(_Desnambuc_ Commanding the _French_, and _Thomas Warner_ the _English_)
Landed on this Island of _St. Christophers_, at a certain time when the
_Caribbeeans_, perswaded by their _Boyez_ to destroy all Strangers, were
ready up in Arms, but they met with such Entertainment, that they soon
lost their Courage, and yielded possession to the Assailants: Not long
after which _Desnambuc_ and _Warner_ went (the one to _Paris_, and the
other to _London_) to inform their Kings of the Condition of _St.
Christophers_, and to raise a Company which might promote the Planting
of it: Both attain’d their Desires, and had fresh Assistance given them;
for both Kings favor’d the Design, in regard of the good Conditions that
were propos’d to those that should go Undertakers thither: And to
prevent all Contentions between the _English_ and _French_, they made
Boundaries on each side; but Hunting, Harbors, Fishing, Mines, Trees for
Wainscoting, and the like, were to remain in common; and each was to
assist the other. The _English_ Plantation increased daily more than the
_French_; having constant Supplies from the Company in _London_; when as
on the contrary, the Merchants at _Paris_ grew weary, being desirous
first to have a Return for what they had already spent, though the
Countrey was not yet Manur’d: wherefore _Desnambuc_ going thither
himself, made the Company understand that they could not possibly expect
to receive a Return, unless the Countrey were Planted with Tobacco,
Indigo, Ginger, and Sugar, which requir’d both Time and People. But
whilst the Business seem’d to go on prosperously, a great Accident
hapned which threw down the Work to nothing: for the _Spanish_ King set
out a Fleet within the fore-mention’d Year, of one and thirty Gallions,
three Galeasses, and four Pinnaces, with seventy five hundred Men, under
the Command of _Frederick de Toledo_, _Emanuel de Mineses_, and _John
Fajardo_, from _Cadiz_, when before the Island _St. Jago_ there lay at
the same time twenty two _Portuguese_ Galleys, fourteen Carvils,
carrying four thousand Men, Commanded by _Antonio Nunnez Barreio_, and
_Francisco de Almeida_, who joyning with the _Spaniards_, took the City
_St. Salvador_, and went about wholly to chase out of the _Caribbee_
Isles all the _English_ and _French_: in which Attempt nine _English_
Ships lying before _Nevis_, were all taken by _Toledo_, who Sail’d
within Cannon-shot of _St. Christophers_, Commanded at that time by the
_French_ Captain _Rossey_, the Forts cast up by the _English_ and
_French_ not being stor’d with Provisions nor Ammunition, and
consequently no way able to endure a Siege, and the less, because the
Works were not quite finish’d; nevertheless _Desnambuc_ immediately drew
up his Soldiers to the Low-land, where he lay Intrench’d along the
Coast, to prevent the Enemies Landing; but _Rossey_ suffer’d the
_Spaniards_ to Land without the least Resistance: whereupon young _Du
Parquet_ Sallying out of the Sconces, fell valiantly upon the first
Company, but being forsaken by his Men, was run down by the Multitude
and kill’d: In the mean time all their Sloops full of Men Landed,
insomuch that _Rossey_ fearing to be surrounded, left his Trench and
went up into the High-lands, whereby the _Spaniards_ became Masters of
the Fort, but did not pursue their Victory, as suspecting that the
_French_ might lie in Ambuscade in the next Wood; and indeed they
suspected not in vain, for the _French_ having undermin’d their Forts,
had laid Gun-powder in some of the Cellars, which firing, blew up very
many of the _Spaniards_, whilst _Desnambuc_ Embarquing himself, sav’d
those which were not slain by the Enemy’s Sword. Mean while the
_English_ relying on the League between the King of _England_ and the
_Spaniard_, made no Resistance, (notwithstanding they were inform’d that
_Frederick Toledo_ had quite ruin’d the _French_ Plantation, and put
them all to the Sword) but sent Agents to _Toledo_, to put him in mind
of the League between _Spain_ and _England_, which he not taking notice
of, alledg’d, That Pope _Alexander_ the Sixth, when a Controversie arose
concerning the new Discoveries in the East and West, between the Crowns
of _Castile_ and _Portugal_, had determin’d that _Castile_ had sole
