Then entred they into the Gailers lodge, where they found th

** Transcriber's Notes **

The printed edition from which this e-text has been produced retains the

spelling and abbreviations of Hakluyt's 16th-century original. In this

version, the spelling has been retained, but the following manuscript

abbreviations have been silently expanded:

- vowels with macrons = vowel + 'n' or 'm'

- q; = -que (in the Latin)

- y'e = the; y't = that; w't = with

This edition contains footnotes and two types of sidenotes. Most footnotes

are added by the editor. They follow modern (19th-century) spelling

conventions. Those that don't are Hakluyt's (and are not always

systematically marked as such by the editor). The sidenotes are Hakluyt's

own. Summarizing sidenotes are labelled [Sidenote: ] and placed before the

sentence to which they apply. Sidenotes that are keyed with a symbol are

labeled [Marginal note: ] and placed at the point of the symbol, except in

poetry, where they are placed at a convenient point. Additional notes on

corrections, etc. are signed 'KTH'

** End Transcriber's Notes **

THE PRINCIPAL NAVIGATIONS, VOYAGES, TRAFFIQUES AND DISCOVERIES

OF THE ENGLISH NATION, VOLUME XI

AFRICA

Collected by

RICHARD HAKLUYT, PREACHER.

AND

Edited by

EDMUND GOLDSMID, F.R.H.S.

Nauigations, Voyages, Traffiques, and Discoueries

OF THE

ENGLISH NATION IN AFRICA.

* * * * *

The voyage of Henrie Eatle of Derbie, after Duke of Hereford, and lastly

Henry the fourth King of England, to Tunis in Barbarie, with an army of

Englishmen mitten by Polidore Virgill. pag. 1389.

Franci interim per inducias nacti ocium, ac simul Genuensium precibus

defatigati, bellum in Afros, qui omnem oram insulásque Italiae latiocinijs

infestas reddebant, suscipiunt. Richardus quoque rex Angliæ rogatus

auxilium, mittit Henricum comitem Derbiensem cum electa Anglicæ pubis manu

ad id bellum faciendum. Igitur Franci Anglíque viribus et animis

consociatis in Africam traijciunt, qui vbi littus attigere, eatenus à

Barbaris descensione prohibiti sunt, quoad Anglorum sagittariorum virtute

factum est, vt aditus pateret: in terram egressi recta Tunetam vrbem regiam

petunt, ac obsident. Barbari timore affecti de pace ad eos legates mittunt,

quam nostris dare placuit, vt soluta certa pecuniae summa ab omni deinceps

Italiae, Galliaeque ora mamis abstinerent. Ita peractis rebus post paucos

menses, quàm eo itum erat, domum repediatum est.

The same in English.

The French in the meane season hauing gotten some leasure by meanes of

their truce, and being sollicited and vrged by the intreaties of the

Genuois vndertooke to wage warre against the Moores, who robbed and spoyled

all the coasts of Italy, and of the Ilandes adiacent. Likewise Richard the

second, king of England, being sued vnto for ayde, sent Henry the Earle of

Derbie with a choice armie of English souldiers vnto the same warfare.

Wherefore the English and French, with forces and mindes vnited, sayled

ouer into Africa, who when they approached vnto the shore were repelled by

the Barbarians from landing, vntill such time as they had passage made them

by the valour of the English archers. Thus hauing landed their forces, they

foorthwith marched vnto the royall citie of Tunis, and besieged it. Whereat

the Barbarians being dismayed, sent Ambassadours vnto our Christian

Chieftaines to treat of peace, which our men graunted vnto them, vpon

condition that they should pay a certaine summe of money, and that they

should from thencefoorth abstaine from piracies vpon all the coasts of

Italy and France. And so hauing dispatched their businesse, within a fewe

moneths after their departure they returned home.

This Historie is somewhat otherwise recorded by Froysard and Holenshed in

manner following, pag 473.

In the thirteenth yeere of the reigne of King Richard the second, the

Christians tooke in hand a iourney against the Saracens of Barbarie through

sute of the Genouois, so that there went a great number of Lords, Knights,

and Gentlemen of France and England, the Duke of Burbon being their

Generall. Out of England there went Iohn de Beaufort bastarde sonne to the

Duke of Lancaster (as Froysard hath noted) also Sir Iohn Russell, Sir Iohn

Butler, Sir Iohn Harecourt and others. They set forwarde in the latter ende

of the thirteenth yeere of the Kings reigne, and came to Genoa, where they

remayned not verie long, but that the gallies and other vessels of the

Genouois were ready to passe them ouer into Barbarie. And so about midsomer

in the begining of the foureteenth yere of this kings reigne the whole army

being embarked, sailed forth to the coast of Barbary, where neere to the

city of Africa they landed: [Sidenote: The Chronicles of Genoa] at which

instant the English archers (as the Chronicles of Genoa write) stood all

the company in good stead with their long bowes, beating backe the enemies

from the shore, which came downe to resist their landing. After they had

got to land, they inuironed the city of Africa (called by the Moores

Mahdia) with a strong siege: but at length, constrained with the

intemperancy of the scalding ayre in that hot countrey, breeding in the

army sundry diseases, they fell to a composition vpon certaine articles to

be performed in the behalfe of the Saracens: and so 61 dayes after their

arriuall there they tooke the seas againe, and returned home, as in the

histories of France and Genoa is likewise expressed. Where, by Polidore

Virgil it may seeme, that the lord Henry of Lancaster earle of Derbie

should be generall of the English men, that (as before you heard) went into

Barbary with the French men and Genouois.

