Nevves of Sr. VValter Rauleigh With the true description of Guiana: as also a relation of the excellent gouernment, and much hope of the prosperity of the voyage. Sent from a gentleman of his fleet, to a most especiall friend of his in London. From the riuer of Caliana, on the coast of Guiana, Nouemb. 17. 1617.

Nevves of Sr. VValter Rauleigh With the true description of Guiana: as also a relation of the excellent gouernment, and much hope of the prosperity of the voyage. Sent from a gentleman of his fleet, to a most especiall friend of his in London. From the riuer of Caliana, on the coast of Guiana, Nouemb. 17. 1617.

Table of contents

Title page

NEWES OF Sr. Walter Rauleigh.

Orders to bee obserued by the Commanders of the Fleete, and land Companies, vnder the charge and conduct of Sr. Walter Rauleigh Knight, bound for the South parts of America or else where. Giuen at Plimouth in Deuon. the third of May. 1617.

A Reference of the Voyage to the Directions.

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NEVVES Of Sr. Walter Rauleigh. WITH The true Description of GVIANA: As also a Relation of the excellent Gouernment, and much hope of the prosperity of the Voyage.

Sent from a Gentleman of his Fleet, to a most especiall Friend of his in London.

From the Riuer of Caliana, on the Coast of Guiana, Nouemb. 17. 1617.

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LONDON, Printed for H.G. and are to be sold by I. Wright, at the signe of the Bible without New-gate. 1618.

NEWES OF Sr. Walter Rauleigh.

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IN these queasie and most dangerous times, wherein Truth is manacled by Opinion and Imagination, euery man making his owne thoughts a Comment vpon other mens labours, and by scrues or wrests winding euery designe to that which best suites with their fancies: I could not chuse but borrow so much time from the necessitie of mine occasions, as to acquaint you with some particular passages in our voyage: Which though in the value it may be much short both of what your selfe and others expect, because at this time our designe is but an Embrion, conceiued, and farre from that happy perfection to which I doubt not (the diuine will assisting vs) but wee shall, to the comfort of our noble and good friends, and the honour of our Nation, with all prosperitie of fortune [Page] bring to passe: Yet in as much as I know the malice of many enuious and euill disposed people,Against Backbiters. who build the ground-worke of their owne honors vpon other mens disgraces, and with the venome of their aspersions seeke (as much as in their malice lies) to poyson the worthy labours of the most noble attempters. To which our Voyage (being most hopefull to our friends, and most dreadfull to our contraries) is infinitely subiect, and that such rancour doth await and follow vs, as the great Leuiathan of the Sea pursueth the Bonittos, I doubt not but my present Relation shall giue you (whose vertue I seeke onely to satisfie) that assurance of good hope in our attemptings, as shall arme you against whatsoeuer slander or imputation shall be able (in misty thicke fogs of disdaine) to throw before you.

And albeit to the iudgement of euery vertuous good man, there needeth no other Apologie for the hope of our successe, then the wisdome, experience, and vndefatigable labors, in the like designes, of our Generall, who now setting all Christendome; nay, almost the whole world at gaze vpon him, if hee should not to such beholders giue a renowned satisfaction, it were against all rules of worth and policie to imagine. Yet aboue all, this mee thinkes should satisfie euery reasonable soule, and make Enuy feede onely vpon his owne Serpent, when not alone the entyre wisdome of our Land, but the suffrage and allowance of our Soueraigne (who is the very soule of that wisdome) [Page] doth both giue way to our action, whose goodnes what man would be so ingratefull to abuse, or what folly could be so strong in any sencible soule, as to seeke to goe inuisible before God.

But Sir, these arguments are needlesse against a slander of such weaknesse, nor will I trouble your eares with a confutation of them, who stand already confounded in all good mens opinions: suffice it, that hitherto our successe is answerable to our hopes, and our hope as strong as any that hath passed from our Kingdome since the first discouery, and no doubt but the end will bring forth as worthy, if not a much better issue: In as much as wee haue had both the cleare lights of all other mens experience, and the approued knowledge of a great part of our designe in our Generals noble and personall tryall.

Besides, wee know that the tops of hye Scales, Mountaines, or Pyramides are not to be attained vnto by leaping or iumping at, but by flow degrees, and by secure and safe steps, euen lento pede, as the Parrat climbes with both beake and feete: For if wee looke into the courses of all the most excellent men of our Nation which haue made it as famous for sea-actions as any Nation in the world, we shall finde, how euen by little and little, as Hanibal with Vinegar wasted the Alpes, and made a passage (where neuer any before was discerned) for not himselfe alone, but a whole Army to passe ouer: So our famous and excellent Attempters haue by degrees, man after man, adding step vnto [Page] step, made such a way ouer the whole world, that except the very heart of all, (which as in the Anatomy of mans body, it is not to be found out, or toucht, till a man haue past through first both all the exteriour and interiour members, and so likewise of the braine: Nature as it were defending all her most excellent workes from euery ordinary assault and inuasion) so there is at this day not left any Climate vnsearcht or vndiscouered, but onely this, which as for its site and place, being the middle of the world, and also for the excellency of it, may well be stiled The heart of the world, as the most principall and renowned part of it. At which if it be our fortunes to arriue, the worke will be worthy the Doer, and a fayre Iewell for his Crowne, who is the Royall Author and Comforter of so great an Attempt, by so many Kings and Princes attempted, and yet vnachiued.

And that wee may walke vp this Scale, with as much ease and safety, as all mortall hope can allow vs, let vs turne backe our eyes and looke into the actions of most of the most famous & noble Gentlemen which haue gone before vs, and made those most fayre and large paths, through which we daily walke: wee shall see that M. William Haukins, M. William Haukins his trauell. the Father of Sir Iohn Haukins a man of infinite vertue and great action made his first Discoueries but to the Southerne Ilands, called the Grand Canaria, and found there great Trade, and great Commoditie: which for the benefit might well haue taken vp the rest of any mans minde (whose end had [Page] beene wealth and no other) but the Gentleman hauing a more worthy ayme, (though then in the winter and last quarter of his age) from thence discouered some part of the small Ilands which belonged to the West Indies, learnt intelligence of the maine and out of his iudgement saw what was fittest both for Traffique and other more materiall Discoueries. This (not able to furnish himselfe) hee imparted to his most worthy Sonne Sir Iohn Haukins, Sr. Iohn Haukins Trauell. and making him rich with his knowledge, so armd him for the Enterprise, that in the yeare 1562. hee made a Voyage thither, with three small Ships, and but 100. men, and made Discouery of the Iland of Hispaniola, De Plata, Monte Christi, and the Ilands of Caicos, where by way of traffique hee made such merchandise that hee not onely laded all his owne ships, but diuers other Hulkes which he there hyres, and so returned home with more wealth and honour then euer any had done before his time.

