Tree to another.
In the Evening a Beast like a lean Dog comes to their Huts, cries like a
Child, and devours all those it meets abroad; wherefore every one that
goes out in the Night carries a lighted Stick with him, for this Beast
dreads the sight of Fire.
The Trees give Harbor to great numbers of Parrots, and other fine
Feather’d Birds.
The Bats here are very large and hurtful, sucking the Blood from Men and
Beasts.
The _Muschito_’s also do very much plague and vex the Inhabitants.
The Spiders, much bigger than those of _Europe_, and of divers colours,
make very strong Cobwebs.
Along the Sea-Coast, and in the Rivers is plenty of delicious Fish.
[Sidenote: _Dominicans_ put to death by the Natives.]
[Sidenote: _Alonzo de Ojeda_ slain by _Gonzales_.]
_Anno 1513._ two _Dominican_ Fryers went over from _Terra Fiona_ to
_Cumana_, where the Natives kindly Entertain’d them, till a _Spanish_
Ship Anchoring there for the Pearl-Trade, carry’d away by violence the
Governor and seventeen of his Servants; whereupon the Natives threatned,
that unless their Lord was restor’d, they would put the two _Dominicans_
to death; the _Spaniards_ promising restauration of him in four Moneths
time, inform’d the Council at _Hispaniola_ of it, who not consenting to
his Releasement, the two Monks were, according the former threatning,
presently put to death. Yet after this the _Franciscans_ and
_Dominicans_ built each of them a Cloyster in the Province of
_Chiribichi_, where they kept friendly Correspondence with the
_Cumana_’s, till _Anno 1520._ when _Alonso de Ojeda_ coming to an Anchor
before _Maracapana_, under pretence of bartering _Maiz_ for _Spanish_
Goods with the _Tagarez_, who came about fifty from the Mountains on
which they liv’d, being three Leagues up in the Countrey, and brought
_Maiz_ down to the Shore, the _Spaniards_ took thirty six of them
Prisoners, and kill’d or wounded the rest: Whereupon the Governor
_Gonzales_ being complain’d unto by the neighboring Prince _Maraguey_,
and his assistance desir’d in taking Revenge of the _Dominicans_ and
_Franciscans_, who had urg’d and perswaded _Ojeda_ to the fore-mention’d
Act, _Gonzales_ hereupon made an Agreement with _Maraguey_, that he
should destroy the Monks, whilest he himself would kill _Ojeda_, which
they accordingly perform’d. The Council in _St. Domingo_ inform’d
hereof, immediately sent three Ships, Mann’d with three hundred Men,
under the Command of _Gonzalvo de Ocampo_, who Anchoring in the Haven of
_Maracapana_, feign’d as if he came newly from _Spain_, and that he knew
nothing of the Business between _Ojeda_ and _Gonzales_, that so he might
entice the Natives into his Ship, and accordingly when divers of them
came aboard, the Armed _Spaniards_ started from under the Decks, and
hung them up at their Yard-arms, burnt the Village _Maracapana_, and
ruin’d the Countrey far and near with Fire and Sword.
[Sidenote: _Soto_ with all his Men destroy’d by the _Indians_.]