* * * * *

The memorable victories in diuers parts of Italie of Iohn Hawkwood English

man in the reigne of Richard the second, briefly recorded by M. Camden.

Ad alteram ripam fluuij Colne oppositus est Sibble Heningham, locus

natalis, vt accepi, Ioannis Hawkwoodi (Itali Aucuthum corruptè vocant) quem

illi tantopere ob virtutem militarem suspexerunt, vt Senatus Florentinus

propter insignia merita equestri statua et tumuli honore in eximiæ

fortitudinis, fideíque testimonium ornauit. Res eius gestas Itali pleno ore

prædicant; Et Paulus Iouius in elogijs celebrat: sat mihi sit Iulij Feroldi

tetrastichon adijcere.

Hawkoode Angloram decus, et decus addite genti

Italicæ, Italico presidiúmque solo,

Vt tumuli quondam Florentia, sic simulachri

Virtutem Ionius donat honore tuam.

William Thomas in his Historie of the common wealthes of Italy, maketh

honorable mention of him twise, to wit, in the commonwealth of Florentia

and Ferrara.

* * * * *

The Epitaph of the valiant Esquire M. Peter Read in the south Ile of Saint

Peters Church in the citie of Norwich, which was knighted by Charles the

fift at the winning of Tunis in the yeere of our Lord 1538.

Here vnder lieth the corpes of Peter Reade Esquire, who hath worthily

serued, not onely his Prince and Countrey, but also the Emperour Charles

the fift, both at his conquest of Barbarie, and at his siege at Tunis, and

also in other places. Who had giuen him by the sayd Emperour for his

valiant deedes the order of Barbary. Who dyed the 29 day of December, in

the yeere of our Lord God 1566.

* * * * *

The voyage of Sir Thomas Chaloner to Alger with Charles the fift 1541,

drawen out of his booke De Republica instauranda.

Thomas Chalonerus patria Londinensis, studio Cantabrigensis, educatione

aulicus, religione pius, veréque Christianus fuit. Itaque cum iuuenilem

ætatem, mentémque suam humanioribus studijs roborasset, Domino Henrico

Kneuetto à potentissimo rege Henrico eius nominis octauo ad Carolum quintum

imperatorem transmisso legato, vnà cum illo profectus est, tanquam

familiaris amicus, vel eidem, à consilijs. Quo quidem tempore Carolo quinto

nauali certamine à Genua et Corsica in Algyram in Africa contra Turcas

classem soluente ac hostiliter proficiscente, ornatissimo illo Kneuetto

legato regis, Thoma Chalonero, Henrico Knolleo, et Henrico Isamo,

illustribus viris eundem in illa expeditione suapte sponte sequentibus,

paritérque militantibus, mirifice vitam suam Chalonerus tutatus est. Nam

triremi illa, in qua fuerat, vel scopulis allisa, vel grauissimis pro

cellis conquassata, naufragus cum se diù natatu defendisset, deficientibus

viribus, brachijs manibusque languidis ac quasi eneruatis, prehensa

dentibus cum maxima difficultate rudenti, quæ ex altera triremi iam

propinqua tum fuerat eiecta, non sine dentium aliquorum iactura sese tandem

recuperauit, ac domum integer relapsus est.

The same in English.

Thomas Chaloner was by birth a Londiner, by studie a Cantabrigian, by

education a Courtier, by religion a deuout and true Christian. Therefore

after he had confirmed his youth and minde in the studies of good learning,

when Sir Henry Kneuet was sent ambassadour from the mighty Prince Henry the

8. to the Emperour Charles the fift, he went with him as his familiar

friend, or as one of his Councell. At which time the said Charles the 5.

passing ouer from Genoa and Corsica to Alger in Africa in warlike sort,

with a mighty army by sea, that honourable Kneuet the kings ambassadour,

Thomas Chaloner, Henry Knolles, and Henry Isham, right worthy persons, of

their owne accord accompanied him in that expedition, and serued him in

that warre, wherin Thomas Chaloner escaped most wonderfully with his life.

For the galley wherein he was, being either dashed against the rockes, or

shaken with mighty stormes, and so cast away, after he had saued himselfe a

long while by swimming, when his strength failed him, his armes and hands

being faint and weary, with great difficulty laying hold with his teeth on

a cable, which was cast out of the next gally, not without breaking and

losse of certaine of his teeth, at length recouered himselfe, and returned

home into his countrey in safety.

* * * * *

The woorthy enterprise of Iohn Foxe an Englishman in deliuering 266.

Christians out of the captiuitie of the Turkes at Alexandria, the 3 of

Ianuarie 1577.

Among our Merchants here in England, it is a common voiage to traffike into

Spaine: whereunto a ship, being called The three halfe Moones, manned with

38. men, and well fensed with munitions, the better to encounter their

enemies withall, and hauing wind and tide, set from Portsmouth, 1563. and

bended her iourney toward Siuill a citie in Spaine, intending there to

traffique with them. [Sidenote: Iohn Foxe taken 1563.] And felling neere

the Streights, they perceiued themselues to be beset round with eight

gallies of the Turkes, in such wise, that there was no way for them to flie

or escape away, but that either they must yeeld or els be sunke. Which the

owner perceiuing, manfully encouraged his company, exhorting them valiantly

to shew their manhood, shewing them that God was their God, and not their

enemies, requesting them also not to faint in seeing such a heape of their

enemies ready to deuour them; putting them in mind also, that if it were

Gods pleasure to giue them into their enemies hands, it was not they that

ought to shew one displeasant looke or countenance there against; but to

take it patiently, and not to prescribe a day and time for their

deliuerance, as the citizens of Bethulia did, but to put themselues vnder

his mercy. And againe, if it were his mind and good will to shew his mighty

power by them, if their enemies were ten times so many, they were not able

to stand in their hands; putting them likewise in mind of the old and

ancient woorthinesse of their countreymen, who in the hardest extremities

haue alwayes most preuailed and gone away conquerors, yea, and where it

hath bene almost impossible. Such (quoth he) hath bene the valiantnesse of

our countreymen, and such hath bene the mightie power of our God.

