A briefe discovery or description of the most famous island of Madagascar or St. Laurence in Asia neare unto East-India with relation of the healthfulnesse, pleasure, fertility and wealth of that conntrey [sic] ... also the condition of the natives ... also the excellent meanes and accommodation to fit the planters there ... / by R.B. and Francis Lloyd, merchants.

A briefe discovery or description of the most famous island of Madagascar or St. Laurence in Asia neare unto East-India with relation of the healthfulnesse, pleasure, fertility and wealth of that conntrey [sic] ... also the condition of the natives ... also the excellent meanes and accommodation to fit the planters there ... / by R.B. and Francis Lloyd, merchants.

Table of contents

Title page

TO His most Royall (and I trust in God (yet) Most Gracious Soveraigne Lord King CHARLES of England, &c. and to the Right Honourable the Peeres, Lords and Commons Assembled in the High and Honourable Court of Parliament.

To the Reader.

The Contents.

Excellent Encouragement for Setling an English Plantation at MADAGASCAR in ASIA.

CHAP. I. The occasion of printing this rude treatise or pamphlet, Prince Ruperts intent to plant at Madagascar, Master Walter Hamonds book in praise of this Island will give good incouragement for a plantation, he that is Lord or King of Madagascar may easily in good time be Emperour of all India, also the cheapnesse of necessaries both for back and belly to be had out of India for the present reliefe of the planters.

CHAP. II. The Countries scituation under the Tropick of Capricorne the healthfulnesse of the Country, Augustines bay a chiefe and excellent harbour for multitude of ships, the pleasantnesse and fertility of the Country, a second land of Canaan or a Paradice of the world, the Portugals rich trade to Mussambeg on the coast of Malindia.

CHAP. III. Hogs in Malinda have stones in their mawes as pretious as rich Iewels, the affection of the inhabitants to our Nation above all others, Portugall Fryers slaine to accompany the King of Madagascar at his death to heaven, great store of wildo Foule and Turkies, the Envy of the East India Company against a plantation may give the better incouragement thereunto: no Gold Silver nor any rich commodity of so high esteeme in Madagascar as red Cornelian Beads.

CHAP. IIII. The comlinesse of the Natives though naked, yet personable and of pleasant countenance, their weapons not dangerous or of great annoyance, their small use and unskilfullnesse in labour or manufacture, great probability of sugar and spices at Madagascar, the praise of the Island comparable with the land of Canaan.

CHAP. V. The Idolatrous worship of God, or the Devill, the Natives addicted to theft and robbery. A project of the Bishops deposed to plant at Madagascar, Madagascar sauegard rasbly attained unto.

CHAP. VI. Great incouragement to the plantation, the cheapenesse of cloathing or apparrell to be bad out of India for the use of the planters, the rich attire for persons of quality to be had there exceeding cheape, all sorts of hearbs roots fruits and foules to be bad in plentifull abundance in Madagascar, trees yeelding great store of pleasant liquor nothing inferiour to wine and sugar in England, the excellent vertue of India Mirabolins.

CHAP. VII. The cheapenesse of all sorts of cattell and food at Madagascar, the Turkies before mentioned in Mr. Lloyds intelligence are not so large and good as ours, and I rather accompt the Sa•ts or such like fowle but being all over speckled blacke and white our people give them the name of Turkies, the great benefit to be made by dayries at Madagascar, with the meanes to accommodate the making of butter and cheese in that hot Country, as also for poudering of Beefe and brewing of good Beere.

CHAP. VIII. The accommodation and meanes for dayries, brewing of beere and powdering of meat for the use of ships at sea, the meanes to make Saltpeter cheaper then in India or elsewhere, all sorts of excellent materialls for building to be had in Madagascar, poore artificers may live by their labours in all sorts of manufacture, out strip all Nations of the world for the price of their labour, trade and commerce to and from Madagascar will exceede in benefit all other.

CHAP. IX. The Riches to be accrewd by Trade between England and India, may all be converted by a free Trade to the Planters at Madagascar, the benefit of particular commodities, to and from between India and Persia; the Piscash of a Chain of Gold given by Podomsee, though of 500. pound Valew not comparable to the benefit he received by fraight and custome in his Massie Treasure in Pearles, the Massie rich Trade of Pearles, and Diamonds from Persia into India, &c.

CHAP. X. The mighty losse to the Portugalls in Customes, by the losse of Ormus, which might haue been turned to the benefit of the English, who Conquered it and indiscreetly deserted it to the benefit of the Persians.

CHAP. XI. A brave Sea fight with the Portugals upon the coast of India, another brave Sea fight with one English ship against many Portugals in the gulfe of Persia, the Portugals cruelty to our men taken prisoners in coole blood.

CHAP. XII. The Portugals mediation for peace with the English Nation, the Persians valuation of Ormus, at twenty Millions of treasure, now they are possessed thereof, which the English might have enjoyed, if they had had wise Governours, Committees, and Agents, of the India corporation; the exceeding folly of the East India court, in sending treasure into Persia, to touch at Surrat, where the money being invested in commodities would have turned almost to double money profit, the unconsionable custome of India Courts in not shipping out our own rich native commodities, which would yeeld good profit, but transporting much Gold and Silver, to their countries losse, and proofe of their ill office to the Common-wealth; the way to drive a rich trade into India, without transportation of treasure. Multitude of English commodities beneficiall for transportation into India, to save exportation of treasure, if the India courts were good members of the common-wealth; the beneficiall trade in India, between Surrat and Goa neare adjacent: all commodities from Surrat to Bantam vendible, at great beneficiall prizes.

CHAP. XIII. The exceeding rich trade from Surrat to China, and also a rich trade from China to India, though this beneficiall trade be neglected by the English sluggish injudicious Court Committees; if a free trade were open, diligent industrous Merchants would leave no place unassayed where there is great hopes or certain assurance of large profit, the profitable trade from India to Moco in the Red Sea, the way to inrich our usurers with more security of conscience by letting Moneyes at interest to Heathens rather then to Christians and at double the Rates, for their greater incouragement. Industrious men in open trade will find out for more severall sorts of Commodities, then the India injudicious Courts (never exercised in the practick of that commerce) doe looke into, and no doubt but as beneficiall.

CHAP. XIIII. A beneficiall trade to be made at the Port of Swollow road, where all Christian Ships and others resort at fitting times; incouragement to young Merchants or decayed persons of a good and honest repute at home in their owne Country, a meanes to draw on Adventures in purse and person to Madagascar.

CHAP. XV. The valour of the English Nation against the Salvages in Virginia and new-England, also of the Spaniards against a civil nation in America, or the west Indies, also of the Spaniards and Portugals against the Brasilians, and against the Indians a mighty warlike nation, also the designe of other Nations, jeering us for not setling a plantation somewhere in India for our succour and defence, ought to stirre us up to such an enterprize, the honour and blessing of a pious christian nation, to settle true religion among Idolatrous heathen people, to Gods glory and honour; The barbarous cruell oppression of the Dutch against the English at Amboyna in east India, being to mighty and to strong for the English to resist.

CHAP. XVI. Esquire Cuourteen his worthy enterprize to settle the beginning of a Plantation at Madagascar, the partiallity injustice and ingratitude of the India Courts against their true loyall Brothers Servants; and corrupt favour to their Iugling, debauched, undeserving, mere bireling Servants. A commodity of great value to be regarded and searched for out at Madagascar and of great advantage to the obtainers thereof; Prince Rupert in a great forwardnesse to a hopefull Plantation at Madagascar, the Earle of Arundels intention to supply Prince Ruperts fayling in the project for Madagascar.

CHAP. XVII. The use of Ordnance, Guns and Printing long in use in China, before used in Christendome, good admonition to give the glory to God, in this action and all others.

Errata.

§

§

[Page]

A BRIEFE Discovery or Description Of the most Famous Island Of MADAGASCAR or St LAURENCE in Asia neare unto East-India.

With Relation of the Healthfulnesse, Pleasure, Fertility and wealth of that Countrey, comparable if not transcending all the Easterne parts of the world, a very Earthly Paradise; a most sitting and desirable place, to settle an English Colony and Plantation there, rather then in any other part of the knowne world.

Also the Condition of the Natives, their inhabiting, their affability, Habit, Weapons, and manner of living, the plenty, and cheapsiēsse of Food, Flesh, Fish; and Fowle, Orenges and Lemonds, Sugar, Amber-Greece, Gold, Tortle-shels, and Drugs, and many other Commodities sit for Trade and Commerce, to be had and gotten there at cheaper Rates then in India or elsewhere.

Also trading from Port to Port all India and Asia over, and the great profit gained thereby.

The chiefest place in the world to enrich men by Trade, to and from India, Persia Moco, Achine, China, and other rich Easterne Kingdomes. I being the fittest place for a Magazine or Store-house of Trade between Europe and Asia, farre exceeding all other Plantations in America or elsewhere.

Also the excellent meanes and accommodation to fit the Planters there, with all things needfull and superfluous for backe and belly (out of India neare adjacent, at one fourth part of the price, and cheaper then it will cost in England; yea, Fat Bullocks, Sheep, Goats, Swine, Poultrey, Rice, (and Wheat and Barley reasonable, &c.) exceeding cheap, for the value of twelve pence or one shilling English, will purchase or buy of the Natives as much as 5, 6, 7 pounds or more in England, in this famous Island at their first arrivall, which no other Countrey hath afforded.

By R. B. and Francis Lloyd, Merchants.

The second Edition corrected and amended.

London, Printed for Iohn Hardesty, at the Signe of the Black-spread Eagle in Duck-lane. 1647.

TO His most Royall (and I trust in God (yet) Most Gracious Soveraigne Lord King CHARLES of England, &c. and to the Right Honourable the Peeres, Lords and Commons Assembled in the High and Honourable Court of Parliament.

[Page]

[Page]

MOst Gracious, Sacred and dread Soveraigne, and most Honourable pious Peares and Commons in Parliament Assembled: The despicable condition of my poor Estate (ruined through envy, malice, and revenge abroad in India, and cruelly oppressed by deep ingratitude, partiality and injustice at home in England;) the weaknesse and infermity of my decrepit person (debillitated by along continued sicknesse now almost six yeares compleat) with my simple Ignorant and weak understanding (yet true loyall hearty affection to my King and Countryes glory and renowne) right Humbly, and in all Lowly and Reverend Submission to Your Highnesse, and Honours Vertues and Authority, craves pardon and remission for my boldnesse, in interrupting your most [Page] serious and most weighty affaires of State, with the dull apprehension of my zeale and affection to Gods glory, the Honour of my gracious Soveraigne and his most Royall Posterity, and the welfaire and accommodation of my indeared native Country, which hath induced or rather impulsed, and coacted me to come to counsell before I am called, and to lend the opinion of an unintelligent and unfortunate Merchant, concerning the aptnes, accommodation, and assured great benefit of this Kingdom of England by settling a considerable Plantation in the most famous Island of the world (Madagascar or Saint Lawrence) and that thereby the glory of Almighty, your Majesties Honour, and the Common-wealths happinesse may redownd to all the world, as well out of Asia as Affryca (or rather more and better) in hopefull or assured expectation) as out of America and other parts of the world. May it therefore please your Highnesse and Honours, to pardon my servent zeale and affection to this worthy designe; which if the Lawes of England did forbid or give causion to the projectors of new busines to the Commonwealth, under paine of losse of life if their projects proved hurtfull to the same (as that (as I take it) of the Lacedemonians or some otherwell governed [Page] Common-wealth (and such law perhaps not hurtfull to this Kingdome) yet would I adventure without any hope or expectation, to my selfe of reward or accommodation to) exhibit this project (so apparently beneficiall to the common-wealth in my own strong confident opinion) if so be it should please, his Royall Majesty and the Honourable High Court of Parliament, to undertake it as abusinesse of State and of great consequence to this Kingdoms its welfare and Indempnity.

To insist upon a large Epistle were obnoxious to Your Majesty, and Honours weighty and importent affaires, and my dull apprehention, with the tymorousnesse of my deep offence in such bold presumption, forbids me to take that unpleasing task upon me, I verily acknowledge it a transcendent, haughty presumption in me to exhibit so rude and unpollisht a Pamphlet to Your Highnesse and Honours perusall (yea to the meanest of the Honourable House of Commons) which though it cannot expect gracious acceptance from any, yet if it incurre not unto me thereby Your Majesties and Honours just indignation, for my impulsed zeale to my King and Countryes good out of the small experience and weake iniuditious apprehention of my unfortunate travels, untill [Page] such time as more juditious and better intelligent persons by their more skilfull prevalent perswasive pens give better incouragement, for speedy and effectuall means to proceed in so weighty (yea most hopefull successefull) a businesse, I shall have some cause (yet) to rejoyce in the depth of my misery and affliction; in the meane time my daily earnest Prayers to God, shall be for his abundant blessings, spirituall and temporall to his Sacred Majesty, and his most Royal Posterity, the Right Honourable High Court of Parliament, and all His Majesties true Loyall Subjects; and that the Lord Jesus would please to break in peeces the most hurtfull Cords of Contention with the spirit of truth and concord, and put away from all them that prosesse his name the offence of quarrels and dissention among them, that we may be joyned together in one minde, in truth love and Christian Charity, to the praise honour and glory of God Almighty; and such shall be ever the prayers,

Of Your Sacred Majesties, and Your Honours most Loyall Subject and Servant.

Richard Boothby.

To the Reader.

[Page]

COurteous Reader, this Booke was intended to have been divulged in August, anno 1644. but many lets have impeded the same, my owne weaknesse of body: the hinderance of a captious licencer, blameing the rudenesse of the stile and my placeing Madagascar in Asia, which he would needs have to be in Affrica, but whether in Asia or Affrica I yet rest unresolved, by the opinion of some Sea-men accounting it in Asia; some detrac [...]nesse it hath had by long detention of some cheife member of Parliament, to whom I committed the perusal, which their multitude of more weighty affaires would not admit time for it's perusall; and lastly occasioned by the visit (in my long continued sicknesse) of an East India Merchant, Mr. Francis Lloyd my loving friend, whom I had not seen in seven yeeres or more before, who beareing of my intention desired to have a sight of the rude manuscript, which after some time he returned me and offering to adde some what thereunto touching the incouragement for a plantation at Madagascar, and the assured great benefit [Page] by trade from thence to all parts of the world, by making or setling there a Magazine or store house for trade into all Christian and heathen Kingdomes, which his free offer I thankefully accepted, knowing his intelligence in the Easterne parts of the world, to be second to none of this Nation, he haveing been many times imployed Factor and Purser of the Admirall ship into India, and five times at Madagascar, and often visited those many rich kingdomes, and got great experience in the trades, trafficke and commerce of them all from place to place, which now he having performed, I have here into inserted, yet not desirous to attribute vain gloriously to my self, nor to detract from his deeper judgement (far beyond my owne) who never was but once in India, and that but one yeare and halfe, that time a close prisoner (not for any crime) but in malice and revenge of a leud President and counsell in India, I have caused his advice and intelligence to be marked with some marke or signe, and his name in the margen [...]t, thereby to be distinguished and knowne from what is of my owne weake capacity, and so to giue him his due desert far surpassing mine, and second in that kinde to none in England. Therefore gentle reader I intreat thee to accept both our endeavours and harty well wishings, to Gods glory, his Majesties honour, and the welfare of our endeared native Country in good part, which we referre to thy charitable censure.

The Contents.

[Page]

CHAP. I. The occasion of printing this rude Treatise or pamphlet, Prince Ruperts intent to plant at Madagascar, Master Walter Hamonds book in praise of this Island will give good incouragement for a plantation, be that is Lord or King of Madagascar may easily in good time be Emperour of all India, also the cheapnesse of necessaries both for backe and belly to be had out of India for the present reliefe of the planters.

p. 1

CHAP. II. The Countries scituation under the Tropick of Caprieorne, the healthfulnesse of the Country, Augustine Bay a che [...]e and excellent harbour for multitude of ships, the pleasantnesse and fertility of the Country, a second land of Canaan or a Paradice of the world, the Portugals rich trade to Mussambeg on the coast of Malindia.

p. 4.

CHAP. III. Hogs in Malinda have stones in their mawes as pretious as rich Iewels, the affection of the inhabitants to our Nation above all others, Portugall Fryers staine to accompany the King of Madagascar at his death to heaven, great store of wilde Foule and Turkies, the envy of the East India Company against a plantation may give the better encouragement thereunto: no Gold Silver nor any rich commodity of so high esteeme in Madagascar as red Cornelian Beads.

p. 7.

GHAP. IIII. The comlinesse of the Natives though naked, yet personable and of pleasant countenance, their weapons not dangerous or of great annoyance, their small use and unskilfullnesse in labour or manufacture, great probability of sugar and spices at Madagascar, the praise of the Island, comparable with the land of Canaan.

p. 11.

[Page] CHAP. V. The Idolatrous worship of God, or the Devill, the Natives addicted to theft and robbery. A project of the Bishops disposed to plant at Madagascar, Madagascar sauegard rashly attained unto.

p. 15.

CHAP. VI. Great incouragement to the plantation, the cheapenesse of cloathing or apparell to be had out of India for the use of the planters, the rich attire for persons of quality to be had there exceeding cheape, all sorts of hearbs roots fruits and foules to be had in plentifull abundance in Madagascar, trees yeelding great store of pleasant liquor nothing inferiour to wine and sugar in England, the excellent vertue of India Mirabolins.

p. 20.

CHAP. VII. The cheapenesse of all sorts of eattell and food at Madagascar, the Turkies before mentioned in Mr. Lloyds intelligence are not so large and good as ours, and I rather accompt the Sants or such like fowle but being all over speckled blacke and white our people give them the name of Turkies, the great benefit to be made by dayries at Madagascar, with the meanes to accommodate the making of butter and cheese in that hot Country, as also for poudering of Beefe and brewing of good Beere.

p. 24.

CHAP. VIII. The accommodation and meanes for dayries, brewing of beere and powdering of meat for the use of ships at sea, the meanes to make Saltpeter cheaper then in India or elsewhere, all sorts of excellent materialls for building to be had in Madagascar, poore artificers may live by their labours in all sorts of manufacture, out strip all Nations of the world for the price of their labour, trade and commerce to and from Madagascar will exceede in benefit all other.

p. 27.

CHAP. IX. The Riches to be aecrewd by Trade between England and India, may all be converted by a free Trade to the Planters at Madagascar, the benefit of particular commodities, to and from between India and Persia; the Piscash of a Chain of Gold given by Podomsee, though of 500. pound Valew not comparable to the benefit he received by fraight and custome in his Massie Treasure in Pearles, the Massie rich Trade of Pearles, and Diomonds from Persia into India, &c.

p. 30.

[Page] CHAP. X. The mighty losse to the Portugalls in Customes, by the losse of Ormus, which might haue been turned to the benefit of the English, who Conquered it and indiscreetly deserted it to the benefit of the Persians.

p. 34.

CHAP. XI. A brave Sea fight with the Portugals upon the coast of India, another brave Sea fight with one English ship against many Portugals in the gulfe of Persia, the Portugals cruelty te our men taken prisoners in coole blood.

p. 38.

CHAP. XII. The Portugals mediation for peace with the English Nation, the Persians valuation of Ormus, at twenty Millions of treasure, now they are possessed thereof, which the English might have enjoyed, if they had had wise Governours, Committees, and Agents, of the India corporation; the exceeding folly of the East India court, in sending treasure into Persia, to touch at Surrat, where the money being inverted in commodities would have turned almost to double money profit, the unconsionable custome of India Courts in not shipping out our own rich native commodities, which would yeeld good profit, but transporting much Gold and Silver, to their countries losse, and proofe of their ill office to the Common-wealth; the way to drive a rich trade into India, without transportation of treasure. Multitude of English commodities beneficiall for transportation into India, to save exportation of treasure, if the India courts were good members of the common-wealth; the beneficiall trade in India, between Surrat and Goa neare adjacent: all commodities from Surrat to Bantam vendible, at great beneficiall prizes.

p. 43.

CHAP. XIII. The exceeding rich trade from Surrat to China, and also a rich trade from China to India, though this beneficiall trade be neglected by the English sluggish injudicious Court Committees; if a free trade were open, diligent industrous Merchants would leave no place unassayed where there is great hopes or certain assurance of large profit, the profitable trade from India to Moco in the Red Sea, the way to inrich our usurers with more security of conscience by letting Moneyes at interest to Heathens rather then to Christians and at double the Rates, for their greater incouragement. Industrious men in open trade will find out far more severall sorts of Commodities, then the India injudicious Courts (never exercised in the practick of that commerce) doe looke into, and no doubt but as beneficiall.

p. 48.

[Page] CHAP. XIIII. A beneficiall trade to be made at the Port of Swollow road, where all Christian Ships and others resort at fitting times; incouragement to young Merchants or decayed persons of a good and honest repute at home in their owne Country, a meanes to draw on Adventurers in purse and person to Madagascar.

p. 58.

CHAP. XV. The valour of the English Nation against the Salvages in Virginia and newEngland, also of the Spaniards against a civill nation in America, or the west Indies, also of the Spaniards and Portugals against the Brasilians, and against the Indians a mighty warlike nation, also the designe of other Nations, jeering us for not setling a plantation somewhere in India for our succour and defence, ought to stirre us up to such an enterprize, the honour and blessing of a pious christian nation, to settle true religion among Idolatrous heathen people, to Gods glory and honour; The barbarous cruell oppression of the Dutch against the English at Amboyna in east India, being to mighty and to strong for the English to resist.

p. 62.