_Ocampo_ also built the Town _Toledo_, about half a League farther into
the Countrey, where the Bishop _Bartholomew de las Casas_, making his
Visitation, commanded _Ocampo_ to forbear his cruelty against the
Natives, he having daily either burnt, hang’d, beheaded, or made Slaves
of some or other of them. _Casas_ also caus’d a little Fort to be built
at the Mouth of the River _Cumana_, to be near to prevent the inhumane
Murders and Oppressions committed by his Countrey-men; but because the
Inhabitants of _Cubagua_ bereav’d him of his chief Builder, his Fort was
left half unfinish’d; wherefore _Casas_ leaving the Command of this
Countrey to _Francisco de Soto_, went back to _Hispaniola_, where in
_St. Domingo_ he made his Complaints to the High Court of Justice of the
_Spaniards_ Cruelties; but being little regarded, he went into the
_Dominicans_ Cloyster, till he was call’d out and made Bishop of
_Chiapa_. Mean while _Soto_, contrary to _Casas_ his order, had fitted
out two Ships to Trade along the Coast of _Paria_; but the Expedition
prov’d very unsuccessful, for he and all his Men were destroy’d by the
Natives; not without just reason, for the _Spaniards_ (according to the
Relation of _Casas_ from an Eye-witness) destroy’d this Countrey after
such a manner, that a Ship Sail’d between _Lucago_ and _Hispaniola_
sixty Leagues without any Compass, finding the Way onely by the floating
of dead Bodies, thrown out of the _Spanish_ Ships. Moreover, the
Prisoners fainting, were set ashore on _Hispaniola_, and divided into
Companies, each Company consisting of twenty; Parents separated from
their Children, and Husbands from their Wives, and Lots cast for them:
those that had either sick, decrepid, or old People fall to their share,
us’d to cry (as _Casas_ testifies he hath often heard,) _What do I do
with this sick, decrepid old Dog? give him to the Devil; I will not put
my self to the trouble to kill and bury him._
But _Soto_’s Death was not left unreveng’d; for not long after _Jacob
Castellon_ setting Sail from _St. Domingo_, left several Companies on
_Cubagua_, to re-build the Town _Cadiz_, and rais’d a Fort at the Mouth
of _Cumana_, which hath ever since been kept by the _Spaniards_, who
made great slaughter amongst the Natives.
[Sidenote: _Hieronymo Ortall_ deserted by his Men.]
_Hieronymo Ortall_ Sailing up the Stream _Negeri_, sent his Lieutenant
_Augustine Delgado_ through the populous Provinces _Guacharuco_ and
_Parimatuotu_ to the River _Unare_, where, not without a sharp Conflict,
he took abundance of Provisions in a Village. In the mean time _Ortall_
travell’d to _Meta_, acting inhumane Cruelties all the way; but
approaching _Guiana_ (where _Delgado_ was kill’d) he was deserted by his
mutinous Men, who ran over to _Nicholas Federman_; so that he was forc’d
to return back to the new Fort _Miguel de Neveri_, and from thence to
_St. Domingo_ with ten Soldiers, fearing that _Antonio Sedenno_ (who
judg’d himself wrong’d by _Ortall_, because _Cumana_ belong’d to his
Lordship) would fall upon him.
_Sedenno_ being five hundred Men strong discover’d the Sea-Coast all
along to _Patigutaro_; where Setling himself, he regarded no Discipline;
which the Natives observing, kill’d many a _Spaniard_, and others the
Tygers also devour’d, especially in the Night, they being forc’d to keep
lighted Fires about them against the wild Beasts.
[Sidenote: The Death of _Sedenno_ and _Juan Fernandez_.]
About the beginning of the Year 1537. _Sedenno_ travell’d to the
Countrey _Anapuya_ and _Orocomay_, to the Province _Goioguaney_, where
the Inhabitants defended themselves very valiantly in a woodden Fort,
before which many _Spaniards_ were kill’d with poyson’d Arrows, and
those who were not mortally wounded, had no way to escape but by burning
the Poyson out with hot Irons; yet at last the Defendants were forc’d to
flie with their Wives and Children up to the Mountains, overgrown with
Brambles. _Sedenno_ marching through barren Fields, and over troublesom
Rivers, came to the mountainous Countrey _Catapararo_, where he found
abundance of _Maiz_, and some little pieces of Gold, and was advanc’d
about a League and a half in _Cumana_, when dying, he made room for his
Successor _Juan Fernandez_, who surviv’d him not long; yet the
Expedition was not left unprosecuted: for _Sedenno_’s Men, after the
Decease of him and _Fernandez_, went farther, and discover’d a low Land,
which in the Winter being overflow’d, forc’d the Inhabitants to remove
to the Mountains: But at last the _Spaniards_, being weary with
travelling, fell out amongst themselves, and dividing into several
Parties, went several ways, some to _Venezuela_, others to _Maracapana_,
and the rest to _Cubagua_.
SECT. III.
Venezuela.
[Sidenote: Situation and Description of _Venezuela_.]
[Sidenote: Towns and principal Places of _Venezuela_.]