With other like incouragements, exhorting them to behaue themselues

manfully, they fell all on their knees making their prayers briefly vnto

God: who being all risen vp againe perceiued their enemies by their signes

and defiances bent to the spoyle, whose mercy was nothing els but crueltie,

whereupon euery man tooke him to his weapon.

Then stood vp one Groue the master, being a comely man, with his sword and

target, holding them vp in defiance agaynst his enemies. So likewise stood

vp the Owner, the Masters mate, Boateswaine, Purser, and euery man well

appointed. Nowe likewise sounded vp the drums, trumpets and flutes, which

would haue encouraged any man, had he neuer so litle heart or courage in

him.

Then taketh him to his charge Iohn Foxe the gunner in the disposing of his

pieces in order to the best effect, and sending his bullets towards the

Turkes, who likewise bestowed their pieces thrise as fast toward the

Christians. But shortly they drew neere, so that the bowmen fel to their

charge in sending forth their arrowes so thicke amongst the Gallies, and

also in doubling their shot so sore vpon the gallies, that there was twise

so many of the Turkes slaine, as the number of the Christians were in all.

But the Turks discharged twise as fast against the Christians, and so long,

that the ship was very sore stricken and bruised vnder water. Which the

Turkes perceiuing, made the more haste to come aboord the Shippe: which ere

they could doe, many a Turke bought it deerely with the losse of their

liues. Yet was all in vaine, and boorded they were, where they found so

hote a skirmish, that it had bene better they had not medled with the

feast. For the Englishmen shewed themselues men in deed, in working

manfully with their browne bils and halbardes: where the owner, master,

boateswaine, and their company stoode to it so lustily, that the Turkes

were halfe dismaied. [Sidenote: The valour and death of their Boatswaine.]

But chiefly the boateswaine shewed himself valiant aboue the rest: for he

fared amongst the Turkes like a wood Lion: for there was none of them that

either could or durst stand in his face, till at the last there came a shot

from the Turkes, which brake his whistle asunder, and smote him on the

brest, so that he fell downe, bidding them farewell, and to be of good

comfort, encouraging them likewise to winne praise by death, rather then to

liue captiues in misery and shame. Which they hearing, in deed intended to

haue done, as it appeared by their skirmish: but the prease and store of

the Turkes was so great, that they were not able long to endure, but were

so ouerpressed, that they could not wield their weapons: by reason whereof,

they must needs be taken, which none of them intended to haue bene, but

rather to haue died: except onely the masters mate, who shrunke from the

skirmish, like a notable coward, esteeming neither the valure of his name,

nor accounting of the present example of his fellowes, nor hauing respect

to the miseries, whereunto he should be put. But in fine, so it was, that

the Turks were victors, whereof they had no great cause to reioyce, or

triumph. Then would it haue grieued any hard heart to see these Infidels so

violently intreating the Christians, not hauing any respect of their

manhood which they had tasted of, nor yet respecting their owne state, how

they might haue met with such a bootie, as might haue giuen them the

ouerthrow; but no remorse hereof, or any thing els doth bridle their fierce

and tirannous dealing, but that the Christians must needs to the gallies,

to serue in new offices: and they were no sooner in them, but their

garments were pulled ouer their eares, and torne from their backes, and

they set to the oares.

I will make no mention of their miseries, being now vnder their enemies

raging stripes. I thinke there is no man wil iudge their fare good, or

their bodies vnloden of stripes, and not pestered with too much heate, and

also with too much cold: but I will goe to my purpose, which is, to shew

the ende of those, being in meere miserie, which continually doe call on

God with a steadfast hope that he will deliuer them, and with a sure faith

that he can doe it.

Nigh to the citie of Alexandria, being a hauen towne, and vnder the

dominion of the Turkes, there is a roade, being made very fensible with

strong wals, whereinto the Turkes doe customably bring their gallies on

shoare euery yeere, in the winter season, and there doe trimme them, and

lay them vp against the spring time. In which road there is a prison,

wherein the captiues and such prisoners as serue in the gallies, are put

for all that time, vntill the seas be calme and passable for the gallies,

euery prisoner being most grieuously laden with irons on their legges, to

their great paine, and sore disabling of them to any labour taking.

[Sidenote: The Englishmen carried prisoners vnto an Hauen nere Alexandria.]

Into which prison were these Christians put, and fast warded all the Winter

season. But ere it was long, the Master and the Owner, by meanes of

friends, were redeemed: the rest abiding still by the miserie, while that

they were all (through reason of their ill vsage and worse fare, miserably

starued) sauing one Iohn Fox, who (as some men can abide harder and more

miserie, then other some can, so can some likewise make more shift, and

worke more deuises to helpe their state and liuing, then other some can

doe) being somewhat skilfull in the craft of a Barbour, by reason thereof

made great shift in helping his fare now and then with a good meale.