CHAP. XVI. Esquire Courteen his worthy enterprize to settle the beginning of a Plantation at Madagascar, the partiallity injustice and ingratitude of the India Courts against their true loyall Brothers Servants; and corrupt favour to their Iugling, debauched, undeserving, meere hireling Servants. A commodity of great value to be regarded and searched for out at Madagascar and of great advantage to the obtainers thereof; Prince Rupert in a great forwardnesse to a hopefull Plantation at Madagascar, the Earle of Arundels intention to supply Prince Ruperts fayling in the project for Madagascar.

p. 66.

CHAP. XVII. The use of Ordnance, Guns and Printing long in use in China, before used in Christendome, good admonition to give the glory to God, in this action and all others.

p. 70.

Excellent Encouragement for Setling an English Plantation at MADAGASCAR in ASIA.

[Page]

CHAP. I. The occasion of printing this rude treatise or pamphlet, Prince Ruperts intent to plant at Madagascar, Master Walter Hamonds book in praise of this Island will give good incouragement for a plantation, he that is Lord or King of Madagascar may easily in good time be Emperour of all India, also the cheapnesse of necessaries both for back and belly to be had out of India for the present reliefe of the planters.

FOr as much as great talke and rumour hath happened this last spring, 1644. about divers of his Majesties subjects adventuring to Madagascar or Saint Lawrence in Asia neere unto East India, and there to plant themselves as in other parts of America, and that some by report are already gone upon that voyage, and for that my selfe have been heretofore desirous to deliver my opinion thereof (in regard of my being and abode upon that Island, three moneths or more together) as first about eleven or twelve yeares past by the right Worshipfull Doctor Henry Gouch master of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge, whom himselfe had in his passage into Persia (in company with the right Honourable Sir Dodmore Cotton and Sir Robert Sherley Ambassadors from his Majesty King Charles of England to the King of Persia) being in that Country, whom I satisfied the best I could out of those briefe notes which I had taken, not expecting to have been required my opinion thereof (which otherwise [Page] I would have been more exact and diligent in my observations) yet gave him some content chiefly (I thinke) with a book I lent him to take a Copy of the writing of the priests or religious men there, which Master Doctor Gouch told me was the antient writing of the Egyptians in Hierogliphycks or Characters of strange shapes like beasts, foules, wormes, serpents, &c. or like unto utinsels or tooles of labouring men in severall Vocations, which having perused and copied out, he returned to me againe with thanks. Secondly, about six or seaven yeares past, the Honourable Endimion Porter and that noble well affected Gentleman Captaine Iohn Bond, to that Plantation desired me to give them some of my observations in writing (it being at that time when as the right Honourable the Earle of Arundell, and other honourable persons intended to perswade Prince Rupert to undertake that businesse, which no doubt had he performed, would have been more effectuall to Gods glory, more advantage and more honourable and beneficiall unto himselfe and brethren then to countenance a civill war in this Kingdome so much at all times respective to him and his family) which though more rudely and more defective for want of my papers lost, I performed, was acceptably of them also received (with the Booke formerly mentioned, which they presented to his Majesty as a present of some respect) and though the Booke was grosly charactared and bound up by the salvages, yet it cost me the price of six or eight fat Oxen: I also gave Master Porter some of the salvages weapons as darts, and a long knife about two foot long the blade and haft together, much of an equall length, and also a curious India painted Bow and Arrowes, with a Quiver lined with crimson Velvet, for all which they offered to bring me to his Majesty to kisse his hand, but I denied not thinking my present worthy so great an honour, and therefore desired to be excused. Thirdly, because I understand that M. Walter Hamond Chirurgion, who was at the same time of my last being at Madagascar with us in company, hath lately written a booke of the worthinesse of that Country and the benefit thereof to the incouragement of adventurers, and dedicated the same to the noble Gentleman Captaine Iohn Bond (which yet I have not seene) I have (for the reasons premised) adventured to take in hand to deliver my opinion in writing to publike view (though rudely) and farre inferiour in such abilities to that honest able person master Hamond, to the further incouragement of the worthy adventurers and planters that shall thinke good to adventure their purses and [Page] persons in that right worthy and famous action (which peradventure I may hit upon such incouragements by way of Trade or act of Commerce (more proper to my vocation) as may give more incouragement for the proceedings herein then in any other already setled in the parts of America: for as our English proverbe hath it, That there is no service like to the service of a King, nor no fishing comparable to the fishing in the Sea. So I will adde a third true proverbe, that there is no trading or commerce equivolent for profit to that of East India and the parts adjacent, and the more beneficiall, by the comodity of the fruitfull rich Iland of Saint Laurence or Madagascar, its scituation or placing neare India, Persia, the red Sea, Achin Jaua major, Bantam, Jombee, Maccassar, Mallabar, the five Kingdomes as I take it of Decanij, Golicunda, Bengala, and China, &c. and multitudes of rich Kingdomes in and neare India, which being inhabited with Christians would prove the Magazine for trade of all the Orientall parts of the World (as of late Ormus in Persia was so accounted, and at present with us in Europe Amsterdam or Holland is held in that estimation. And great possibility there is (in my simple opinion) that what Prince soever of Christendome is once really possest and seated in strength in that brave fruitfull and pleasant Island (by computation three times as big as England) may with ease be Emperour or sole monarch of East India, with all her multitude of rich and large Kingdomes, which no doubt but the eyes of many Princes of Europe are fixed upon it, but that great disturbance in most parts thereof (as at present unhappily in England) doe hinder and give impediments to their wished designes, which in zeale to Gods glory, my Gratious Soveraigne his honour, and my native Country its welfare and prosperity: I from the bottome of my heart wish that some more learned and perswasive pen then mine rude and ignorant, might prevaile with his gratious Majesty King Charles, the right Honourable high Court of Parliament, and all true hearted able persons of Nobility, Gentry, &c. to take in hand though in these obstructive times to adventure each man some small proportion of meanes throughout this Kingdome, which though but small to every particular person, yet no doubt would amount to a considerable sum of mony, sufficient to undergoe that action as a businesse of state, which for the better accomodation therein, that plantation may be served for a time withall necessaries both for backe and belly, and also superfluity out of India, for one fourth part of a penny, or three parts of four cheaper then out [Page] of England to other plantations in America, as farre distant (if I be not deceived) from England as that Country is from India or further. That I may give such advice and incouragement as my weake capacity shall conceave, I will descend to some particulars.

CHAP. II. The Countries scituation under the Tropick of Capricorne the healthfulnesse of the Country, Augustines bay a chiefe and excellent harbour for multitude of ships, the pleasantnesse and fertility of the Country, a second land of Canaan or a Paradice of the world, the Portugals rich trade to Mussambeg on the coast of Malindia.

ANd first to the scituation of the place, I mean Augustine Bay, the cheife harbour in that Iland, it is seated and placed neare the Tropick of Capricorne, in 23 degrees of South Latitude. The Country is (as all those parts so neare the Line are) hot, but yet in my opinion not so hot as Surrat in India, which lyeth in 21 degrees north latt. neare the tropick of Cancer, during my abode there above three moneths, in Iune, Iuly, August and September, 1630. I could ever indure to weare an English suit, and that of cloth, which I could never so well brooke in India, and is of so healthfull condition or constitution, that in almost foure moneths of our abode there, being about 460 persons in two ships the Charles and the Ionas, we did not bury one man in all that time (nor to my knowledge) was there any sicke, and besides the Company we met with foure ships out of England at that place, which continued with us making merry, refreshing and feasting about three weekes, in which ships could not be lesse (by my computation) then 600 men at least, and also another ship that came with us out of India, and abode with us a longer time, and departed from us to returne into India three or foure dayes or some short time before the English fleet came in, containing in her 150 men, yet not one of all these great numbers dyed or were sicke during their abode there to my best remembrance. That haven that we all anchored in is called Augustines Bay, a very large and safe harbour for Shipping (which skilfull seamen can discribe better then my selfe) and may containe (by report of some) 1000 or more or many hundred saile of ships in good and sure hold for Anchoring, of great depth within a bow shoot of shore or thereabouts. The Country about the Bay is pleasant to the view, replenished with brave woods, rockie hils [Page] of white marble and low fertile grounds: what is within the land I can say little having never beene above a mile from the sea side, but many of our men which have stragled further have given their good report thereof, as also the fame and report of others that have either read or heard of the riches of this Country, that the same aboundeth with mines of Gold and Silver and other minerals: moreover that in the Island is a large plaine or champion country of Meadow or Pasture ground as big as all England: which if it be so, which I am somewhat doubtfull of for the large extent, yet without question very large in many places, must by reasonable consequence afford multitude and variety of Foules and Beasts and other creatures for food, cloathing, necessary use and delight, and no doubt but such low grounds affordeth also store of large and small Rivers, Tanks and Ponds replenished with multitude of good Fish, water Fowles, &c. and it is apparently manifest or very probable by the quantity of brave fat Oxen, Cowes, Sheepe and Goats brought downe and fold unto us by the natives for refreshing so many people, that the Country is very fertile, selling us brave fat Oxen for about eight, nine or tenne pence an Oxe, worth by computation in England, six, seven, eight, or tenne pounds an Oxe, and after that rate for Goats and Sheepe or a little dearer, they sold also good Capons for three halfe pence or two pence a peece, and excellent good Orenges and Lemmons reasonable, and the common men dranke good store of Milke (though out of their Callibasses not very cleanly) (the Bay or creeke neare the Bay) affordeth us store of excellent Fish of many sorts as Pikes, Mullets, Breames and many others which I cannot call to minde their names: and shellfish, as Crawfish, Shrimps, Prawnes and some Lobsters and some Oysters, and sure the place affordeth abundance and variety of shellfish of strange sorts, as appeareth by the aboundant divers shapes of of their shels curious to behold, and the shels of esteeme in England, by Iohn Tredescant and Master Slade dwelling about Lambeth, who treasured up such to please curious people, and to adornish rocks and water-workes in gardens of great persons, of which sort Master Slade had of me (gratis) some quantity. And without all question, this Country farre transcends and exceeds all other Countries in Asia, Affrica and America, planted by English, French, Dutch, Portugall and Spaniards: and is likely to prove of farre greater value and esteeme to that Christian Prince and Nation that shall plant and settle a sure habitation therein, then the West Indies is to the King and [Page] Kingdome of Spaine. And it may well be compared to the land of Canaan that floweth with milke and hony, a little world of it selfe adjoyned to no other land within the compasse of many leagues or miles, or the chiefest paradice this day upon Earth.

This gallant Island of Madagascar doth afford these severall rich commodities as followeth,Mr. Lloyds Intelligence. Amber-Greece, Gold, (the old Earle of Denbigh brought from this Island of Madagascar Gold land, which he presented to the Kings Majesty and the Councel board, and I was at the Councell board, when this Gold sand was in question and approved of) And there is also Tortle shels, which doe sell at Surrat for twelve shillings per pound: Copper, Alloes Cicatrina, excellent good Rice, Honey and Wax, Dragons Bloud, divers rich Gums, Ebbany, Sandle wood, Cohooe wood, which doth sell at Surrat for foure pence per pound; Tamerin, and divers rich Drugs: you may get by slaves of both sexes and timber either to Persia or else to Moco in the red sea 50000 pounds per annum, and your slaves will put you to little charges, for they doe live upon rice and water. This Island of Madagascar is about nine hundred miles in length. There is many Kings upon this Island, the south part of it lies in 25 degrees and 35 min. and the northerne part short of the equinoctiall the inhabitants goes handsome in their accoutrements, and speake the Arabian Tongue, and they have Juncks which they Trade to and fro to the foure Islands which lies about thirty leagues off, viz, Joanna, Malalo, Combro and the Majottes: and to the Coasts of Malindia. The Island of Saint Laurence is a gallant place for to have a Magazine or Randezvouze, for the Coast of Malindia lies off this Island forty or fifty leagues. The Portugals hath a great fortification at Mussambeg therein, and upon these coasts the Portugals get most of their riches, and drives all their Trade in India, otherwise it was impossible for them to hold out so long, because of their great losse both by the English and Dutch. The Portugals drives such a gallant Trade upon this Coast from 26 degrees south latitude to 3 degrees north latitude, they get great store of Gold, Elephants teeth, Wax, Amber-greece and divers sorts of rich Gums and comodities, which cost the Portugals a very small matter, for they trade with Knives, Bels, Pentathoes, Barbars-aprons, course Calicoes, looking-glasses, &c. I have been taking of a Juncke twenty eight yeeres since which came from this coast of Malindia, laden with Elephants teeth, Amber-greece and rich Gums. The Portugals comming from Mussambeg [Page] and bound for India, they alwayes touch at the Island of Saint Laurence and there they buy slaves for their plantation. I have beene about seaventeen yeeres since taking of a Junck which was laiden with slaves of both sexes and Sandall wood which came from Mussambeg and so to Saint Laurence and their laden, and bound for Goa, as we found by a Portugall passe.

If I may be worthy to advice, after a trade is once setled at Madagascar, what a brave gallant trade may be had upon the coast of Malindia three or foure smal ships may be imployed all the yeere long, coasting and trading along the coast from 26 degree south latitude to 3 degrees north latitude, and putting off course Indian commodities may lade your ship with rich Commodities much acceptable and vendable in those parts, so that you need not to carry any Mony out of England into India.

CHAP. III. Hogs in Malinda have stones in their mawes as pretious as rich Iewels, the affection of the inhabitants to our Nation above all others, Portugall Fryers slaine to accompany the King of Madagascar at his death to heaven, great store of wildo Foule and Turkies, the Envy of the East India Company against a plantation may give the better incouragement thereunto: no Gold Silver nor any rich commodity of so high esteeme in Madagascar as red Cornelian Beads.

THe East India Company they have sent out about twenty five yeeres since Elephants teeth in the ship by me, for the Elephants teeth is in great request all over India, the Portugals doe put 2000 Tuns yearely off which they get on the coast of Malindia: also on this coast there are many wilde Hogs, and in the mawes of them there growes stones which the Portugals cals Petra le Porkco, which is mighty in request and esteeme in all India and Asia for expelling of Poyson. The like thing is not to be had in the world for that purpose, for your Beazor stone is not in that request by many degrees (and little esteemed of in those parts) for the Portugals do drive a very great Trade in India and Asia by this excellent Jem which they call Petra le Porkco. I have read of it, and likewise in a Manuscript of the Right Honourable Sir Thomas Row when he was imployed Lord Embassador by His Majesty King Iames into the East India for to settle the Trade for the East India Company in those orientall parts, [Page] wherein he doth write farre more at large then I doe expresse. It is conceived by divers wise men where these Hogs are on the coast of Malindia, that the soyle is very good; and that it doth afford excellent good grasse, herbs, fruits and drugs, which is the chiefe cause of the extraordinary goodnesse and vertue of the stones which growes in the said Hogs mawes, which is in that great esteeme and request all over India and Asia that none can parallel it. This said coast of Malindia is neare adjoyning to Madagascar: likewise there is above 1500 Tuns of Wax yeerely which is brought from the coast of Malindia to India which is in great request, rich Gums and divers sorts of Drugs, also the Portugals bring great store of very sine Gold and Ambergreece from Mussambeg to Goa.

So that all the world may understand what rich Trade the Portugall hath on the coast of Malindia, and hath for this many hundreds of yeares maintained a very strong Garrison at Mussambeg, for their is 100 peeces of Ordnance in their Castle. I am confident the richest and best trade the Portugall hath in Asia cannot parallel this on the coast of Malindia, furthermore if Saint Laurence Island had once a plantation set led, what a brave gallant place of commerce there would be: for this Island doth stand in the very Center of the World for trade, ye may build small ships, for their is good store of Timber, for the Natives doe build Juncks of 200 Tuns a peece at the northermost part of this Island.

The Country people do love and much affect our Nation. And one Andrew Pela who is one of their Kings living neere the bay of Augustine (did offer both to Captaine Weddle and my selfe, if we would come and live with them, that they would let us have so much land that would serve or maintaine one hundred thousand men) we had this King aboard the ship Charles and made much of him, and gave him a present at his returne. In this Kings discourse we found how cruell the Portugals had beene to them, comming a shore and carrying men, women and children perforce away: they cannot indure the Portugals, telling me how they did betray them with pictures.

At any time when our seamen doe shew a picture for to trucke for a sheepe or the like, they will start backe and run away crying out, Portugals, Portugals, Portugals, for they cannot indure Images. But at the northermost part of this Island, there were Priests and Fryers which did live with them for a time, thinking to convert them: the King of that place departed this life, the Natives of that Country put [Page] the Fryers and Priests to death, telling them the reason before they put them to death, because they were religious men, that they must prepare themselves to dye, for to keepe the King company to God, this trick they put upon the Portugals for they are generally hated, I dare say no man can give a better or perfecter account then my self, I have failed round about this Island, and have been a shore five severall times, and for the commerce I was the man that did deale for all (or whom I should appoint in my absence) because we would keepe to our price and not to under rate our dainty commodities, which is the long Cornelions: which five or six doe purchase an Oxe worth here in England ten twelve thirteen fourteen fifteen or sixteen pounds an Oxe, fifteen good Sheepe for the value of nine pence; I have caused the Steward of the ship to weigh the rump of a sheepe after it was slayed and it weighted thirty pounds odde ounces.

The tropick of Capricorne lyeth 23 degrees 30 minuits south latitude of Augustine bay, where our ships ride is just under. In this bay there is three bankes very good ground to anchor upon, and many saile of ships may ride in fifteen fathom water very secure; for I have a draught of the bay.

There is good store of refreshing, Fish, Flesh, and Foule, I gave leave to one of our men to lye a shore one night, for to kill foule that comes to roost towards the evening in the woods, he killed 35 wilde Turkies in one night, for there is great store of wilde fowle, the place is very healthfull, I have been there when we have come out of Europe, five ships together, we have landed at the bay 80 sicke men, and about 40 of them was lifted in blankets out of the ships into the boats and so carryed a shore, for they were not able to goe nor stand, and after they had been but three dayes a shore, they were all wel and able both to goe and run, and at this bay I have been many times, there is good watering and wooding that our carpenters did cut downe good timber and sawed and made both planks and boards, which was used aboard our ships, I have been seven miles up in the land from the bay. I did present Mr. Endimion Porter with some novelties which I got at this bay of St. Augustines (viz) Turtle shelles which he promised to make himselfe combes with them, also I gave him some dragons blood and divers sorts of other gumes, after which he sent his coach for me and carryed me to the Councell board, and Prince Rupert was there at that time, and I did deliver my opinion at that time (and since) which businesse was concluded upon and past [Page] the Broad Seale for the conclusion, for the Island of St. Laurence.

Sr. Maurice Abbot, Alderman Garway, and foure more of the East India Company did oppose this businesse of Madagascar at the Councell board, saying this Island was very unhealthfull, which I, Mr. Iohn Cartwright and Bartholmew Churchman did justifie, that the said Island of St. Laurence was the healthfullest place in the world, and the East India company were blamed for disparaging this Island, &c.

The Northern part of this Island is brave good ground and grasse, and better harbour for shipping then Augustine bay, and there is the best commodities to be had. Rice, Sugar great store, Coconuts, Plantans, Pomgranets, Woshee, which we call in India Toddy, and fine good building for their houses, and fine traffack to and fro with their Junks; I have failed two daies and a halfe about three or foure leagues from the shore, we sounded & we had twelve fathoms water, we sailed in this two dayes and halfe two hundred and thirteen miles, from the northermost part towards the southern part of this Island; & in this distance it did appear to be curious dainty pasture ground, green and full of trees, and fine low levell grounds: this I will justifie upon my credit; likewise there do lie off this Island many small spots, rocks and small Islands, between St. Laurence Island and Mauricious; and there is a great current which doth set you to the westward.

For the inhabitance of this Island of Madagascar,R. B. his intelligence. without question it is well peopled (though about the sea side we saw not aboue by computation 200 or 300) which live not there continually as we supposed by their ill accommodated houses, or booths made of boughs and sticks, small and low like hogsties or calves coopes; the people are affable and curteous unto us, whatsoever they are unto others; and finding our men stragling abroad and not knowing the way back to the ships, would peaceably conduct them back to their tents and randezvous, (but yet its dangerous to trust them two farre) for experience hath taught our nation, the treachery of the Salvages in Virginia and new England &c, yet 10 or 12 of our men made motion to our Admirall Captain Iohn Weddall, of their willingnesse to abide there untill more shipping came to discover the country, if so be he would furnish them with armes and necessaries but he and the rest (chiefe in the fleet) thought it not good to adventure them, although the natives desired Captain Weddall to abide there and be their King and Governour; and to take their parts in battle against other Salvages which they accounted their enemies.

[Page]They live as we conceive by tribes or families, and the eldest are most in esteem with them, and their Captaine was Andream Pela the chiefe of note at the sea side, who sold us but reasonable cattell at our forementioned prizes; but our long aboad there caused more (further inland men) to come downe and to trade with us, bringing us better cattell at cheaper rates, with Capons, Orenges and Leamonds, which before we wanted, and his name was Massy Chora, whom Andream Pela would have had us to make war against, telling us he came to rob them of their treasure and jewels, being Indian red cornelion beads, both round and long squared, which are of most precious esteem with them, sleighting Gold, Silver, Brasse, Iron, or other mettals, or glasse beads, or Corrall, or Amber beads, or any other toyes, unlesse they may have them gratis.

