_Anno 1614._ with two Ships, fitted out by several Merchants in
_London_, for _New-England_, and on the Island _Monachigga_ to load
Copper, Gold, and other Minerals that were to be had there, and also to
fish for Whales: But there were no such Minerals to be found there, nor
any Whales to be taken on the Coast, because the time of the Year was
past; so that he return’d home without Success. However, not long after,
they undertook the same Expedition a second time, but with worse
Fortune; for being gotten in sight of _Virginia_, he was treacherously
set upon, and taken by the _French_, who accus’d him, that he had
destroy’d the Plantations in _Nova Francia_, and unless he would make
satisfaction for the Damage, they threatned him with death. He was
carried Prisoner to _Rochel_, in a _French_ Ship; but not far from
thence surpris’d by a mighty Storm, _Smith_ finding an opportunity,
leap’d into the Boat, and driving betwixt the Waves, at last, half dead,
was thrown upon the Island of _Oleron_, whom afterwards, having lost
all, an _English_ Ship took in, and brought to his Native Countrey.
SECT. XV.
Netherland _Expedition by_ Jaques Mahu, _and_ Simon de Cordes.
[Sidenote: _Mahu_’s Voyage.]
Five Ships being fitted out at _Rotterdam_, the Command of them was
given to _Jaques Mahu_ and _Simon de Cordes_, who on the twenty seventh
of _June, Anno 1598._ weigh’d Anchor from the _Goree_, and sail’d on an
immense Voyage; at last landing at the Island _St. Jago_, they won a
strong Castle there, and took two Barques; but at last Articled with the
_Portuguese_, that they might undisturb’d supply themselves with Fresh
Water, yet they, as if they minded no Agreements, whilst the _Dutch_
were filling their Casks, came down upon them with two hundred Horse,
each having a Foot-Soldier behind him; but the _Hollanders_ made so
stout resistance, that they put them all to flight.
The City of _St. Jago_, which gives Denomination to the whole Island, is
built long-wise, having a convenient Haven, like a Crescent: Through the
City glides a River, on both sides of which, beyond the Town, arise
several high Mountains: That part which faces the Sea, hath
Fortifications, defended with strong Bulwarks. The _Portuguese_ had
brought all their Guns to bear towards the Sea, to sink the _Holland
Ships_, which they invited thither under pretence of kindness; but a
great Storm hindred the Fleet, that they could not Anchor at the
appointed place; onely two of the Ships sail’d pretty near, but not
within Shot.
[Illustration: St. IAGO]
From hence steering to the Desolate Island _Brava_, they saw nothing but
five ruin’d Houses, the Door of one stopp’d up with great Stones, which
being taken away, was found full of _Turkish_ Wheat, which prov’d a
great kindness to the Sea-men.
[Sidenote: _Mahu_ dies.]
[Sidenote: _Cordes_ his Voyage.]
Mean while the Admiral _Mahu_ died, and his Body put into a Chest fill’d
up with Stones, was thrown over-board; so that _Simon des Cordes_
carrying the Flag, steer’d his Course to _Guinee_, there to refresh
himself; for most of his Men were so weakned by the Scurvey, that they
were scarce able to hand the Sails.
[Sidenote: Strange King in _Guinee_.]
Arriving at their intended Port, the Sick were carried ashore; and the
Vice-Admiral _Beuningen_, being conducted by a _French_ Guide, went to
the Vice-Roy of that Countrey, who sat on a low Bench, with a
Sheeps-skin under his Feet, in a Violet-colour’d Cloth Suit, without any
Linnen, Shirt, Shoes, or Stockins; on his Head a Cap made of yellow,
red, and blue Eastern Cloth; his Face whitened with Ashes, shew’d in
several places its natural blackness, appearing through the Colours;
about his Neck a Collar or Chain of Glass Beads: Behind him sat his
Nobles, with Cocks Feathers on their Heads, and their Skins painted Red.