Insomuch, til at the last, God sent him fauour in the sight of the keeper

of the prison, so that he had leaue to goe in and out to the road, at his

pleasure, paying a certaine stipend vnto the keeper, and wearing a locke

about his leg: which libertie likewise, sixe more had vpon like sufferance:

who by reason of their long imprisonment, not being feared or suspected to

start aside, or that they would worke the Turkes any mischiefe, had

libertie to go in and out at the sayd road, in such maner, as this Iohn Fox

did, with irons on their legs, and to returne againe at night.

In the yeere of our Lord 1577. in the Winter season, the gallies happily

comming to their accustomed harborow, and being discharged of all their

mastes, sailes, and other such furnitures, as vnto gallies doe appertaine,

and all the Masters and mariners of them being then nested in their owne

homes: there remained in the prison of the said road two hundred threescore

and eight Christian prisoners, who had bene taken by the Turks force, and

were of sixteen sundry nations. Among which there were three Englishmen,

whereof one was named Iohn Foxe of Woodbridge in Suffolke, the other

William Wickney of Portsmouth, in the Countie of Southampton, and the third

Robert Moore of Harwich in the Countie of Essex. Which Iohn Fox hauing bene

thirteene or fourteene yeres vnder their gentle entreatance, and being too

too weary thereof, minding his escape, weighed with himselfe by what meanes

it might be brought to passe: and continually pondering with himself

thereof, tooke a good heart vnto him, in hope that God would not be alwayes

scourging his children, and neuer ceassed to pray him to further his

pretended enterprise, if that it should redound to his glory.

Not farre from the road, and somewhat from thence, at one side of the

Citie, there was a certaine victualling house, which one Peter Vnticaro had

hired, paying also a certaine fee vnto the keeper of the road. This Peter

Vnticaro was a Spaniard borne, and a Christian, and had bene prisoner about

thirtie yeeres, and neuer practised any meanes to escape, but kept himselfe

quiet without touch or suspect of any conspiracie: vntill that nowe this

John Foxe vsing much thither, they brake one to another their mindes,

concerning the restraint of their libertie and imprisonment. So that this

Iohn Fox at length opening vnto this Vnticaro the deuise which he would

faine put in practise, made priuie one more to this their intent. Which

three debated of this matter at such times as they could compasse to meete

together: insomuch, that at seuen weekes ende they had sufficiently

concluded how the matter should be, if it pleased God to farther them

thereto: who making fiue more priuie to this their deuise, whom they

thought they might safely trust, determined in three nights after to

accomplish their deliberate purpose. Whereupon the same Iohn Fox, and Peter

Vnticaro, and the other sixe appointed to meete all together in the prison

the next day, being the last day of December: where this Iohn Fox certified

the rest of the prisoners, what their intent and deuise was, and how and

when they minded to bring their purpose to passe: who thereunto perswaded

them without much a doe to further their deuise. Which the same Iohn Fox

seeing, deliuered vnto them a sort of files, which he had gathered together

for this purpose, by the meanes of Peter Vnticaro, charging them that euery

man should be readie discharged of his yrons by eight of the clocke on the

the next day at night.

[Sidenote: Januarie.] On the next day at night, this said Iohn Fox, and his

sixe other companions, being all come to the house of Peter Vnticaro,

passing the time away in mirth for feare of suspect, till the night came

on, so that it was time for them to put in practise their deuise, sent

Peter Vnticaro to the master of the roade, in the name of one of the

Masters of the citie, with whom this keeper was acquainted, and at whose

request he also would come at the first: who desired him to take the paines

to meete him there, promising him, that he would bring him backe againe.

The keeper agreed to goe with him, willing the warders not to barre the

gate, saying, that he would not stay long, but would come againe with all

speede.

In the meane season, the other seuen had prouided them of such weapons, as

they could get in that house: and Iohn Fox tooke him to an olde rustie

sword blade, without either hilt or pomell, which he made to serue his

turne, in bending the hand ende of the sword, in steed of a pomell, and the

other had got such spits and glaiues as they found in the house.

The keeper now being come vnto the house, and perceiuing no light, nor

hearing any noyse, straight way suspected the matter: and returning

backward, Iohn Fox standing behind the corner of the house, stepped foorth

vnto him: who perceiuing it to be Iohn Fox, saide, O Fox, what haue I

deserued of thee, that thou shouldest seeke my death? Thou villaine (quoth

Fox) hast bene a bloodsucker of many a Christians blood, and now thou shalt

know what thou hast deserued at my handes: wherewith he lift vp his bright

shining sword of tenne yeeres rust, and stroke him so maine a blowe, as

therewithall his head claue a sunder, so that he fell starke dead to the

ground. Whereupon Peter Vnticaro went in, and certified the rest how the

case stood with the keeper: who came presently foorth, and some with their

spits ranne him through, and the other with their glaiues hewed him in

sunder, cut off his head, and mangled him so, that no man should discerne

what he was.

Then marched they toward the roade, whereinto they entered softly, where

were six warders, whom one of them asked, saying, who was there? quoth Fox

and his company, all friendes. Which when they were all within, proued

contrary: for, quoth Fox, my masters, here is not to euery man a man,

wherefore looke you play your parts. Who so behaued themselues in deede,

that they had dispatched these sixe quickly. Then Iohn Fox intending not to

be barred of his enterprise, and minding to worke surely in that which he

went about, barred the gate surely, and planted a Canon against it.