These long red cornelion beads &c, must be provided before hand in India, or else the people that come thither for refreshment or for plantation, must not expect their accomodable and desired refreshments. At our voyage outwards we wanted them, and could get none or very few cattell, and they old and leane, for silver and corral beads of forty times the vallue of cornelions, which they call at St. Laurence Haranga, and were to be bought in India for eight shillings or ten shillings per hundered or there abouts, for which, about six, seven, or eight of them a fat Oxe as a foresaid might be bought, but at our returne we were well furnished with them and wanted not for them, excellent sustenance for our selves, and the foure English ships that met with us, which otherwise they must have missed of their refreshment, and have been forced as we were outward bound to saile to the Islands of Commoro, Ioanna or Malala, where of a salvage nation about 200 leagues distant, we were forced to buy worse cattell for forty or fifty shillings a peice, in royalls of eights, then a St. Laurence for a few beads as aforesaid.

CHAP. IIII. The comlinesse of the Natives though naked, yet personable and of pleasant countenance, their weapons not dangerous or of great annoyance, their small use and unskilfullnesse in labour or manufacture, great probability of sugar and spices at Madagascar, the praise of the Island comparable with the land of Canaan.

THe Inhabitants both Men and Women are of a comely feature in person, and amiable countenance as in many places of [Page] Europe, only black, or rather tauney, naked and without cloathing, onely a small covering to hide their shame, by a girdell or skin about their loynes, or a rag or clout tacked in before and behind between their legs to hide their nakednesse, unlesse some cheife women amongst them, having a piece of striped Cahico cloath or pintado tacked about their loynes and reaching down to their knees or shorter. Their Haranga or Cornelion beads, they weare about their necks and in their eares, stringed so long that they reach below their brests, or lower, according to their abilities, some having more choyce clear red cornelion then others, whereof in their bargains they are very choyce to pick out the most clearest & freest from spots; their hayre both of men and women is decently cut, and formed not much unlike to our Cavalero fashion at present in England, short before, long on the sides and longest of al behinde, which both short and long being platted or breaded as gentle women, hath their haire in three plats, becometh them well, and they have on the tops of their heads a parcell of haire almost or about halfe a foot long standing upright by tying or rowling it about with a thred or silke, or some kind of string.

Their weapons are darts of severall sorts, some biger and some lesser, some broad and pointed like lances, and some lesser bearded like fish hooks or broad arrow heads; which the smaller that are bearded I have seen them darth fish swimming in a shallow place of the sea near the shore, and by a line tied to their dart drawn them up out of the water; they also have knives long and narrow but not fit to stab withall but rather to cut withall as a bill, but of these I saw not many, not above two or three, but of darts some men may and doe carry with them of both sorts halfe a dozen or there abouts, but few that carry aboue one two or three which are not dangerous, unlesse at a neer distance, and yet cannot come with that violence or swiftnesse but may be avoyded by stepping aside or by putting by with a staffe or the like; and their bodies being naked are subject to all annoyance of the like or better armes of offence. There heads being uncovered and the mornings cold untill about eight of the clocke or later, they hover together about fires which they quickly kindle, by taking of a small round stick no bigger then a tobacco pipe, at the middle or thicker end, which set with one end upon a broad piece of wood or chip, and rowling the longer round stick hard in the palmes of their hands upon the other piece of the wood the heat thereof presently kindleth fire, which with other dry combustible stuffe ready at [Page] hand they kindle a fire to warme them, or to dresse their meat, which is very slovenly, taking it cut out of an Oxe, with the head of a great dart (with which they will quarter an Oxe presently, and hit the joynts so justly as it is not to be conceived, unlesse a man saw it) and lay their pieces a little upon the coales, and eat it better halfe raw, and full of ashes, yet some I think they seeth, for I have seen among them a kind of pots or kettles, which whether of earth or mettall (being very black) I cannot tell, for I never handled them, and whether made in the Country or brought unto them by Portugalls or some heathen nation is uncertain. The fat or suet of their cattell they save, and the better sort of them rub their heads and haire every morning therewith, which lieth in lumps upon them untill the heat of the Sun melt it, and then it moystneth their heads and discendeth over their bodies, which they also grease or annoint, and those of the better sort that doe so their bodies are smooth, plump and decent, but strong of smell, and they that want that meanes are the poorer sort or slaves among them have their bodies of an ill aspect, dry and scurvy, parched with the Suns heat, and feeding more hard and coursly, (of what we know not but of durty gutts or puddings) have their bellies swolne as if they had the dropsy: and though they have good store of fat cattell yet the poorer sort of people are very hungry, for they will lye about our tents and gather up the worst scraps we cast away, and in their Cannowes will lie about the ships calling out for Tellahenna and Tellaffunga (as I take it meat and bread) which the mariners and others for their disport will fling them out neats feet which they regard not, and dry marrow bones or the like which will speedily sink, for which they will suddainly leape out of their boats and dive a great depth after them and bring them up in one hand, their Cannowes or boats are made of one piece of timber long and narrow like a hogs trough, upon the upper part whereof they fasten two sticks a crosse, their boats half a yard or more from each end, about two yards long or longer, and upon each side to meet with the ends of these staves or sticks they fasten two more which stay up their boats from overturning and doe so leake that they sit in water, and continually ladeth out water, and one or two more sit therein with little paddles not much bigger then shittle cockbattle-dores to row with all.

They make little use of labour or manufactures, and those of small value, I have seen a carpenter (for so I may term him) making a Cannow or a boat of a piece of timber like a hogs trough (as aforesaid) [Page] having no better a toole then a little axe, such as children or youth may play withall, the Iron or bit thereof not above two inches bread which must needs make long labour. I have also seen a Smith at work to make dart heads in a strange manner, having no other toole that I could see but only a stone for the anvill and an other for his hammer; and for his bellowes two hollow canes about three quarters of a yard long, and about the thicknesse and roundnesse of a mans legge or thigh, which being placed together close to a little fire, with small holes to let the winde out at the bottome; they had to drive the winde out two staves like churme staves, wrapt about halfe the length of the staves at the bottome, with a sheepes or goats skin the wool side outward, (like a spunge as gunners at sea use to wipe their guns and make them cleane) which being lifted up and pressed downe againe forces out the winde as aforesaid. And also as I remember I saw one weaving as if it had been our poore people or beggers in England, sitting in high wayes weaving course tape, so he weaved narrow striped stuffes of cotton yearn about a quarter of a yard broad, which I suppose they sew two or three breadths together to make coverings for the better sort of people their shame or nakednesse. Where they have their materialls is uncertaine, whether gotten in the Country, or brought unto them by Portugalls or other Nations, what other food they have besides F [...]esh and Fish, as Corne Rice and other sorts of Craine is doubtfull, yet there we saw some of them have some small quantities of Rice and Grauanees (so called in India) which are a kinde of smaller sort of Beans, and of much use for diet in India, and in the English house at Surrat they eat them being young, buttered instead of green Pease, but are not so pleasant as our pease when they grow old or at the worst. I have also seen some at one time knawing and suck green Sugar-canes, which is a certainty that Sugar-canes grow there, and perhaps quantity of Sugar may be made thereof, and no doubt but vines are in the Country, for I have seen some wilde Vines growing upon the rockie hills in Augustine Bay, some of our people have said that they have heard it from the Portugals that the Country doth afford Pepper and other Spices, which our English also doe assume who have been far within the land, failing some dayes journey in a large navigable River, where they met as they reported many people offering them cattell for a halfe or one forth part the price we paid for them at Augustine Bay, and having shewed the Natives Pepper, Cloves, Mace and Nutmegs, they [Page] made shew to them of store in that Country, certaine daies journey or nights sleepes distant, by winking and putting their heads under their hands, and pulling them back againe, they report also of large plaine pastures and medowes replenished with cattell of all sorts, Beeves, Sheepe and Goats feeding thereon, and without all question the Country lying in or near the same degree of Lattitude or distance form the Line as India, doth produce the same fruits, as Coco-nuts Plantans Musk-millions and other pleasant Millions as great as our English Pumpeons, and also the Toddy trees which produce as good liquors as white wine and sugar, with which in regard of the cheapnesse thereof in India, our English & Dutch Marriners drink so much of it as to be often drunk or foxed therewith. The Country extends it self in length from about II & halfe degrees south lat. to 26 degrees. In which large extent it comprehends many famous Countries that lie either under the Line, or under or neer both Tropicks, and so by consequence must in likelyhood (or rather assured probability) participate of the fertillity, pleasure and wealth of them all; if not antecede transcend and superabound them all, being indeed the paradice of the World, especially being once inhabited with Christians or civill people, skilfull in Agriculture and manufactures, and all sorts of Mecannick labourers and handicrafts.

In further commendation thereof I will make bold (I hope, without offence) to extoll it as Moses did the land of Canaan, i'ts a good land, a Land in the which Rivers of waters and Fountaines spring out of vallies and Mountaines, a Land of Wheat and Barley, of Vineyards, of Fig-trees and Pomgranets, a Land of Oile Olive and Honey, a Land wherein thou shalt eat without scarcity, neither shalt lack any thing therein, a Land whose stones are Iron, and out of whose Mountains thou shalt dig Brasse.

CHAP. V. The Idolatrous worship of God, or the Devill, the Natives addicted to theft and robbery. A project of the Bishops deposed to plant at Madagascar, Madagascar sauegard rasbly attained unto.

THus in truth without dissimulation have I shewed what my memory doth at present call to minde, having lost or given away such briefe notes or papers which I had taken at my being there, yet one thing more I call to minde which I may not forget, [Page] touching their manner of Idolatry or devilish Worship and Sacrifice, which some of our people conceives was rather to the Devil (not to hurt them) then to God; but I am not altogether of their opinion, but rather think the contrary, by their feasting and rejoycing a little before our departure, as a kind of thanksgiving to their Idol God or Gods, for the benefit they accrewed by the trading they had with us, and praying for our prosperity and often return as some were opinionated, the circumstance I will declare as brief as I can and as my memory doth best serve me; one morning the Salvages killed an Oxe (and I doe not remember that I did see or heare that during our abode there that they killed many other) and a post about eight or nine foot high was set up near their booths upon which the head and hornes of the Bullock were placed and the post all daubed with the blood thereof & the Oxe cut out and divided among the better sort of them and eaten halfe raw and half broyled upon coales and full of ashes, and whether before or after their feast (for I have forgotten) they came out of the woods from their booths into a plaine a bow shoot or two from their habitation, where were stuck up in a row about 50 or 60 great poles as big as the bigger fort of Hop-poles, all the bark pilled off and made white and were placed by computation about foure yards a funder and between every pole about three foot distance a stone about the bignesse of a great Turnip or Apple placed in a streight row and in the middle of the poles a crosse pole layed about a yard or an ell high whereon they hanged all or many of their Chains of Beads or Haranga and neer unto having their Alter of Beades (as I termed it) before them sat all the Ancient Men Women and Children, and on the other side of the Alter and poles was two Companies of young men about 20 or 30 or more in a company, each having a dart in his hand and ranked as I take it by three in a ranke or row, each Company being distant from the other about 4 or 5 roddes or more, being thus set in a comly posture they sang and danced keeping even strole and action with their feet and hands according to their tune, (as I have seen in a market Towne in the Country where I was borne, divers Gentlemen, &c. associated together having for their pleasure a noyse of Musitions playing before them with every one a cipresse hatband (then in fashion) put over their faces dance the measures through the Market, and chiefest streets in the town, (and so into an Inne and Tavern to make merry together,) these Salvages keeping as even measure proportionably [Page] to their sound or singing as the other doe to their musicke.

And in many postures of their dancing they would make shew of fight or defiance one company against the other, presenting their darts against each other, and sometimes againe of a suddaine both sides gathering themselves into a round ring and laying their heads together as at a consultation, and then suddenly againe fall into their posture of danceing as decently as a company of trained Souldiers into their severall postures, and each party had of their side a Trumpeter sounding with a confused harsh noise, a large crooked Rams horn.

Their Priests(as I call them of one which I bought a book as aforementioned) laying their fore fingers upon one of the strange shapes or characters therein, would preach or read a lecture or homily upon that text a good space, and then remove his finger to another, this feasting dancing or sacrificing was upon a sudden dissolved by reason the multitude of our men on shoare who hearing of these sports, came flocking thither apace to see them, but the Salvages fearing (as I conceive) least our men should rob them againe of their Haranga, which they prized as deare as we doe Diamonds and other rich Jewels; tooke them all from their Alter and departed againe to their tents or booths and so this exercise ended: yet a word or two concerning their justice or punishing of offenders, their chiefe Captain or Commander had lost out of his booth some of his Jewels which were found stollen by a young maide or girle belonging to an other man either his daughter or slave, the Father or Master of the maide to cleare himselfe as innocent of the fact, tooke his lance or great dart and presently slew the girle (surely it was not his owne daughter but rather his slave, else though a Barbarian, he could not have been so cruell to his owne flesh and blood); and this may give some testimony that they have some kind of government or law among them: but yet they are adicted to theft and robbery, is againe apparent; for when they met our men in the woods although they did them no harme, yet they would search their pockets for beads and rob them of them, and yet bring them downe to their ships when they could not well tell how to finde the way.

And my selfe standing among our ships Pursers and others, buying cattell for the ships provision, and having a chaine of beads in my hand, a young man snacht at them to have gotten them from me but mist of his purpose and ran away, but one of our men in company standing by shot an arrow after him but mist him, and we never saw his face again.

[Page]It is great pitty so pleasant and plentifull a Country should not be inhabited with civil people or rather Christians; and that so brave a Nation of person and countenance (onely black or tauny) should be so blindly lead in their devotions being as some suppose Mahometans in regard of their manners and customes of circumcision, or rather as some suppose descended from Abraham by his Wife, or Concubine, Keturah, whose children begotten of her because they should not be a let or impediment to the promised seed by Isaack: Abraham did send them away to inhabit in the East (as Scripture mentioneth,) A happy thing it were both for them and this Kingdome if that project had or should goe forward which a Gentleman of Huntington shire bred a Merchant, in love told me & he heard of it from others (or rather as I understand it from Bishop Moretans own mouth) that if the Bishops of England (lately dismissed from voting in Parliament, and tyrannizing in temporall authority) should still continue in disrespect with King and Parliament, they or most part of them would goe and plant a Colony in Madagascar, or in Saint Laurence, and indeavour to reduce those ignorant soules to Christianity; which God grant that by them or others such a pious designe may speedily take effect, and that there may be among Christians there seated, more harmonious concord in Religion then in Virginia (by report) hath lately hapned, where disagreeing in points of Religion as at present unhappily in England they have taken up armes one side against the other, and slaine of themselves or killed by the Natives 1700 which is doubted the Virginians will make use of such discention and cut all their throats on both sides, and so the losse unrecoverable to this Kingdome, of that famous plantation; and excellently accommodated, after 40 or 50 yeares, or more hard durance of many the first Planters, (which God forbid) and grant better newes to succeed; and that these Countries already planted and this most hopefull at Saint Laurence may be speciall receptacles and succours to truly religious English Protestants, if it shall please God to punish the Nation for the crying sinnes thereof, by the prevalence of Malignants tirannous Papists which God avert. By losse of my papers, and notice taken therein of things convenient to the furtherance of a Plantation at Saint Laurence, I am deprived of some good parts of their language or speech, which in my conceit was not difficult to attaine; but perusing an old table booke I found some few words of their language, penned downe for my remembrance, which [Page] are somewhat difficult at present to reade, being 14 yeares agoe written in such imperfect Manuscript.

Yet I thought it not amisse to penn downe what I have lately found, which with the helpe of others especially of one William Casey late Purser of an Indian ship, who took more paines therin then my selfe (if his papers can be found) will give some light therein to the helpe of others that will endeavour to attaine the knowledge thereof; the particulars which I have now found I will here manifest so well as I can.

Viz (nooroon no zeff) how call you this.

Tona a man.

Codez a woman.

Tope a childe.

Coma a house.

Ose or Angomba a cow.

Gose a sheepe.

Cowhee bread.

Camba water.

Bingta or Sooa the head.

Nunqua the eye or eare.

Toee the nose.

Umqua or Songe the lips.

Coonqua or Niffa the teeth.

Goma or Soca the chin.

Coaqua or Effena the arme.

Cabed the elbow.

Unaqua or Tanga the hand.

Hongko the finger.

Chamkee or Noeno the breast.

Oncoma the necke.

Hicuma or Toa the belly.

Coa or Ungoote the knee.

Noo or Vote the leg.

Iqua or Kambo temba the foote.

Hica or Vota the yard or virill.

Charaqua the cod.

Anatnicke the little finger.

Voylee the buttocke.

Lemboshe the backe.

Sowkee the shoulder.

Mise yea.

Maligna a roote that smells sweete and is like a bulrusb.

Moade a chaine of small beades.

Voyla haire.

Maca an eye.

Saffee an eare.

Leela the tongue.

Hoho the thumbe.

Fala tanga the palme of the hand.

Choroqua the nailes of the hand.

Syra salt.

Humeray tomorrow.

Soo a pot.

Pingbara a gun.

Vyra a sword.

Fajaro a little dart.

Leffo or Mura a lance or great dart.

Caba a bat or cap.

Lomba cloaths.

Memma a cloake or skin.

Hoboqua shooes or slippers.

Aqua an arrow.

Fenga or Talle a rope.

Siffe a knife.

Hicha a bow.

Hehoo a turn spit.

Acuto to dart.

Renova milke.

Hihoo a small fish.

Longora a great fish.

Hirhoree brasse.

Chichata or Ruttee naught.

Chara good.

Longasba a good man or friend.

Laga Rattee a bad man or foe.

Cheruse nay.

Calibus a bottle cup or basket.

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CHAP. VI. Great incouragement to the plantation, the cheapenesse of cloathing or apparrell to be bad out of India for the use of the planters, the rich attire for persons of quality to be had there exceeding cheape, all sorts of hearbs roots fruits and foules to be bad in plentifull abundance in Madagascar, trees yeelding great store of pleasant liquor nothing inferiour to wine and sugar in England, the excellent vertue of India Mirabolins.

TO the furtherance of this renowned plantation, these advantageous comodities, benefits, and accommodation as felloweth (far above other plantations) are inducements sufficient to perswade pious virtuous rich men and others that desire the advancement of Gods glory, the honour of their Soveraigne Prince the the welfare of their owne native Country, the inrichment of themselves and their posterity and the charitable reliefe of Gods poore Elect upon Earth to enterprize this worthy action.

And in the first place the Country is healthfull and pleasant, Secondly its already of it selfe furnished with most chiefe things necessary to sustenance of mans life, especially, Beefe Mutton Goates Poultry Fish and Fowle. Thirdly it affordeth Oxen for present tillage (the chiefest of all wants in all other plantations) which no other hath done or affordeth. Forthly it is as near or nearer to India then other plantations to England, where all things either for necessity or superfluity are to be had for the fourth part of the price, and lesse then in England, or other Christian Kingdomes; as Rice and excellent dainty food (as it is cookt in India) whereof Kings and great men daily eate with pleasure and contentment and never furset therein; Wheat Barley and other sorts of graine and good rack, and excellent strong drinke made of Rice, which mixed with Sugar, water and Leamonds or surrop of lymes, or drunk alone, all which are to be had exceeding cheape, with all manner of spices make, [Page] a pleasant, wholesome drinke, surpassing any wine to be had in London of which good use may be made (though water there is more contentfull, it being so good and better then in England) untill beere made of mault by barly may be brought to perfection which may suddenly be affected as I shall shew hereafter.

Also from India may be had cloathing fit for those warme Countries to maintaine a man or woman neately comely and cleanly for twenty shillings a yeare and under, nay I dare make it good for ten shillings a yeare, bedding exceeding cheape and dainty either for cotton wooll, or silke cotton, far better and more desired then fetherbeds, or down-beds, and coverlids (whereof in those warme countries they vse but few) of all prizes and curiosities even fine dainty quilts for five shillings a piece, sheets and all sorts of linnen so cheape and fine that no part of the World affords the like. Againe good shirts whiter and finer for meane people at-eight ten or twelve pence a piece, and cheaper, and not so fine and white to be had in England for three or foure times dearer in price (my selfe have worne no other these sixteen yeeres of which six of three shillings a piece have lasted me continually three yeeres together, of the like finenesse not to be bought under twelve shillings a shirt or dearer in England, shooes of English fashion for sixpence a paire, and bootes for two shillings a paire, capps or mountei [...]s light and easie, and farre better then stiffe heavie hats made of sattin and taffaty, fine painted linnen, &c. quilted or inbroydered much cheaper then hats.