The principal part of the Province of _Venezuela_ is border’d on the
East with _Cumana_; on the West, with a great Gulf or Bay, call’d _The
Bay of Venezuela_, with the Lake _Maracabo_, and some part of _New
Granada_; Northward it hath the Ocean, or _Atlantick_ Sea; Southward,
some undiscover’d Countreys, which, as we said, lie betwixt the _Andes_
and it. It stretches out in length from East to West, a hundred and
thirty Leagues, or thereabouts, but in breadth little more than half so
much; it was nam’d _Venezuela_, or _Little Venice_, by _Alonso de
Ojeda_, a _Spaniard_, who at his first discovery of the Countrey fell
upon a Town of the Natives, which stood like another _Venice_, all upon
the Water, and having no passage to it but by Boats. It is a Countrey
extraordinary rich in all sorts of Commodities, affords good Pasture for
Cattel, and abundance of fair Herds of them, Oxen, Sheep, Swine, _&c._
plenty of Corn, and other Grain, great store of Venison in the Woods, of
Fish in the Rivers, Gold in the Mines, and therefore not likely but to
be well peopled and inhabited, especially by the _Spaniards_, whose
Towns and Places of chief importance are these, 1. _Venezuela_, at the
most Westerly Confines of the Countrey, built upon the Sea, with the
advantage of a double Haven, in a temperate and good Air, and the Soil
round about it the best in the whole Province: It is now a Bishop’s See,
who is Suffragan to the Arch-bishop in _Hispaniola_, and the ordinary
Residence of the Governor.
2. _Caravalleda_, call’d by the _Spaniards_, _Nuestra Sennora de
Caravalleda_, fourscore Leagues distant from _Venezuela_ towards the
East, upon the Sea.
3. _St. Jago de Leon_, in the Countrey of _Caracas_, four or five
Leagues Southward of _Caravalleda_, and six or seven distant from the
Sea.
4. _New Valentia_, twenty five Leagues distant from _St. Jago_.
5. _New Xeres_, a Town but lately built, fifteen Leagues Southward of
_New Valentia_.
6. _New Segovia_, but one League distant from _Xeres_.
7. _Tucuyo_, a Place well known and frequented, for the abundance of
Sugar that is made there, and in the Countrey round about it.
8. _Truxillo_, or _Our Lady de la Paz_, eighteen Leagues Southward of
the Lake _Maracabo_, a Place of great resort, and much frequented for
Trade both by _Spaniards_ and Natives.
9. _Laguna_, a Town lying more towards the bottom of the Lake, said to
be much haunted with Tygers; and more than this, not much is said of it.
According to the ancient Division of the Natives, this Province contains
the Countreys _Curiana_, _Cuycas_, _Caracas_, _Bariquicemeto_, _Tucuyo_,
and _Carora_; in which there are estimated to be about a hundred
thousand Inhabitants that pay Taxes; which Charge, according to a Law
made at the _Spanish_ Court, all Men above fifty, and Youth under
eighteen, are freed from: yet this Countrey had formerly much more
People, great numbers of them being destroy’d by the _Germans_, Anno
1529. for the Bishop _Bartholomeus de las Casas_ relates, That above
fifty hundred thousand of the Inhabitants were kill’d by them; nay, they
rooted out whole Countreys, notwithstanding the Natives were ready to
Entertain them with all Civility imaginable; the Particulars of the
Story are as followeth:
[Illustration: VENEZUELA cum parte Australi NOVÆ ANDALUSIÆ]
[Sidenote: The Expedition of _Alfinger_ and _Sayltar_ to _Venezuela_.]
[Sidenote: _Alfinger_’s horrid Cruelties upon the Natives.]