Then entred they into the Gailers lodge, where they found the keyes of the

fortresse and prison by his bed side, and there had they all better

weapons. In this chamber was a chest, wherein was a rich treasure, and all

in duckats, which this Peter Vnticaro, and two more, opening, staffed

themselues so full as they could, betweene their shirts and their skinne:

which Iohn Fox would not once touch, and sayde, that it was his and their

libertie which he sought for, to the honour of his God, and not to make a

marte of the wicked treasure of the Infidels. Yet did these words sinke

nothing into their stomakes, they did it for a good intent: so did Saul

saue the fattest Oxen, to offer vnto the Lord, and they to serue their owne

turnes. But neither did Saul scape the wrath of God therefore, neither had

these that thing which they desired so, and did thirst after. Such is Gods

iustice. He that they put their trust in, to deliuer them from the

tyrannous hands of their enemies, he (I say) could supply their want of

necessaries.

Nowe these eight being armed with such weapons as they thought well of,

thinking themselues sufficient champions to encounter a stronger enemie,

and coming vnto the prison, Fox opened the gates and doores thereof, and

called forth all the prisoners, whom he set, some to ramming vp the gate,

some to the dressing vp of a certaine gallie, which was the best in all the

roade, and was called the captaine of Alexandria, whereinto some caried

mastes, sailes, oares, and other such furniture as doth belong vnto a

gallie.

At the prison were certaine warders, whom Iohn Fox and his companie slewe:

in the killing of whom, there were eight more of the Turkes, which

perceiued them, and got them to the toppe of the prison: vnto whom Iohn

Fox, and his company, were faine to come by ladders, where they found a hot

skirmish. For some of them were there slaine, some wounded, and some but

scarred, and not hurt. As Iohn Fox was thrise shot through his apparell,

and not hurt. Peter Vnticaro, and the other two, that had armed them with

the duckats, were slaine, as not able to weild themselues, being so

pestered with the weight and vneasie carying of the wicked and prophane

treasure: and also diuerse Christians were aswell hurt about that skirmish,

as Turkes slaine.

Amongst the Turkes was one thrust thorowe, who (let vs not say that it was

ill fortune) fell off from the toppe of the prison wall, and made such a

lowing, that the inhabitants thereabout (as here and there scattering

stoode a house or two) came and dawed [Footnote: To awaken: here to bring

back to his senses. I know of no other instance where it bears just this

meaning. "The other side from whence the morning daws." (_Polyolbion

X._)] him, so that they vnderstood the case, how that the prisoners were

paying their ransomes: wherewith they raised both Alexandria which lay on

the west side of the roade, and a Castle which was at the Cities end, next

to the roade, and also an other Fortresse which lay on the Northside of the

roade: so that nowe they had no way to escape, but one, which by mans

reason (the two holdes lying so vpon the mouth of the roade) might seeme

impossible to be a way for them. So was the red sea impossible for the

Israelites to passe through, the hils and rockes lay so on the one side,

and their enemies compassed on the other. So was it impossible, that the

wals of Iericho should fall downe, being neither vndermined, nor yet rammed

at with engines, nor yet any mans wisedome, pollicie, or helpe set or put

thereunto. Such impossibilities can our God make possible. He that helde

the Lyons iawes from renting Daniel asunder, yea, or yet from once touching

him to his hurt: can not he hold the roring cannons of this hellish force?

He that kept the fiers rage in the hot burning Ouen, from the three

children, that praised his name, can not he keepe the fiers flaming blastes

from among his elect?

Now is the road fraught with lustie souldiers, laborers, and mariners, who

are faine to stand to their tackling, in setting to euery man his hand,

some to the carying in of victuals, some munitions, some oares, and some

one thing, some another, but most are keeping their enemie from the wall of

the road. But to be short, there was no time mispent, no man idle, nor any

mans labour ill bestowed, or in vaine. So that in short time, this gally

was ready trimmed vp. Whereinto euery man leaped in all haste, hoyssing vp

the sayles lustily, yeelding themselues to his mercie and grace, in whose

hands are both winde and weather.

Now is this gally on flote, and out of the safetie of the roade: now haue

the two Castles full power vpon the gally, now is there no remedy but to

sinke: how can it be auoided? The canons let flie from both sides, and the

gally is euen in the middest, and betweene them both. What man can deuise

to saue it? there is no man, but would thinke it must needes be sunke.

There was not one of them that feared the shotte, which went thundring

round about their eares, nor yet were once scarred or touched, with fiue

and forty shot, which came from the Castles. Here did God hold foorth his

buckler, he shieldeth now this gally, and hath tried their faith to the

vttermost. Now commeth his speciall helpe: yea, euen when man thinks them

past all helpe then commeth he himselfe downe from heauen with his mightie

power, then is his present remedie most readie prest. For they saile away,

being not once touched with the glaunce of a shot, and are quickly out of

the Turkish canons reach. Then might they see them comming downe by heapes

to the water side, in companies like vnto swarmes of bees, making shew to

come after them with gallies, in bustling themselues to dresse vp the

gallies, which would be a swift peece of worke for them to doe, for that

they had neither oares, mastes, sailes, gables, nor any thing else ready in

any gally. But yet they are carrying them into them, some into one gally,

and some into another, so that, being such a confusion amongst them,

without any certaine guide, it were a thing impossible to ouertake them:

beside that, there was no man that would take charge of a gally, the

weather was so rough, and there was such an amasednes amongst them. And

verely I thinke their God was amased thereat: it could not be but he must

blush for shame, he can speake neuer a word for dulnes, much lease can he

helpe them in such an extremitie. Well, howsoeuer it is, he is very much to

blame, to suffer them to receiue such a gibe. But howsoeuer their God

behaued himselfe, our God shewed himselfe a God indeede, and that he was

the onely liuing God: for the seas were swift vnder his faithfull, which

made the enemies agast to behold them, a skilfuller Pilot leades them, and

their mariners bestirre them lustily: but the Turkes had neither mariners,

Pilot, nor any skilfull Master, that was in a readinesse at this pinch.