The better sort of people that affect to cloath themselves, wives and children in rich gentile fashion, may doe it of sattin taffaty wrought damaske blacke, or coloured, and rich stuffes mixt with gold & silver threed: at cheaper rates then with our cheape English cloath or stuffes. Jewels of all sorts, Pearls Diamonds and other rich stones with curious bracelets for Gentlewomen; and others of Christall agget, Jasper, Cornelion, red and white, and Elutropian stones, &c. cheape, with rings and pendants of the same, so cheape that I have sold that in England (to be sold againe by Exchange men and Goldsmiths) for five or ten shillings a ring or pendant which have not cost me in India above a penny or two pence per ring or pendant; likewise Estredges feathers, for womens fannes or for use of Gentlemen, Captaines, Souldiers, and other uses, &c. with curious paper or leather fannes guilded and painted; with brave Cabanets of Ivory, Ebony, and Sandall wood, &c. artificially inlayed with mother of [Page] pearle, Aggets and other stones and Ivory, so cheape as cannot be imagined, with all dainty purfumes of Civic, Muske, Amber-grease (and rose water in abundance) extraordinary cheape; which I hope will induce Lords, Ladies, Knights Gentlemen, Gentlewomen, Farmers, Artificers and Manufactors to put on a resolution to undergoe a pleasant easie votage of three or foure moneths; which Portugals, Dutch, Danes, &c. have undertaken, to far remoter parts at great danger and hazard to plant themselves, and in no comparison for profit and pleasure with Madagascar or Saint Laurence. I pray God the Kings Majesty and the State of this Kingdome may take it into speedy consideration, least they be prevented by some other Nation (who no doubt have curious eyes and intents to this designe) as of late the right honourable the Earle of Southampton, and the noble Gentleman Mr. Iohn Craven, brother to the right honourable the Lord Craven, who intending to send out ships and Planters to the Island of Mauritious beyond Saint Laurence, and had disbursed many thousand pounds to that intent, yet neglecting speedy opportunity the Dutch hearing of their honourable designe made more speedy hast and prevented them, and have now planted in that Island to their great renowne and accommodation (in time) and great losse to those honourable persons and this Nation.

All sorts of fruits, hearbs, rootes and flowers (of great esteeme in India) of what Nation soever, may be transported thither, and will assuredly grow in so rich and fruitfull grounds, and for more speedy growth; if those transported out of Europe or England saile, at the first for want of skill to preserve the seed &c. in regard of the length of the voiage, yet those out of India (not above one fourth part of the way) may be brought good both to sow or to plant, as raddish, lettice, carrets, turnips, onions, and mustard seed, and many other of moreworth then these in England. And no doubt but this Island affords (if not may easily be transported thither) those excellent trees for good and pleasant liquor, drink, as Toddy and Palmito trees, which trees distill, by art taken from them plenty of excellent drinke, no way inferiour if not better then white wine and sugar, especially the Palmito wine; but the Toddy wine (except some of the best sort) tasteth as if it did come out of Hornes, & therefore (if not there already) may be transported the Coco nut tree, which yeeldeth a nut as big as a childs head, whose kernell is excellent meate, and of that fruite is made also oile, vinegar and other dainties, and the tree it self [Page] yeelds threed or yarne fine and course, to make ropes, cordage, cables for ships and many other uses. There may be also had many other trees of excellent fruits as Mirabolins, and Plantans, which our English tearm them Apples of paradice, wherewith the Serpent beguiled Eve, the Mirabolins and Plantans from the trees are farre dantier in tast then our Apricocks, and what they are preserved, are well known to Confectioners and Phisitions, for health and pleasure. The Plantan growes by clusters as a too or more or lesse together, as big as a large beane cod, and is so pleasant in tast, cutting it in small pieces, as parsnips to butter, men use to eate it continually at meales, with viniger, pepper and salt, to abate the sweetnesse, and the tree being about the bignesse of a reasonable Apple tree, beares no boughs but great leaves an ell long, or longer, and both leaves and body are excellent meat for Cowes, for the body is no harder then a well growne cabbidge, and may be cut downe by a good sword at a blow; two or three, my selfe have cut down many at Moalala to carry aboard the ship, to feed cattell that we bought their to preserve.

There is five sorts of Mirabolins the one is like our Apricocks or great plum,Mr. Lloyd, his intelligence. the stone is eight square, it is an excellent preserve and in great request, and sells very deare in Persia and elsewhere, the other foure sorts is used in phisicke, the Doctors and Drugsters can tell the severall names, vertue and quality concerning the foure elements of mans body, in India there is some of these Marabolins worth fifty or a hundred pound a piece, which holding in the parties hand which is sicke, will cure him of his disease suddenly or forthwith, either of the bloody flux and feaver and two other diseases which I have forgotten.

Now for to make it appeare, the curious vertue of these foure sorts of Marabolins which cures diseases holding them in the hand is thus; at the time of the yeare when they prune or lop their trees they doe cut off all the branches and boughs only one sprig left, and it is a hundred to one that the tree heares, for if one tree beares, a hundred will not but die, but commonly one in a hundred will beare: but one or two Mirabolins at the most will grow upon that one sprig of the tree, for all the vertue doth grow out of the tree into one or two Mirabolins, which are of the bignesse of an Apple which will cure severall diseases holding of one of these Mirabolins in the hand of the party which is sick. This is very true and certaine, which divers Banian Doctors and Brachmans hath told me, they are very deare and [Page] scarce for to be had: for great men in the Country doe buy them, if any of our English Doctors did but know the vertue of these great Mirabolins, they would be worth a thousand pounds a piece and it would be a present for a King.

But for the foure small sorts of Mirabolins are in great plenty in India and very cheape, for I bought three thousand weight after the rate of a sarthing a pound, and sold them here in England for three shillings foure pence a pound by the great, which the Drugsters sells them for six shillings, eight pence per pound. I do believe their be divers trees of Mirabolins which doe grow on the Island of St. Laurence, or else they may be easily planted, by reason the clymat doth agree with India: for their be many sorts of trees, and plants, which grow in the Island of Madagascar which do grow in India; and equal of raste and goodnesse.

The defect of Cammels, Horses, Asses, Mules, Elephants, Bussels, and Persia sheepe (of high esteem in India,) may have their race or breed from Persia, and bred up in Saint Laurence; and (a more rich and fruitfull Country) will yeeld a great price in India and brought to Saint Laurence by English or Indian shipping at cheape rates, a Horse in Persia, to be bought for 567 or 8 pounds is worth in India 20 30 40 50 or 60 pounds or more, according as they prove.

CHAP. VII. The cheapenesse of all sorts of cattell and food at Madagascar, the Turkies before mentioned in Mr. Lloyds intelligence are not so large and good as ours, and I rather accompt the Sa [...]ts or such like fowle but being all over speckled blacke and white our people give them the name of Turkies, the great benefit to be made by dayries at Madagascar, with the meanes to accommodate the making of butter and cheese in that hot Country, as also for poudering of Beefe and brewing of good Beere.

THe Persia sheepe are of great price in India, and their skins are as soft as silke, and curiously curled, of mixt colour blacke and white, inclining to gray, are of great esteem in Christian cold Countries, I saw the Palsgrave or Prince Elector sitting at dinner in winter with his Majesty King Charles, having his coate lined with them, whereupon I sent to a friend in Persia to send me a few who sent me seven, which cost there about sixteen shillings a piece, which M. Ganthorne the Kings Furrier seeing, would needs buy them [Page] of me, and gave me thirty three shillings a piece for them, and more I might have had it I would have urged him, which race once gotten and breed in so rich a country at no charge, must needs be very beneficiall to the planters, besides the accommodation of their dainty flesh, better then any other mutton in the Eastern parts of the world, equall or better then our English mutton, having a curicus meate in their great and weighty tailes, weighing a stone two or three in weight, or more in some as I have heard reported. And Saint Laurence Oxen (especially white) to be bought there for twelve pence per piece or there abouts, would yeild in India the larger sort twenty pounds per piece; my selfe had a couple of white Oxen in India to draw my Coach, for which I refused 45 pounds, and the tallow and skins of these Oxen to be transported for England costing nothing there, will redound to great profit of the planters. These Oxen and Cowes both of India and Saint Laurence, have bunches upon or between their shoulders, like Camm [...]s, of dainty meate, like or as good and better then the brisket piece of a young calfe, which weigheth three foure or five stone a piece, according to the magnitude. The flesh of these Oxen is daintier and more pleasant than ours, cutting as white as veale: if a race of our English breed (and young calves) be carried thither they will there mightily improve, and in regard of their hornes, farre in beauty exceeding those in India, &c. and white will no question but out sell the Indian breed, especially if of Lancashire or the adjacent counties their breed; Hoggs they have plenty out of India for little or nothing, if the country affordeth none, for they regard them not accompting them polluted. But Turkies from England bred in Saint Laurence and their breed carryed into India would be of great esteem, whereof many have assaid to transport, but failed either for want of good room to keepe them in, or by negligent attendance, or kild to make meat for sick or dainty people in the voyage, yet in an English fleete that we met with at Saint Laurence at our returne from India, I saw three or foure preserved alive, Rabbots and Pidgeons would doe well to be transported for breed; but for Pidgeons India will afford store. And garden pease and beanes and others, with oates and tares is not amisse to be transported for plantation, and would be of great esteem in India. Butter and Cheese to be made at Saint Laurence would be an excellent commodity for India, as well as for the Plantation, and shipping: and the country will afford them speedily Cowes enough to [Page] make it; but some may alleadge the country is too hot to make it good, or to make beere, or to powder beefe; all which by art and industry of man I conceive may be holpen, to the furtherance whereof I will make bold to lend my weake advice (with desire of pardon if I erre) but surely had I made another voyage into India, (which malice hath prevented me of) I would have made experience of these things, (and whatsoever I have before or shall hereafter in this discourse make mention of to that end) first to place a house in the coolest place they can finde and most in shade from the sun, then the dairy house on the north or coolest side, under ground or in a vault or celler, paved all with the coolest stones that can be had, and the sides thereof also, and if it be paved with stones from Ormus in Persia (whereof all the houses their are builded,) which stones beaten to powder is excellent good salt, perhaps may be most coole and befitting, and in the midst thereof a small tanke or pond of running or standing water, if it can be neere a river or well to have the water continually running fresh in though by a small stream, and so issuing out againe the better; if not, it may be done as in India, almost in every house of note, to have water carried in leather sacks or barrels upon Oxens backs, and put into an earthen cistern, and from thence by pipes to issue forth in small streames into the tanke, which if it be lower then the cistern, will be with more case effected. The top off the dairy house to be open, with a lower or open place as a turret or pidgeon house top, so boarded every way with boards standing out at length to catch the winde and drive it downe into their dairy houses to coole it, as the Cattanents (which I thinke the Portugals so call them) to let the aire down into their cheifest roomes for coolenesse, of which I onely saw the fashion at Ormus. And no question but many English who have seen the forme thereof in Spain, Portugall, or other hot countries, can give good direction for the performance thereof.

[Page]

CHAP. VIII. The accommodation and meanes for dayries, brewing of beere and powdering of meat for the use of ships at sea, the meanes to make Saltpeter cheaper then in India or elsewhere, all sorts of excellent materialls for building to be had in Madagascar, poore artificers may live by their labours in all sorts of manufacture, out strip all Nations of the world for the price of their labour, trade and commerce to and from Madagascar will exceede in benefit all other.

THe dairy house (or brew house especially for cooling the wort or liquor) this fitted, then round about the sides thereof leaving passage sufficient to goe between the same and the tanks, shelves or strong board p'anks may be framed to place leaden troughes a foote or halfe a foote deepe, or more or lesse as shall be found most convenient, place ing the troughes halfe an inch or more in ascent or discent with a hole at one end to be stopped and opened at pleasur, to let out water to be put thereinto, with water let their be put a sufficient quantity of Saltpeter proportionable to the troughes or vessels of water. In which troughs or vessels let the dairy woman set their milke pins of Earth, Wood, Brasse or any other mettall, or lead, as shall be found most convenient and necessary, which will keepe their milke and cream so coole or cooler then in the English dayrie houses; The experience whereof I have seen and is well knowne to India Merchants, by cooling of water to drinke, for a a bottle of water set out a little while in a small tub of water cooled with saltpeter, will make the water in the bottle so coole that a man can hardly drinke it, it will be so coole to the teeth almost to make the chops to chatter. And thus I thinke beefe layed in salt in dry vessels of stone lead or other mettall set in saltpeter water, will keepe it so coole, that it may easily take salt; and the coolers for woort in brewing of beere so ordered, may happily also cause good beere to be made, which if it can (as I am confident it may) be brought to passe, will be such an accommodation and benefit to the plantation both for its owne use, and to transport butter and cheese into India, (where it is not good and but of finall quantity, and the country not stored with many Cowes, which maketh it deare, also as deare or dearer then in England at highest rate) and of beefe for victualing of ships to sea as the value will be inestimable.

[Page] At the Island of Madagascar I doe verily beleive and am confident there may a good dairy be made and to make very good butter and cheese,Mr. Lloyd, his intelligence. which will sell both well in India, Persia, Arabia, and all the South seas over, (in a hundred severall places) likewise for victualling of ships, both English, Dutch, Danes and Portugals, and that Cheese which we carry out of Europe to India, the Banians doe give us twelve pence per pound. At Moca in the Red Sea they doe make very good cheese, like unto our English cheese, and there it is fa [...]re hotter then at the Island of Saint Laurence. But concerning salting of Beefe it will keepe for three or foure moneths, we have kept it but it will eate very dry, the reason is, because we presse it with weights for to fetch out the blood, otherwise it will not keepe. The best way to keepe and preserve Beefe or Mutton, (is to make it into Jerkins) the flesh and meate which the Indians do carry for their sea store, which is cut in little pieces, like unto steaks, they first salt it a little, and so dry it in the sun, till it be so hard as glew, which will be so hard, and then you may carry it in baskets to sea, and water it about one hower before you boyle it, and it will be so fresh as though it was newly killed. It will keepe twelve moneths at the least, and far better for the healths of mens bodies, this is true to mine owne knowledge and experience.

Now to answer yet one objection that may be made, that saltpeter is deare, and will be so chargeable, that it will not quit the cost; to which I answer that saltpeter is cheape in India, worth a very small matter a hundred weight [...], and will be transported into Saint Laurence for one fourth part or perhaps one eighth part of the charge it costeth by transporting the same in great quantities into England, and salt also is in India good cheape. Yet to lessen the charge thereof, both may be had exceeding cheape made in Saint Laurence, for my selfe have seen salt naturally made of it selfe, lying in the concaves and hollowes of the rocky Hill in Augustine Bay, which the high water filling those concaves with salt water, and at the ebbe when the Sunne hath power over it hath been converted into salt; moreover it seemed strange unto me, one accident there hapning during our abode in that country. The English for their recreation had made a parcell of ground by much treading and playing at nine pinns so bare, as a bowling alley or much travelled highway, and one day it chanced to raine, which raine stood in small puddles in some lower places of the alley, which the next day by the heate of [Page] the sun was converted into salt, browne as our bay salt here in England, and that by reason of the saltnesse of the earth in that place so neare the sea, not a bow shoote from the same, which may be occasioned by overflowing of the same at some times of the yeare in that low ground, and the grasse growing thereon is salt, which for my experience I have also tasted.

Now if saltpeter may there be made of salt earth (as I take it is in England, which I have seen saltpeter men to tast of, to know thereby whether it were for their use or purpose or no,) then assuredly saltpeter may be made there for a trifle, having a dainty brook of of fresh water issuing out of the rock in the bay enough to turne a mill, if such fresh water be usefull for steeping thereof (howsoever for other occasions it's exceeding usefull and in especiall for present use for the businesse before premissed, it issuing out of the rock eight or ten foot high or more, at low water may with ease and small charge be carryed in pipes upon the land, within a stones throw thereof or nearer,) and there saltpeter may be made to send into England much cheaper then out of India, brought down to the Port Town a thousand miles and more upon Cammels backes: and being a great deale nearer England, about a fourth part or the way, may be shipt home for lesse fraight, especially by ships to convey planters into that Country, and there they may even at the first returne lade perhaps hides and tallow which will not stand them in a penny, though for many thousands.

For building in this brave Island there is abundance of good timber and stone, and no doubt but bricke also may be made as well as in India and Persia, where many buildings are made of unburnt brickes dryed only with the heat of the sun. And no doubt but in short time (being planted, diligent skilfull men will finde out there as well as in other the like and not so likely countryes; Mines of Gold, Silver, Brasse, Lead, Iron, Tin and other minerals, with precious and costly drugs for phisicke, and Allowes we made there some; sold in London at six shillings eight pence per pound, and excellent materials for Diers uses and multitude of other commodities that cannot at present be conceived. And the Country being well planted with Artificers and manufactors will outstrip all others in the world for manufactures (which though I should grieve to give incouragement to imploy men therein, to the hurt of my native country and to the robbing the poore therein of their labour, yet being wrought there [Page] by our own natives, or by other slaves of Freemen, to the benefit of the English Planters, I do not conceive any wrong done to the Commonwealth, and will draw a boundance of poor people into that, and disburden our own of many unnecessary idle vagrant people, which think themselves born for no other use but Natus consumere fruges, and and to live upon Industrous mens labours. But that's a businesse beyond my reach and capacity, and therefore leave it to the deep Judgement of judicious States-men for (ne Sutor ultra crepidam.)

These incouragements already mentioned, may enduce all understanding and industrious, pious, Charitable men, to take opportunity to advance this unparaleld project yet much more, that which is yet behinde to expresse, may animate them thereunto.

And that is by the exceeding great profit to be made by Trade and Commerce to and from thence in all parts of the world, farre transcending all Trade and Commerce else-where; For that Countrey being once well planted and inhabited with Europian Christians, will draw Trade from all the Orientall parts of the world, as India, with her multitude of Rich and Spatious Kingdoms, as also those large and rich dominions of Persia, Arabia, China, Achin, and the Countreys adjacent to Moco, Bagdat or Babilon in Perua, and will also draw Trade and Commerce from all the wealthy Europian Kingdoms, as England, Spaine, Portugall, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark; the Low-Countreyes and other Principalities, and prove the best and chiefest Magazine or Store-house both of exportation or importation of Trade, between all Europe and Asia, which must needs make that Countrey rich and to flourish above other Kingdoms.

And because I have gone thus farre with my rude and unskilfull Pen, to mention the benefit of Commerce in generall. I will descend a little to particulars, to give some People better satisfaction: yet before I proceed therein, I will endeavour to clear my self of aspertion, which I expect will be cast upon me by the unworthy Governour and Committees of the Honourable East-India Corporation, who I presume will tax me, of perjury and false-hood, to the same Honourable company, whereof my self am a Member, for discovering that which may prove hurtfull or prejudiciall to that worthy Society: (though unworthy Governement) as one already hath endeavoured though he shall never be able to make his accusation good, but by sturring therein shall rather discover his own shame and Malignant Spirit.

[Page]And I trust in God that the discovering of any matter that the knowledge thereof shall tend to Gods Glory, my Royall Soveraignes Honour, (the yet hopefull gracious King Charles) and the welfare of the Common-wealth wherein I am born and live, shall not be accompted perjury either by Gods or mans Law, though it tend to the prejudice of a Corporation whereof I am a Member, and have taken Oath, to perform all good and no bad Service, to the prejudice or detrement of the said society (which as I take it) alwayes in all Oathes to Corporations include the greater good to God, King and Countrey, to be proferred before the lesser.

And because I have had experience of the envy and malignancy of East India Courts, to neglect their own and Common good, and yet hinder, private persons from doing good to themselves in particuler, like unto the Dogge in the Manger, neither eating Hay himself nor permitting the Ox to eat it, and also to take the Childrens bread, and cast it unto Dogges (which I presume I am able to prove) I have rather thought good to imploy my tallent the best I can to doe good to all men (but especially to the houshold of faith) rather then hide in a Napkin, or bury it in the earth to the losse or offence of any. And to this purpose most humbly and submissively, I intreat all good men to accept of my weake endeavours and abilities in as good and Charitable away or respect as they are offered unto their perusall.

CHAP. IX. The Riches to be accrewd by Trade between England and India, may all be converted by a free Trade to the Planters at Madagascar, the benefit of particular commodities, to and from between India and Persia; the Piscash of a Chain of Gold given by Podomsee, though of 500. pound Valew not comparable to the benefit he received by fraight and custome in his Massie Treasure in Pearles, the Massie rich Trade of Pearles, and Diamonds from Persia into India, &c.

FOrmerly in this Treatise, I have said that there is no Trade like to the Trade and Commerce of India (which the Planters at Saint Lawrence may reape to themselves if they pleased) which I make good thus. The India Trade to and from India generally produceth in 18. moneths time and lesse 3. 4. or 5. for one in some particulars, much [Page] more the tradeing in India in several Kingdoms from Port to Port, and from India into Persia, the Red Sea and Achin, China, and other parts produceth in 6. moneths generally 30. 40. 50. and 60. per cent. and more, the particulars of several commodities from India into Persia, and from Persia into India, I will onely instance in having thereof been an eye witnesse, and the others onely by report, which others upon examination can and will no doubt give better intelligence of, to whom I referre the Reader, especially to Master Richard Wylde, who told me he had made 7. for one, from Surrat to Bantam.

A Valuation of certain goods bought at Surrat in India in December 1629. And sold at Gombroone in Persia, February 1629. viz.

Suger.

90 per cent profit.

Green Ginger

70 per cent. profit.

Indico

50 per. cent. profit.

Rice.

50 per. cent. profit.

Cotten Wool,

120 p. cent. pro.

Mirabolins,

70 per cent. profit.