_Beuningen_ plac’d by the King on a Mat, complain’d to him, That the
_Guineans_ fled from him where-ever he came, though in Friendship, to
barter _European_ Commodities with them, against Fruits, Poultrey,
Sheep, and other Provisions: Whereupon the King promis’d to furnish him
therewith, and invited _Beuningen_ to Dinner. After some stay, the Kings
Wives entred the Palace, a very mean and ill-favour’d Building, more
like a great Barn than a Kings House, and plac’d a kind of nasty Trough
on the Ground, in which lay nothing but some wild Herbs, and a piece of
a smoak’d Sea-Calf; and though he was a Person of the largest size, and
corpulent, yet he eat sparingly. _Beuningen_, though exceeding hungry,
found little rellish in such kind of Meats; wherefore spreading a
Napkin, his Attendants brought him some Bisket and _Spanish_ Wine,
whereof after the King had tasted, he lik’d so well the rellish, that it
rock’d him asleep, whilst _Beuningen_ walk’d to the Sea-side to refresh
himself; but the _Guineans_ coming about him, he was forc’d to return to
the King, who waking at the noise, appear’d highly incens’d at his
People, and took _Beuningen_ into his House: However the Subjects,
notwithstanding the Kings Commands, when _Beuningen_ was sent into a
neighboring Hut, kept Watch about it all Night: The next Morning early
an old Woman entred, muttering to her self, and went out and in to
_Beuningen_ three times one after another, knocking on a Box not unlike
a Pair of Bellows, out of which flew abundance of Dust about
_Beuningen_, which caus’d a great Laughter amongst the _Guineans_. The
King also coming to him, presented him with two Goats, and four Hens,
and so conducted him back to the Ships.
[Sidenote: Bloody Sea, very strange.]
[Sidenote: Salvages in the _Straights of Magellan_.]
_Beuningen_ seeing that there was no good to be done, set sail from
thence, and coming before the River _La Plata_ in _America_, it appear’d
Blood-red. Out of the Water which was taken up in Buckets, started a
sort of Insects like Fleas, which caus’d a strange and sad Distemper
amongst the Sea-men, that when any Meat was offer’d to them, so soon as
ever they put it to their Mouths, they would fall down backwards in a
swoon, foaming and frothing at the Mouth, and turning up the White of
their Eyes, die distracted. Suffering under this Disaster, they hasted
from thence with all speed, and sailing into the _Straights of Magellan_
they kill’d above fourteen hundred _Penguyins_, which is a Bird that
preys on Fish, and lives in Holes under Ground; they somewhat resemble a
Goose, onely they stand more upright, and are double-crested, with two
plumy Combs. Coming to an Anchor in the _Green-Bay_, there arose a great
Storm, which continued several days, so that they were forc’d to moor
their Vessels with four Anchors, extremely afflicted both with Hunger
and Cold, preserving themselves alive by eating young Grout, at that
time not above a span high from the Ground; but this course Food bred an
incurable Dropsie, that posted them on to a sudden death. Afterwards,
when the Weather grew more pleasant, the Inhabitants being Gyants, most
of them eleven Foot high, grew more troublesom, oftentimes assailing
them, and throwing Darts pointed like Harping-Irons, at which they were
very expert. Their Salvage Natures may appear by their Dealings with the
dead _Hollanders_, cutting off their Heads, and bruising them to pieces,
sticking Darts through their Hearts, and cutting off their Privities.
[Sidenote: A wild Woman.]
At last the Fleet getting into the _South Sea_, were by stress of
Weather separated one from another: Two Ships, being the _Faith_, and
the _Good Tydings_, were driven back into the _Straights of Magellan_,
where they suffer’d the uttermost extremity of Hunger: Here they took a
wild Woman, and two Children, who being of a sallow Complexion, had a
great hanging Belly, a wide Mouth, crooked Legs, long Heels, and Breasts
like Cows Udders; about her Neck a String of Snail-shells, and upon her
Back a Beasts Skin, fastned about her Neck with the Sinews of it; her
Food nought else but live Fowls: The same Diet the Children fed upon:
The youngest being but six Months old, had his Mouth full of Teeth, and
ran without any help: The eldest they carried to _Amsterdam_; but having
kept the Woman aboard two Nights, they gave her several Trifles, and set
her ashore. Here they found old Ice in the middle of Summer, four Foot
thick.
_Beuningen_ lingred in the _Straights of Magellan_, and being tired out
with Hunger, Cold, and Storms, return’d home; and had they not by
accident taken abundance of Coneys, they had all perish’d. Above two
Years had this unhappy Voyage lasted, when they arriv’d at their Native
Countrey, with six and thirty Men, being all that remain’d alive of a
hundred and five.
SECT. XVI.
_The Expedition of_ Oliver van Noord.
[Sidenote: _Porto Desire._]
[Sidenote: Sea-Dogs.]