When the Christians were safe out of the enemies coast, Iohn Fox called to

them all, willing them to be thankfull vnto almighty God for their

deliuerie, and most humbly to fall downe vpon their knees, beseeching him

to aide them vnto their friends land, and not to bring them into an other

daunger, sith hee had most mightily deliuered them from so great a

thraldome and bondage.

Thus when euery man had made his petition, they fell straight way to their

labour with the oares, in helping one another, when they were wearied, and

with great labour striuing to come to some Christian land, as neere as they

could gesse by the starres. But the windes were so diuers, one while

driuing them this way, that they were now in a newe maze, thinking that God

had forsaken them, and left them to a greater danger. And forasmuch as

there were no victuals now left in the gally, it might haue beene a cause

to them (if they had beene the Israelites) to haue murmured against their

God: but they knew how that their God, who had deliuered them out of Ægypt,

was such a louing and mercifull God, as that hee would not suffer them to

be confounded, in whom he had wrought so great a wonder: but what calamitie

soeuer they sustained, they knew it was but for their further triall, and

also (in putting them in mind of their farther miserie) to cause them not

to triumph and glory in themselues therefore. [Sidenote: Extremity of

famine.] Hauing (I say) no victuals in the galley, it might seeme that one

miserie continually fel vpon an others neck: but to be briefe, the famine

grew to be so great, that in 28 dayes, wherein they were on the sea, there

died eight persons, to the astonishment of all the rest.

So it fell out, that vpon the 29 day, after they set from Alexandria, they

fell on the Isle of Candie, and landed at Gallipoli, where they were made

much of by the Abbot and Monks there, who caused them to stay there, while

they were well refreshed and eased. [Sidenote: John Fox his sword kept as a

monument in Gallipoli.] They kept there the sworde, wherewith Iohn Fox had

killed the keeper, esteeming it as a most precious iewell, and hung it vp

for a monument.

When they thought good, hauing leaue to depart from thence, they sayled

along the coast, till they arriued at Tarento, where they solde their

gallie, and deuided it, euery man hauing a part thereof. The Turkes

receiuing so shamefull a foile at their hand, pursued the Christians, and

scoured the seas, where they could imagine that they had bent their course.

And the Christians had departed from thence on the one day in the morning,

and seuen gallies of the Turkes came thither that night, as it was

certified by those who followed Fox, and his companie, fearing least they

should haue bene met with. And then they came a foote to Naples, where they

departed a sunder, euery man taking him to his next way home. From whence

Iohn Fox tooke his iourney vnto Rome, where he was well entertayned of an

Englishman, who presented his worthy deede vnto the Pope, who rewarded him

liberally, and gaue him his letters vnto the king of Spaine, where he was

very well entertained of him there, who for this his most worthy enterprise

gaue him in fee twenty pence a day. From whence, being desirous to come

into his owne countrie, he came thither at such time as he conueniently

could, which was in the yeere of our Lorde God, 1579. Who being come into

England, went vnto the Court, and shewed all his trauell vnto the Councell:

who considering of the state of this man, in that hee had spent and lost a

great part of his youth in thraldome and bondage, extended to him their

liberalitie, to helpe to maintaine him now in age, to their right honour,

and to the incouragement of all true hearted Christians.

* * * * *

The copie of the certificate for Iohn Fox, and his companie, made by the

Prior, and the brethren of Gallipoli, where they first landed.

We the Prior, and Fathers of the Couent of the Amerciates, of the city of

Gallipoli, of the order of Preachers doe testifie, that vpon the 29 of

Ianuary last past, 1577, there came into the said citie a certaine gally

from Alexandria, taken from the Turkes, with two hundreth fiftie and eight

Christians, whereof was principal Master Iohn Fox, an Englishman, a gunner,

and one of the chiefest that did accomplish that great worke, whereby so

many Christians haue recouered their liberties. In token and remembrance

whereof, vpon our earnest request to the same Iohn Fox, he hath left here

an olde sworde, wherewith he slewe the keeper of the prison: which sword we

doe as a monument and memoriall of so worthy a deede, hang vp in the chiefe

place of our Couent house. And for because all things aforesaid, are such

as we will testifie to be true, as they are orderly passed, and haue

therefore good credite, that so much as is aboue expressed is true, and for

the more faith thereof, we the Prior, and Fathers aforesaide, haue ratified

and subscribed these presents. Geuen in Gallipoly, the third of Februarie

1577.

I Frier Vincent Barba, Prior of the same place, confirme the premisses,

as they are aboue written.

I Frier Albert Damaro, of Gallipoly, Subprior, confirme as much.

I Frier Anthony Celleler of Gallipoly, confirme as aforesaid.

I Frier Bartlemew of Gallipoly, confirme as aboue said.

I Frier Francis of Gallipoly, confirme as much.

* * * * *

The Bishop of Rome his letters in the behalfe of Iohn Fox.