Right to the Western World, and therefore that _St. Christophers_, being
a part of the Western World, according to the _Pope_’s Gift, belong’d to
his Master _Philip_; and insisting upon that Allegation, he commanded
them to quit their Right to the Place; to which purpose he restor’d them
six of the nine Ships taken at _Nevis_, on Condition that they should
immediately set Sail for _England_, onely those whom the six Vessels
were not able to carry, were permitted to stay on the Island till the
next opportunity: After which _Toledo_ weighing Anchor, was scarce out
of sight, when the _English_ began to take new Courage, and gathering
together to repair their ruin’d Works as well as possibly they could
with what Forces they had left; for besides those who went for _England_
in the six Ships, being near two thousand, the _Spanish_ Admiral took
six hundred choice _English_, which he distributed amongst his Fleet;
whilest _Desambuc_ suffer’d a great deal of hardship, not onely through
ill Weather at Sea, but also for want of Provisions; Having during this
time been on the Islands _St. Martin_, _Montserrat_, and _Antego_,
thinking to have possess’d himself of some or other of them in stead of
_St. Christophers_, but not finding such a fruitful Soil, and convenient
Situation, as what he had been forc’d to forsake, he was not forward to
fix there, but rather judg’d it convenient to enquire concerning the
Condition of _St. Christophers_, and at last being inform’d by a Ketch,
that the Enemy was gone to _Havana_, and the _English_ were busie in
Tilling their Lands, he return’d to his old Station; where nevertheless
their Endeavors to repair what was ruin’d, had been in vain, by reason
of the scarcity of Provisions, and want of other Necessaries, had not in
their greatest extremity some _Netherland_ Vessels arriving there,
furnish’d them with Provisions, Clothes, and other Necessaries, on bare
promises of payment: But not long after growing rich with Tobacco,
Sugars, Ginger, and Indigo, they made Satisfaction to all their
Creditors, and at last attain’d to the Condition before mention’d.
In the late War between Us and the _Dutch_, the _French_ taking
advantage of our Engagement, endeavor’d to destroy our Plantations
there, and to make themselves Masters of the whole Island; but the
Matter being at last brought to some Agreement, Sir _Charles Wheeler_
hath been very lately sent over thither by His Majesty to re-settle
Affairs there, and order the Capitulations between the _French_ and
_English_.
[Illustration]
CHAP. XIX.
The Islands Sotavento, and the Isle Trinidado.
In the Division we found to be made of the Islands that lie between
_Florida_ and _New Spain_, and _Southern America_, the last are the
Isles of _Sotavento_, which are reckon’d to be these three, _Margareta_,
_Cubagua_, and _Tabago_, but the last is by most accounted, and hath
been mention’d amongst the _Caribbees_.
[Sidenote: Situation of _Margareta_.]
_Margareta_, so call’d from the abundance of Pearls (of which the
_Spanish_ Appellation comes near the Latine _Margaritæ_) found there by
the _Spaniards_ at their first Discovery, lies about the twelfth Degree
of Northern Latitude over against the Main Land of _Cumana_, from which
it is distant about seven Leagues: It is accounted sixteen Leagues long,
and half as much in breadth, and was discover’d by _Columbus_ in his
third Voyage in the Year of our Lord 1498. and was at first in great
reputation, in regard of the rich Pearl-fishing upon its Coasts, wherein
the _Spaniards_ (more favorable it seems to the Natives of this Place
than usual, because of their readiness to discover their Treasures)
employ’d _Negro_’s, brought from the Coast of _Guinee_, whom by severe
Punishments inflicted, they forc’d to such excessive Labor, that many of
them, though excellent Divers, were drown’d, others either devour’d, or
lam’d by the ravenous great Fish thereabouts, and by destroying the very
Seed through their insatiable greediness after Pearl, brought the Trade
of Pearl-fishing in a short time to a very small Account, in respect of
what it might have been, had it been well husbanded. Nor hath this
Island of late Years been much frequented, only in the Year 1601.