Yet since he had gone not a steppe higher then his father had done before him, and made the scale no larger nor easier for others that should pursue him; out of the excellency of his disposition and loue to his Country, in the yeare 1564. hee betooke himselfe to the Sea againe,Sr. Iohns second Voyage. and with a Fleet of foure Ships and 170. men, went againe to the West Indies, and in his way did discouer the Iland Sambula, and other partes of Affricke: thence to the Iland called Sancta Dominica, so to Margarita, thence to Tortuga, after to Barbarotta, [Page] then to the Ilands of Curasao, Ranchario, Rio de la H [...]cha, and others, thence to Cape Sr. Anthony, and so to the sandy Ilands: and lastly by Florida, where he showned that excellency of good nature and rare humanity to certaine distressed Frenchmen, that the remembrance will liue whilst there liues any record of goodnes, or any thankfulnesse in France: and thus hee returned home the second time, laden with as much wealth and honor, as euer any had done before him, and to his braue heroicall scale of Discouery, had now added diuers noble and spacious Stayres, which albeit might haue very well deterd him from any more trouble and vexation, both considering the goods and goodnes he had gotten, and the honourable places, with the fauour of his dearest Soueraigne.

Yet all this not valued with the debt hee owed his Country,Sir Iohns third Voyage. he went againe the third time to Sea with a Fleet of sixe faire Ships, and traded in all such places as he had traded in before: and moreouer discouered Carthagena, and diuers other Ilands about it, after went to Sr. Iohn Vllua, and other parts bordering vpon Mexico, where hee made him selfe Maister of twelue Ships, in value, worth two hundred thousand pounds, and seazed the Iland: But out of his noble nature (considering the amity at that time betwixt Spaine and England) restored all againe; which, had his ends tended as much to lucre as his enemies did to perfidie and trechery, he might not onely haue [Page] brought home that, but sixe millions of treasure more, all which was at his commandement: thence he searched the whole Bay of Mexico, and thence went to Ponte Vedra, and so returned home.

In this Discouery hee got great perfection of knowledge touching the wonderfull wealth and riches of those Southerne parts, and though hee had done more then any English man before his time, yet he saw there was a super excellence remayning as it were hidden, and possible to bee found out; at which, with all his endeauours, he aymed most earnestly, onely he found that a greater strength & a greater industry: then either he was yet maister of, or had occasion to vse, must be imployed in the same, and therefore the fourth time hee returned vnto the Sea with 27 tall Ships,Sir Iohns fourth Voyage. and 2500. men: But it pleased God the designe should bee preserued either for some other man, or some other time, so that Sir Iohn Haukins, falling sicke, dyed at Sr. Iohn de Puertorico, and by that meanes the great end of the iourney failed, yet did hee leaue behind him such braue examples for imitation, and so fayre a scale for others to ascend by; that many became his Schollers, and howsoeuer their renownes wanne to themselues particular names of particular eminence, yet they arriued not beyond him, or got a skill that was to him vnacquianted.

Onely that most famous and worthy Knight Sir Francis Drake, Sir Francis Drake trauell. who had (as it is reported) taken [Page] from him the most and greatest part of his breeding, being (as some men say) for a long time his ordinary houshold Seruant, and one that had attended him in the successe of some of his voyages, seeing and aquainting himselfe with the happy rules of such a happy maister, betooke himselfe to the Sea in the yeare of our Lord 1572. and discouered most of the hithermost parts of the small Ilands of America, and returned home with more knowledge then substance, and yet with more substance then might defray the charge of three times such a voyage, by the strength of which successe he made him selfe fit for the Sea the second time,Sir Francis second Voyage. in the yeare 1577. in which Voyage hee made himselfe more familiar with all the richest parts of the West Indies, and with some parts of the maine body of the same: and so returned home with a competent substance, yet farre inferior to the largenes of his mind, because these two first attempts still opened to his iudgement matters of much greater hope and renowned consequence, so that the third time againe he put to Sea, in the yeare of our Lord 1585. with a full resolution to doe somthing answerable to the greatnes of his heart,Sir Francis 3. Voyage. and the honor of the Nation he challenged, and in this voyage he went about the circumference of the whole World, and returned home with his Ship laden with gold and treasure, of that infinite and inestimable value, that neuer any man before him attained to any small degree in his comparison, and yet in this vnspeakeable Iourney for infinite wealth [Page] and infinite labour (not any mortall man hauing formerly done the like) the experience hee gained did so farre precede his riches, that hee made it of no value,and knew that there yet remained that vndiscouered (at least out of Christian commandement) which would make all hee knew pittifully poore, & of no reconing: and therfore to achiue this Magisteri or true Philosophers stone, being indeed the mother of all mines and perfect treasure, he againe betooke himselfe to the Sca in the yeare of our Lord 1595. with a very goodly Nauy, and many most noble and worthy personages, admirably well experienced both in Land and Sea seruices: But it was not the pleasure of the euerliuing God, that by him the worke should bee finished and therefore in this voyage he sickened, and in the West Indies died, so that the end of the Iourney being by a twofold way defeyted, as by his death, and the taking of a certaine surgeon which belonged to a Ship, called the Salomon, as also by the taking of another Ship called the Francis, and by them the whole Voyage discouered to the enemy, the rest of the Fleet was inforced to returne home altogether vnsatisfied.

Now whilst these Gentlemen were thus searching the South and South-west parts of the world, and had almost brought their hopes within a step or two of the highest scale,Sir Hugh Willoughbies trauells to the North. an honorable emulation raised vp diuers other Gentlemen of like vertue and fitnes for action, to search into the North and North-west Seas, for the finding out [Page] of the easiest most safe wayes into the East Indies, a place esteemed for riches equall with the former: but in merchandise by much far beyond it, and in this Discouery Sir Hugh Willoughby was exceeding well deseruing, who made diuers faire steps to the Scale, and though he perished and died in the action, yet hee left such excellent hopes behind him that many became pursuers of his proiect, amongst whom none is more remarkable and exquisite then that famous worthy Gentleman, Sir Martin Forbisher Knight,Sir Martin Forbisher to China. who by many experiences and intelligences of the state, condition, Climate, and height, of China: knew that if a way might by any industry bee found out from the North-west to lead vnto the same, that then it must needs be most short, most easie, & most safe, and that doubtlesse the wealth which would arise by rich Merchandise from thence, would exceed the whole trade of the world beside, nay that the mines, which was hopefull there to bee found, might goe neere to counteruayle the great hopes which were built on the South-west, if not exceed it. And therevpon hauing all those experiences, which Sir Hugh Willoughby had left behind, together with his owne knowledge, he betook himselfe to the Sea in the yeare 1576 with two good Ships, and hauing past the faire Iland, and Swinborne in Scotland, he came to Fowlay in Friesland, thence to Labrador, so to the Ilands Gabriels and Bourchers, where he saw and conferred with many people of that Iland, being a Sauage people, much [Page] like vnto the Tartars, with broad faces, flat noses, and long blacke hayres below their shoulders, their attire onely Seale skinnes, nor is there betweene the men and women any difference, more then a few blew streakes downe their cheekes and about their eyes, these hee saw on the water, not on the land, in certaine small Boates which were made of Seale skinnes, being sharpe at each end and broad in the bottome, with small wooden keeles made of broad splinters, and in shape or proportion not much vnlike vnto the Spanish Shallops. With these people, whom he inticed to come to him by all faire and gentle meanes, and by giuing them certaine thrid poynts and other toyes, in which they infinitely delighted, hee had very much conference, both touching the nature of those Seas, and other occurrents meet for his Discouery, by whom he vnderstood that the yeare time being then spent, and the Ice in those places infinitely increasing, it was at that time impossible to attempt further, without most assured losse, which accordingly hee found by his owne experience, and therefore returned homeward by Trumpets Iland, and other places which both for victuall and fresh water he found of great consequence for the furthering of this Discouery hereafter.