Two Months after _Mahu_, _Oliver Van Noord_ set sail with four Ships,
and two hundred forty eight Men, from the _Maes_. Having reach’d the
_Princes Island_, he lost seven of his Men by the Treachery of the
_Portuguese_; and Anchoring before the City _Javeiro_, he was no better
entertain’d by the same Nation: Here having a Rencounter, and both Sides
receiving considerable Loss, he steer’d for St. _Sebastian_, a fruitful
Island, producing an Herb very wholesom against the _Scurvey_: Here the
Sea-men found great store of Sea-Mews, and Parrots, besides several
sorts of delicious Fish. The approaching Winter advis’d them from
entring the _Straights of Magellan_ so late; wherefore they judg’d it
best to seek a convenient Harbor, to put their Sick ashore to refresh
themselves. The Island _St. Hellen_, for its fruitfulness, seem’d to be
the most convenient for this purpose; but a great Storm preventing them,
they came to _St. Clara_, where taking in Fresh Water, they cast Anchor
in _Porto Desire_. In this Haven they saw a kind of Sea-Dogs, whose
fore-parts being overgrown with long Hair, seem’d like a Lyon, and the
Feet like Mens Hands; over their Eyes and Upper-lips grew black and
white Hair, which in Stormy Weather stands staring upright, but in Calm,
lies flat and smooth; they Urine backwards, sleep very soundly, and cast
their Young every Month: Their Flesh well-boyl’d prov’d a savory Dish.
[Sidenote: Strange Tombs.]
_Van Noord_ going ashore here, saw not a Man; but only Burying-places on
high Rocks, built of red Stones, and adorn’d both within and without
with Bowes, Arrows, and other strange things: Under the Heads of the
Dead lay four-square Shells, and other things artificially carv’d.
Curiosity made them desirous to make a further search into the Countrey;
wherefore he rowed during a whole Tide up a River; and when their Boat
ran aground at the time of Ebb, he walk’d several Leagues up into the
Countrey, where he saw nothing but Deer, Buffles, and Ostriches: and
because he saw no People, he judg’d the Coast to be uninhabited; but
returning again, he found it otherwise; for the Sea-men, though
commanded to stay in the Boat, which lay in the middle of the River,
went ashore, where they were so fiercely set upon by thirty of the
Natives, that three of them were kill’d, and another wounded in the Leg.
These People are very strong and Salvage, with painted Faces, and long
Hair; but after this Encounter, they saw no more of them.
But _Van Noord_ having spent fourteen Months in search, and lost a
hundred Men, set sail again with three Ships; for one of them, being the
_Unity_, he burnt at the Island _Clara_, where he Winter’d, because of a
great Leak which could not be stopp’d. Here they brought five thousand
Fowls aboard, which much increased their Stock of Provisions.
From hence parting the Wide Ocean, into the _Straights of Magellan_,
four times the Fleet attempted to go into the _South-Sea_, and was as
often driven back by cross Weather into the _Straights_; but the fifth
time prov’d more successful; for having got through, and left the
_Straights_ a handsom way astern, they discover’d two Islands, from one
of which the Sea-men going aland, brought four Boys and two Girls; who
afterward instructed in their Tongue, inform’d them concerning the
scituation of the Countreys thereabout.
[Sidenote: _Philip-Stadt_ forsaken through famine.]
After that, the Fleet Sail’d into _Hungers Haven_, where they found the
ruines of the deserted _Philip-Stadt_, which Captain _Thomas Candish_
had seen fourteen years before, fortifi’d with four Bulwarks; but now
onely some Houses, a Church, and a Gibbet were standing: Four hundred
_Spaniards_ built that City, as a Key to the _Straights_ of _Magellan_.
But all their Provisions being spent in three years time, and no relief
coming from _Spain_, and what they Sow’d expecting the hopes of a
Harvest, the Salvages coming down by night destroy’d; which caus’d so
great a Famine to rage amongst them, that many dy’d, not so much as
putting off their Clothes, who lying in the Houses unbury’d, occasion’d
such a stench in the City, that the remainder fled into the Field; where
they liv’d a whole year by the Fruits of the Trees, Herbs, and Roots: At
last, three and twenty of them, amongst which were two Women remaining
yet alive, resolv’d to travel to the River _La Plata_ and accordingly
set forward, but what became of them could never yet be heard, only one
_Ferdinando_ that was of that company, accidentally wandring from the
rest, happen’d to light upon _Candish_’s Fleet.
[Sidenote: _Mocha_, what kind of Island.]
Here _Van Noord_ set on Shore the Vice-Admiral _Jacob Claeszoon
Ilpendam_, for some crimes which he had committed; and leaving him
behind, Sail’d from thence thorow the South-Sea along the Coast of
_Chili_ and _Mocha_; which Island, of a considerable bigness, rises in
the middle with a forked Mountain, from which a convenient River comes
flowing down into the Countrey.
[Sidenote: _Cica_, a strange Drink.]
