1546] some victuales of them; who being come
thither vnawares [1547] and hauing no mony about them, they agreed
betweene them to put off one of their paire of breeches, (for that as
then we ware two or three paire one ouer the other,) to sel them for
some victuals. [1548] But when they came downe the hill and were
somewhat neerer vnto vs, they espied our scute lying by the lodgie, and
we as then beheld them better and knew them; wherewith we reioyced
[much on both sides], and shewed each other of our proceedings and how
we had sailed to and fro in great necessity and hunger and yet they had
been in greater necessitie and danger then we, and gaue God thankes
that he had preserued vs aliue and brought vs together againe. And then
we eate something together, and dranke of the cleare water, such as
runneth along by Collen through the Rein, [1549] and then we agreed
that they should come vnto vs, that we might saile together.
The 22 of August the rest of our men [1550] with the boate came unto vs
about the east south-east sunne, whereat we much reioyced, and then we
prayed the Russians cooke to bake a sacke of meale for vs and to make
it bread, paying him for it, which he did. And in the meane time, when
the fishermen came with their fishe out of the sea, our maister bought
foure cods of them, which we sod and eate. And while we were at meat,
the chiefe of the Russians came vnto vs, and perceiuing that we had not
much bread, he fetcht a loaf and gave it vs, and although we desired
them to sit downe and eate some meat with vs, yet we could by no means
get them to graunt thereunto, because it was their fasting day and for
yt we had poured butter and fat into our fish; nor we could not get
them once to drinke with us, because our cup was somewhat greasie, they
were so superstitious touching their fasting and religion. Neither
would they lend vs any of their cups to drinke in, least they should
likewise be greased. At that time the wind was [constantly] north-west.
The 23 of August the cooke began to knead our meale, and made vs bread
thereof; which being don, and the wind and the weather beginning to be
somewhat better, we made our selues ready to depart from thence; at
which time, when the Russians came from fishing, our maister gaue their
chiefe commander a good peece of mony [1551] in regard of the frendship
that he had shewed vs, and gaue some what also to the cooke, [1552] for
the which they yielded vs great thankes. At which time, the chiefe of
the Russians [having before] desired our maister to giue him some
gunpowder, which he did, [and he also thanked him much.] And when we
were ready to saile from thence, we put a sacke of meale [out of our
boat] into the boate, [1553] least we should chance to stray one from
the other againe, that they might help themselues therewith. And so
about euening, when the sunne was west, we set saile and departed from
thence when it began to be high water, and with a north-east wind held
our course north-west along by the land.
The 24 of August the wind blew east, and then, the sunne being east, we
got to the Seuen Islands, [1554] where we found many fishermen, of whom
we enquired after Cool and Kilduin, and they made signes that they lay
west from vs, (which we likewise gest to be so.) And withall they
shewed vs great frendship, and cast a cod into our scute, but for that
we had a good gale of wind [1555] we could not stay to pay them for it,
but gaue them great thanks, much wondering at their great courtesy. And
so, with a good gale of wind, we arriued before the Seven Islands when
the sun was south-west, and past between them and the land, and there
found certaine fishermen, that rowed to vs, [1556] and asked vs where
our crable (meaning our ship) was, whereunto wee made answer with as
much Russian language as we had learned, and said, Crable pro pal
[1557] (yt is, our ship is lost), which they vnderstanding said vnto
vs, Cool Brabouse crable, [1558] whereby we vnderstood that at Cool
there was certaine Neatherland ships, but we made no great account
thereof, because our intent was to saile to Ware-house, [1559] fearing
least the Russians or great prince of the country would stay vs there.