Now hauing thus erected these few steps to this much wisht for Scale, and finding great hope likely to ensue vpon the attempt, hee betooke himselfe againe to the Sea,Sir Martins Second Voyage to Cataya. in the yeare of our Lord 1577. and taking a better aduantage of the yeare [Page] time, passed all the former places, which before he had discouered and from thence held his course euen vnto the maine of Cataia, though with many dangers and interruptions, for not any man that seeketh wayes vnknowne, but must of necessity many times erre, neither can the iudgement be satisfied by the first superficiall sight of the eye, but by a more serious time to contemplate and meditate vpon the same, discourse euer crowning all actions with perfection. And hence it came that making a longer stay vpon this Coast, then before hee imagined any necessity would haue drawne him, the yeare time so passed on, that hee could by no possible meanes proceed further in the discouery, but was forced to approue what particular profits he could find in that place to recompence his trauell, finding by the Climat & all other good likelihoods that of force there must bee somthing of great valuation, wherevpon after some curious search of many well experienst men in mynerall busines,Gold Mynes in Cataya. (which at that time attended vpon him) he found at length certaine strange mynes which yeelded a kind of black shining Ore, both massy and wealthy, which they called the blacke stone, and by such small triall as that place (with the accommodation of their Shipping) could afford them, they found it a very rich gold Ore, so that not being able to stay there to refine any great quantity thereof, as well for the necessity of the yeare time, as the want of other most necessary prouisions, hee presently laded all his Ships with [Page] that Oare, being one tall Ship and two smaller Barks, and then taking a man, a woman, and a child of that Country into his Ship also, hee returned with them home into England, to the much contentment of the Queenes Maiesty his Soueraigne, and all other aduenturers which had then shared in his fortunes; and still hee found an increase of his hopes and made his way larger and larger, so that the third time hee put forth to the Sea in the yeare of our Lord 1588.St. Martins third Voyage. But it pleased God that he could not perfect his intent, onely returned home with much wealth and a great deale of knowledge, which hath since beene pursued by diuers worthy Aduenturers, and though not perfited in that exquisite height and perfection which the greatnes of their minds and wishes aymed at, yet still it gaue that lustre and strong hope of successe in the action, that a very noble and worthy Gentleman, Mr. Thomas Cauendish led as well by their former attempts and experiences,Mr. Thomas Cauendish Trauell. as also by his owne knowledge, drawne from certaine approued assurances and intelligences,touching the wonderfull and almost vnexpressible wealth of China, with great iudgement and aduice of many most excellent Seamen, ingaged himselfe into this worthy discouery, and finding many hard difficulties in the North-west passage, by good aduice resolued to try the contrary, which is the South-west, knowing that of necessity those lines must in the end meet in one period: And therefore with all good accommodations he betooke himselfe to [Page] the Sea in the yeare of our Lord 1586. and passing the Grand Canaries, came to Cape Verde, and thence to the Tropicke Line, discouering all the hithermost parts of the East Indies; and from thence attained the very maine and body of China, where he fraught his Ships with that wealth (as Cloth of Gold, Tyssue, Veluets, Sattens, Damaskes, and a world of other commodities of no lesse value) that it is thought, excepting Drake, not any Englishman euer returned with the like wealth, insomuch that it set a world of noble hearts on fire, to enter into the like action.

But hee hauing compassed an end of his profit, (but not of his experience) refused to returne back againe by one and the same way, but keeping his course forward, went round about the whole Circumference of the earth; and in the end came into England without any abatement of the great substance hee had formerly attained, to the infinite ioy of all his friends, the great honour of the Kingdome, and the much admiration of all forraine Nations.

But did this Experience giue him a full satisfaction, or shew that end to his designes, that hee might with his honour or reputation say with Hercules, Ne plus vltra? No surely, but after a cleane contrary manner, opened vnto him such a fayre way to greater glory and renowne, that he accounted this neyther worthy of his beast, nor fit in any small degree to contayne the least part of his actions: being in comparison of those things which [Page] hee heard there related, (and indeede not farre remoued from that Continent) but poore, base and beggarly.

The glory of which famous action so inticed him, that the second time he went to the Sea,M. Cauendish his second Voyage in the yeare of our Lord 1591. so accommodated with all necessary prouisions, both of men, munition, and victuals, that not any Gentleman euer went forth (in his owne particular) better or more brauely prouided. But it pleased God (who is the strength and guide of these actions) not to marke him out for this great worke: for in this Voyage hee sickned and dyed, whose greatest directions liuing inclosed in his owne brest, the Voyage queld, and his ships returned home againe for England, but the infinite profit which hath sprung his example may be beheld in our East Indian Trade, the like whereof I thinke no Nation in the world can boast, being of all other the wealthiest, the fruitfullest, and the most certaine, affording vs not onely a nurcery of Merchants and Sea-men, but such an inuincible strength of Shipping, and other warlike acoustrements, that any Nation vnder the Sunne may tremble to offend vs.

To these Discoueries I could adde the Discouery of Virginia, by the euer memorable and valiant Knight Sir Richard Grinuile, Sr Richard Grinuile his Discouery of Virginia. and the Plantation there: which doubtlesse promiseth and already restoreth much benefit to our Kingdome, hauing continued there almost from the yeare 1585. till this hower; and how euen in that Discouery hee [Page] both heard and vnderstood of the incomparable and not to be equald wealth which yet lay hidden in the South parts of America.

But I feare I haue troubled your eares already too much with my tedious digression, which is not altogether vaine and impertinent, since by it you may see how euen from the infancy of our English trauell, every man hath had a noble ambition, and most probable assurances of good hope to attaine a height of honour and wealth, which yet rests vnattained:Sir Walter Rauleigh. At which questionlesse our Generall bends his ayme, being diuers wayes wooed and induced thereunto, more then any Englishman whatsoeuer, both in respect of his former experience (at this day not to be paralleld) his wisdome, learning, and conference, with the experience of places hee hath formerly held, that it is impossible any thing of note should be hidden from him: Therefore to reconcile those things already written, with the Relation I intend to pursue, you shall vnderstand that whatsoever hath beene done formerly by any of those already rehearsed, or by any other, whether English, Spanish, Dutch, French, or any other Nation of Christendome, all their knowledges and experiences haue liberally beene brought to his remembrance; Loue, Dutie, his place of Authoritie, or the chance of Warre, tendering the same vnto him as a rent due to his noble minde and actions. And aboue all an English Knight, Sir Robert Dudley was an especiall man that long since both from his experience at sea,Sir Robert Dudley. (hauing [Page] consumed infinite wealth and much time in these Discoueries) as also by meanes of certaine Letters which he had intercepted from the Spaniards and taken in his trauells, gaue our Generall a strong assurance, that yet there remained out of the hands of all the Kings and Princes in Christendome, in the South parts of America, the very Magazine of all rich Mettalls, and such an Empire as whosoeuer shall haue the fortune to conquer it, shall so darken all the actions either of Cortez or Pescaro, that nothing but pouerty will appeare in their deeds, neyther Mexico nor Peru bee worthy to be compared with it, and what Prince soeuer shall possesse it, shall bee Lord of more gold, of a more beautifull Empire, and of more Citties and people then either the King of Spaine or the great Turke. At this questionlesse our hopes promise that his noble ends doe bend, for being full as great, and hauing beene much greater then any man whatsoeuer of our nation that hath followed the like course to what should his great hart look? or what should hee dedicate to so gracious and mercifull a King as hee enioyeth, but the very [...]oppe and Garland of all Heroyicall actions? But in as much as yet nothing is done worthy relation, because we are not yet ariued at the hithermost end of our designes, all our successe remayning in hope, and least my too much loue might make me too saucy in prophesie, I will leaue all to his holy will which gouernes all; onely I will acquaint you with some particulars touching the [Page] generall gouernment of our Fleete, which although other men doubtlesse in their Voyages haue in some measure obseru'd, yet in all the great Volumes which haue beene written touching Voyages, there is no president of so godly, seuere and Martiall gouernment, which not onely in it selfe is laudable and worthy imitation, but also fit to bee written and ingrauen in euery mans Soule, that couets to doe honor to his King and Country in these or the like attempts: The true Coppy of which Lawes, Articles, and especiall Commandements, are these which heere after follow; and at this present we obserue.