Be it knowen vnto all men, to whom this writing shall come, that the

bringer hereof Iohn Fox Englishman, a Gunner, after he had serued captiue

in the Turkes gallies, by the space of foureteene yeeres, at length,

thorough God his helpe, taking good opportunitie, the third of Ianuarie

last past, slew the keeper of the prison, (whom he first stroke on the

face) together with four and twentie other Turkes, by the assistance of his

fellow prisoners: and with 266. Christians (of whose libertie he was the

author) launched from Alexandria, and from thence arriued first at

Gallipoly in Candie, and afterwardes at Tarento in Apulia: the written

testimony and credite of which things, as also of others, the same Iohn Fox

hath in publike tables from Naples.

Vpon Easter eue he came to Rome, and is now determined to take his iourney

to the Spanish Court, hoping there to obtaine some reliefe toward his

liuing: wherefore the poore distressed man humbly beseecheth, and we in his

behalfe do in the bowels of Christ, desire you, that taking compassion of

his former captiuitie, and present penurie, you doe not onely suffer him

freely to passe throughout all your cities and townes, but also succour him

with your charitable almes, the reward whereof you shall hereafter most

assuredly receiue, which we hope you will afford to him, whom with tender

affection of pitie wee commende vnto you. At Rome, the 20 of Aprill 1577.

Thomas Grolos Englishman Bishop of Astraphen.

Richard Silleum Prior Angliæ.

Andreas Ludouicus Register to our Soueraigne Lord the Pope, which for

the greater credit of the premises, haue set my seale to these

presents. At Rome, the day and yeere aboue written.

Mauricius Clement the gouernour and keeper of the English Hospitall in

the citie.

* * * * *

The King of Spaine his letters to the Lieutenant, for the placing of Iohn

Fox in the office of a Gunner.

To the illustrious Prince, Vespasian Gonsaga Colonna, our Lieutenant and

Captaine Generall of our Realme of Valentia. Hauing consideration, that

Iohn Fox Englishman hath serued vs, and was one of the most principall,

which tooke away from the Turkes a certaine gallie, which they haue brought

to Tarento, wherein were two hundred, fiftie, and eight Christian captiues:

we licence him to practise, and giue him the office of a Gunner, and haue

ordained, that he goe to our said Realme, there to serue in the said office

in the Gallies, which by our commandement are lately made. And we doe

commaund, that you cause to be payed to him eight ducats pay a moneth, for

the time that he shall serue in the saide Gallies as a Gunner, or till we

can otherwise prouide for him, the saide eight duckats monethly of the

money which is already of our prouision, present and to come, and to haue

regarde of those which come with him. From Escuriall the tenth of August,

1577.

I the King,

Iuan del Gado.

And vnder that a confirmation of the Councell.

* * * * *

The voyage made to Tripolis in Barbarie, in the yeere 1583. with a ship

called the Iesus, wherein the aduentures and distresses of some

Englishmen are truely reported, and other necessary circumstances

obserued. Written by Thomas Sanders.

This voyage was set foorth by the right worshipfull sir Edward Osborne

knight, chiefe merchant of all the Turkish company, and one master Richard

Staper, the ship being of the burden of one hundred tunnes, called the

Iesus, she was builded at Farmne a riuer by Portsmouth. The owners were

master Thomas Thomson, Nicholas Carnaby, and Iohn Gilman. The master was

one Aches Hellier of Black-wall, and his Mate was one Richard Morris of

that place: their Pilot was one Anthonie Ierado a Frenchman, of the

prouince of Marseils: the purser was one William Thomson our owners sonne:

the merchants factors were Romane Sonnings a Frenchman, and Richard Skegs

seruant vnto the said master Staper. The owners were bound vnto the

marchants by charter partie therevpon, in one thousand markes, that the

said ship by Gods permission should goe for Tripolis in Barbarie, that is

to say, first from Portsmouth to Newhauen in Normandie, from thence to S.

Lucar, otherwise called Saint Lucas, in Andeluzia, and from thence to

Tripolie, which is in the East part of Africa, and so to returne vnto

London. [Sidenote: Man doth purpose, and God doth dispose.] But here ought

euery man to note and consider the workes of our God, that many times what

man doth determine God doth disappoint. The said master hauing some

occasion to goe to Farmne, tooke with him the Pilot and the Purser, and

returning againe by meanes of a perrie of winde, the boat wherein they

were, was drowned, with the said master, the purser, and all the company:

onely the said Pilot by experience in swimming saued himselfe: these were

the beginnings of our sorrowes. [Sidenote: A new master chosen.] After

which the said masters mate would not proceed in that voiage, and the owner

hearing of this misfortune, and the unwillingnesse of the masters mate, did

send downe one Richard Deimond, and shipped him for master, who did chuse

for his Mate one Andrew Dier, and so the said ship departed on her voiage

accordingly: that is to say, about the 16. of October, in An. 1583. she

made saile from Portsmouth, [Sidenote: The new master died.] and the 18 day

then next following she arriued at Newhauen, where our saide last master

Deimond by a surfeit died. The factors then appointed the said Andrew Dier,

being then masters mate, to be their master for that voiage, who did chuse

to be his Mates the two quarter masters of the same ship, to wit, Peter

Austine, and Shillabey, and for Purser was shipped one Richard Burges.

Afterward about the 8. day of Nouember we made saile forthward, and by

force of weather we were driuen backe againe into Portesmouth, where we

renued our victuals and other necessaries, and then the winde came faire.

About the 29. day then next following we departed thence, and the first day

of December by meanes of a contrarie winde, we were driuen to Plimmouth.