When the Emperor _Charles_ the Fifth Marry’d with _Isabella_, Daughter
to the King of _Portugal_, Anno 1526. the _Welsares_, being _Dutch_
Gentlemen in _Augsburgh_, made an Agreement with him for a Sum of Money,
to Conquer _Venezuela_; whither they sent _Ambrosius Alfinger_, and
_Bartholomeus Sayltar_, with four hundred Foot and eighty Horse: These
Forces Landing at _Venezuela_, drove away _Juan de Ampues_, who Sailing
from _St. Domingo_ thither, had discover’d the Coast along _Coriano_,
and already made an Agreement with a mighty Prince of that Countrey,
call’d _Manaure_. But _Alfinger_ marching to the Lake _Maracabo_,
destroy’d all the Inhabitants of the Countrey _Axaguas_, though they
came to meet him Dancing, with rich Presents of Gold; which he not
regarding, kill’d them, drove some into a House, and there cut them in
pieces, and burnt those that were got upon the Roof. From hence going
towards the _Pocabuyes_, who dwelt on the West side of _Maracabo_,
amongst high Mountains, he was Entertain’d by them a considerable time
very courteously, and Presented with rich Gifts, for which at his
departure he shut up both Men, Women, and Children, into a high Wall’d
Park, where they were all to perish, if they did not every one pay a
certain quantity of Gold to be releas’d, which not being able to raise,
they all dy’d for want of Food. After the same manner he dealt with the
neighboring People _Alcoholados_, of whom he got much Gold, but not
without unheard of Cruelties, for he burnt all their Villages and
Houses, ruin’d the Countrey with Fire and Sword from _Thamaleque_ to the
River _Lebrixa_, carry’d away many of the Natives coupled together with
Chains about their Necks, and each of them loaded with at least a
hundred pound weight of pillag’d Goods; and as soon as any of them began
to faint under their Burthens for want of refreshment, their Heads were
immediately cut off. But _Alfinger_ coming to certain cold Mountains,
was resisted by a valiant People; in which Conflict he receiv’d a Wound,
of which he dy’d at his return to _Coro_, Anno 1532. Upon which the
_Welsares_ sent _John Aleman_ to succeed him; but he also dying, made
place for _George de Espoira_, and _Nicholas Federman_, of which two
_Espoira_ being the chief, spent three years in ranging up and down the
Countrey, without any remarkable Transactions, being continually at
variance with his Lieutenant _Federman_.
The afore-mention’d City _Venezuela_, otherwise call’d _Caro_, and by
the Natives _Corana_, was, _Anno 1559._ taken and burnt by the
_English_.
[Sidenote: The Provinces _Paragoana_ and _Bariquicemeto_.]
Northward from the City, the Promontory _St. Roman_, in the Province of
_Paragoana_, runs into the Sea, opposite to the Islands _Aruba_ and
_Quuracao_.
The Countrey _Paragoana_ is low and full of Venison; out of the middle
of it rises a high Mountain, the Inhabitants whereof are very hospitable
and courteous.
The Lyons that breed in this Countrey run away from Men; but on the
contrary, the Tygers are exceeding cruel.
From _Coro_ there leads a Way up into the Countrey over the Mountain
_Xizaezaras_, to the Province _Bariquicemeto_.
Between both these Provinces very fruitful Valleys, which produce _Maiz_
in great abundance, are surrounded by wooddy Mountains, inhabited by
Man-eaters, call’d _Axaguas_.
[Sidenote: _Segovia_ built by _Juan de Villegas_.]
_Anno 1552._ _Juan de Villegas_ discovering the Province _Tucuyo_, he
found several rich Gold-Mines near the Mountain _Pedro_, out of which
springs the River _Burio_. Near this place he built the Town _Segovia_,
which, by reason of the unwholsom Air, was soon after transplanted, and
built on the Shore of the River _Bariquicemeto_, so call’d, because the
Water when touch’d, turns to an Ash-colour. The Plain Countrey round
about would be intolerable hot, did not the cool Winds that blow from
the Mountains temper the same.
[Sidenote: The Natives of the Province _Bariquicemeto_, their manner of
living.]
The Natives divided into Tribes that understand not one another, live on
_Callibashes_, Deers-flesh, Rabbets, and the Juice of the _Cocuy_.
In the Rivers _Hacarigua_ and _Boraute_, they throw the stamp’d Root
_Barbasco_, which causes the Fish to appear above the Water, and suffer
themselves to be caught with the Hand.