Orders to bee obserued by the Commanders of the Fleete, and land Companies, vnder the charge and conduct of Sr. Walter Rauleigh Knight, bound for the South parts of America or else where. Giuen at Plimouth in Deuon. the third of May. 1617.

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FIrst, because no action nor Enterprise can prosper (be it by Sea or Land) without the fauour and assistance of Almighty God, the Lord and strength of Hoasts and Armies, you shall not fayle to cause Diuine Seruice to be read in your Shippe morning and euening, in the morning before Dinner, and at night before Supper, or at least (if there be interruption by soule weather) once the day, praysing God euery night with singing of a Psalme at the setting of the Watch.

Secondly, you shall take especiall care that [Page] God be not blasphemed in your Ship, but that after admonition giuen, if the offenders doe not refraine themselues, you shall cause them of the better sort to be fined out of their aduentures, by which course, if no amendment bee found, you shall acquaint me with all: For if it be threatned in the Scriptures, that The Curse shall not depart from the house of the Swearer, much lesse from the Ship of the Swearer.

Thirdly, no man shall refuse to obey his Officer in all that he is commaunded, for the benefit of the Iourney: no man (being in health) refuse to wayte his turne as he shall be directed: the Saylors by the Maister and Boatswaine: the Landmen by their Captaine, Liefetenant and others.

You shall make in euery Ship two Captaines of the watch, who shall make choyce of two Soldiers euery night to search betweene the Decks, that no fire nor candle light be carried about the Ship, after the watch set, nor that any Candles be burning in any Caben without a Lanthorne, and that neither but while they are to make themselues vnready, for there is no danger so ineuitable as the Ships firing, which may also as well happen by taking of Tobacco betweene the Decks, & therefore forbidden to all men but aloft the vpper Decke.

You shall cause the Land men to learne the names and places of the ropes, that they may assist the Sailors in their labours vpon the Decks, though they cannot goe vp to the tops and yards.

[Page]You shall traine and instruct your Sailers, (so many as shall bee found fit) as you doe your Land-men, and register their names in the Lists of your Companies, making no difference of professions; but that all bee esteemed Saylors and all Soldiers, for your troupes will bee very weake when you come to Land, without the assistance of your Sea-faring men.

You shall not giue chase, or send aboard any Shippe, but by order from the Generall: And if you come neere any Shippe in your course, if shee bee belonging to any Prince or State in league or amitie with his Maiestie, you shall not take any thing from them by force, vppon paine of punishment as a Pirate, although in manifest extremity or want you may, (agreeing for the price) relieue your selues with things necessary, (giuing bond for the same) prouided that it bee not to the disfurnishing of any such Ship, whereby the Owner or Merchants be endangered for the Ship or goods.

You shall euery night fall a sterne the Generalls Shippe, and follow his light, receiuing instructions in the Morning what course to holde, and if you shall at any time bee seperated by foule Weather, you shall receiue certaine Billettes sealed vp, the first to bee opened on this side the North Cape, (if there bee cause) the second to be opened [Page] at the South Cape: the third, after you shall passe 23. degrees, and the fourth from the height of Cape de Vert.

If you discouer any sayle at Sea, either to windward or to lee-ward of the Admirall, or if any two or three of our Fleete, shall discouer any such saile which the Admirall cannot discerne: If shee bee a great Shippe and but one, you shall strike your maine top-saile, and hoyst it againe so often as you shall iudge it to bee 100. Tunnes of burthen, as if you iudge her to be 200. Tunnes to strike & hoyst twise, if 300. thrice and so answerable to her greatnes.

If you discerne a small Ship, you shall doe the like with your fore top-saile, but if you discouer many great Ships, you shall not onely strike your maine top-Saile often, but put out your Ensigne in the maine top, and if such Ships or Fleet goe large before the winde, you shall also (after your signes giuen) goe large, and stand as any of the Fleet doth, I meane no longer then that you may iudge the Admirall and the rest haue seene your signes and your so standing. And if you went large at the time of the Discouery, you shall hale oft your sheats for a little time, and then goe large againe, that the rest may know that you goe large, to shew vs that the Ships or Fleet discouered keep that course, so you shall doe if the Ships or Fleet discouered haue their tacks aboard, namely if you had also your tacks aboard at the time of the discouery, you shall beare vp for a little time and after [Page] hale your sheat oft againe to show vs what course the Ship or Feet holds.

If you discouer any Ship or Fleet by night, if the Ship or Fleete bee to windeward of you, and you to windeward of the Admirall, you shall presently beare vp to giue vs knowledge: but if you thinke you might speake with her, then you shall keepe your loofe and shoot off a piece of Ordnance to giue vs knowledge thereby.

For a Generall rule, let no man presume to shoote off any piece of Ordinance but in discouering a Ship or Fleet by night, or by being in danger of the enemy, or in danger of fire, or in danger of sinking, it may bee vnto vs all a most certaine intelligence of some matter of importance, and you shall make vs know the difference by this, for if you giue chase, and being neere a Ship, you shoot to make her strike, wee shall see and know you shoot to that end, (if it be by day) if by night, we shall then know that you haue seene a Ship or Fleet more then our owne, and if you suspect wee doe not heare the first piece, then you may shoote a second but not otherwise, and you must take almost a quarter of an hower betweene your two pieces: If you bee in danger by a leake (I meane in present danger) you shall shoote two pieces presently one after another. And if in danger of fire three pieces presently one after another.