Shashes,

50 per cent. profit.

Saraie Benjamin double Money.

Cardimon.

60 per. cent. profit.

Sope.

80 per. cent. profit.

Blew Canches.

40 per cent. profit.

Tobacco,

4 for 1

Gunderoone,

47 per cent. profit.

Blew Chundres, or Arse-clout,

40 per cent. profit.

Pentadoes.

35. p. cent. profit.

Dry Ginger.

75 per cent. profit.

Narrow Baftas.

40 per. c. profit.

Broad Baftas.

30 per cent. profit.

Blew Baftas,

40 per cent. profit.

Sugar-Candy,

75 per cent. profit.

Nosar or Saldermoniack,

65 per cent. profit.

Fincades,

35 per cent. profit.

Red Selaies,

70 per cent. profit.

A Valuation of goods bought at Combroone in Persia in February 1629. and sold at Surrat in India 1629. and in March 1630.

Runas,

50 per cent. profit.

Walnuts double Money.

Wormseed,

30 per cent. profit.

Cheekens in Gold,

4 per cent.

Almonds,

50 per cent. profit.

Gaules,

50 per cent. profit.

Royalls of 8.

8 per cent. profit.

Raysons solis

8 per cent. profit.

Almond large,

30 per cent. profit.

Pistachees,

5 per cent. profit.

Rose-water,

20 per cent. profit.

ABC or Abcees persia silver coyne

one and a half per cent. profit.

With Multitude of other commodities both outward and inwards, between India and Persia (in especially Spices as Pepper, Cloves, [Page] Mace, and Nut-megges) which mallice and revenge, prevented me of the knowledge and insight thereinto, being most injuriously confined a Prisoner into Persia, and not to carry one penny worth of goods, for my owne Accompt, which others of farre inferiour place then my self, made their voyage in 3. or 4. moneths worth unto them 1.2.3. or 4. thousand pounds a man.

There is no Trade like to the Trade of the East India and Asia,Master Lloyds intelligence And if there was once a Plantation setled at the Island of Saint Lawrence, in 7. yeeres time there would be a fine Gallant Trade or Commerce; for the Junckes from many places of India, and divers other places in Asia, would come and Trade with you; but he that should happen to be Governour of this Island, must have a speciall care, not for to take above two of the hundred for Custome (which by that meanes will encourage them for to come the more freely, for to Trade with them from India to Persia) the next yeare after we had taken the Island of Kishme and Ormus in the Gulfe of Persia, which I was there, and an actor in taking of these two Islands, I sold at Gombroone, Tobacco for 20 for one, Sticklack Pepper; Suger, Suger-Candy, Dry-Genger, Preserved Ginger, Preserved Mirabolins, Preserved Bills, Cardimums, Sope, and divers other Commodities at 4. for one.

Rice, Cotton-Wooll, 10. for one. Indicoe, Shashes, Narrow Baftas, Broad Baftas, Birames, Pintathose, Pentolowes and divers oother Commodities, for one and one forth per cent. Cloves, Mace, Nut-meggs, Long Pepper, Cuburbs which doe sell at Gombroone dearer then in England. And likewise your Cashaw lignum, Cashaw Fistula, and China Rootes do sell at the like profit; From Persia to Surrat Horses 3. for one profit, Pearles 20 per cent. profit, Silke. 12. per cent. Carpits 10 per cent. Ruburb 10 per cent. Assafettida 12 per cent. Brimston 30 per cent. Lapistutia, 20 per cent. And the last time that I was in Persia, one Podomsee a Banian Broker of Surrat, and his Brother was the Dutch Broker, I called him brother, he was my Broker, he gave me a Gold Chaine which came six times about my neck and under my shoulder, very curious work-manship which cost so much as the Gold: This Pishcash he gave me, to give to my Mistris; Also this Podomsee did love me better then any English man, he called me his great Brother, which is in their language Marrabigee (being a good Lapidarie, having great skill in Pearles:) (vergenor) and other Banian Merchants sent him to Persia, paying the President for his passage, and he, because he loved me so well, would go [Page] with me in the same Ship, and divers other passengers; And by all meanes he and divers other Merchants would returne with me in the Ship Charles, and two dayes before we came away, he brought to my house at Gombroone a Supeta and desired me to take great charge of it and that I would put it into my Cabine: not telling me what was in it, but after we came to Sea, and bound for Surrat, this Podomsee, with three other Banian brokers, did open the aforesaid Supeta in my Cabine, and for 14. dayes together, they did nothing but sort Pearles, my friend told me, and shewed me Pearles worth 10000 pounds per peece: Some Round, and some Pendant of the bignesse of a Pigeons Egge; some of these Pearles wayed 50. and 55. Carrets a pecce.

And I asked what that Supeta of Pearles was worth, he told me 10. Millions. This Podomsee bought some Pearle at Gombroone for me, and also some Diamonds; I sold my Pearles in England five for one profit, and my Diamonds six for one profit: upon my credit this is very true.

A man that hath any understanding, may see how the Honourable Company is wronged, and what able men the Committee of this Honourable Society doe employ, for their Factors, sending home Raw Silk, which doe make hardly two for one profit.

CHAP. X. The mighty losse to the Portugalls in Customes, by the losse of Ormus, which might haue been turned to the benefit of the English, who Conquered it and indiscreetly deserted it to the benefit of the Persians.

THe East India Company at my last arrivall from India, hearing that I, Master Clement, and Captain Wedall, had 18. Balls of Silk, whereof they had us in examination who bought it, I told them I bought 12. Balls, and that Master Clement bought six; they asked me what I payed for it I told them the truth, They told me I bought it so cheap as their Factors did at Spahan, for Lapistutia, Wormseed, Ruburb, Gauls, Assafettida do make 4. for one profit in England, there are divers other Commodities which will make good profit.

Now the Merchants which comes many hundreds of miles, out of the further most parts of Persia: to meet our Ships at Gombroone, they [Page] know we doe stay but about 5. Weekes, and they know that the English and Dutch men, will put off their goods at very reasonable profit, before they will carry it back again to Surrat, that is the reason, the prize is so much fallen, as it hath been, for your English Factors will give you so much as the Persians, Banians and Jewes, for they double their Money, to Spahan, your India Merchants doe send to Persia great store of Steele; Tinne, and Sinomon, which they make great profit off; when the Portugalls had Ormus, it was the Gallantest place of Commerce and Magazine of the world none like it, as Healine reports, (if all the world was a Ring, Ormus may be the Jem,) Marchants come from most parts of the world for to trade at it. All Asia did come, and brought Commodities to this famous Island, the Portugalls took a small Custome of all those that brought goods thither; the Portugalls lost 260000 pounds yearly, when they lost the City of Ormus (for Custome of goods) and made the King of Persiapay Custome for their own goods, otherwise the Portugalls would let nothing passe into the Gulph, the English went every yeare with a great Fleet of Ships for to carry a small quantity of marchandize for to supply their Factory, as Royalls of 8. Cloth, and Tinne, so they brought back some yeares 150. 250. 300. Balls of Silk, which had it not been for the Portugals, a small Ship would have been sufficient to have carried and recarryed our small Cargazeen of goods: For the Portugall kept the Gulph by force from all Nations, and every yeare met us with a great Fleet of Ships, at Cape Gascosse Road, which is entering into the Gulph, and we have had many great Sea fights with them, which put the East India Company to a very great charge yearely, neverthelesse the Gulph did ever belong to the Persian King, which bred a heart burning to the Persian Empire.

The next yeare after the last fight at Cape Gascosse, we went with a great Fleet into the Gulph of Persia, expecting to have an other Fight with Jack Portugall; the names of the Ships are these, in the Jonah, Captaine Weddall, in the Whale, Captaine Woodcock; in the Dolphen, Captaine Stevens; in the Lyon, Captaine Beauerstone; in the London, Captaine Bligh; in the Rose, Captaine Iohnson; and in the Richard Captaine Dauice; with the Robert and Shilling, which were two small Ships of the burthen of 200. Tunnes a peece, all which Ships were of good force, and carryed 236. peeces of Ordinance and extraordinary well manned, and provided for warre; and entering into the Gulph, came out a boat from Cape Gascoffe Road, with some [Page] refreshing, and a letter from our English Factors, and a letter from the Caune of Persia, and Pilats for to Pilate our Ships a great way downe into the Gulph, to a place where our Merchants, the Caune and divers Sultans were, at a place called Custake; at which place we received 800. Balles of Silk; and there the English and Persians did enter into Articles to this purpose, that the English would joyne with the Persians in the taking the Island of Kishme, and the Island of Ormus, from the Portugalls. The Persians promised that we should have all the trade of Persia to our selves, and our Custome free; and half the custome of all other Nations that brought goods into the Gulph, and the English to have all the Christians that should be taken at our disposall, and the Persians to have all the heathens, the Marriners of our Ships to have 6. Monethes pay gratis, and what Ammunition we spent in the siege, to be all made good, & the East India Company to have straight for their Ships, and the English to have half the Treasure, Pillage, Ammunition, and Ordinance of both the Islands of Kishme, and Ormus, Ships, Gallies, Frygots, Cities, Townes, Villages; and for to have the command of the Castles. These in short was agreed upon, which was at that time of both sides performed. It will be too tedious for me to relate the whole proceedings. The Portugalls did surrender both the Castle of Kishime to us and likewise the Castle of Ormus, we gave them two Ships to carry both men, women, and Children, with some provision, and some Baggage to Muskat; but the Persians put all the heathens to death, I have seen 1000. heads for a break-fast cut off in a morning. Although we had the possession of the greatest Jewell of the world, as Healine and other authors doe report; if the Commanders, and those of the Counsell at that time had had so much understanding as B [...]lames Ass., they would not have given it away to the Persians, untill such time the King and State of England had been made acquainted therewith; and also the Honourable Company of East India adventurers: for Ormus being the primest place of the world, and the richest trade for the Portugalls, whatsoever they desired for their Commodities they had, for none brought goods into the Gulph, but they, for they served all Persia, and most parts of Arabia, and from those parts was transported into other Countreys by Land, and most part of Turky, and all parts of Asia, came to trade with them; from all parts of India, from the coast of Cornidell, Banggalla, from the River of Ganges, from all parts of the Island of Sumatra, which is the richest Island in all the world, [Page] for there is more Gold upon this Island then all the world beside, for the Poet wrights and calls it the Gold of Opher, and Solomon had his Gold from this Island, besides many rich Spices, Gums and Druggs, also from the Straights of Malaco, and from the Straights of Sindia, Java major, from the coast of Chouchichina, Burnua, the Molookcos, and from all parts of China, and the Maneelous; from all these parts they came with Junckes, very richly laden to the Portugals at Ormus, for the Portugals did make them come to trade with them, otherwise they would make prize of their Junckes wheresoever they met with them; for the Portugals was as King of all the Orientall Seas for many hundred of yeares before the English ever knew it; at the taking of the Island of Ormus, there was over the Castle-gate, the date and the yeare of our Lord God, which was at that time 500. yeares since they builded the Castle, which I and divers other English took speciall notice of, saying amongst our selves, that the Portugals had been many yeares in India, before they builded the Castle of Ormus, and they were the first that did discover all these rich places of India, and Asia. So all men may plainly see that the Portugals did make choise of the best places of their plantations for a Magazine, and the hopefull'st of a commerce of rich trading. I do verily beleive that the City of London and Amsterdam, joyne them both together, could not paralell the rich trade of Ormus, when it did florish before the English traded into India: and hath been such a heart burning to the Portugall, since, that they have endeavoured to raise all their forces in India, which the least Galloones they had did carry 48. peeces of Brasse Ordinance, besides they had many more out of Spaine, many Frigots and Gallies. And all the prime Commanders, Officers, Marriners, and Common Souldiers made a great fast; and all took the Sacrament before their great Fleet went out from Goa, to fight with the English in the Gulph of Persia. The Portugalls taking the Sacrament, to take and burn and sinck our Ships, and to beat us out of the Gulph of Persia, which at that time they failed of their purpose: and we could not make great braggs of our Victory, so every yeare, we did expect a meeting with the Portugals: so the English and the Dutch did joyn together in a Fleet to overcome the Portugalls and did meet once in two yeares in the Gulph and had a great Fight, and the Portugall had almost surprized the Dutch Admirall, if it had not been for our Vice-Admirall, for which afterwards the Dutch Admirall gave our Vice-Admirall his Gold Chaine for releiving of [Page] him, so that their was no great victory at that time gained, but the Portugals seeing we were to strong for them, they left us, and went to Muscat to recruit themselves, but never came into the gulph with their fleete of ships to meet our fleete any more.

CHAP. XI. A brave Sea fight with the Portugals upon the coast of India, another brave Sea fight with one English ship against many Portugals in the gulfe of Persia, the Portugals cruelty to our men taken prisoners in coole blood.

THe Portugals did endeavour before to beate us out of India, because they did first discover it. And the last fight that ever the Portugals had with the English in India I was in, the Portugals did challenge both the English and the Dutch, to fight with them, the Dutch had six saile of ships and the English had the ship Ionah riding in Swallow road, and the Portugals had their seven great Galloons and twenty foure Frygots each Frygot had 200 men a piece in them, and the Portugals riding on the other side of the Bar in Swallow hole or roade where we lade and unlade our ships, so that the Portugals could not come to them, for but one ship at a time can come over the Bar, and at a high water on a spring tide, so they could not come together. But the Palsgrave, Dolphin and the ship Lyon, comming out of Europe, and we had many sicke men in these three ships and falling on the coast of India between Bassine and Dabull, in the morning at the sun rising we spied two Frigots which we found to be spies, we called a counsell presently, and met aboard the Admirall, and all concluded that the Portugals had a fleet of ships neare to Surrat which we found to be true, and we plying off it up to Surrat with the winde and tide, being short of Surrat twenty leagues, and in the interim fitting our ships for fight, which did weary and tire our men, and the two frigots aforesaid keeping us company with out shot of our Ordinance between the shore & our ships, about twelve of the clock we spied the Portugals great Armado containing seven great Galloons and twenty foure saile of Frigots, so soon as they had espied us they all weighed anchor setting saile toward; us, and we making to them, within three leagues one of another, and making of their colours very plaine; one Admirall, two vice-Admirals, a reare Admirall, and three other great Galoons, with twenty foure Frigots; we did suppose and conclude that the Portugals [Page] had another fleete and had taken Swallow hole or roade where we lade & unlade our ships, because they had two vice Admirals, which was a great pollicy of the Portugals, and sending one of our men up into the main top gallant top, espied seven ships riding in swallow road we all concluded that the Portugals had taken the road: otherwise if they had been our friends, they would come out and helpe us, which said seven ships as we heard the next yeare was six saile of Dutch ships and the ship Ionah which the Portugals had challenged to fight with, so that the Dutch thought themselves too weak to fight with the Portugals. But Captain Kerredge then being President at Surrat he would have come out with the Ionah alone to helpe us, but that he was perswaded to the contrary by the English and Dutch, so we tacked about for to get sea roome, and about two a clock the ship Palsgrave, Dolphin and Lyon, met the Portugals great fleete, all the sailes of their ships crost with red crosses: they shot at us as though they had been mad & after they had discharged their Ordinance, our men stood up & played about them like brave gallant Souldiers, giving the enemy three broad sides for their one, and about foure a clock we shot downe the Admirals maine top mast, at which all our men gave a great shout; and about twelve a clock at night two of their galloons clapt our reare Admirall aboard, throwing wilde fire into her, that the ship was all of a light fire, and we doing our best (to relieve her) and being in that great distresse the Master caused an anchor to be let fall, whereupon the two galloons brake off their grabnels from the ship Lyon by reason that the tide doth run so strong that the Portugals and we did drive to sea, and did continue in fight all that night and the next day and the next night and all the next day and night; so that we did maule them that most of their masts and yards were shot off: and in the morning they were almost out of shot of us, we edging to them, I made a shot at the Admirall but he would not answer us any more, we had spent halfe our ammunition which we carryed out for the reliefe of our ships which we had in India; for we did fight three daies and nights, our ordinance went off so fast as small shot, that you could hardly see the skie for fire and smoak. The Natives of India did see the light of our powder in the skie, and did heare the report of our ordinance, and also Captaine Weddall in the great Iames comming from Bantam, on the coast of India; who did likewise meet peices of masts, yards, timber and dead men swimming on the water, and we were at that time about sixty leagues at sea, [Page] and yet they heard and saw the light of our ordnance; so the Portugals was glad to leave us and went for Goa: and we steered our course for the Island of Sacatora for to stop our leakes and to mend our ships, being very much battered, shot and torne, that we had not a yard square canvas in all our sailes but that there was a hole shot thorow, but all this time we did not know what was become of the ship Lyon, which was our reare Admirall, till the next yeare; that after the Portugals galoons broke their grabnels from the ship Lyon, could not come to her any more, because the tide would not suffer them, and the ship Lyon riding at anchor, that in an houres time both we and the Portugals fleete had lost sight of her; in the meane time the ship Lyons company put out their fire, and throwing many deadmen overboard, whereof the Captaine was one, and fitting their ship for to steere their course for Persia because they all supposed the Portugals had another fleete at swollow road, because they met us with two vize Admirals: the Portugals well knowing that the Ship Lyon what case she was in, sending foure Frygots after her into the Gulgh of Persia; and these foure saile of frygots went to Muskat for more helpe to surprize the ship Lyon, and in the meane time the ship Lyon arived over against Gombroon and had unladed all their goods and merchandize, and left it in the costody of Thomas Ioyce being pursers mate of her; and the next day after the Portugals came with twelve frigots and galleys, and did set upon the ship Lyon and after halfe a daies fight all the frigots and gallyes laid the Lyon aboard and did enter her with many men and they blowed them up, the Portugals did enter them againe severall times, so that they were forced to blow up all their deckes with many hundred of the Portugals, and seeing they could doe no good in entring the Lyon, then they fired her with wilde fire, that the mast did burne so much that coales fell down on the decke; our stout gallant English men endeavoured still to put out the fire, and to put the Portugals off which lay round about her (our men throwing fire balls and pots of powder into them, yet could doe no good, for our men could not use their Ordinance, if they opened a port hole the Portugals did let fly a hundred small shot in, so that our men could not rowse out a peice for to doe any execution, so that our brave Englishmen were put to their shifts, either to surrender, or to burne, or else to blew themselves up, so Mr. Iohnson who went out Pursur of her, was by the ships company chosen Captaine of her after the other was slaine in [Page] fight with us, so with unanimous consent rather then to yeeld to the Portugals upon any quarter, saying amongst themselves, never any English ship was taken or surrendred to the Portugals. So one gallant Englishman who was both Purser and Captaine of the ship Lyon seeing no hope or recovery for to put out the fire, the ship being much burned, that coales of fire fell downe on the decke from the top of the mast: our English was contented to die with their brave Commander. They all concluded, and in the first place they all commended their soules into the hands of the Almighty their Creator, and in the second place, all agreed to lay a traine of gunpowder to the powder roome, and so to blow up their ship; before they would be a prey to the enemy. This sad accident was performed in the twinkling of an eye, and foure great frigots which had two hundred men at the least in each frigot, which lay aboard of the ship Lyon, perished all together: some of our men so soone as fire was layed to the train leapt over board, and after the blow was past the other frigots and gallies lying off our ship, seeing our men swimming in the water for life, shot at them and darted at them with pikes; the Portugals tooke up twenty five of our men which was not slaine, yet some wounded, and the next day in cold bloud they put all our men to death excepting one Winterton, which was Steward of the ship Lyon. Hugh Frerow being at that time Admirall of those twelve saile of Frigots and Gallies, and formerly commander in chiefe of all the Portugals Sea forces in the Orientall parts; who many yeares before we took in the Castle of Kishme, and it was ordered by the Sea counsell that Hugh Frerow should be sent aboard the ship Lyon, and so to carry him a prisoner to the President and counsell of Surrat. And on the coast of India, Mr. Beaverstone, Mr. Wheately Purser, Cap. Richard Swanley then Masters mate, and other Officers of the Lyon being very merry, Hugh Frerow understanding that, tooke his opportunity, andthe ships long boat being close by the quarter of the ship, he and his two slaves that tended upon him, he lying in the round house went over the ships quarter, and got into the boate, and cutting the boat rope got cleane away, and landed neare to Surrat river and so to Daman: the Ship rideing at anchor some five miles from the shore, and some two houres after coming out of the great cabine missing their boate, and looking for Hugh Frerow, found that he was gone, and the boate out of sight, the said Winterton at that time was steward of the Lyon, and bringing provision to the said [Page] Frerow during the passage between the Gulph of Persia, and the coast of India, Hugh Frerow came very well acquainted with Winterton, upon which he gave him his life, but did put the rest of our men to death as aforesaid, which was twenty foure men; cutting off our mens heads in the prow of the frigot, and letting the bodies of our men fall into the water, holding our men by the haire of their heads, because their heads should not fall over-board, And a ter they had cut off twenty three of our mens heads, the Masters boy of the Lyon being very unwilling to die making great mone and begging upon his knees to Hugh Frerow for his life, the pretty boy saying, that he had no hand nor any of his friends in the taking of Ormus, yet all this could not prevaile with the bloudy hearted Portugals, and in cold blood (saith Hugh Frerow) cut off his head or else in time he would prove so very a rogue as the rest, which was at the taking of Ormus; and after so done he caused a long stick to be put through the cheeks of our mens heads, and put on a raft, and so to be driven to the Castle of Ormus, that the Persians should see and take notice how cruelly they had used our men, because we tooke Ormus from them; and afterwards Hugh Frerow writ a base reproachfull letter, but especially to Captaine Weddall, calling him Piscadoris, and sent this letter along by Winterton, who was an eye witnesse to this sad tragedy, to our Merchants at Gombroone; landing him three miles short of the Towne of Gombroone. At the Ship Palsgrave and Dolphins arivall, we understood by good intelligence of the Natives of India, of the Portugals inveterate divelish malice to us, for taking Ormus from them, and how all tooke the Sacrament and swore by the blessed Virgin Mary, that they would never returne to their wives and children, till they had either taken us, or fired us, or else to sink us; the Portugals had many fasts to this purpose for to destroy us, and that whensoever they tooke the English, that then they would cut off all their heads; and the Dutch, that they would hang them up by the members till they died. This was their malice because we tooke Ormus from them, and hindering of them of their trade in India. This fleete was the greatest that they have had in India; I do beleive and have been credibly informed, that they had in the fight fifty men for one which was a great advantage, but it was the great mercy of God, to preserve us from our enemies.