In the Summer they all store themselves with Venison, which they catch
after this manner: They set the dry Bushes and Brambles on fire, which
makes the wild Hogs, Goats, Deer, _Armadillo_’s, Tygers, the great
Serpents _Bobas_, and other wild Creatures, to leap forth from their
Holes and Receptacles to shun the same, whilest the Hunters standing
ready with their Bowes and Arrows, seldom miss one of them.
In the hollow Trees near the Rivers, the Bees make abundance of Honey
for them.
Most of the Rivers here fall into the Stream _Huriapari_, which glides
from the _Peruvian_ Mountains to the Northern Ocean.
The Province _Chioas_ produces plenty of Gold.
[Sidenote: Also of the Natives about _Segovia_.]
The Natives about _Segovia_ go naked, are very ignorant, and much
addicted to Drunkenness; in which humor they kill one another: They live
without care, feeding on Roots till their _Maiz_ is ripe, which in some
places comes to its full maturity in forty days time, and in others in
three Moneths.
Close by _Segovia_ glides the Rivulet _Claro_, whose clear Water goes
but a small Course from its Fountain Head, before it sinks into the
Ground; in the Summer it is very high, and in the Winter almost
destitute of Water.
[Sidenote: The Commodities of the Countrey hereabouts.]
This Countrey breeds all sorts of Fowls, but especially Quails and
Turtle-Doves.
Cattel, Sheep, Goats and Hogs, increase wonderfully here, insomuch that
many of them are driven to be sold at _New Granada_.
The Cotton-Clothes that are woven here, also turn to a good account.
From _Segovia_ runs a Way through a Valley twelve Leagues long, to the
Town _Tucuyo_, which stands low, but in a healthful Climate, and
surrounded with Mountains.
The Countrey hereabouts produces plenty of Corn, Pot-herbs, Sugar, and
Cotton; and feeds Oxen, Cowes, Horses, Sheep, Deer, and Goats, to which
the Tygers and Lyons do great mischief.
Here are Gold-Mines, but they are not open’d by reason of the great want
of Men.
There is likewise plenty of the _Bezoar_-Stones to be had here.
The Cuycas, in whose Countrey stands the Town _Truxillo_, are a valiant,
but very cruel People.
The Lake _Maracabo_, running forty Leagues up into the Countrey, is ten
Leagues broad, Ebbs and Flows, and feeds the great Fish _Manati_.
Westward dwell the _Pocabuyes_, and _Alcoholados_, both quiet and rich
People.
[Sidenote: The Province _Xuruara_.]
The Province _Xuruara_ lies towards the South behind high Mountains,
inhabited by the valiant _Coromochos_; and towards the North from
_Xuruara_, the _Bobures_, hard by the City _Merida_; the Countrey about
which is unhealthful and Morassy, and the Inhabitants exceedingly
plagu’d by the _Muschito_’s.
[Sidenote: Havens of _Venezuela_.]
The Haven _Maracapana_ is the best in _Venezuela_, and lies in the
Eastern part of the Province, where the Mountains are inhabited by the
wild _Chiugotos_, who kill and eat all the _Spaniards_ they can get.
The other Havens Westward, not comparable to _Maracapana_, are
_Flechado_, _Sardinas_, and _Burburute_, where some _Spanish_ Families
have a Salt-pit.
[Sidenote: Islands and Promontories.]
Six Leagues up in the Countrey you come to the fresh Lake _Tocarigua_,
full of little inhabited Isles; the People whereof live quietly, and
barter Gold.
Towards the North-West the Ocean makes the great Inlet _Triste_, before
which lies the Island _Bonaire_, very full of Cattel, and on each side
appear the _Aves_ and _Quaraco_, which abound with Fowl.
The Promontory _St. Roman_ runs twenty Leagues into the Sea, and the
Cape _Coquibocoa_ extends farther. Between both these runs the Channel
of _Venezuela_, which touches the Lake _Maracapabo_.
Before _Coquibocoa_ are seen the four low Islands _Monjes_, with white
sandy Creeks, and full of Trees: out of the middlemost rises a high
Mountain.