In foule weather euery man shall fit his Sailes to keepe company with the rest of the Fleet, and not run so farre a head by day, but that hee may [Page] fall a sterne the Admirall before night: in case we should be set vpon by Sea, the Captaine shall appoint sufficient company to assist the Gunners, after which (if the fight require it) the Cabens betweene the Decks shall be taken downe, all beds and sacks imployed for Bulwarks; the Musketiers of euery Ship shall bee diuided vnder Captaines, or other Officers, some for the fore-Castell, others for the wast, the rest for the poope, where they shall abide (if they bee not otherwise directed) the Gunners shall not shoot any great Ordnance at other distance then poynt blanke. An Officer or two shall bee appointed to take care that no loose pouder bee carried betweene the Decks, or neere any linstocke, or match in hand: you shall saw diuers Hogs heads in two parts, and filled with water, set them aloft the Deckes: you shall deuide your Carpenters some in the hold, (if any shot come betweene wind and water) and the rest betweene the Decks, with plates of lead, plugs, with all things necessary laid by them: you shall also lay by your tubs of water, certaine wet blankets to cast vpon and choke any fire, the Maister and Boat-swaine shall appoynt a certaine number of Sailers to euery saile, and to euery such company a Maisters mate, Boat-swaines Mate, or quarter Maister, so as when euery man knowes his charge and place, things may be done without noyse or confusion, and no man to speake but the Officers: As for example, if the Maister or his Mate bid heaue out the [Page] maine Top-saile, the Maisters mate, Boat-swains mate, or quarter Maister which hath charge of that saile, shall with his company performe it without calling out to others, and so for the fore-saile, fore top-saile, sprit-saile, and the rest: the Boat-swaine himselfe taking no particular charge of any Saile, but ouerlooking all, and seeing euery one doe his duty.

No man shall bord a Ship of the enemy without order, because the losse of a Ship to vs is of more importance, then of ten to the enemy, as also by one mans bording all our Fleet may be ingaged, it being a great dishonour to loose the least of our Fleet. Euery Ship being vnder the lee of the enemy shall labour to recouer the wind, if the Admirall indeauour it, and we find an enemy to leeward of vs, the whole Fleet shall follow the Admirall, Vice-Admirall, or other leading Ships within Musquet shot of the enemy, giuing so much liberty to the leading Ships after her broad side discouered, she may stay and trim her sailes, then is the second Ship to giue her side, and the third and fourth, which done they shall all take as the first Ship, and giuing the enemy the other side shall keepe him vnder a perpetuall volley: Thus must you doe to the windermost Ship of the enemy, which you shall batter in pieces, or force her to beare vp and intangle the rest falling foule one of another to their great confusion.

If the Admirall giue chase and bee head-most man, the next Ship shall take vp his Boat if other [Page] order bee not giuen: or if any other Ship bee appointed to giue chase, the next Ship, if the chasing Ship haue a boat at her sterne, shall take her vp: if any make a Ship to strike, hee shall not enter her till the Admirall come vp.

The Musketiers deuided into certaine quarters of the Ship shall not deliuer their shot but at such distances as their Commander shall direct them: you shall take a speciall care for the keeping of the Ship cleane betweene the Decks, to haue your Ordnance in order and not cloyd with trunkes, and chests. Let those that haue prouision of victualls, deliuer it to the Steward, and euery man put his apparrell in canuase Clokebags, except some few Chests which doe not pester the Ship: Euery one that vseth any weapon of fire, bee it Musket or other Piece, shall keepe it cleane, and if hee bee not able to amend it being out of order, hee shall presently acquaint his Officer therewith who shall command the Armorer to amend it.

No man shall keepe any feasting or drinking betweene meales, nor drinke any healths on the Ships prouision: Euery Captaine by his Purser, Steward, or other Officer shall take a weekely account how the Victualls wast: The Steward shall not deliuer any Candles to any priuate man, or to any priuate vse.

Whosoeuer shall steale from his fellowes, either apparrell or any thing else, shall be punished as a thiefe, or if any one steale any victualls, either by breaking into the hold, or otherwise, hee shall [Page] receiue the punishment of a thiefe and the murtherer of his fellowes.

There is no man shall strike any Officer, be hee Captaine, Lieftenant, Ensigne, Sergeant, Corporall of the Field, a quarter Maister, nor the Maister of any Ship, Maisters mate, Boat-swaine, or quarter Maister, I say no man shall offer any violence to any of these, but the Supreame Officer to the inferior, in time of Seruice vpon paine of death: No priuate man shall strike one another vpon paine of receiuing such punishment as a Marshall Court shall thinke him worthy of.

No man shall play at Cards or Dice, either for his Apparill or Armes vpon paine of being disarmed, & made a Swabber; and whosoeuer shall shew himselfe a coward vpon any landing or otherwise, hee shall bee disarmed, and made a Labourer and carrier of victualls for the rest.

No man shall land any men in any forraigne parts, without order from the Generall, the Sergeant Mayor or other chiefe Officer, vpon paine of death; and wheresoeuer wee shall haue cause to land, no Man shall force any Woman, bee shee Christian or Heathen vpon paine of death: And you shall take especiall care when God shall suffer vs to land in the Indies, not to eat any fruits vnknowne, such fruits as you doe not find eaten by birds on the tree or beasts vnder the tree you shall auoyd.

You shall not sleepe on the ground nor eat any new flesh till it bee salted, two or three houres, [Page] which otherwise, will breed a most dangerous fluxe, so will the eating of ouer fat hoggs or Turkies: you shall also haue a great care, that you swim not in any Riuers but where you see the Indians swin, because most of the Riuers are full of Allegators: you shall not take any thing from any Indian by force, for from thenceforth we shall neuer be releeued; but you must vse them with all courtesie. And for trading or exchanging with them it must be done by one or two of euery Ship for all the rest, and the price to be directed by the Cape Merchant, for otherwise all our commodities will bee of small price, and greatly to our hinderance.

For other orders on the Land we will establish them (when God shall send vs thither) by generall consent, in the meane time I will value euery mans honor according to their degree and valor, and taking care for the seruice of God and prosperity of our enterprise.

When the Admirall shall hang out a Flag or Ensigne on the Missen shrouds, you shall know it to be a Flag of Counsaile to come aboard.

A Reference of the Voyage to the Directions.

[Page]

BY these Orders and Commandedements, you may see to what Coast wee are bound, and namely to the South parts of America, and no doubt to the onely best part thereof: For as all the Springs and Riuers in the world haue but one head, namely, the Sea: so it is thought all the wealthy Mynes in the world haue but one Soueraigne, which is an Empire placed in these parts, and that is the great Empire of Guiana, Of Guyani, and the wealth. ruled by the great Emperour Inga: of the great wealth and riches whereof Francisco Lopez and others thus report; That all the vessels of the Emperours house, Tables, and Kitchen were of Siluer and Gold, and the very meanest of all of Siluer and Copper, for the strength and hardnesse of the mettall: That in his Wardrobe were hollow Statues of gold, which seemed gyants, and Figures in proportion and bignesse of all the Beasts, Birds, Trees, and Hearbs, that the earth bringeth forth in pure Gold also, [Page] and of all the Fishes that the Sea and waters of that Empyre breedeth. Also there was Ropes, Budgets, Chests, and Troughs of Gold and Siluer; great heaps of Billets of Gold, which seemed wood marked out to burne; nay, that there was nothing in all that Empire (the most flourishing of the whole world) whereof there was not a counterfeit in pure Gold.

Besides, there was seene in a certaine Iland neare the Emperours Court, a Garden of pleasure, in which was all kinde of Garden-hearbs, flowers and trees, of Gold and Siluer. As also in other places diuers great infinits of Gold and siluer vnwrought, as in one place to the value of fifty two thousand Markes of pure Siluer, and one Million and three hundred twenty and sixe thousand and fiue hundred Pesoes in Gold.