[1560]
The 25 of August, sailing along by the land with a south-east wind,
about the south sun we had a sight of Kilduin, at which time we held
our course west north-west. And sailing in that manner between Kilduin
and the firme land, about the south south-west sunne we got to the west
end of Kilduin. And being there [we] lookt [out sharp] if we could see
any houses or people therein, and at last we saw certaine Russian
lodgies [1561] that lay [hauled up] upon the strand, and there finding
a conuenient place for vs to anchor with our scutes while we went to
know if any people were to be found, our maister put in with the land,
[1562] and there found five or six small houses, wherein the Laplanders
dwelt, of whom he [1563] asked if that were Kilduin, whereunto they
made answere and shewed vs that it was Kilduin, and said yt at Coola
there lay three Brabants crables or ships, whereof two were that day to
set saile; which we hearing determined to saile to Ware-house, and
about the west south-west sunne put off from thence with a south-east
wind. But as we were vnder saile, the wind blew so stiffe [from the
south-east] that we durst not keepe the sea in the night time, for that
the waues of the sea went so hollow, that we were still in doubt that
they would smite the scutes to the ground, [1564] and so tooke our
course behind two clifts [1565] towards our land. And when we came
there, we found a small house vpon the shore, wherein there was three
men and a great dogge, which receiued vs very friendly, asking vs of
our affaires and how we got thither; whereunto we made answere and
shewed them that we had lost our ship, and that we were come thither to
see if we could get a ship that would bring vs into Holland; whereunto
they made vs answere, as the other Russians had done, that there was
three ships at Coola, whereof two were to set saile from thence that
day. Then we asked them if they would goe with one of our men by land
to Coola, to looke for a ship wherewith we might get into Holland, and
said we would reward them well for their paines; but they excused
themselues, and said that they could not go from thence, but they sayd
that they would bring vs ouer the hill, where we should finde certaine
Laplanders whom they thought would goe with vs, as they did; for the
maister and one of our men going with them ouer the hill, found
certaine Laplanders there, whereof they got one to go with our man,
promising him two royals of eight [1566] for his pains. And so the
Laplander going with him, tooke a peece on his necke, [1567] and our
man a boate hooke, and about euening they set forward, [1568] the wind
as then being east and east north-east.
The 26 of August it was faire weather, the wind south-east, at which
time we drew vp both our scutes vpon the land, and tooke all the goods
out of them, to make them the lighter. [1569] Which done, we went to
the Russians and warmed vs, and there dressed such meates [1570] as we
had; and then againe wee began to make two meales a day, when we
perceiued that we should euery day find more people, and we drank of
their drink which they call quas, [1571] which was made of broken
peeces of [mouldy] bread, and it tasted well, for in long time we had
drunke nothing else but water. Some of our men went [somewhat] further
into the land, and there found blew berries and bramble berries, [1572]
which they plucked and eate, and they did us much good, for we found
that they [perfectly] healed vs of our loosenesse. [1573] The wind
still blew south-east.
The 27 of August it was foule weather with a great storm [out of the]
north and north north-west, so that in regard that the strand was low,
[1574] and as also for that the spring tide was ready to come on, we
drew our scutes a great way vp vpon the land. [And when we had thus
drawn them much higher up than we had done before, on account of the
high water [1575]], we went [still further upwards] to the Russians, to
warme vs by their fire and to dress our meate. Mean time the maister
sent one of our men to the sea side to our scutes, to make a fire for
vs vpon the strand, that when we came we might finde it ready, and that
in the meane time the smoake might be gone. And while [the] one of our
men was there, and the other was going thither, [1576] the water draue
so high that both our scutes were smitten into the water and in great
danger to be cast away; for in the scute there was but two men and
three in the boate, who with much labour and paine could hardly keep
the scutes from being broken vpon the strand. [1577] Which we seeing,
were in great doubt, [1578] and yet could not help them, yet God be
thanked he had then brought vs so farre that neuerthelesse we could
haue gotten home, although we should have lost our scutes, as after it
was seene. That day and all night it rained sore, whereby we indured
great trouble and miserie, being throughly wet, and could neither couer
nor defend our selues from it; and yet they [who were] in the scutes
indured much more, being forced to bee in that weather, and still in
daunger to bee cast vpon the shore. [1579]
The 28 of August it was indifferent good weather, and then we drew the
scutes vpon the land againe, that we might take the rest of the goods
out of them, [in order to avoid the like danger in which the boats had
been,] because the wind still blew hard north and north north-west. And
hauing drawne the scutes vp, we spread our sailes vpon them to shelter
vs vnder them, for it was still mistie and rainie weather, much
desiring to heare some newes of our man that was gone to Coola with the
Lapelander, to know if there were any shipping at Coola to bring vs
into Holland. And while we laie there we went [daily] into the land and
fetcht some blew berries and bramble berries [1580] to eate, which did
vs much good.