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CHAP. XII. The Portugals mediation for peace with the English Nation, the Persians valuation of Ormus, at twenty Millions of treasure, now they are possessed thereof, which the English might have enjoyed, if they had had wise Governours, Committees, and Agents, of the India corporation; the exceeding folly of the East India court, in sending treasure into Persia, to touch at Surrat, where the money being invested in commodities would have turned almost to double money profit, the unconsionable custome of India Courts in not shipping out our own rich native commodities, which would yeeld good profit, but transporting much Gold and Silver, to their countries losse, and proofe of their ill office to the Common-wealth; the way to drive a rich trade into India, without transportation of treasure. Multitude of English commodities beneficiall for transportation into India, to save exportation of treasure, if the India courts were good members of the common-wealth; the beneficiall trade in India, between Surrat and Goa neare adjacent: all commodities from Surrat to Bantam vendible, at great beneficiall prizes.

THe Portugals never since dared for to attempt to fight with us any more,Mr. Lloyd, his intelligence. but the Portugals hath endeavoured and sent many messengers to the President and councell at Surrat, for to desire that a peace may be concluded between them and us, which since is performed between the President and Councell of Surrat, and the Vice-Roy of Goa, and likewise confirmed by both the States of England, and Spaine, but I have heard many Portugals tell me, that the English hath done them more wrong then the Crown of England can make them satisfaction, for taking Ormus from them, and for to give it to the Persians; I must needs confesse the like was never known, that one Christian warring against another, and then for to give the prey and all the benefit to the Heathen.

The Persians I am confident will not leave the Castle of Ormus, for twenty Millions of Treasure. I have been in Persia many times since we tooke Ormus, and the Persians hath told me as much: the Persians hath flourished gallantly since they have gotten Ormus in their custody, for Gombroon when I first knew it, had but eighteen houses in it; and now it is a great City or Town as most in England, it may compare for commerce of trade, that there is not the [Page] like place of trade in all Persia; also it is become the best Port Town and doth bring more custome to the King of Persia, then all the port Townes besides; this the English might have enjoyed, if they had been wise, or had but good descreet Factors and Commanders, which hath brought such exceeding losse to the Adventurers, I may boldly say many Millions, since Ormus was taken.

And herein by the way, let not the India Courts at home maliciously maligne (as they have done a long time, to the utter ruine of me and mine, for my good service done them, and acknowledged by their owne acts of Court) for casting aspertion upon them, (in information to my country-men in generall, and to the Honourable Adventurers in particular,) of their indiscreet and injuditious managing the India trade, far from the repute of prudent Merchants, which hath brought such exceeding losse to the Adventurers of the second stock, and to my selfe a poore member of the company in particular, which I manifest in these few words.

The India Court have shipt for many yeers together great quantities of Silver and Gold, viz, 20 30 40 or 60 thousand pounds per annum. into Persia to buy silke, which money hath been at all times first brought to Surrat in India, and from thence transported into Persia untoucht, which being invested at Surrat in commodities as aforesaid, would have turned to the companies great profit, 40 50 60 or 80 per Cent. [...] money yeelded them not a penny profit; for they might have had the same money in Royals of eight for their commodities at the port Town of Gombroone, to have fitted their turne at Spahan where it was to be invested in silke, and if they had carryed up the commodities themselves to Spahan, as the Persia Merchants, that came to the port Town with ready money to buy the commodities, they might peradventure have advanced their profit as much more; for it is very probable that Merchants would not come down fifteen hundred miles by land to buy commodities with ready money, but to their great advantage.

The India Company transport but little of our native commodities, viz Cloath and other woollen manufacture, which though they vend not in great quantities, (as in Germany, Low-countries, Turkey, Muscovia, Denmark &c.) yet when they are sold they goe off at great profit, especially if transported from the port of Surrat, unto remoter parts of India, and my self have made double and almost treble money of cloath above the price in London; but the maine [Page] of their exportation is in Gold and Silver, which whether they be good common wealths men or no I leave to the judicious state of this Land to examine and consider.

But I know and am certainly assured, that a great trade may be driven in India without any money at all exported (as by experience in the several rich Factors returned, who carryed smaller or no stock at all) (of which I could nominate many) yet by 5. or 6. yeares employment or some longer time, have brought home Estates of 5.10. or 30. thousand pounds a man, their sallery not paying their charge by a quarter part more or lesse, which I manifest thus. A good stock once setled in India of 100000 pounds more or lesse by goods, of severall sorts exported from England, as Cloth, Kersies, fine light Stuffes, Quicksilver, Lead, Tinne, Iron, Steele, Currall, Amber, Ammell, Tapestry, hangings, Pictures, Swords, Blades, Knives, Scissers, Sheeres, Rasors, Looking-Glasses, Glasse-Beads, Spectacles, Locks, Keyes, Hinges, Horses, Bitts, Stirrops and Curry-Combes for Horses and Oxen, and Nailes of all sorts; French and Norrembour toyes, &c. Iron-wyer, Brasse-wyer, Shaven-latten, Red, white, and thin plated Iron, Muskets, Pistolls, Fowling Peeces, Brasse and Iron Ordinance, Conny-Skins, and Lambe-Skins white, and dryed in Colours, fit for Persia, and cold Countreys, as Foot-Clothes, Sumpter-Clothes for Cammels, and Horse-Clothes, for a tryall; and to bring Cloth in more use in these hot Countryes, Lists of Clothes (to make Carpets for ordinary people to set upon) Remnants and Taylors Shreds of Cloth and Velvet, and Satten, and Silke for imbrodery, and to lay under Carpets and Cover-lids of Colours, Leather curiously cut out in workes and usuall in India, and to be brought home for many uses, some Silk out of Europe of more esteem then India Silke; as coloured Sattens, Taffeties, wrought Taffeties, unwrought Grograms, Tammets, Durettoes, Saies, and other light Stuffes of each some small quantities for tryall to bring them in use, with stripped Hangings, fit for paling to great mens Tents, with multitude of other English and Europian Commodities to save the exportation of Gold and Silver, which time and industry of men will finde out, if an open and free trade were for all men to make use of (or in an interloping trade leaving the quintessence and choycest Commodities to the India company) these commodities are the chiefest of them with others to be found out (with some assistance of some reasonable quantity of Gold and Silver at first tollerated, if which [Page] permition) a standing stock may be raised and kept in India, which with credit will be abundantly heaped upon them, that have but a small stock in the Countrey, a mighty trade may be driven to all the Kingdoms of India and Asia, and to great profit; and the Surplus thereof still yearely after one or two yeares made hence into England will much advantage the state of this Common-wealth (in my simple opinion) and for the better accommodation of this tradeing, small Ships of a 100. or 200. or 300. Tunne may be kept in India, to make speedier returnes then by India Junckes from place to place, which notwithstanding may be much usefull, for ladeing and transporting of grosse commodities, as Cotton, Cottonyarne, Rice, Tobacco, Sugar, Ruinas, Gaules, Brimstone, Allome and such like, of small valuation yet great in Bulke, and profitable both for exportation and importation to Surrat and other parts in India; and the other English Ships to be laded with finer and lesse bulkey Commodities, which as long as Peace continueth in those parts between us and the Dutch, and Portugals, there is little or no danger, the seas of themselves (taking opportunity of the munsones or trade winds) as pleasant sailing in, as in the River Theames or Narrow seas in faire or summer weather. And this course as I conceive will save an infinite charge of shipping, which now the company are and have been at to passe continually between India and England, their abode in the Countrey untill they be worne out and decayed, and so dangerous to come home a long voyage; whereas shipping upon advice from India sent out once a yeer strong and in good case to stay there a moneth, two or three for their relading and recreation, will be of much lesse Charge and danger in coming home. What I write here is out of the little intelligence I have gotten by being one yeare at the Northern parts of India, at Surrat, and half that time a close prisoner, most injuriously and wickedly oppressed for my affection and indeavours to doe God and my Country the best service in my poor power. At Bantam and the Southern parts of India; I never was, and therefore cannot in large thereupon, but leave it to others of better understanding and abilities to act that part.

From Surrat to Goa, trade produceth 30. 40. and 50. per cent. innumerable of many sundry sorts of Commodities, [...] after [...]Loyd [...]telli [...]ce. which the Portugals comes to Surrat, and at Combay 100. Saile of Frigots doe lade yearly which I have seene and known to be true, and from Goa to Surrat doe produce 20. 25. 30. per cent. and for Sinomon and Folium-Indium 50. per cent.

[Page]From Surrat to Massalapattam with Persia commodities will produce 30. 40. 50. per cent. by the severall Goods expressed as aforesaid brought from Persia to Surrat.

And from Surrat to Bantam you cannot lay out your money amisse, for the worst commodities which is vendible for Bantam; will produce 70. 80. per cent. Blew Byrams Canekeenes, 100. per cent. Pentathoes and checker Stuffes, stript Stuffes, Tapeseekes, Pattollowes of Cotten and Pattollowes of Silk, course Girdles, course Shashes, Indico, blew Chundres, Chaders, and Bralls 110. per cent. Cotton-wooll, Sope, Cumming seeds, Mustard seeds and wheat 8. 9. 10. for one profit. There is in most parts of the South seas no Wheat growes, that there may be many ships laden with Wheat put off yearly at a mighty great profit, Narrow and broad Baftas white, at 80. 90. per cent. Narrow and Broad Baftas Blew at 110. 120. per cent. and many innumerable of commodities which will produce great benefit.

This I know to be true to my knowledge; and Persia commodities do likewise yeeld one and a half and two for one profit; before Bantam was opened I have sold all these particuler goods at Jacatra, which the Dutch cals Battavia which is 13. Leagues beyond Bantam at the severall Prices as aforesaid.

And from Bantam most of these commodities is transported to Achine, Tickeo, Priman, Jambee, Japarra, Macasser and China, which doe produce 1.2.3. and 4. for one profit, so he that doth intend for to goe to any of these places, I doe wish him not to sell his commodities at Bantam, for there they buy most part of these goods for to vend at these severall places, yet Java Major doe vend aboundance of these severall particulers aforesaid; this is very true and certaine to my knowledge.

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CHAP. XIII. The exceeding rich trade from Surrat to China, and also a rich trade from China to India, though this beneficiall trade be neglected by the English sluggish injudicious Court Committees; if a free trade were open, diligent industrous Merchants would leave no place unassayed where there is great hopes or certain assurance of large profit, the profitable trade from India to Moco in the Red Sea, the way to inrich our usurers with more security of conscience by letting Moneyes at interest to Heathens rather then to Christians and at double the Rates, for their greater incouragement. Industrious men in open trade will find out for more severall sorts of Commodities, then the India injudicious Courts (never exercised in the practick of that commerce) doe looke into, and no doubt but as beneficiall.

NOw from Surrat to China,Captaine Matthew Wills his information. English Broad Cloth and Kerseys, do produce 20, 21, 22, 23, 24. for one profit; Indico, Narrow and broad Baftas, Blew Byrams, Cankeens, doe produce 6.8. and 10. for one profit, Narrow and broad Baftas, white Pepper, Cloves, Mace, Nutmeggs, divers severall sorts of goods doe produce 3, 4, 5, 6. for one profit.

This Captain Matthew Wills told me, for he was commander of the Ship London, which was the first Ship that ever the English had in those parts, for the Portugals did Fraight him by the consent of the President and Councell of Surrat, the reason was that the Dutch & Portugals was at difference at that time, so that they were faine to fraight one of our Ships presently after the Peace was concluded between the English and Portugals; and from China to Goa and so to Surrat produced mighty profit in severall commodities, as China raw Silke, and woven Silke, in abundance of varieties of all Stuffes, Cobweb Lawnes, Cloth of Gold, Tissue, and silver, for a boult of rich Damaske containing 32. yards, for 3. or 4. Rials of 8. a peece; of China Earthen ware, they bought for little or nothing farre cheaper then we buy our Earthen ware in England, China Roots, and divers other druggs and commodities, for there is great store of Coper, worth little or nothing, and great store of Gold; for the Portugals brought abundance of Gold cast in the fashion of Sugar-loves, and doe produce 40. 45. and 50. per cent profit in India, But from Bantam, Macasser, Japarra, Jambee, Achine, Tickeo; Prima [...], doe [Page] yeeld many rich commodities, Cloves, Mace, Nutmeggs, Tortleshells, long Pepper, white Pepper, and severall sorts of round Pepper, Cuburbs, Cashaw-Lignum, Cashaw-Fis [...]ula, Lignum-Allowes, Ruburb, China Roots, China Ginger preserv'd, Tamerin preserv'd China Ware, Muske, Civet, and divers of innumerable of druggs and commodities which doe produce 2. 3. 4. for one profit in Persia and Moco in the Red Sea; these commodities will yeeld good profit at Surrat, but not so much as at Moco or Persia, I bought at Battavia 6. Butts of Tortle Shels which I sold at Surrat for two for one profit; and divers other severall sorts of commodities as aforesaid, which I sold at Surrat for 50. 60. 70. and 80. per cent: which at that time we bought our commodities at Battavia, whi [...]h was at the worst hand because the Dutch made the Chinaces, Javaes, pay custome in their own Countrey and all other Nations both in and out, for then at that time Bantam was not opened; and after the English went to Bantam the Javaes came within the Dutch Court of Guard, and entred into the Town of Jacatra, and kill'd many of the Dutch, and made them flye into the Castle, and the Javaes persuing of them to the Castle walls, for they hate a Dutch man so bad as the devill, and doe love the English extraordinary well, so since Jacatra which the Dutch call Battaiva which in English is new Holland, is not one third part so bigge as it hath been, because that the Javaes doth Sally into the Towne and burne it, the Javaes are very desperate. About 20. yeares since the Dutch had three men of War riding in Bantam road, the Admirall carryed 36. Peeces of Ordinance, the Vice-Admirall 32. Peeces, the Rear-Admirall 26. Peeces, there came three Javaes in a little Boate aboard the Admirall, two of them went into the great Cabbine, and killed the Captain, Master, two Merchants and three men more, and yet these three Javaes got off clear: I saw these Ships in Bantam Road; also the trade is very much decayed, the Dutch hath not the sixth part of custom and other duties as they had formerly. So much for the Southern parts in briefe,

From Surrat to Moco in the Red Sea, Tobacco doth produce 10. and 12. for one profit, Rice doth produce 6. and 7. for one profit, China ware 4. and 5. for one profit, Cloves, Mace; Nutmegs, and Pepper, do produce two for one profit, narrow and broad Baftas white, 70. per cent. Narrow Bastas blew, Byrames and Canikeenes two for one profit, Chaders, Bralls, Pentathose, Barbers aprons, Sallowes, fine Shashes, course Shashes, course and fine Girdles, doe [Page] produce two and a quarter for one profit, Suger, Ginger, preserv'd, Suger-candy, Cotten-wooll, Cardimons, Sope, and Shooes, will produce two and three for one profit: also, all your Persian commodities will yeeld very good profit at Moco.

There is divers sorts of severall commodities which you bring from Surrat, and out of the South-seas which produce 2, 3, 4, and 5. for one profit; this I know to be true, for I have sold many of these commodities as aforesaid at Moco.

And from Moco to Surrat, Estridges Feathers, Ruinas, Opium, Beazer Stones, Cloth of Tissue, many rich Gums and Druggs, which doe produce two for one profit and upwards; but for your Estridge-Feathers, I do wish no man to sell them at Surrat but for to bring them for England, for I have made ten for one profit selling of them in England.

And now I doe returne to the first center from which I began: The Island of Madagascar or St. Lawrence, a gallant commerce of trade may be made in few yeeres, if wise and discreet men had but the managing of it, in a very short time it might be made a second Ormus, for it doth stand in the very center of the world for trade withall Nations, and nearer by 2000. Leagues then Ormus was to all Nations in Asia, for the Northermost part of this Island doth lye within eleven degrees and a half of the Equinoctiall, which is very near to Cape Comrine, which is the Southern most part of India; so that, most parts in India, Asia, Affrica, doe lye neer adjacent to Madagascar, and many commodities which this Island doth afford is transported to the neighbouring Countreyes as aforementioned: and in short time all the Countreys in Asia and India would come and trade with you, and Portugals and many other Nations if once a trade was settled.

Eccles. 34. 9, 10, 11. and 12.

9 A man that hath travelled, knoweth many things, and he that hath much experience will declare wisdome.

10 He that hath no experience knoweth little: but he that hath travailed is full of Prudence.

11 When I travelled, I saw many things: and I understand more then I can expresse.

12 I was oft times in danger of death, yet I was delivered because of these things.

1 Sam. 17. 29.

What I have I now done is where not a cause.

[Page]There is yet another good way in my weak Judgement to raise a great fortune and increase of wealth thereby which me thinkes our rich usurers and money Mongers should looke after, and that is by raising a banck or stock in India, to be put out at interest at the usuall rates there, that is one pound, and one pound and five shillings a moneth, or more; accompting 28. dayes to a moneth, the time of the moones circumference, which makes 13. monethes in the yeere, and so produceth 13.1. per cent. interest, per an. at the least rate, and 16. pounds 5. shillings per cent. at the highest rate; which is double the rate in Christendome, and not so offensive to God in letting out money to the h [...]ath [...]n and Idolatrous people, and the hazard of breaking and loosing of their principall nothing at all dangerous, or farre lesse then in England, the name of a Bankroupt being more odious, and stricter Lawes to binde men to honest performance of such covenants: and the usurers or money masters in banck may get more, and advance their estates by furnishing men with moneys (or wares at a dearer rate, provided in fitting season) upon their severall voyages to Persia, Bantam, Moco, &c. at 20. or 25. per cent. profit or more at the ships return, bend [...]s the over ratement of their goods 10. or 20. per cent. which in all will produce 30. or 40. per cent. profit or more, which is usuall in 6. moneths or shorter time, and at 60. per cent. profit to Achin upon a yeares voyage or lesse, more then the overratement; and the superfluity of their stock may be returned home by exchange either to English at 50. per cent. profit or dearer rates, especially to Dutch and Portugals, &c. and away by exchange may peradventure be found from Persia into Turkey to Constantinople at a farre greater advantage; for the usuall Rates of the exchange from India to Spahan in Persia (at my being in those parts) was 60. per cent. profit, and sure from Spahan to Constantinople will be an advantage gotten, and so also raised from Constantinople to London, to the Bankers great improvement of their stock, and a good help or stay in these obstructive dangerous plundering times, to have some part of their Estates abroad in security to great advantage, rather then to hide it in the earth (where no doubt but much treasure is at this time hidden in England) to preserve it from the spoyling hands of Malignant Plunderers, as it is often times (to their griefes) met withall, or utterly lost to their posterity (through great secresie) thus much for the trade outwards, and in India, and now for the trade home wards from India, that is most beneficiall and advantageous making 3. 4. or 5. for one or more as before I have related.

[Page]The commodities from thence are innumerable and of many sundry sorts all beneficiall, yet the India company looks after noon but the chiefe, as Callocoes, or Bastas broad and narrow, (white and coloured) Dimmities, Necaines, Saloes, Pintadoes and other sorts of Lynnen or Stuffes made of Cotten Yarne, and Cotten Yarne it selfe, and Cotten wool, and Spices of all sorts, as Pepper, Cloves and Mace, Cynomon and Ginger, Suger, Wormeseed, Rubarb, and Green-Ginger, China Roots, and many sorts of druggs, and Salt-Peeter, Indico, Gulmack, muske, Civet, Amber-greece, Pearle, and Diamonds, &c. of which sorts some also they regard not but permit their Merchants (servants and sea-men) to trade in also, excepting Chiefly, Linnens, Spices and Indico and some other of speciall note for most profit.

But India affordeth and would afford many more rich commodities to industrious understanding Merchants, either in an open free or interloping trade, if men might have liberty and convenience to passe into India.