The 18. day then next following, we made foorthward againe, and by force of

weather we were driuen to Falmouth, where we remained vntill the first day

of Ianuary: at which time the winde comming faire, we departed thence, and

about the 20. day of the said moneth we arriued safely at S. Lucar.

[Sidenote: The Iesus arriued in Tripolis.] And about the 9. day of March

next following, we made saile from thence, and about the 18. day of the

same moneth we came to Tripolis in Barbarie, where we were verie well

intertained by the king of that countrey, and also of the commons. The

commodities of that place are sweete oiles: the king there is a merchant,

and the rather (willing to preferre himselfe before his commons) requested

our said factors to traffique with him, and promised them that if they

would take his oiles at his owne price, they should pay no maner of

custome, and they tooke of him certaine tunnes of oile: and afterwarde

perceiuing that they might haue farre better cheape notwithstanding the

custome free, they desired the king to licence them to take the oiles at

the pleasure of his commons, for that his price did exceede theirs:

whereunto the king would not agree, but was rather contended to abate his

price, insomuch that the factors bought all their oyles of the king custome

free, and so laded the same aboord.

[Sidenote: Another ship of Bristow came to Tripolis.] In the meane time

there came to that place one Miles Dickenson in a ship of Bristow, who

together with our said Factors tooke a house to themselues there. Our

French Factor Romane Sonnings desired to buy a commodity in the market, and

wanting money, desired the saide Miles Dickenson to lend him an hundred

Chikinoes vntill he came to his lodging, which he did, and afterward the

same Sonnings mette with Miles Dickenson in the streete, and deliuered him

money bound vp in a napkin: saying, master Dickenson there is the money I

borrowed of you, and so thanked him for the same: hee doubted nothing lesse

then falshoode, which is seldome knowne among marchants, and specially

being together in one house, and is the more detestable betweene

Christians, they being in Turkie among the heathen. The said Dickenson did

not tell the money presently, vntill he came to his lodging, and then

finding nine Chikinoes lacking of his hundred, which was about three

pounds, for that euery Chikino is woorth seuen shillings of English money,

he came to the sayde Romane Sonnings and deliuered him his handkerchiefe,

and asked him howe many Chikinoes hee had deliuered him! Sonnings answered,

an hundred: Dickenson, said no: and so they protested and swore on both

parts. But in the ende the said Romane Sonnings did sweare deepely with

detestable othes and curses, and prayed God that he might shewe his workes

on him, that other might take ensample thereby, and that he might be hanged

like a dogge, and neuer come into England againe, if he did not deliuer

vnto the sayde Dickenson an hundred Chikinoes. And here beholde a notable

example of all blasphemers, curses and swearers, how God rewarded him

accordingly: for many times it cometh to passe, that God sheweth his

miracles vpon such monstrous blasphemers, to the ensample of others, as

nowe hereafter you shall heare what befell to this Romane Sonnings.

There was a man in the said towne a pledge, whose name was Patrone Norado,

who the yere before had done this Sonnings some pleasure there. The

foresaid Patrone Norado was indebted vnto a Turke of that towne in the

summe of foure hundred and fiftie crownes, for certain goods sent by him

into Christendome in a ship of his owne, and by his owne brother, and

himselfe remained in Tripolis as pledge vntill his said brothers returne:

and, as the report went there, after his brothers arriual into

Christendome, he came among lewde companie, and lost his brothers said ship

and goods at dice, and neuer returned vnto him againe.

[Sidenote: A conspiracie practiced by the French Factor, to deceiue a

Turkish marchant of 450 crowns.] The said Patrone Norado being voyde of all

hope, and finding now opportunitie, consulted with the said Sonnings for to

swimme a seaboorde the Islands, and the ship being then out of danger,

should take him in (as after was confessed) and so to goe to Tolan in the

prouince of Marseilis with this Patrone Norado, and there to take in his

lading.

The shippe being readie the first day of May, and hauing her sayles all

aboorde, our sayde Factors did take their leaue of the king, who very

courteously bidde them farwell, and when they came aboorde, they commanded

the Master and the companie hastily to get out the ship: the Master

answered that it was vnpossible, for that the winde was contrary and

ouer-blowed. And he required vs vpon forfeiture of our bandes, that we

should doe our endeuour to get her foorth. Then went wee to warpe out the

shippe, and presently the king sent a boate aboord of vs, with three men in

her, commaunding the saide Sonnings to come a shoare: at whose coming, the

king demaunded of him custome for the oyles: Sonnings answered him that his

highnesse had promised to deliuer them custome free. But notwithstanding

the king weighed not his said promise, and as an infidell that hath not the

feare of God before his eyes, nor regarde of his worde, albeit he was a

king, hee caused the sayde Sonnings to pay the custome to the vttermost

penie. And afterwarde willed him to make haste away, saying, that the

Ianizaries would haue the oyle ashoare againe.

These Ianizaries are souldiers there vnder the great Turke, and their power

is aboue the Kings. And so the saide Factor departed from the king, and

came to the waterside, and called for a boate to come aboorde, and he

brought with him the foresaid Patrone Norado. [Sidenote: The beginning of

their troubles, and occasion of all their miserie.] The companie

inquisitiue to know what man that was, Sonnings answered, that he was his

countrymen, a passenger: I pray God said the companie, that we come not

into trouble by this man. Then said Sonnings angerly, what haue you to do

with any matters of mine? if any thing chance otherwise then well, I must

answer for all.