The 29 of August it was indifferent faire weather, and we were still in
good hope [1581] to heare some good newes from Coola, and alwaies
looked vp towards the hill to see if our man and the Lapelander came;
but seeing they came not [1582] we went to the Russians againe, and
there drest our meate [at their fire], and then ment [1583] to goe to
our scutes to lodge in them all night. In the meane time we spied the
Laplander [upon the hill] comming alone without our man, whereat we
wondred and were some what in doubt; [1584] but when he came vnto vs,
he shewed vs a letter that was written vnto our maister, which he
opened before vs, the contents thereof being that he that had written
the letter wondred much at our arriuall in that place, and that long
since he verily thought that we had beene all cast away, [1585] being
exceeding glad of our happy fortune, [1586] and how that he would
presently come vnto vs with victuales and all other necessaries to
succour vs withall. We being in no small admiration who it might be
that shewed vs so great fauour and friendship, could not imagine what
he was, for it appeared by the letter that he knew vs well. And
although the letter was subscribed “by me John Cornelison Rip,” [1587]
yet we could not be perswaded that it was the same John Cornelison, who
the yeere before had beene set out in the other ship [at the same time]
with vs, and left vs about the Beare Iland. [1588] For those goode
newes we paid the Lapelander his hier, [1589] and beside that gaue him
hoase, breeches and other furniture, [1590] so that he was apparelled
like a Hollander; for as then we thought our selues to be wholy out of
danger, [1591] and so being of good comfort, we laid vs downe to rest.
Here I cannot chuse but shew you how fast the Lapelander went: for when
hee went to Coola, as our companion told vs, they were two dayes and
two nights on the way, and yet went a pace, and when he came backe
againe he was but a day and a night comming to vs, which was wonderful,
it being but halfe ye time, so that we said, and verily thought, that
he was halfe a coniurer; [1592] and he brought vs a partridge, which he
had killed by the way as he went.
The 30 of August it was indifferent faire weather, we still wondering
who that John Cornelison might be that had written vnto vs; and while
we sat musing thereon, some of vs were of opinion that it might be the
same John Cornelison that had sayled out of Holland in company with vs,
which we could not be perswaded to beleeue, because we were in as
little hope of his life as hee of ours, supposing that he had sped
worse then we, and long before that had [perished or] beene caste away.
At last the master said, I will looke amongst my letters, for there I
haue his name written, [1593] and that will put us out of doubt. And
so, looking amongst them, we found that it was the same John
Cornelison, wherewith we were as glad of his safety and welfare as he
was of ours. And while we were speaking thereof, and that some of vs
would not beleeue that it was the same John Cornelison, we saw a
Russian joll [1594] come rowing, with John Cornelison and our companion
that we had sent to Coola; who being landed, we receiued and welcomed
each other wt great joy and exceeding gladnesse, as if either of vs on
both sides had seene each other rise from death to life again; for we
esteemed him, and he vs, to be dead long since. He brought vs a barrell
of Roswicke beere, [1595] wine, aqua uite, [1596] bread, flesh, bacon,
salmon, suger, and other things, which comforted and releeued vs much.
And wee rejoyced together for our so vnexpected [safety and] meeting,
at that time giuing God great thankes for his mercy shewed vnto vs.
The 31 of August it was indifferent faire weather, the wind easterly,
but in the evening it began to blow hard from the land; and then we
made preparation to saile from thence to Coola, first taking our leaues
of the Russians, and heartily thanking them for their curtesie showed
vnto vs, and gaue them a peece of money [1597] for their good wils, and
at night about the north sunne we sailed from thence with a high water.
[1598]
The 1 of September in the morning, with the east sunne, we got to ye
west side of the river of Coola, [1599] and entered into it, where we
[sailed and] rowed till the flood was past, and then we cast the stones
that serued vs for anchors vpon the ground, at a point of land, till
the flood came in againe. And when the sunne was south, wee set saile
againe with the flood, and so sailed and rowed till midnight, and then
we cast anchor againe till morning.