Captain _Parker_ with a Fleet of _English_ put on Shore here, and took
as many Prisoners as he had five hundred pounds of Pearl for the Ransom
of, and at his coming away took a Ship he met from off the Coast of
_Angola_, with three hundred and seventy _Negro_’s aboard her, who were
going to be sold for Slaves.
The Soil is not unfruitful, bringing forth several sorts of Fruit, and
store of _Maiz_, and probably if improv’d, would as well bear Wheat, and
other usual kinds of Grain; but there is great want of Water, which the
Inhabitants are troubled to fetch from the neighboring Continent.
[Sidenote: Towns and Places of chief note.]
The Places of chief note, are 1. _Monpater_, a Fort built by the
_Spaniards_ in a Nook of the Island, lying Eastward to secure the
Pearl-fishing Trade, and to defend the Town where the Governor resides,
as also the Treasurer of the King of _Spain_’s Customs of Pearl, which
have been formerly valu’d at 50000 _l._ yearly.
2. _El valle de Santa Lucia_, two Leagues from this Town, and as much
from the Sea, a _Spanish_ Colony.
3. _Macanao_, the onely noted Place belonging to the Natives.
SECT. II.
Cubagua.
[Sidenote: Situation of _Cubagua_.]
_Cubagua_ lies South-West of _Margarita_, about the eleventh Degree of
North-Latitude, a League or thereabouts distant from _Margarita_, and
six Leagues from the nearest Continent, and about three Leagues in
circumference. This is also a very great Place for Pearl-fishing, the
benefit whereof hath been so considerable, that the King of _Spain_’s
Fifths are said to have amounted some years to fifteen thousand
_Ducats_; but otherwise of a poor and barren Soil, not onely destitute
of Water, but of Fruit, Grain, Herbage, and all manner of Cattel and
eatable Beasts, except a few lean Coneys; nevertheless, in respect of
the Pearl-fishing Trade, the _Spaniards_ have Planted here a Colony,
which they call’d _New Cadiz_, having plenty of Provisions brought them
from the adjoining Coasts, and soon after their first Planting grew in a
short time so powerful, that they became Masters of one of the best
Ports of those Seas, call’d _Maracapana Venezuela_; but upon an Alarm of
the Salvages of _Cumana_, for a while deserted the Island, and betook
themselves to _Hispaniola_; from whence nevertheless being remanded back
with fresh Supplies, under the Command of _James de Castellon_, they
soon re-instated themselves in their former Plantation, and made it more
strong and flourishing than before; in which state they remain’d as long
as the Pearl-fishing Trade continu’d, but that decaying, the splendor
also of this Colony declin’d: so that at present the onely thing which
makes the Place remarkable, is a Fountain on the East part of the
Island, not far from the Sea, yielding a liquid bituminous Water, of
singular use in Medicine, and sometimes found floating on the Sea at two
or three Leagues distance.
[Sidenote: The Island _Coche_.]
About four Leagues distant from _Cubagua_ there is an Island call’d
_Coche_, about three Miles in compass; It was discover’d in the Year
1529. and was formerly little less considerable for Pearl-fishing than
the other two.
SECT. III.
Trinidado.
[Sidenote: Situation of _Trinidado_.]
The Island of _Trinidado_ was first discover’d by _Columbus_, _Anno
1447._ in his third Voyage, and by him so call’d, as some guess, from
its three Points or Promontories; but that seems not so probable, in
regard it is otherwise call’d _La Trinidad_, or _Insula Sanctæ
Trinitatis_, and therefore is likely to have been denominated upon a
religious Account: It lieth nine Degrees or thereabouts distant from the
_Line_, at the Mouth of the River _Orenoque_, and is separated from the
Coast of _Paria_, over against which it lies by a _Straight_ that is
three Miles over, and which for the dangerousness of passing it,
_Columbus_, the first Discoverer of it, call’d _Bocca del Draco_; the
length thereof from the most Southern Angle call’d _Punta del Andrada_,
to the North-East, call’d _Punta del Galera_, is reckon’d twenty five
Leagues, (those that reckon fifty, may be suppos’d to mistake Leagues
for Miles) and the breadth about eighteen.
[Sidenote: Chief Commodities of the Island.]