Those which Judgement leads me to conceave beneficiall (and which if I could have obtained liberty for my passage into India for considerable fraight, which was maliciously denied me (a member of the company) and granted (to Aliens) and strangers of forraign Nations, Enemies in religion, and to the accord of commerce (gratis) I would have put in practice and made tryall to mine own and Countreyes welfare, according to that small insight I had attained by my short time of abode in that Country) are these as followeth, besides those before mentioned and neglected by the India company, of which none have yet made tryal of or very few, & are not nor should not have been prejudiciall to the company in no degree: As Gun-powder, and Sope, for a penny a pound, better then our Castle Sope; dying stuffes, and the ingredients thereto, and skill to make the Colours to hold as in India, Pintadoes, which our English dyers much effects and desires (as I have heard say) the Art thereof, and the Art of laying on Gumlack in colours upon Turners wa [...]e, much desired in England, also Cammels haire, for Beaver-makers, and Felt-makers, brought over rough and unpickt and sold by Turkey Merchants for about 18. per pound, but might be had cheaper in India and Persia then in Turkey, and the haires thereof being pickt out in India, as at home it costeth the Beaver maker 9 pence per pound, the picking may be done in India for a penney the pound or thereabouts, and takes away almost [Page] one half of the weight, then its worth 4. shilling per pound, and is farre lesse Bulkey and more fitting for transportation, and is better haire then that brought out of Turkey, as a Pattern of a Felt made in Persia shewed to a Beaver-maker (Master Rogers by name) who vallued the Felt at 30. shillings, and cost me in Persia not aboue five shillings at the most, and from thence by his advice its possible to bring Felts ready fitted to the Block for any fashion in request, at farre cheaper rates then to be made in England; also in these distractive, murdering, killing times of warre, Buffe to be made in India would prove an excellent good and profitable commodity, to be made much better of their strong Busttle hides, and far cheaper then at home.

Persia sheepe-skins an excellent Fur, fine and warme, worne by Princes in Christendome, and usefull to make Cover-lidds like Ruggs for great Persons Bedds, bring soft as Silk, and finely Curled and of a Grayish colour, of which I know none but my selfe have ever made tryall of, and sold them to good profit and more might have made of them but that I sold them to a friend, I would have put many commodities to the tryall of making their which the Countrey yet affords not, as Fustians, strong, Dimmities, fine and course Buckerams black, and in colours, all sorts of Tapes made of calico, fine and course, broad and narrow, Leather Tand or untand and in colours, Goat-Skins, Parchment, and Paper, fitted to the sizes in England, and Guilded Leather for Hangings, curious Painted and Guilded Bedsteeds, Stooles, Chaires, round Tables inlaid with mother of Pearle, Aggets and Cornelians, Quilts, Curtains and hangings of Silk, Pintadoes and fine imbrodred guilted Cappes, Wastcoats, and underbreeches for men, excellent for use and cheape, and some for women, both for rich and poor, Covers for Bookes of all sizes, excellent good and cheape Estridge-Feathers, Leather and Paper Fannas, curiously wrought and guilded for Gentle-women, Bead [...]s, Pendants, and Rings of many sorts of Stones, as Christall, Agget, Cornelion, Jasper, Elitropian, &c. Agget Cups and Dishes of severall sorts, and Turtle Shels, with curious Chests, Cabinets and Boxes of Ivory and Ebony, inlay'd with severall materials, Silk of all sorts, China, Persia and India Velvets, Sattens, Taffities, Damasks, Persia Mellicks wrought with Gold, and India Cottens, also variety of desirable Stones of severall sorts, fit for Tomb-makers, Chimny Peeces, and Pavements, for Noblemen and great persons, Summer-Roomes, cut and carved in severall Fashions, Formea and Figures, according to [Page] Musters in other materials, in regard of their cheapnesse and workeman-ship, in cutting such hard Stones in India will be of much Accompt in this Kingdom and [...]se where among persons of severall qualities, conditions, and Arts. The variety of severall commodities is so great and their quantities to be had in these parts, that I should spend a great deale of time and Paper in recounting them, and yet should not be able to reckon up halt their numbers; for new will daily be found out if open or free Trade were once on Foot; all which would convert to the benefit of the plantation at Saint Lawrence or Madagascars and no doubt but imploy much more shipping, and men to be made active and skilfull Marriners and Seamen then yet that trade hath produced. If I had made another voyage into India I would have endeavoured to have transported Maultilers, distillers of Strong-waters, Brewers of Beer and Wine, makers of Tobacco, Cutters to have made India Tobacco, Curers to have made India Tobacco (ill cured there) as good as Vrinas or other Countreyes of farre greater esteem in Persia) yet that of India yeelded in Persia as before mentioned foure for one; Gardiners, Painters, or good Picture makers, Clock-makers, &c. with mow [...] and their utensels to teach the Indians the use of Hay-making, [...] of which in time of drought (commonly 6. or 7. [...] and almost starved, which might also [...] my Countrey-men. I would also have [...] of Flax and Hempe by transporting seed thither, which it should take effect and grow as in cooler Countreys Chritian Linnen (as I call it) would be made there and brought into all parts of Christendome at farre cheaper rates then now it is at, and be of more esteeme in India and other Eastern Countreys then Callicoes or other heathen Linnen, and all these things whatsoever mentioned in this Treatise, the plantation at Madagascar or Saint Lawrence may have the benefit and accommodation thereof, either by manufacture already made or to be put in practice there, in regard of the cheapnesse of the labours of men women and Children in India, at a penny, three halfe pence, or two pence a day to maintain themselves and families, and much more cheaper may it be done at Madagascar, where all sorts of better diet may be had, cheaper then in India, and slaves both in Madagascar and India and other parts may be bought for a trifle, besides the Plantation once setled, multitude of arts men would flock out of India and other parts to live among Christians, where they may be more [Page] free from injustice and wrong, tirranny and oppression, then in any Eastern or Asian Kingdoms else besides; yet one thing more I have forgot concerning defence against Forraign Enemies or Natives; for Forraign Enemies, that requires greater Judgement then for mine fortification defensive and offensive, to which I referre my Censure but for defence or offence against the Natives (Salvages) its more ease to defend or resist then in any other habitable places of the world, where English have seated themselves.

For (as I understand it) they (the Salvages else-where) have not onely Darts, but Bowes and Arrowes more dangerous to annoy a farre off, and more numerous to discharge, as also great knotty Clubbs, but here at Saint Lawrence they have no weapons but Darts, and of them not numerous, nor easie to carry; and for defence of or from them I will make bold to lend my advice; In India Buffe (as before mentioned) may be had in great quantities and very cheape, with which men being armed onely upon their Shirts and Linnen breeches, with Coats and breeches, and if they please Buskins to tye about their Leggs, there is no feare of Darts to hurt or annoy them as I conceave, which also is lighter and easier then other Iron Armes; for offence to them, light Muskets, Carbines are usefull, and fowling Peeces will doe good Service; to them may be added light short Swords, and dainty light Bucklers to be had in India: and also India light and short Bowes with forked or broad Arrow heads exceeding cheape, which notwithstanding their Gunnes and Swords and Bucklers they usually have both Bowes and Arrowes in a light quiver, at their backs, and by which Children or Boyes of 10. or 12. yeares of age may doe good Service against the Salvages, who may keep themselves in safety at further distance then their Darts can reach, and yet annoy the Enemy exceedingly If he State of this land please to lay some easie imposte or excise upon trade in generall, to and from India, and from port to port their, and to other Eastern Countreys, it will be no burden but an exceeding gainfull Trade, and exceeding helpfull and advantagious to the Plantation. As also a Remonstrance set out in publique, to excite men both traders and others, to voluntary contribution, it will also much a vaile (as by example) even aboard the English fleete Anno 1628. consisting onely of two Ships, the Jonas 7. or 800. Tun and Expedition about 200. Tun, Captain Swanly Admirall, at whose motion the whole Fleet of poore Seamen, contributed 250. pounds towards the furtherance of an Hospitall at Blacke Wall for the [Page] reliefe of decayed or wounded India Sea-men, with a provisoe that the India Court should fix in the said Hospital in some convenient place, a table fairely written, expressing every Benefactors name, with his sum contributed, purposely required for the encouragement of others to follow their example, and not to forbeare such charitable actions, which some Sea-men excepted against having formerly contributed to Schooles and Churches in Virginia, and Wapping Church, and other men assumed the glory to themselves, which much discouraged them; and must needs be a blur to the India Court to reject their voluntary contribution, by subscription to be abated out of their wages, in neglecting and refusing such free benevolence, which being followed was hoped and promised by all Merchants, and Sea-men, would have ere this day have amounted to such a considerable summe of money as would have purchased many hundred yea perhaps thousands of pounds per annum. 10 that Hospitall. But that clause or provisoe, to have the Benefactors names set up (as before related) in the Hospitall, hath caused the same to be had still in contempt or of little use, because it should not dimme the India Governours and Committees their fames and estimations, by raising an Hospitall out of their poore servants purses, and shame of their owne backwardnesse. But such free benevolence and contribution to the furtherance of the plantation, and set on foote (which I perswade my selfe will be much more enlarged by Merchants and Sea men, that know or conceive the accommodation thereof) will adde exceedingly to the bringing that businesse in a short time to good perfection.

And if his Majesty please to adde or bestow, titles of honour or dignitie to deserving men, according to the number of the people they transport, plant and settle their habitation in Madagascar at their owne charge: to be conferred upon them either imediately by himselfe, or else in that Country by a Vice-roy, Lieutenant, or Deputy, authorized by his Majesty thereunto, (as honour of that Country to be of great esteeme) it may peradventure induice rich monied men, Gentlemen and Younger Brothers, &c. to be more forward in the accomplishment of this worthy designe to its better perfection.

It's now about thirteen yeeres since I returned from India, and in the way home from Saint Laurence, my affections have ever since been bent again to these parts, and to endeavour to doe my King and [Page] Country service, as well as to benefit my selfe, and to that end gave the India Court some hint or intelligence thereof, which they contemned. But envey, malice, revenge, and cruell oppression, hath hundred it for nine yeeres together, before I could come to any (though bad end) with the Indian Court for the intollorable wrongs sustained by them and their servants: and sithence sicknesse now almost six yeeres compleate hath letted me to undertake againe that voyage (either by Dutch or Portugals Ships which I intended having most malitiously been denied my passage in the English Ships) and now in regard sicknesse hath so debilitated my body in all parts and members thereof, that I am not able to goe or ride, and with much paine impulsed to scrubble this rude discourse, and being aged sixty yeeres, and now not fit for travell, having one foote and more already in the grave, and so dearely affecting the furtherance of this so hopefull and accommodable a plantation, especially in this turbulent troublesome and obstructive times, which causeth many good men and women, to forsake their native Country, I have attempted (presuming upon courtuous acceptance, the maine and I expect and looke after) to publish this rude yet true discourse or tracktat, as many witnesses yet living (I doubt not) but will give good testimony of what I have herein related, as that worthy noble Captaine (so well approved of by the right Honorouble the high Court of Parliament) Richard Swanley, Mr. Gregory Clements, and Mr. Iohn Cartwright, Merchants, Captaine William Swanley, Cap. Iohn Proud, Mr. Walter Hamond Chirugion, and Mr. George Gosnell Purse's mate in the Charles, Captaine Iohn Weddall Admirall but dead, Iohn Hamerton and Thomas White, Citizens of London, and abundance of Seamen more whose names I have now forgotten or not living as also Mr. Richard Wilde and Mr. George Page, though deadly adversaries to me and mine (not only malitiously threatning but wickedly executing our ruine, all at one time resident at Saint Laurence three moneths together) and I appeale also to the testimony of M. William Methold, at present Deputy governour of the India Company, and Mr. Thomas Kirridge, a present Committee therein, and many Southern factors with whom I have no acquaintance, hoping that some of them whose abilities and judgements exceede mine, will for the Glory of God and the good of their King and Country, adde their more prevalent perswasions both by tongne and per, to this most honourable and famous action; for want of which my prayers to [Page] God shall not be wanting to put good Christians in minde to undertake this most honourable pious action, and to prosper their handiworke therein, to Gods glory, the honour of King Charles, and his Royall Issue, and my endeared native Country its welfare and accomodation, which my rude pen hath begun, and as it were broken the Ice for their more cleare and easie passage to so good and pious a worke, which I much desire and should joy to see performed, as also more especially to see or heare that the right honourable the High Court of Parliament, would take it into their consideration to make it a businesse of much good consequence to the state of this Kingdome; or others, Noblemen, Knights, Gentlemen, Citizens, &c. had begun to set the action on foot, wishing also that I had either ability of purse or strength of body, (being at present descrepit in all my limbes) to further the same which I would not spare, though assured to be no gainer thereby my selfe, and though I should in that action lose my life, and bury my bones in the vast ocean sea, or in a barbarous Country.

CHAP. XIIII. A beneficiall trade to be made at the Port of Swollow road, where all Christian Ships and others resort at fitting times; incouragement to young Merchants or decayed persons of a good and honest repute at home in their owne Country, a meanes to draw on Adventures in purse and person to Madagascar.

ONe thing I had forgotten which now comes to my minde, which will with all the other advantages in trade, adde much to the benefit, either of private men, or to the accommodation of the plantation as aforesaid, and that is as followeth; at Swollow roade, the port or haven for Ships sent to Surrat in India, upon the shore in open fields is usually kept a Bazor, Market or Faire, during the abode of the English Ships there, which sometime lasteth a moneth two or three together, where the English have a Tent for their President or Councell to sit or lye in at their pleasure, and their to are annexed a Tent for the Merchants of the Maryne, the Companie's servants, (so called because they are alotted to do service there in lading and relading of the Ships) and the English house Purser or his Mate, hath another Tent accommodable for him to give order for buying provision of fresh victualls for the Ships, and other [Page] services. And the Dutch company likewise have the same conveniency, distant about a quarter of a mile one from the other. But the Bazor or market place for provision of victuals, or for sea commodities, and Marriners their investments for merchandizing of all sorts, is annexed to the English Tent, like a little Town, with a street or two, and many Tents of Banians, richly furnished with all manner of wares, which they sell both to English and Dutch, but most to the English, who are the more Royall Merchants; and the Banians buy also such goods as they bring out of England, or from other parts in India, where they have been in trading. By which meanes the Banians get great store of wealth by such trading at the Maryne, with English, Dutch, Portugals, and others; the benefit whereof may all be accrewed to the English, which had I gone a second voyage for India, either for the company if they thought good, or my selfe, I would have put in practice, and am assured of great advantage and profit to have redounded thereby; and the more incouragement I had thereunto by some of the chiefest Banians themselves, who put it into my head, and promised to be my assistants therein and layed me downe a way how to effect the same to my great profit, viz by buying in the time of raynes 56 or 7 moneths time beforehand all sorts of vendible commodities fit for sale at the ships arival, and to sell the same againe unto the seamen and marriners at 20 or 30 per cent. profit, ready money; and faithfully promised to assist me with moneis for the investments at easie rates, and so to put them off againe for me as aforesaid, some good experience I had of their affection and fidelity towards me in a high degree, though a close prisoner.

It fortuned that during that time the ship Ionah returned from Bantam to Surrat with store of Spices, especially Cloves, which at their departure from Surrat to Bantam, and about six moneths past were a drug or unvendible commodity, but at the Ships arival inhausted suddenly to a great price, to almost double money the price they cost at Bantam, whereupon the Banian Usurers and Brokers pittying my intollerable wrongs, came to visit me and offered me great curtesies beyond my expectations, which was in advising me to buy up presently all the Cloves in the Ship Ionah, amounting to many thousand pounds, and they would sell them againe for me to 40 50 or 60, per cent. profit, I made them curteous and thankfull reply for their freindly advice, and made known unto them the impossibility in me to effect it, partly in regard for want of monies to buy them up, [Page] which must be with ready money, and partly in regard I was a prisoner and had not liberty to goe about such or any other businesse. To both which impediments in me, they propounded present cure and accommodation, and first for monies they would supply me, with such quantities as the businesse should require; and secondly, for want of my liberty, they advised me presently to write to Captaine Richard Swanley, Commander of the Ship Ionah, with whom they knew I had good correspondency and friendly familiarity, to procure his assistance therein, upon which their incouragement and friendly perswasions; I wrote presently to Captaine Swanley, to intreat his furtherance therein, and to allot him the halfe share therein, and to furnish him with money, but he being overawed by the usurping power of a tyranus Prendent, with whom at that present he was out of favour, durst not attempt the business, which might have been beneficiall to us both some thousand of pounds, which by his neglect, fell into the hands of his and my adversaries, Richard Wilde President, and George Page one of the Counsell

And this I conceive needfull to manifest for two reasons, the one to give information what benefit may be made by the Marine trade onely, without ventering further to sea, which my selfe if I could have obteined (but most ungratefully denied) passage into India for my money (which was freely given to aliens and strangers) I would have made my cheifest investments in that way of commerce (which would not in any sort have been prejuditiall to the India Company) and would not have doubted thereby to have raised as great or greater fortune to my selfe proportionable to my paines and small adventure, then the India Court hath done or is like to doe to the honourable Companies advancement, with their Massie Hock and credit, which perhaps was the cause of their envie towards me, least it should turne to their great reproo [...]e. The other reason is for the encouragement of all honest industrious Merchants, whose fortunes have failed in their lawfull vocations, especially my dearly affected Brethren the Merchant Adventurers of England, (who in regard of their best acquaintance & intelligence in general who above all other Merchants) with various multitudes of Europian commodities and manufactures, fit for traffact and commerce) are the fittest men for these India imployments, both for exportation and importation) whose welfare prosperitie and felicity I wish as my owne) these Merchants I say or other, if they have lived at whom or abroad in credit [Page] which the Banians of India make good inquiry after, and demean themselves civilly in India, not rioting and lavishing in those unhealthfull and dangerous sinnes to purse, body, and soule, Sha viva venus deport themselves affably and courteously towards the Banians, who themselves will doe no great wrongs nor offer affront to any but will patiently beare all affronts and not resist in word or deed (but yet perhaps will conceale malice along time, untill opportunity to wreake private revenge) they shall never want credit to far greater summes then they shall either need or reasonably desire.

I will yet make bold to adde somewhat more, to the furtherance of this plantation, If such course or better (as wiser men then my selfe shall conceive) be taken to encourage adventurers as was used at the first plantation of Virginia, it would peradventure prove succesfull (in my weake apprehension) this is to allot every adventurer a 100 acres of Land for every 12 pound 10 shillings or lesse disbursed upon superscription in a brooke to that purpose, and proportionable for smaller summes of monies, though but 20 shillings adventure but none lower, which my foolish conceit leades me to imagine, will make the adventures to rise to a greater and more considerable sum, to set that worke afoote more speedily, laying aside the advancement, by way of Lottery so much asperced with infamy for robbing of poore people, and waste ull expence of a vast summe so collected, as in the last project for Virginia, unlesse upon better approbation, and prevention by the States of this Kingdome, moreover to allot every labouring man or artificer, that will adventure his person, and beare his owne charge, a 100 acres of land free inheritance: and if some reasonable proportion be alotted to women in that kinde, it may peradventure adde incouragement to them the sooner to adventure their persons in the voyage, also to proportion to every apprentice, (youth, boy, or young maide or girle,) transported at their matters c [...]arge after the expiration of seven yeares, the inheritance of a 100 acres more or lesse as wiser judgements shall better approve of.

And no doubt but if Commission be given to the Iustices of every County, and Corporation in England (with incouragement of the Godly Ministers in their severall parishes to incite men thereunto by application of the glory done to God, to conver ignorant soules to Christianity, to adde honour and renowne to their gratious Soveraigne, and is royall posterity, by enlargement of his dominions, to accommodate the welfare of their own native Country, and comfort [Page] to their poore Christian Brethren therein, with the great hopefull assurance to raise their owne fortunes and posterity to great wealth and dignity) to frame bookes for superscriptions to that purpose, and shew their forwardnesse by their owne good example, it will draw on adventurers apace, and cause that most worthy famous Plantation to flourish suddenly. And if freedome of customes be for a time remitted as at present to the adventurers, to Trenedado in America, it will also adde greater incouragement to the undertakers of this worthy noble action.

CHAP. XV. The valour of the English Nation against the Salvages in Virginia and new-England, also of the Spaniards against a civil nation in America, or the west Indies, also of the Spaniards and Portugals against the Brasilians, and against the Indians a mighty warlike nation, also the designe of other Nations, jeering us for not setling a plantation somewhere in India for our succour and defence, ought to stirre us up to such an enterprize, the honour and blessing of a pious christian nation, to settle true religion among Idolatrous heathen people, to Gods glory and honour; The barbarous cruell oppression of the Dutch against the English at Amboyna in east India, being to mighty and to strong for the English to resist.