On the Main Continent also the Mountains _De Azieyto_ appear with
scraggy tops beyond the Point: And the Bay _Honda_ affords a safe Road.
The Cape _De la Vela_ hath on one side the Inlet _Portete_, and on the
other, the Villages _Rancheria_ and _Nostra Sennora de los Remedios_;
between both which runs the Stream _La Hacha_.
The _German_ Commander, _Nicholas Federman_, intended to have built a
City on _Cape Vela_, Anno 1535. but finding the Ground too low and
unfruitful, the Pearls hereabouts very small, and the Natives living
onely on Fish and wild Herbs, he chang’d his Resolution.
SECT. IV.
The Islands Margareta, Cubagua, and Coche.
Notwithstanding we have already spoken something of the Islands
_Margareta_, and _Cubagua_, in regard they are by some reckon’d amongst
the Isles of _Northern America_; yet because they are by many accounted
to make up a part of the Division of _New Andalusia_, we shall add in
this place what we have found most worthy of Re-mention, though much to
the same purpose as before.
The Island _Margareta_, discover’d by _Christopher Columbus_, Anno 1498.
contains thirty two Leagues in circumference, hath many Woods and
Pastures, yet little fresh Water. To the Eastward of it lie the Cliffs
_Testigos_, where it is very mountainous, as also on the East. Round
about the same are delicious Fish, without which the Natives could not
live, because the brackish Soil produces but little Provision.
[Sidenote: The Pearl-Fishing of _Margareta_.]
The chiefest thing for which this Island _Margareta_ is famous, is the
Pearl-Fishing, for which in times past a great Trade was driven, though
of late it is come to little or nothing. The _Spaniards_, with inhumane
cruelty, taught the _Negro_’s to Dive for the Pearls, for those that
were not nimble or dextrous enough, they beat unmercifully, dropt
scalding Wax or scalding Oyl upon them, or stigmatiz’d them with hot
Irons. The Pearl-Banks were cover’d with five, six, seven, or eight
Fathom Water; from whence the _Negro_’s pull’d the Oysters with such
force, that the Blood gush’d out of their Mouths and Noses when they
came above Water to breath; after which, to refresh them, they receiv’d
a Glass of Wine and a Pipe of Tobacco. The _Spanish Kiay_ receiv’d a
fifth part of the best Pearls that were taken here; but whether the
Oysters have forsaken this Place, or their growth hinder’d by often
Fishing for them, we know not, but however it is, few Pearls are found
here of late years, which makes _Margareta_ to be more and more
deserted.
[Sidenote: The Nature of the Island of _Cubagua_.]
Between the Main Continent of _Paria_ lie the Islands _Cubagua_ and
_Coche_; the first whereof hath an unfruitful and sultry Soil, without
either Trees, Birds, and four-footed Beasts, except _Pock_-Wood,
Sea-Fowls, or Parrots; and _Castilian_ Hogs being carry’d thither,
change their Nature strangely; for in a short time their Claws grow long
and crooked.
[Sidenote: The City _Nova Cadiz_ built there, but at length totally
deserted.]
The King of _Spain_ us’d formerly to receive fifteen thousand _Ducats_
yearly for his fifth part of the Pearls that were taken; which Gain
invited many thither, who built the Town _Nova Cadiz_ on _Cubagua_ in
the Year 1521. but when the _Arayans_ demolish’d the Monks Cloyster on
_Paria_, the _Spaniards_, being three hundred in number, fled from _Nova
Cadiz_ to _Hispaniola_, where the High Court, displeas’d at their
cowardly deserting the Place, gave them but cool Entertainment, and sent
five Ships under the Command of _Jacomo de Castellan_ to _Cubagua_, to
build new Store-houses in _Nova Cadiz_, which was afterwards
re-inhabited; but when the Pearl-Fishing ceased, the Island and Town was
at once deserted.
Opposite to _Margareta_ lies the Promontory _Araya_, behind which lies a
salt Lake, in which is found abundance of Salt, not onely above, but
under the Water; with which the _English_, _Spanish_, and _Dutch_ Ships
are fraighted.
[Sidenote: _Du Verne_’s Description of the Salt-pans on _Araya_.]