The Air of this Place is so impure, that it is accounted the
unwholsomest Island of all the _Indies_; nevertheless the Soil is not
unfertile, as bringing forth Sugar-Canes, Cotton, _Maize_, Tobacco of
the best kind, with other Commodities of the general growth of the
_West-Indies_, besides store of good Fruit and Cattel; and one part of
the Island call’d _Terra de Bea_, produceth great plenty of Pitch, but
not of the best kind; and there have been discover’d several Veins of
Gold and other Metals.
The Natives, some say, were antiently call’d _Cairi_, or _Carai_, and
were distinguish’d into several _Clans_ or Tribes, each under the
Government of a _Casique_, or petty Prince; but most of them dreading
the _Spaniards_ Cruelty, deserted the Island, and Setled themselves in
_Guiana_; and at present both this Place, _Guiana_, and _El Dorado_,
have of Custom one and the same Governor, whose Place of Residence here
is _St. Josephs_, the chief, if not onely Town of the Island; it stands
Southward upon the _Carone_. Here most of that Tobacco is made, which is
sold amongst us for _Spanish_. In the Year 1595. Sir _Walter Raleigh_
possess’d himself of it, being then but a petty Village of about forty
Houses, and took Prisoner the then Governor _Antonio Berreo_, who, in
all probability, to ingratiate himself with him, gave him some light
towards the discovery of _Guiana_.
[Sidenote: _Tabago._]
On the North-East of _Trinidado_, and not above eight Miles distant from
it, lies the Island of _Tabago_, which hath been already treated of, as
one of the _Caribbees_, though some will have it one of the _Sotavento_;
it is otherwise call’d _New Walcheren_, from a Town of that Name in
_Zealand_, from whence a Colony of _Netherlanders_ was sent to Plant it.
[Sidenote: _Virgin Gorda._]
Amongst others of the small obscure Islands hereabouts, is _Virgin
Gorda_, which is sometimes reckon’d amongst the _Caribbee_ Islands; but
since there is nothing considerable to be spoken of it, it is sufficient
that it hath been mention’d, though not punctually in its proper place.
[Illustration]
CHAP. XX.
California.
[Sidenote: _California_ how distinguish’d.]
Having before made mention of _California_, as it is by some taken for
that large portion of _Northern America_ which lies most Southward, and
also utmost West of all that is known of the _New World_, and having
treated of those several Provinces which are generally reckon’d to be
comprehended in it, (excepting _California_ strictly taken, as it is
generally granted to be an Island) _viz._ _Quivira_, _Cibola_, and _Nova
Albion_, lying on the Continent (though there want not those who make
_Nova Albion_ onely the North part of _California_) we shall close up
our Discourse of these Islands that lie Northward of the _Equinoctial
Line_ with the aforesaid _California_, specially so call’d, which was by
many thought and describ’d to be but a _Peninsula_, or half Island, by
reason that the Bay which divides it from _Quivira_ and _New Gallicia_,
towards the North runneth much narrower than it doth Southerly, which
made them think, that somewhere or other at the North it was joyn’d to
the Main Land of _America_; But later Discoveries, as hath been said,
have found it to be a perfect Island, and altogether separate from the
Continent: for about the Year 1620. some Adventurers beating upon those
Coasts Northward, accidentally, and before they were aware, fell upon a
_Straight_, the Waters whereof ran with such a Torrent and violent
Course, that they brought them into _Mar Vermiglio_, whether they would
or no, and before they knew it, and by that means discover’d that
_California_ was an Island, and that the Waters which were observ’d to
fall so violently into that Sea towards the North, were not the Waters
of any River emptying it self into the Bay from the Main Land, as was
formerly thought, but the Waters of the North-West Sea it self,
violently breaking into the Bay, and dividing it wholly from the
Continent: It lieth North and South, extending it self in a vast length,
full twenty Degrees of Latitude, _viz._ from twenty two to forty two;
but the breadth nothing answerable: The most Northern Point of it is
call’d _Cape Blanche_; that to the South, _Cape St. Lucas_, memorable
for that rich and gallant Prize which Captain _Cavendish_, in the Year
1587. being then in his Voyage about the World, took from the
_Spaniards_ near to this Place. As for the Island it self, it is at
present little, if at all inhabited by the _Spaniards_; whether it be
that they want Men to furnish new Plantations, or that they find no
matter of invitation and encouragement from the Countrey, or perhaps
that the access thither be not so easie: for ’tis reported to be
wonderfully well peopled by the Natives, and that there were found onely
upon the Coasts and along the Shore of _Mar Vermiglio_, twenty or twenty
three Nations, all of different Languages; though from the particular
Narrations that have been made of the Voyages of several eminent Persons
into these Parts, it appears that the _Spaniards_ have taken great pains
in the discovery thereof, and also from the several _Spanish_ Names of
Places, that they have had Plantations here formerly, however neglected
at present.