IF any yet object the difficulty of setling a hrme plantation in this excellent country of Madagaicar, in regard of the large extent thereof, and multitude of inhabitants therein (as Moses foretold what the children of Israell might pretend) saying in their hearts this nation is more then I how can I cast them out; Moses made reply and said, thou shalt not feare them, but remember what the Lord thy God did unto Pharoah and unto all Egypt, for the Lord thy God is among you, a God mighty and dreadfull, and surely if we of England take this worke in hand to Gods glory as they did (though not to cast out but to convert soules) so shall the Lord our God doe unto all the people whose face we feare, either to convert or to confound them, let us againe consider this peoples nakednesse, their want of Armes and unskilfullnesse in managing warre, against experienced and well fenced souldiers, and let them also take notice of our nations valour paines and enterprizes, of greater difficulty and hazard, and no way so comparable for pleasure, profit, conveniency, and accommodation, as in Virginia and New England, and let them moreover [Page] call to minde the valour of the Spaniards in America, in conquering the great and rich Empire of west India, with a handfull of men in comparison of the multitudes of the people therein, who (as I take it being long since and many yeares past, since I read that story) with 300) orse entred the great City of Mexico, and tooke their Emperour prisoner, in the company of multitudes of this people, riding in his throne of State upon mens shoulders. Let them yet not also forget the Spaniards or Portugals their conquest over Brasillia that populous nation: and of the Portugals in East India forceing trade and commerce, and building strong Cities and Forts, inhabiting therein in very prime places of India, as Goa, Dua, Damon, Dabull, Muscat, Mallaco, &c. maugre the opposition of a mighty warlike Emperous the great Mogull, and the like at Ormus in Persia volens nolens, that most famous antient warlike Nations, King and Kingdome of Persia, in an Island within three leagues of his maine Land, that afforded not the planters any succour at all, not so much as timber to build or wood to make fires withall, or cattell or graine to feed upon, or grasse to sustaine cattell, no not so much as a drop of fresh water to quench their thirst, in so hot a clymate, but what the dewes from heaven afforded them, or they brought with them, or forced their sustenance from the Persian and Arabian coasts neare adjacent, and yet brought their admirable worke to royall perfection, building that famous sumptuous rich strong City and Castle therein, surpassing the chiefe Cities of the world for wealth, for which it was accounted as the Diamond in the Ring, so the chiefest Citie for wealth in the round ring of the world, untill the English for wrong 'sustained by or from the Portugals, over came it, and beate them out thereof (with the assistance of the Persians by land) and most indiscreetly left it to the disposall of the King of Persia; who would have been glad that the English would have kept it in their possession. But now having found that sweetnesse of the enjoyment, many hundred thousand pounds will not recover it againe, from him to its former perfection.

And let us not contemne the valour of the Hollanders who in our daies indespite of that mighty Emperour of Java Major, have builded themselves a famous strong City in his Country formerly called Jacatra, but since called Batavia, (the ancient name by report, of Holland) for which the Emperour was so enraged against the Dutch, that at my being in India, in the yeare 1629. the report was that he [Page] vowed by his heathen Gods, to race the City and expell the Dutch, though with the losse of the lives of many 100000 of his people (a most desparate daring nation of them selves, who will venture upon most desperate designes though apparent death before their eyes, as many experiences have bin proved of late; a desperate enraged Java adventured to come a beard an English Ship himselfe, with an intent to kill all the men aboard, or to die himselfe; upon which desperate designe he flew 4. 5. or 6. English or more before the rest could knock out his braines and slay him) whom yet he threatned and put in execution to scaile their walls with heapes of his own subjects dead bodies, forcing them on by an Army behinde them to hinder their retreat, but to this day cannot prevaile against them. Then why should the English Nation be daunted; so famous for valour in all parts of the knowne world, to enterprize this most noble and beneficiall plantation, that ever was yet attempted, and defended (if quarrelsshould arise) to cause to take armes against such weake and impotent people as well (if not more rather) then at present the adventurers into Trenedado in America, to a place (as I conceive) strongly defended by Spaniards, who will oppose our Nation, with their utmost force and pollicy as to their most deadly foes (though at present counterfeit friends) how necessary is also this plantation in regard of the trade and commerce already on foote by the English in India, our own: Nation (especially Merchants and Sea-men acquainted therewith are capable of.) And other Christian Nations jeere us for not setling a place of refuge for our selves (in 30. yeares time as some of them have attained to great perfection in shorter time) upon any occasion either prevention of distaste to the English inhabiting among the tyranous jealous nations of Moores) to fetch them off in time of danger, if contention or cause of difference should happen as is likely, and we have had experience thereof who upon every sleight occasion terrifie our people with whipping and chawbucking, and often impose upon them great fines and mucts, with strict hard and cruell imprisonments untill they have enforced the payment of their unjust oppressions, or for preventing our owne or other nations from robbing, sea roving and piracy in those parts, to the great dammage of the English Nation, which this plantation well accommodated will give good remedy there against: or to preserve the credit accommodation and reputation of the English by trade and commerce or otherwise, as well in the orientall as occidentall parts of the world, [Page] which if we neglect the Dutch or Portugals or both will out top and domineere over us by expelling us out of India, and encroach that wealthy action of commerce to their exceeding great advantage, and our irrecoverable, and deplorable losse.

What an honour, accommodation and happinesse must it certainly be, to a pious Christian protestant Nation, unspotted and undefiled with Idolatry, Atheisme, Papisme, Anabaptisme, Brownisme, Antinomianisme, or otherwise heresie or error, to be possessed with a quiet peaceable secure and wealthy habitation, in so excellent, pleasant and fruitfull a Country, a little world in it self, though large in extent, compared with England (being by computation 3. times as bigge or greater) for its defence distant from all other Countries many 100. leagues, whether neither Heathen, nor Idolatrous superstitious or Malignant Christians can come to hurt or annoy them (being once setled therein) but by their own in supportable charge cost dammage and apparent danger of life both by sea and land.

And what an addition will it be to Gods glory to reduce and convert so many 100000. of brave personable affable people (poore ignorant soules) to christianity, as the Spaniards boast of their workes of supererogation in that kinde in west India; but God forbid that we or any other Christian nation should christen them in their owne bloud, or baptize them (as by report) the Spaniards have done in their west India Plantation or conquest, even to the massacring of all or most part of the Natives and nationall inhabitants therein, and that with unheard of before and unparalel'd tirannous cruelty, by tying many of them together and laying wagers who should slay most men, women and children, at one thurst, with their long rapiers through their bodies. I should greatly rejoyce, to see the day though I despaire to taste of the comforts, as Moses did of the land of Canaan, that the English, Scotch and Dutch all of one Religion, could perfectly and christianly agree together in the enterprize and undertaking of this most honourable action (there being scope and roome enough for them all even the whole 3. Nations) which I conceive would make them a terrour, to all atheisticall heathen and Idolatrous Christians.

But should as heartily grieve to hear of such persidious treacherous acts among Christians, as that heretofore committed by the Dutch Commanders at Batavia, upon the English at Amboyna in India, which hath been twice published in print to the world, and yet no restitution [Page] made for the intolerable wrongs sustained to His Majesties subjects, neither for the lives of the Massacred, nor the dammage of the Merchants (wherein I my self suffer in great proportion. And I pray God we never heare of any more such cruell Actions, and affronts from them, which may in time prove prejudiciall and disastrous to both Nations whom (I conceive) it much concerns to live, as neare neighbours in Peace, Unity, and Amity together (which God grant to his glory and the comfort of both Nations.)

CHAP. XVI. Esquire Cuourteen his worthy enterprize to settle the beginning of a Plantation at Madagascar, the partiallity injustice and ingratitude of the India Courts against their true loyall Brothers Servants; and corrupt favour to their Iugling, debauched, undeserving, mere bireling Servants. A commodity of great value to be regarded and searched for out at Madagascar and of great advantage to the obtainers thereof; Prince Rupert in a great forwardnesse to a hopefull Plantation at Madagascar, the Earle of Arundels intention to supply Prince Ruperts fayling in the project for Madagascar.

REport hath lately since the beginning of this tractat brought to mine care that, that Noble Esquire Cuorteene hath set out this spring 1644.3. Ships furnished with men, and all things fitting for present Sustenance, Defence, Accommodation, for an immitation of a Plantation at Madacascar ▪ to which Right Noble enterprize, the God of all grace, mercy and goodnesse, grant him his blessing and prosperous successe, the comfort of him and his and to the encouragement of others, to second this right worthy noble enterprize, and grant the meanes which he hath (by report) used to finde, trade, and commerce with the Natives, by causing to be made glasse beads, in forme and colour to the Harranga, or Cornelians, (so highly by the Natives valued, be not contemned as counterfeit, and so deprive them of present succor and releif (untill they can provide more store of the Harranga, out of India) whereof I make some doubt, knowing their Curiosity and skilfullnesse, to make choice of the right Cornelions, and their difference in esteem of their Colour, Beauty, and Splendor free from spots and blemishes.

[Page]

The worthinesse of this worthy noble Esquire Courteene (for encouragement to others) to joyn with him in this his most worthy noble action I cannot choose but commend unto the world, though I came a stranger unto him, (and neither expect accommodation from him nor familiarity or acquaintance) and that is, that he not being bred a Merchant, but a Gentleman at the Innes of Court, and in the Kings Court should be able of himself (with the aide of a few intelligent trusty Servants) to mannage so weighty a Trade and Commerce into India, as he hath done answerable in great proportion, to the great action of the whole East India Corporation, whose Governours, Deputies, and 24. or 26. Committees all bred Merchants of esteem in their Vocation, with their multitude of Servants and Officers; of much more difficulty, discontent, discouragements injudiciousnesse, partiallity in Justice and oppression in Government, favouring (for by respects) Juglers, imposters, debaunched, and defamed persons, and malicious revengefull Tyrants (meere mercenary hireling Servants) in their imployments in India, and discountenancing, ingratefully, disrespecting and cruelly oppressing their approved honest loyall brother Servants (intolerably wronged and abused in their Service in India, contrary to their own knowledge and check of their own accusing consciences, and faithfull promise, of restitution of wrongs, and orders of their own Courts, for gratification of their good Service as hereafter peradventure, I shall be coacted or impulsed (as God shall enable me with strength of body (at present very weake) and ability of understanding to expresse and divulge to the world (both to the vindication of my own good name, credit, and reputation and admonishment to others (honest Merchants) that shall enter into their Service, to be cautious in their accord Covenant and agreement with such ingratefull, partiall, and injust persons, against whom though I could be content for Charity sake (having to that end deferred it 13. yeares) to put up the affronts, and bury them in the grave of oblivion, yet perhaps my urgent necessitated case, will yet enforce me to make humble appeale and submissive Petition, for justice against them, to the right Honourable High Court of Parliament though with much grief and tymorousnesse and regreet, to give the least disturbance to the weighty use and important affaires of the State and Kingdome in generall, by affording redresse of intolerable wrongs and oppressions to my self and family, in particular utterly ruined in wordly Esate thereby, whose sentence though it be Summum Ius in the severest kind [Page] as the present India Governour hath out of his own accusing conscience in open Court acknowledged and Voted, and the present Deputy who since my return from India imployed thither president (the place with my self was Ordained to execute) and understanding there more fully the wrongs I suffered, did by his kind Letter, condole my wrongs endured under a Tyrant President his Predecessor (a man of matchlesse mallice) and since his return now at present Deputy Governour hath by his Letters to me expressed his griefe and sorrow for my wrongs and discurtesies the Court offered and affronted me withall, which lay not in his power to remedy; and yet ingratefully for private respects and unconscionably in opposition to Republicke good lately rejected my honest humble Petition, and denied that to me a loyall Member of the Honourable Corporation for valuable consideration, which they have freely and gratis afforded to Dutch and Portugals their deadly Enemies, in opposition to trade and commerce in India) yet I say, that sentence proceeding from that pious just and Right Honourable High Court of Parliament shall be more acceptable unto me then great benevolence, gratifications, and restitutions of wrongs, from so corrupt a Court; now after 13. or 14. yeares detraction and procrastination of time (so far quelling me, pressing me down, and disinabling me to wage Law with such potent oppressing adversaries, which some of themselves have not stuck to tell me, that they are and will be to mighty for me to wage Law withall, and thereby have hindred and prevented my endeavours to get means in my lawfull vocation to obtaine maintenance to my self, wife and 5. Children all thereby impoverished and undone, which notwithstanding I pray God to remit and forgive their ingratefull and uncharitable oppression since (which themselves blush and are abashed at, yet for their reputation sake, will not reverse their former injust censures and decrees) as Saint Stephen prayed for them that stoned him to death: Lord lay not this sin to their charge.

I have omitted one thing to give advice of, and that not out of forgetfullnesse or neglect to others good (but to deale plainly with you) in hope to make a private benefit thereof to my self (still expecting and desirous of a second employment into India. And that was this, at my last being at Madagascar, it was my chance to espie just at our landing place, within a Rod or two of shoar in water, not above three Foot deep, a thing swiming on the top of the water a kind of Jellye like unto the Spawn of Froggs, about the quantity by my computation of a Peck or lesse, but the colour at the sudden seemed black, especially [Page] in the middle or thickest part thereof, but at the sides and thinest parts of an exceeding orient or splendant blew or purple colour, which being desirous to apprehend and to see what it was, yet to eager for the apprehension before I well pondred to effect it, so rashly prevailed with two Marriners to go into the water, and seeke to take it in their hands between them, and they as heedlesly endeavoured; but coming to take it up in their hands it broak all into peeces, some sinking and some dissolving, but that which made me admire and cause me to conceave highly thereof was, that it dyed a great part of the Salt water into a most glorious purple colour, which I then supposed it was the purple of the Sea, which if memory faile me not, I have either read or heard to tell of, to be as precious as a Jemme of high esteeme.

And now being unlikely (yet exceeding willing though Aged, Lame, and decrepit) to see these parts againe) I thought not fit to detaine longer from the knowledge of my Countrey-men wishing industrious men to take paines in the search thereof, which no doubt neare shoares about that Island may be found in some quantity; which if they finde by this weake discription, I advise that 3. or 4. men at the least, seeke to get under it a long Cloth or Sheet, and so lifting it up gently on all sides, that it slide not out againe and to draine the water out of it, It may be presently put into some Vessell of Wood, Stone, Brasse, or Pewter for its preservation, and as occasion is offered by tryall of some small quantity at a time may be dryed in the Sunne and put in Boxes, my weake opinion is that it is a rich commodity, and may peradventure be worth the weight of it in Gold, which I would be glad to heare before I dye, that store thereof may be found, and good experiment made of it. And perhaps no ill Counsell to the India Company to give order to their Ship Commanders, to take some paines in searching there for the same by their Boats Rowing along the shoar to discover new Creekes or Bayes or other accommodations that the Island may afford.

Yet further to informe you of an intention for the Plantation and sending of Planters to the Island of Madagascar or Saint Lawrence.LLoyds in [...]lligence.

After that it was agreed upon at the Councell Board, that Prince Rupert should go as Vize Roy for Madagascar, he was to have 12. Saile of his Majesties King Charles, and 30. more Merchant men for to attend him in the Plantation and to have supplies yearly out of England, [Page] and likewise it was agreed upon, and a charge given to the Governour Sir Morrice Abbot, Sir Henry Garway and others of the Committee of that Honourable society of the East India Company, to give all their loving assistance and furtherance to Prince Rupert in this designe whensoever he came into Asia or India. And all other parts neare adjacent, to the Island of Saint Laurence: I was at that present time when this was ordered, at the counsell table, and the charge given the aforesaid Governour and Committees of the East India Company to that purpose. But Prince Rupert going into France and Germany, about his weighty affaires, and in the mean time it was thought fit and concluded upon; that the Earle of Arundell Earle Marshall of England, should goe Governour for Madagascar or the Island of St. Laurence, being the most famous place of the world for a Magazeine to be setled.

This noble Earle hath written a booke to that purpose, and hath allowed weekely meanes to divers Sea-men which have good judgement and experience all over the Orientall Seas, and at Madagascar. This Honourable Earle was in that resolution and readinesse, that there were bills in print set upon the pillers of the Royall Exchange and other parts of the Citie, of his forwardnesse towards The Island of St. Laurence: but being a Parliament coming, hindred that designe for Madagascar.

CHAP. XVII. The use of Ordnance, Guns and Printing long in use in China, before used in Christendome, good admonition to give the glory to God, in this action and all others.

THere are ill effects that fall upon the common-wealth in the forme of trade and commerce, [...] after [...] [...]loyds intelligence. in two severall particulars, first by the East India trade, there is a very great losse to the King in his customes, by losse of all the custome which that trade would have produced in all this time, and of the encrease also of trade which that employment had brought with it, his Majesties farme of his customes had yeilded many thousand pounds a yeare, more then now [Page] they have done: if the East India Company had but received satisfaction for their wrongs done to them in India by the Hollander; lastly their fishing upon our coasts the common-wealth looseth that which they gaine, which is marvellous increase of trade, of ships and Marriners, whereby their navigation is mightily strenghtened, their Marriners multiplied, and their trade increased; of all which this common-wealth is deprived, and theirs enriched. Well may the Indians ascribe so much to the light of their understanding, that they doe account the rest of the world blind in comparison of them; onely they vouchsafe to the people of Europe this honour, to call them one eyed men, which also M [...]sseius taketh notice of, in his history of the Indies, that those people dare beyond modesty to bragge, that the Chineses have two eyes, the Europians one, and all the rest of the people of the world are blind, and indeed they doe approve themselves to be quicke sighted enough, for they are the Antipodes of Christians, and are in scituation farthest remote from them, and yet can finde the meanes to pry into the mines and treasure of the Christian world.

For the Chineses are absolutely the gallantest Nation in the world, they had the use of Printing, & of Powder and Ordinance of 500. yeares, before any Christian knew it, likewise they have the old Testament, and I have seen them play stage playes in India, upon the History of the old Testament. Also they doe write of the creation of the world 6000. yeares before us or any other nation, this is very certaine and true upon my credit; and therefore I say it is high time that the Parliament will be pleased for to cast an Eye in the Government of Trade, for the decay of Trade is exceeding great, and the Common-wealths loose infinite.)

Now for conclusion of this rude indigested Pamphlet (truly though unskilfully related) be pleased to accept of the good counsell of Moses; to the Children of Israel (if it shall please God of his free grace mercy and goodnesse to grant so great a blessing to this Nation in these distractive times) which may induce, impulse, and compell good Christians to seeke out for safety to their persons sustenance for their lively-hood, and freedome to serve God, in a true religious way, acceptable to His Sacred Majesty and consenant to the prescript rule of the Gospell to remember; That when thou hast Eaten and filled thy selfe, thou shalt blesse the Lord thy God for the good Land, [Page] which he hath given thee (as it followeth in the latter end of the eighth Chapter of Dutrenomy,) and beware left thou say in thy heart, my power and the strength my own hand hath prepared me this aboundance, consonant to this is that good advice of Famous Du Bartus in French, translated by worthy Iosuah Silvester.

Neva disant ma main faict cest aennre,

On ma vertut cebel aennre ae par faict;

Mais dis ainsi dien par may a faict,

Dieu est santheur dei peu de bien que je' onre.

Say not my hand this work to end hath brought,

Nor this my vertue hath attained to;

Say rather thus, this God by me hath wrought,

Gods Author of the little good I doe.

FINIS.

Errata.

[Page]

COurteous Reader, by reason of the false transcribeing of the Copy these faults are past, which we desire you to mend with your Pen.

In the Epistle to the Reader l. 9. for detractnesse read detractment. in the Contents, Chap. 7.1.3. the Sants, r. them Phesants. page 1. l. 14. desirous, r. desired. p. 2. l. 28. denied not, r. denied it, not. p. 24. l. 25. The Sants, r. them Phesants. p. 26. l. 26. Cattanents, r. Catavents. p. 27. l. 16. with, r. to which, p. 28 against line 22. R.B. wants in the margin. p. 32. l. 28. Almond, r. Allom. p. 44. against line 7. R.B. wants in the margin. p. 52. l. 22. accord. r. action. p. 54. in line 14 and 15. blot out Cutters to have made India Tobaeco. p. 55. l. 4. then for mine r. then mine for. p. 61. l. 3. sha viva, r. alea vina. p. 66. l. 23. immitation r. initiation. p. 67. l. 4. came, r. am. p. 71. against line 29. R.B. wants in the margin. p. 72. l. 6.7.8.9. for

Neva disant ma main faict cest annre,

On ma vertut cebel aunre & par faict;

Mais dis ainsi dien par may a faict,

Dieu est santheur dei pen de bien que je' onre.

reade,

Ne va disant ma main a faict cest oeuure,

Ou ma vertu ce bel oeuure a par faict;

Mais dis ainsi dieu par moy [...] our a faict,

Dieu est l' autheur du peu de bien que je' oure.

Information about this book

Title statement

A briefe discovery or description of the most famous island of Madagascar or St. Laurence in Asia neare unto East-India with relation of the healthfulnesse, pleasure, fertility and wealth of that conntrey [sic] ... also the condition of the natives ... also the excellent meanes and accommodation to fit the planters there ... / by R.B. and Francis Lloyd, merchants.

Boothby, Richard.

Edition statement

1647

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

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Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2003-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A28809

ID [STC]

Wing B3744

ID [STC]

ESTC R31625

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

12196244

ID [OCLC]

ocm 12196244

ID [VID]

56001

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Early English books online.

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(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A28809)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 56001)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1500:4)

Source

— A briefe discovery or description of the most famous island of Madagascar or St. Laurence in Asia neare unto East-India with relation of the healthfulnesse, pleasure, fertility and wealth of that conntrey [sic] ... also the condition of the natives ... also the excellent meanes and accommodation to fit the planters there ... / by R.B. and Francis Lloyd, merchants., Boothby, Richard., Lloyd, Francis.. The second edition corrected and amended..

Extent

[11], 72, [1] p.

Printed for Iohn Hardesty ...,. London :: 1647.. (Attributed to Boothby by Wing and NUC pre-1956 imprints.) (Errata sheet bound in following p. 72.) (Reproduction of original in the British Library.)

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