A very strange custome.Now it is to be vnderstood that all this wealth belonged but to one Emperour: for the custome of the Country is, that whosoeuer dyeth hath all his Treasure buryed with him, so that euen from the first Ruler to the Emperour now liuing, it is thought no lesse Treasure will be found in euery Monument; which how vnspeakable it is, I leaue to iudgement.

Martines his testimony, aud first Christian that saw Guyana.And this doth also witnesse Martines, a Spanyard, who liued seauen Moneths in the great Citie Manoa (which hee called El Dorado, the place of gold) with the great Emperour Inga, and saw with his eyes what Lopez had written. And further, he did affirme of himselfe, that when hee first entred into [Page] that Citie, (which for buildings, state and popularitie, and all other outward excellencies, hee thought the goodliest in the whole world) it was neare noone, and then they vncouered his face (for in his whole trauell hee was led by the Indians blindfold before) and hee trauelled all that day till darke night, and the next day from Sunne-rise till Sunne-set, directly forward within the Citie, before hee came to the Emperours Court, which expresseth a masse of buildings farre beyond our apprehensions.

But here it will be obiected by the curious,A curious Obiection answered. that without all question if this were possible to be so, that the Conquest thereof had beene attempted many yeares agoe, and that the Spanyard who hath got Peru and Mexico, would not haue slept in a Designe of this great consequence: Or if he had, that then these knowledges would haue inflamed all the great Spirits of Christendome to haue ioyned their forces together in so worthy a Conquest. And surely the Obiection is true, nor hath eyther the Spanyard or other Princes beene sloathfull in this attempt, though it hath please God their labours haue not hitherto taken effect. For first,Oreliano the I. attempter for Guyana. the Marquesse of Pescaro imployed Oreliano about the Discouery of this Empire in the yeare 1542. and hee was the first that found out the Riuer of Amazons, but failed in his first purpose.

After him Ordace, Ordace the attempter. who was Knight of the order of St. Iago, did attempt the same designe, vnder whom Martines (before mentioned) was maister [Page] of the Munition, this Ordace was slaine by a mutiny vpon the Coast of Guiana, with all such as likewise fauoured him; by reason whereof the attempt fayled, and few or none of the Company returned, beeing sixe hundred foote, and thirty horse.

After the death of Ordace, Pedro de Osua a Knight vndertooke the attempt,Pedro de Osua, the third attemptor. and hauing spent much time and search in the Riuer Amazons, and wearied his soldiers, was also by a mutiny stird vp by one Agiri, a man of meane quality, put to the sword, and with him all such as loued him.

Then Agiri being chiefe, tooke on him the attempt;Agiri the fourth attemptor. but not being able by that Riuer to finde any passage to Guiana, he returned back, and committing diuers rebellious outrages, was in the end ouerthrowne in Nueuo reigno, and finding no way to escape, first slew his Children to saue them from defamation, and after himselfe.

After him succeded in this enterprise Ieronimo Ortal de Saragosa, Ieronimo Ortal de Saragosa, the fift attemptor. but failing of his entrance was cast on a contrary Coast, and so proceeded no further.

Then followed Don Pedro de Siluas, Don Pedro de Siluas, the sixt attemptor. but hee also entring by the Riuer Amazons, was by those warlike Woemen defeated, and but seauen of his Company escaped, whereof but two onely returned.

Then came Pedro Hernandez de Serpa, Pedro Hernandez the seuenth attemptor. and vndertooke the action, but marching by Land to [Page] the Riuer Orenoque, was met by an Army of the Indians and ouerthrowne, so that of his whole power returned but eighteene persons.

This ouerthrow heard of the Adalantado, Don Gonzales Cemenes de Casada vndertooke the action,Gonzales Cemenes, the eight attemptor. and sought his passage by the Riuer which is called Papamene, but he also, sayling in the true entrance, returned with the losse of much labour and cost: This Gonzales gaue his Daughter in marriage to a very braue and stoute Spaniard (but a little persidious) called Bereo, binding him by his oath and honour to pursue the Action to his last substance, or the losse of his life, which Bereo vndertooke;Anthonio Bereo the ninth attemptor. and all be it hee had the experience of all those which had gone before, and of diuers others, and was well perswaded of their errours and mistakings, yet he fayled as much as any other, nor euer could come to any true light thereof till hee got conference with an antient King of that Countrey called Carapana. This Bereo was after taken Prisoner by Sir VValter Rauleigh, Bereo taken Prisoner. our noble Generall at Trinidado, from whom he exacted much of that hath beene formerly written in the yeare of our Lord 1595. at which time Sir VValter attempted the discouery of Guiana,Sr. Walter Rauleigh first Discouerer of Guiana. and proceeded further therein (being but himselfe and one hundred followers of all sorts) then euer any man had done before; he entred by one of the maine branches of Orenoque, being nine in number which fall out of the North side, and seauen out of the South, and passed the Countrey of the Tiuitiuas, Of the Tiuitiuas. which are [Page] people that in the Sommer dwell in houses on the ground, but in the Winter, vpon the tops of trees.

Of the Riuer Amana.Thence he came into the goodly Riuer of Amana, on whose borders he saw grow aboundance of fruit Trees, good and pleasant to eat, which was a very great reliefe to his Company when their victualls were spent, and such strange plants and flowers as was most wonderfull.