[Sidenote: The Customs and Manners of the Natives.]
The Countrey is abundantly well stor’d with Fish and Fowl, as appears
partly by the Natives, who take a huge pride in making themselves gay
with the Bones of the one, with which they load their Ears, and
sometimes their Noses also; and with the Feathers of the other, which
ordinary People wear onely sticking about their Wastes; but Great
Persons, and such as will be fine indeed, beset their Heads strangely
with them, and have commonly one Bunch of them bigger than ordinary
hanging down behind them like a Tail.
Having no knowledge of the true God, they worship what the Devil will
have them, that is, the Sun, attributing to it onely the increase of
their Plants, healthful Seasons, and most of the other good things they
enjoy, or are sensible of.
[Sidenote: Their Government.]
Their Government is said to be onely _Oeconomical_, each Father ordering
the Affairs of his Family apart, without subjection to any other
Superior; yet so well manag’d, that they live in good Peace one with
another; not without many good Laws and Customs, _viz._ That they allow
but one Wife to one Man; That they punish Adultery with Death; That they
suffer not Maids to talk or converse with Men till they be Married; That
Widows may not Marry till they have Mourn’d at least one half year for
their Husbands deceased; and divers others of like nature, which
perhaps, if the truth were known, do more properly belong to the Natives
of _Utopia_, or _New Atlantis_, than to these of _California_.
[Sidenote: Places of note.]
The Places therein, as yet observ’d, are onely upon the Sea-coasts, 1.
The _Capes_ of _St. Clara_ and _St. Lucas_, the one at the South-East
end of the Island, looking towards _New Gallicia_, the other at the
South-West, looking into the Sea, and towards _Asia_.
[Illustration]
2. _St. Cruce_, so nam’d from its being first discover’d on
_Holy-Rood_-Day, being a large and convenient Haven, not far from _Cape
St. Clara_.
3. _Cabo de las Playas_, so call’d from a company of little bare
Hillocks appearing from the Sea, and is more within the Bay.
4. _Cabo Baxo_, so term’d, as lying towards the bottom of the Gulf.
5. _St. Andrews_, another convenient Haven upon an Island of the same
Name.
6. _St. Thomas_, an Island at the Mouth of the Gulf or Bay, of about
twenty five Leagues in compass, rising Southerly with an high
mountainous Point, under which is a convenient Road for Shipping, and
twenty five Fathoms of Water.
On the other side of the Island, towards the Main Sea, there is 1. _St.
Abad_, a good Haven, and almost surrounded with a pleasant and fruitful
Countrey.
2. _Cape Trinidado_, a noted Promontory.
3. _Cape de Cedras_, so call’d (together with a small Island near it)
from the store of Cedars growing thereabouts.
4. _Enganno._ 5. _Puebla de las Canoas_, so nam’d from the abundance of
those little Boats which the _Americans_ generally use, and do call
_Canoos_, whereof perhaps some store are made there.
6. _Cabo de Galera_, from its resemblance to a Rat.
It is believ’d there are many more Promontories and Bays on both sides
of this Island, besides Rivers and Islets, yet not nam’d, and altogether
unknown. Moreover Dr. _Heylin_ hath well observ’d, that those
above-mention’d are the Names onely of Places, and not of Towns and
Villages, though doubtless there must needs have been some scatter’d
Houses, built formerly by the _Spaniards_ in so many Expeditions.