The Inhabitants conducted the _Hollanders_ to their Village, consisting
of about fifty Houses built of Straw, but were forbid to go into their
Huts: Upon the Mens call the Women appear’d, which being divided into
three parties, humbly kneel’d down before them; and soon after an old
Woman brought an Earthen Can full of _Cica_, a Liquor made of _Mays_,
whose extracted Juyce, boyl’d and put into Tubs, ferments like our Beer
or Ale, with a cap of Barm, with which they treated the _Hollanders_,
who drinking moderately, were well refresh’d; but the Natives will ply
this Liquor, till they make themselves Distracted, and are mad Drunk.
[Sidenote: _Van Noord_ takes a _Spanish_ Ship.]
From hence _Van Noord_ steer’d his course to _Sancta Maria_, where in
his way he took a _Spanish_ Ship, call’d _Buon Jesus_, that is, _Good
Jesus_, and receiv’d intelligence from the Prisoners, that the Admiral
_Simon de Cordes_, with twenty three Men was kill’d by the _Americans_
on the Promontory _Lavapia_, being the head Land or Point opposite to
_St. Maries_; that a year since, tydings were brought to _Lima_ of his
Fleet; so that they had made all things ready to withstand him. But _Van
Noord_ hinder’d by strong contrary Winds, not able to reach _Sancta
Maria_, stood directly for _St. Jago_, in whose Haven lay a great
_Spanish_ Ship full of _Indians_, and two other going in, which two he
set on Fire, and the third he Tow’d towards his Fleet; repenting
extremely that he had given liberty, and set _Francisco de Ivarro_
Commander of the _Buon Jesus_ ashore; because he afterwards understood
from the _Spanish_ Pilot, that _Ivarra_ threw ten thousand two hundred
pound weight of Gold, pack’d in fifty two Cases, over-board, when he
observ’d that he was like to loose his Ship.
The Fleet Sailing forward came to an Anchor before the _Thieves-Island_,
whose Inhabitants are very light Finger’d, go stark naked, and are of
great strength; they found the Women much Disfigur’d, their Noses, Lips,
and Cheek-bones eaten by the _French_ Pox.
[Illustration]
[Sidenote: Performs great things.]
In the Bay _La Baya_, the _Dutch_ Admiral, with a _Spanish_ Flag on his
top-Mast, sent one of his Sea-men in a Fryers garb ashore, if possible
under that disguise, to get Provisions; which falling out according to
their Design, they were supply’d with all manner of Victuals: After
that, the _Hollanders_ burnt five Villages on the Island _Capull_; took
a _Chinesy_ Vessel, one _Spanish_ Barque, and a _Carvel_ Laden with
Brandy from _Cocos_; and after a great and bloody Fight sunk the Admiral
of the _Manilla_’s, and so at last with various fortunes arriv’d at
_Rotterdam_, having in three years encompass’d the World.
SECT. XVIA.
_The Expedition_ of George Van Spilbergen.
_Anno 1614._ the eighth of _August_, the _East-India_ Company of the
_United Netherlands_ set out seven Ships under the Command of _George
Spilbergen_, who coming to _Cape St. Vincent_, and engaging with the
_Portuguese_, took one of their Ships, and so proceeded on his Voyage to
the _Straights_ of _Magellan_, but by a huge Storm, the Fleet was
separated. Amongst those that were scatter’d was the good Ship call’d
_Meruw_, in which some of the crew had conspir’d to have kill’d the
Master, and seiz’d the Vessel; but he having some inkling thereof, set
so stoutly upon two of the chief Contrivers with his drawn Hanger, that
he forc’d them to leap over-board, and as stoutly ordering the rest, set
all to rights.
[Sidenote: Strange Corps.]
But _Spilbergen_ Landing on one of the _Penguyn_ Islands, found two Dead
Bodies just cover’d with Earth, about their Necks was a Chain of
glistering Snail Shells neatly strung; the Grave stuck full of Bowes and
Arrows, was pleasant to look upon, between several high Mountains, whose
tops lay bury’d in Snow: The Fleet came out of the _Straights_ of
_Magellan_, but not without great danger, for the South-Sea much
disturb’d by tempestuous Weather, seem’d to raise its Waves up to the
Sky, so that they had enough to do, from being ingag’d among the Rocks:
But at last with great difficulty, wonderfully escaping all danger, they
Anchor’d before _La Mocha_, an Island which on the North side lies low,
and on the South defended by Rocks.
[Sidenote: _Spilbergen_ in great danger.]
[Sidenote: Strange sheep.]