The 2 of September in the morning we rowed vp the riuer, and as we past
along we saw some trees on the riuer side, which comforted vs and made
vs as glad as if we had then come into a new world, for in all the time
yt we had beene out we had not seene any trees; and when we were by the
salt kettles, [1600] which is about three [12] miles from Coola, we
stayed there awhile and made merry, and then went forward againe, and
with the west north-west sun got to John Cornelisons ship, wherein we
entred and drunke. [1601] There wee began to make merry againe with the
sailers that were therein and that had beene in the voiage with John
Cornelison the yeare before and bad each other welcome. Then we rowed
forward, and late in the euening got to Coola, where some of vs went on
land, and some stayed in the scutes to looke to the goods, to whom we
sent milke and other things to comfort and refresh them; and we were
all exceeding glad that God of his mercy had deliuered vs out of so
many dangers and troubles, and had brought vs thither in safety: for as
then wee esteemed our selues to be safe, although ye place in times
past, lying so far from vs, was as much vnknowne vnto vs as if it had
beene out of the world, and at that time, being there, we thought yt we
were almost at home.
The 3 of September we vnladed all our goods, and there refreshed our
selues after our toylesome and weary iourney and the great hunger that
we had indured, thereby to recouer our healthes and strengthes againe.
The 11 of September, [1602] by leaue and consent of the bayart, [1603]
gouernour for the Great Prince of Muscouia, we brought our scute and
our boate into the merchants house, [1604] and there let them stand
[1605] for a remembrance of our long, farre, and neuer before sailed
way, and that we had sailed in those open scutes almost 400 Dutch
[1600] miles, through and along by the sea coasts to the towne of
Coola, whereat the inhabitants thereof could not sufficiently wonder.
The 15 of Sep[tember] we went into a lodgie [and sailed down the river]
wt all our goods and our men to John Cornelisons ship, which lay about
half a mile [2 miles] from the towne, and that day [at noon] sailed in
the ship [further] downe the riuer til we were beyond the narrowest
part therof, which was about half the riuer, and there staied for John
Cornelison and our maister, that said they would come to vs the next
day.
The 17 of September [in the evening] John Cornelison and our maister
being come abord, the next day about the east sunne we set saile out of
the riuer [of] Coola, and with Gods grace put to sea to saile
hom-wards; and being out of the riuer we sailed along by the land
north-west and by north, the wind being south.
The 19 of September, about the south sunne, we got to Ware-house, and
there ankored and went on land, because John Cornelison was there to
take in more goods, and staid there til the sixt of October, in the
which time we had a [1606] hard wind out of the north and north-west.
And while we stayed there we refreshed our selues somewhat better, to
recouer [from] our sicknesse and weaknesse againe, that we might grow
stronger, which asked sometime, [1607] for we were much spent and
exceeding weake.
The 6 of October, about euening, the sunne being south-west, we set
saile, and with Gods grace, from Ware-house for Holland; but for that
it is a common and well knowne way, I will speak nothing thereof, only
that vpon the 29 October we ariued in the Mase [1608] with an east
north-east wind, and the next morning got to Maseland sluce, [1609] and
there going on land, from thence rowed to Delfe, and then to the Hage,
and from thence to Harlem; [1610] and vpon the first of Nouember about
noone got to Amsterdam, in the same clothes that we ware in Noua
Zembla, with our caps furd with white foxes skins, [1611] and went to
the house of Peter Hasselaer, that was one of the marchants that set
out the two ships, [1612] which were conducted by John Cornelison and
our maister. And being there, where many men woundred to see vs, as
hauing estemed vs long before that to haue bin dead and rotten, the
newes thereof being spread abroad in the towne, it was also caried to
the Princes Courte in the Hage, [1613] at which time the Lord Chancelor
of Denmark, ambassador for the said king, was then at dinner with
Prince Maurice. [1614] For the which cause we were presently fetcht
thither by the scout and two of the burgers of the towne, [1615] and
there in the presence of those ambassadors [1616] and the burger
masters we made rehearsall of our journey both forwards and backewards.
[1617] And after that, euery man that dwelt thereabouts went home, but
such as dwelt not neere to that place were placed in good lodgings for
certaine daies, vntill we had receiued our pay, and then euery one of
vs departed and went to the place of his aboad.
The Names of those that came home againe from this [1618] Voiage were
[1619]:—
Jacob Hemskeck, Maister and Factor.
Peter Peterson Vos.
Geret de Veer.
Maister Hans Vos, Surgion.
Jacob Johnson, Sterenburg.
Lenard Hendrickson.
Laurence Williamson.
John Hillbrantson.
Jacob Johnson Hooghwont.
Peter Cornelison.
John Vous Buysen.
and Jacob Euartson.