[Sidenote: _Cortez_ the first Discoverer of these Parts.]
The first Discoverer of these Parts was _Ferdinando Cortez_, who having
in the Year 1534. set out two Ships to that purpose from _St. Jago_, a
Haven of _New Spain_, and not finding the Success answerable to his
Expectation, went next Year himself in Person, and pass’d a good way up
the Gulf, but for want of Provisions was forc’d to return without having
done any thing to the purpose.
In 1539. one _Francisco_, a Companion of _Cortez_ in the former
Expedition, Set out upon his own Charges, and having Coasted all about,
both upon the Eastern and Western Shores, he at last Landed, but not
without notable opposition from the Natives, who with much clamour, and
many antique Gestures set upon his Men so furiously with Stones and
Arrows, that they had met with a shrew’d Repulse, had it not been for
the Valor of their Auxiliaries, the Mastiff Dogs, which it seems they
us’d to carry along with them in those kind of Voyages; but at last he
got footing so far, that he took possession in the Name of the King of
_Spain_ with the usual Formalities; and following the Example of
_Columbus_ set up a Cross in the Place for a Memorial and Testimony of
his having been there.
[Sidenote: _Marco de Nisa_ his Relation of these Parts.]
Much about the same time _Marco de Nisa_ a _Franciscan_, undertaking a
Voyage into these Parts, reported Wonders at his Return, of the plenty
of golden Mines, stately Cities, set out with magnificent Buildings, the
very Gates whereof were enrich’d with _Turquoises_, and other Precious
Stones, and whose meanest Inhabitants went glittering in Gold and Mother
of Pearl, and of the flourishing Condition of the Kingdoms of _Acu_,
_Tonteac_, and _Marata_; whereupon the Governor of _New Gallicia_ was
sent by the then Vice-Roy of _Mexico_, with great hopes of bringing back
a Confirmation of these Reports; but whether out of spite to be deceiv’d
in his Expectation, or having real cause so to do, he represented all
things as mean and despicable, as the Fryer had proclaim’d them rich and
glorious.
[Sidenote: _De Alarcon_ his Voyage.]
The next that went upon this Design was _Ferdinando de Alarcon_, who is
reported to have Sail’d many Leagues up a River call’d _Buena Guia_, and
there to have receiv’d Homage of _Naguacatus_, one of the Heads of the
_Californian_ Tribes.
[Sidenote: _Cabrillo_ his Expedition.]
One more Attempt was made in the Year 1642. by _Roderico Cabrillo_, who
discover’d the Island of _St. Luke_, and another call’d _The Island of
Possession_; and this was the last we hear of that thought it worth
while to go an Undertaker to these Coasts, and ever since all
Undertakings hither have been so wholly laid aside, that what-ever was
once discover’d in these Parts, seems rather to be lost and forgotten,
than any way improv’d.
As for _Nova Albion_, whereas many determine it to be onely the utmost
Northern part of _California_, though it doth not absolutely appear to
be so from the Relation of Sir _Francis Drake_’s Discovery of it, we
judge it agreeable to Method and Decorum not wholly to omit the mention
of it in this place, though it hath been already spoken of, and the
aforesaid Relation deliver’d at large amongst the rest of those
Provinces of largely-taken _California_, which were taken for granted to
be upon the Continent.
[Sidenote: _Drakes_ Account of the Countrey.]
_Drake_ and his Company brought home this Description of the Countrey
and its Inhabitants, _viz._ _That the Countrey was exceedingly well
stor’d with Deer, Grazing up and down the Hills by thousands in a
company; That the Men generally went naked all over, the Women using
onely a piece of a Mat, or some such thing instead an Apron; That their
Houses were built onely of Turf and Osier, yet so wrought together, that
they serv’d very well to keep out the Cold; in the midst of it was their
Hearth where they made their Fire, and lay all round about it together
upon several Beds of Bull-Rushes. What their Towns Were, or whither they
had any, is altogether unknown_.
[Illustration]
The Third Book,
CONTAINING
A DESCRIPTION
OF
PERUANA
OR,
Southern America.
CHAP. I.
[Sidenote: Situation and Form of _Southern America_.]