_Spilbergen_ seeing abundance of Men standing on the Shore, Row’d
thither to Barter for Merchandize, amongst them was a Sheep with a long
Neck, bunch-Back’d like a Camel, a little Mouth, and long Legs; which
Beast serves them in stead of Horses, to carry their burthens, and
perform their Tillage. The _Americans_ breed up these Sheep every where,
by reason of the extraordinary benefit they receive from them, some of
them keeping no less than eighteen hundred. Their Shepherds ride upon a
Beast almost like an Ox, and carry in their hands Copper-plates, hung
round about with Bells, which they shake, making a different noise when
their Sheep shall go in or out; and on their Heads wear Feathers like
Coronets, standing upright.
[Sidenote: St. _Maries_ burnt.]
[Sidenote: And also _Val Parysa_.]
From thence, _Spilbergen_ departing, Landed at last on the Island of
_St. Mary_, where he burnt all the _Spanish_ Villages; as he did also in
_Val Parysa_.
After going ashore, in the Haven _Quintero_, he saw abundance of Wild
Horses drinking out of a Rivulet, supply’d with fresh Water from an
adjoyning steep Mountain; so soon as they espy’d Men, they instantly
running away, were seen no more.
[Sidenote: Bloody fight between the _Hollanders_ and _Spanish_ Fleet.]
Having left _Quintero_, and spent a Moneth in Sailing farther, they
discry’d eight great Ships; whereupon the Prisoners inform’d them, that
it was the _Spanish_ Fleet, of which _Roderigo de Mendoza_ was Admiral,
fitted out on purpose to fight _Spilbergen_, whose coming (as we said)
was known a year before. At midnight _Mendoza_ Boarded _Spilbergen_, but
was so roughly receiv’d, that he was forc’d to Retreat with the loss of
the Ship _St. Francisco_. At Day-break, the _Holland_ Admiral fir’d at
_Mendoza_, who answering with equal courage, occasion’d a smart
Engagement, wherein the _Spaniards_ were so hard beset, that they put
forth a White Flag; but it was immediately taken in again by the
Commanders aboard, choosing rather to die, than surrender, because they
had mock’d at _Mendoza_, when he hinted the difficulty of the Enterprize
in the Grand _Peruvian_ Councel, saying, _They went out, onely to take a
few disabled_ Hollanders, _and tying them hand and feet, carry them to
Execution_. Yet their high and proud Stomachs prov’d very fatal to them,
for afterwards totally routed and put to flight, most of them sunk by
the way.
[Sidenote: _Calyow de Lima._]
This done, the _Hollanders_ victoriously Sail’d to _Calyow de Lima_,
having a convenient Haven: The City adorn’d with curious Houses and
Temples, is strengthen’d by a Platform, Planted with great Guns towards
the Sea, and the Shore was guarded by eight Troops of Horse, and four
thousand Foot; whereupon _Spilbergen_, who was yet to go so great a
Voyage, judg’d it no way convenient to adventure the loss of all on the
good or bad event of a Battel, especially being so much over-power’d by
the number of the Enemy: Wherefore seeing no hopes of Victory, setting
forward to _Guarma_, he got some fresh Provisions.
[Sidenote: _Peyta_ burnt.]
Against the City _Peyta_, he play’d his Cannon with such fury, that the
Townsmen deserted the place, which he observing, set it on fire, and
Sail’d to _Aquapulque_, where from the Fort at first the _Spaniards_
fired some Guns at them; but soon after changing humor, they came to an
Accommodation, furnishing the _Hollanders_ with convenient Provisions.
Passing on, and coming to _Selaques_, both Natives and _Spaniards_
having suffer’d some of the _Hollanders_ to Land; after set upon them
treacherously in a Thicket, but to their little advantage, for they made
so good a Defence, that the Assailants not able to bear the brunt, fled
with great loss.
_Spilbergen_ Sailing from hence to the _Manilla_’s, waited there for the
_Spanish_ Admiral _Juan de Silva_, who had made (as was reported) great
preparations for him long since; but seeing it was in vain, at last he
return’d to _Zealand_ where he came to an Anchor, loaden with Riches, in
the middle of Summer, _Anno 1617._
SECT. XVII.
_The Expedition of_ William Corneliszon Schouten, _and_ Jacob Le Maire.
[Sidenote: _Mabrabomma_, what manner of Isle.]
[Sidenote: _Schouten_ in great danger.]
[Sidenote: Incredible many Eggs.]
[Sidenote: Great Corps.]
[Sidenote: _Ketch_ burnt.]
[Sidenote: Strange Horn.]