Then hee went to a Towne of the Arwacas, Of the Arwacas. where hee found reliefe of victualls, and other necessaries, and a most delicate and sweet Country, and in lesse then fifteene dayes after hee came to descry the mountaines of Guiana: thence he went to the Towne of Toparimaca an Indian Casiquy, which Towne is called Arwacas, and there feasted, was refreshed, and got a Pilot to bring him to Guiana; so that thence hee passed by the Iland Assapano, The Iland Assapano, and others. and the Iland Icoana: thence to the Ile Ocaywita, whence hee sent two Guianians to tell the Lord of that Country of his comming, so he passed by the plaines of the Samay, which reach to Cumana and Caracas; thence hee went vp to Aromaia, which was the Country of Morequito, that was formerly slaine by Bereo, where in the Port thereof hee anchored, and the King of Aromaia came a foote,Sir Walters conference with the King of Aromaia. vnto him, being fourteene English miles, and brought him all sorts of prouisions, with this King (beeing a man of an hundred and tenne yeares old) Sir Walter discoursed in priuate, and vnderstood that Country to bee a [Page] part of Guiana, and withall he learnd from him the waies & passages to Manoa, the strength & gouernment of the great Empire, and lastly, the nature & disposition of the people, and what Nations and Countries were aduerse vnto them. After this discourse Sir Walter gaue him leaue to depart, the old man promising him vpon his returne, all things necessary that hee should want: Thence Sir Walter went to view the famous Riuer Caroli, The great riuer Caroli. and so to to the Iland Caiama: thence to Canuria, where he had conference with the Cassique thereof, and from him learned also more of the state of Guiana, and of the great wealth, and of certaine Siluer Mynes,Discouery of Siluer Mynes. which were then vpon the borders of that Riuer, where hee then anchored, and that also hee was then very neere vnto Macureguarai the first ciuill Towne of Guiana: But now the time of the yeare being past, and the Riuers beginning to rise and breake forth, hee could ascend no further vpward by water, yet hee sent diuers especiall Gentlemen of good iudgement ouer the land, who discouered a great part of that Country, & himselfe in person diuers places of especiall account also, amongst which hee beheld the wonderfull strange fall of waters which fell from the Riuer Caroli, being about ten or twelue ouer-falls, euery one higher then another aboue the height of an ordinary Church steeple: but touching the excellency of the Country,The excellenc [...] of those bordering Countries. the beauty, riches, sweet ayre, and plenty of all things necessary for pleasure, as deere, foule, fish, and other commodities no Nation in [Page] the world could exceed it, and in this place hee found diuers very precious stones, and other Minerall things of great value, heere also he saw the great Lake of Cassipa, The great Lake of Cassipa. from which in the Summer time is gathered great aboundance of grains of pure gold, and tooke also a full suruay of many other Nations adioyning to both sides of that Riuer, but by this time the Riuers grew to an extraordinary height aboue their bankes, so as hee was compeld to proceed no further in the attempt at that time, but returned backe vnto his Shippes by the Easterly Coast, discouering all such Nations as on that side they had not beheld, and in this returne he had conference with diuers Kings and Cassiques of those Nations, whom with his vertue, wisedome, clemency, and noble cartiage, he so wan vnto him, that they offered him all the aide and assistance (to any attempt he should take in hand) that either their liues or estates were able to accomplish; withall, giuing him an accompt for the defects of other mens attempts vppon that Country, and shewing him the safe and readiest way how he might heere after make himselfe Maister of the same, with diuers other cautions of great consequence, and heere also he got some store of gold, of gold Oare, and other Iewels: hence hee came into the Country of the Cassique Putüma who shewed him a wonderfull great Myne of Gold in manner of a Rock or hard golden stones,Of gold mines which without especiall strong engines which they wanted, was not to bee pierst: [Page] Hence hee came into another branch of the Riuer of Orenoque, called Winicapora, where hee beheld a mountaine of Christall,Of a Mountaine of Christall. which to their eyes appeared like a white Church Tower of a most exceeding height: where also he saw and heard the greatest fall of water that any part of the world can produce. And in this place hee was assured there was many rich Diamonds and other precious stones of inestimable value, which were to be beheld a great way off. But the yeare time being spent, the ouer flow of waters comming, and the way much impassible, at that time he would not come neare vnto it: here hee receiued a great number of Spleene stones, and other wealth, besides much prouision of food and other necessaries. Here also he got further intelligence, and further assurances of ayd, if he should attempt any thing. Hence he came backe to Assapano, and thence with much danger to Trinidado, where hee found his ships, the sight and ioy whereof hardly any can expresse that hath not tryed the same hazard; and so thence returned home for England.

Neyther hath this Attempt beene approued onely by the Spanyard and English (as is before rehearsed) but hath also beene taken in hand by diuers braue spirits of France,Attempts by the French, for Guiana. as Mounseir Vislieres and diuers others, which were here very tedious to repeate: but they all likewise fayled therein. For making their way by the Riuer Amazons, they were euer crost in their purpose, [Page] and could finde no certaine entrance into that wealthy Empire yet notwithstanding, in that Riuer, and in the branches thereof they found great trade of Gold, which came from the borders of Guiana, and so euer returned home very wealthy, together with other rich merchandise of great estimation.

Thus you may see this El Dorado, or golden seate, hath beene sought by many worthy Spanyards, one Noble Englishman, and diuers Frenchmen, yet none so successfull as the English, which makes me Prophetiquely suppose,Hope of good hap. that the glory of the action is reserued for vs only, and the Kingdome such a Paragon and rich stone as shall adorne no crowne but the crowne of King Iames.

The rest I leaue to their iudgement which shall reade what hath beene formerly written of it, or else these few protestations which doe follow.

First, Sir Walter Rauleigh himselfe protesteth from his owne sight and knowledge,Sir Walters protestation touching the welth of Guyana. that vpon this maine Riuer in which he sailed, whose branches doe runne and diuide into diuers Nations and Countries, aboue two thousand miles to the East and West, and eight hundred miles South and North, a man may see as many seuerall Kingdomes and Prouinces as may satisfie any industrious iudgement whatsoeuer; and of them, the most, eyther rich in Gold or in other Merchandise: that in this place the Souldier may fight for Gold, and pay himselfe in stead of [Page] pence with plates of gold a foot broad: that the Commanders which shoot at honor and abundance, may finde there more beautiful Cities, more Temples adorned with Golden Images, more Sepulchers filled with Treasure, the eyther was found in Mexico or Peru: and that the shining glory of this Conquest would eclypse all the beames of the Spanish Nation.

Also hee saith, there is no Country which yeeldeth more pleasure to the Inhabitants, for the delights of Hunting, Hawking, Fishing, Fowling, and the rest, then these Lands which hee saw did. They haue also so many plaines, cleare Riuers, abundance of Pheasants, Partridges, Quailes, Rayles, Cranes, Herons, and all other Fowle: Deere of all sorts, Porkes, Hares, Lyons, Tygers, Leopards, and diuers other sorts of Beasts eyther for chase or foode, that no Nation of the world can exceede them.

And to conclude, hee saith, that both for health, good Ayre, pleasure and riches, it is not to be equald by any Region eyther in the East or West: and that there is in it great store of Brasill-wood, and diuers Berryes which dye a most perfect Crimson and Carnation; and for painting, not all France, Italy, nor the East-Indies yeeld any such, for the more the skinne is washed, the fairer the colour appeareth.

Also there is great store of Cotton, of Silke, of Balsamum, and of those kindes most excellent, and neuer knowne in Europe. There are [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [Page] all sorts of Gummes, of Indian Pepper, besides what the Country may afford in wardly, which hee had not leasure to search, is yet vnknowne. Also the Soyle is so excellent and so full of Riuers, that it will beare Sugar, Ginger, and all commodities that the West Indies hath.

Now for the easinesse of the Nauigation, hee saith it may be sayled in sixe weekes thither,Ensines for Nauigation. and in sixe weekes backe againe: and by the way neyther be shoare, enemies coast, rockes, nor sands; all which other Voyages are subject vnto.

Also hee saith, the best time to sayle from England thither, is in Iuly, because the Summer in Guiana is in October, Nouember, December, Ianuary, February, and March, and so shipping may returne from thence in Aprill, and arriue at home in England, in Iune; and by that means neuer be subiect to winter weather, eyther comming, going, or staying, which no doubt is an excellent comfort to all men that shall vndertake the Action.

And thus much touching his worthy and noble Relation, who being an eye-witnesse, would not for his honour and vertues sake abuse his Soueraigne with vntruths.

Now let vs see what the Spanyards say of this rich Kingdome. First, Alonso, The testimony of the Spaniards for the wealth of Guina. a chiefe Gouernour in the Grand Canaria, saith; that there was a Land newly discouered, called Nueuo Dorado, in which was abundance of Gold, and wonderfull riches aboue imagination: that the course [Page] to fall with it, was fifty leagues to the winde-ward to the Marguarita.

Againe hee saith in another affirmation, that in Nueuo Dorado lately found out there was gold in that abundance, as the like hath neuer formerly beene heard of, nor was any part of the world to be compared with it; and the like affirmeth Domingo de Vera who was Campe Maister and Generall for Anthony Bereo in this Discouery, and no lesse saith Rodrigo de Caranca Register for the Sea, and many others: So that to conclude your trouble and the tediousnes of my weary discourse,The conclusion this Empire is that rich Magazany which yet hath her Maidenhead neuer sackt, turn'd, nor wrought, the face of the earth hath not beene turnd nor the vertue and salt of the soyle spent by manurance, The graues haue not beene opened for Gold, the Mines not broken with the sledge or pickaxe, nor their Images puld downe out of their Temples. It hath neuer beene entred by any army of strength, and neuer conquered or possessed by any Christian Prince: Besides by the report of all former Discouerers, especially our Generall, it is so defensible and easie to bee kept from the assaults of any inuaders, that if two Forts bee builded in one of the Prouinces which he beheld and tooke especiall note of; the flood setteth in so neere the banke where the channell also lyeth that no Ship can passe vp, but within a pikes length, of the artillery, first of the one, and afterwards of the other, which two Forts he supposeth will bea sufficient guard, [Page] both to the Empire of Inga, and to one hundred other seuerall Kingdomes, all lying within the great Riuer of Orenoque, euen to the Citty of Quito in Peru.

Of this Empire if it shall please God to make the King our Maister Soueraigne, what honor and reward it will bring him and his Subiects may easily bee coniectured by what is before written; and since it is or may bee vndertaken by his owne vassaile, and one who is bound in extraordinary bonde more then euery common Subiect, to spend the vttermost of his life in the same, no doubt but hee will effect it with that wisedome, diligence, and care which shall bee sutable to the greatnes of the action, and the trust reposed, being thus far forth further encouraged by Anthonio Bereo the Spaniard, who in great earnestnes, and vpon his Soules health protested,A strange Prophesie. that hee had seene amongst diuers most antient Prophesies in Peru (at such time as that Empire was reduced to the Spanish obedience) one that affirmed, that from Inglatierra (which is to say, England) those Ingas should bee againe in time to come restored and deliuered from the seruitude of the former Conquerors, and this hee auowed to haue seene in diuers or their most principall and chiefest Temples, preserued with great reuerence and care, and till this day beleeued of all the Indians: Now an entrance in former yeares our Generall did make, as you haue read, with that successe that not any before or since hath euer equalled [Page] & displanted the first garrisons, if then now he succeed and haue fortune answerable to his rare wisedome, industry and direction, whether it bee in this nor any other to himselfe onely concealed, there is no doubt but (God assisting) hee will with such honor and high thoughts, passe and go thorow the same, that his nation shall haue praise, his friendes comfort, and himselfe the true aduancement of his merits.

But to giue you a little tast of what hath succeeded in our present Iourney, you shall vnderstand that we departed from Plimouth to Corke in Ireland, where after some refreshment wee set saile out of the riuer of Corke, and thence sailed more then three Moneths before we came to the Coast of Guiana, which albeit generally it bee euer run in seauen or eight weekes, yet were the windes so strangely crosse vnto vs, (a thing seldome seene in that passage) that in lesse time we could not effect our purpose: So that vpon the seaventh day of Nouember last past, 1617. wee discouered the Coast of Guiana, during which time of our being at Sea, we had a great visitation of Sicknesse, so that many were sicke, and some are dead, amongst which, the most eminent persons that dyed were these. Captaine Iohn Pygot our Lieftenant Generall, worthy Captaine Hastings, my Lord of Huntington, brother, a Gentleman of so much foreward hope, and goodnes, that he was couerd with many tears, and much mourning; also there died Maister Talbot Scholler, which hath been long imployed [Page] by our Generall; M Newhall, the maister Chirurgeon of our Generalls Ship, and others, with which I will not trouble your eares.

Vpon the discouering of the Coast, we came into the faire Riuer of Caltana, being (as it appeareth to me) a branch of Oerenoque, where my Lord, our Generall cast Anchor, and doth purpose to refresh his sick men, and to take in fresh water and other necessary prouisions, of which that Coast abounddeth, and so to proceed in his enterprise which God in his mercy prosper, for our hopes euery day grow stronger and stronger. This part of Guiana in which we now are, is to me a very Paradise, and so excellent in all perfections and beauties, that Nature seemes only here to haue her Temple; we haue euen now (being the Month of Nouember) a much more delicate Sommer, then is in England at Mid-sommer, the Sun and Ayre so wholsome & pleasant without offence or scorching, the trees & ground so brauely flourishing, and euery thing in Generall so absolute and full of fruitfull promise, that more cannot be by man desired: for mine own part I dare assure you, that in my life time I neuer saw or tasted more strange, more delicate, & more pleasant fruits, then heere we may continually gather in most infinite aboundance, being besides so wondrous wholsome and vnoffensiue, that I haue not heard any complaine either of surfet, or other accidentall sicknes, as wormes, fluxes & such like, which commonly follow the much eating of sweet and pleasant fruit. To enter into a Description of [Page] the beautifull prospect of this Country which wee now see, although it be but the out-borders and skirts of the Empire, so nearer a neighbour to the maine Ocean, that in reason it should promise the least fertilitie; yet I say againe, to describe the goodlinesse thereof, the brauery of the Hils, and comlinesse of the vallies, both shadowed and adorned with goodly tall green trees; the pleasantnesse and coolnesse of the Riuers which runne and mixe themselues in the most conuenientest places, plentifully stored with fish of seuerall natures; the variety of rare coloured Birds which flie vp and down in euery place about vs, no colour almost vnder the Sun but being reuealed in their feathers: were to draw a Landskip of that excellent perfection, which no Art could better, hardly imitate. For truely hitherto to mine eye this Country hath appeared a very earthly Paradise, and therefore doubtlesse is full of strong promises, that our attemptings cannot returne without much honour and reward, a rent hopefully due to euery such noble action. But since it yet resteth in hope, I will leaue it to the will and direction of the great GOD of Heauen: To whose protection I refer you, with this assurance, that as our successe shall happen, and the action either decrease or diminish, so you shall by writing more amply vnderstand thereof.

From the Riuer of Caliana on the Coast of Guiana, this seauenteenth of Nouember. 1617.

R.M.

FINIS.

Information about this book

Title statement

Nevves of Sr. VValter Rauleigh With the true description of Guiana: as also a relation of the excellent gouernment, and much hope of the prosperity of the voyage. Sent from a gentleman of his fleet, to a most especiall friend of his in London. From the riuer of Caliana, on the coast of Guiana, Nouemb. 17. 1617.

R. M., fl. 1617.

Edition statement

1618

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2003-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A06694

ID [STC]

STC 17148.3

ID [STC]

ESTC S109776

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

99845421

ID [PROQUEST]

99845421

ID [VID]

10318

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Early English books online.

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(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A06694)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 10318)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 850:07)

Source

— Nevves of Sr. VValter Rauleigh With the true description of Guiana: as also a relation of the excellent gouernment, and much hope of the prosperity of the voyage. Sent from a gentleman of his fleet, to a most especiall friend of his in London. From the riuer of Caliana, on the coast of Guiana, Nouemb. 17. 1617., R. M., fl. 1617..

Extent

[2], 45, [1] p.

Printed [by George Eld] for H. G[osson] and are to be sold by I. Wright, at the signe of the Bible without New-gate,. London :: 1618.. (Signed at end: R.M.) (Printer's and publisher's names from STC.) (A reissue of STC 17148, with sheets B-D reset. G3v is blank.) (Identified as STC 17148 on UMI microfilm reel 850.) (Reproduction of the original in the British Library.)

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