The life & death of the valiant and renowned Sir Francis Drake his voyages and discoveries in the West-Indies, and about the world, with his noble and heroick acts / by Samuel Clark ...

The life & death of the valiant and renowned Sir Francis Drake his voyages and discoveries in the West-Indies, and about the world, with his noble and heroick acts / by Samuel Clark ...

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The Life and Death of Sir FRANCIS DRAKE, with his Voyages into the West-Indies, and about the World; And other his Valiant Actions. He Died, Anno Christi. 1595.

Of his Voyage about the World.

The Voyage of Sir Francis Drake into the West-Indies.

Of Sir Francis Drakes service against the Spaniard in Eighty eight.

The Voyage of Sir Francis Drake into Portugal.

The Last Voyage of Sir Francis Drake into the West-Indies.

Among other Verses made in his Commendation, I have long since Read these,

Books Printed for, or Sold by Simon Miller, at the Star, at the Westend of S. Pauls.

Quarto.

Large Octavo.

Small Octavo.

Large Twelues.

Small Twelues.

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THE LIFE & DEATH OF THE Valiant, and Renowned Sir Francis Drake, His Voyages and Discoveries in the West-Indies, and about the World, WITH His Noble and Heroick Acts. By Samuel Clark Late Minister of Bennet Fink, London.

LONDON, Printed for Simon Miller, at the Star, at the West End of S. Pauls, 1671.

The Life and Death of Sir FRANCIS DRAKE, with his Voyages into the West-Indies, and about the World; And other his Valiant Actions. He Died, Anno Christi. 1595.

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THIS Francis Drake was born neer unto South Tavistock in Devonshire of mean Parents.His birth, and Parentage. His Godfather was Francis Russel, afterwards Earl of Bedford, who gave him his Name of Francis. His Father in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth, was called in question for Religion, by reason of the six Articles set forth by the King against the Protestants, whereby he was feign to shift his habitation, and to retire into Kent. But after the death of King Henry, in the time of King Edward the sixth, he obtained a place in the Navy Royal to read Divine Service: and after a while he was ordained Deacon, and made Vicar of the Church of Vpnor upon the River of Medway.

Yet continuing poor (the place being of small value) he put forth this his Son to serve a neighbor Mariner that traded with a small Barke into France and Zeland, His Education. who brought him up in the Mariners Art, and by reason of his Ingenuity, and Activity, took such liking to him, that (being a Bachelor) when he died, he bequeathed unto him his Bark.

Shortly after, this Francis Drake, hearing of the preparations which were made by Sir John Hawkins ▪ for a Voyage, Anno Christi ▪ 1567. He sold his Bark, and [Page] joyned himself with him, which voyage proving disasterous, at S. John de Vllva, he lost all he had, and hardly brought himself back.

His first voyage into the West-Indies.Our Drake hereupon was forced to betake himself to his Mariners practice to repair his losses, by which, serving in a Man of War, he got good store of mony, whereupon he made a second voyage into the Spanish West-Indies to recover there what he had formerly lost, and with the ship of war, called the Dragon, and another ship, none knowing his intentions but his own Consorts, in the year 1572, on Whitsunday Eve, being May 24th. himself being Captain of the Admiral, a ship of seventy Tuns, and his brother John Drake Captain of the Vice-Admiral called the Swan, of twenty five Tuns, having in both of them of men and boys seventy three, all Voluntiers, he so divided them that they were forty seven in one ship, & twenty six in the other.

These ships he furnished excellently with victuals, and apparel for a whole year; Providing also store of all manner of Ammunition, Artillery, Artificers stuff, and Tools, and whatsoever was requisite for such a man of war, in such an attempt: But especially he had provided five nimble Pinnaces, made at Plimouth, which being taken asunder, were stored aboard his ships, and ready to be set up as occasion served; with these he set sail from the sound of Plimouth, intending for Nombre de Dios in the West-Indies.

The wind was fair and favourable, so that within twelve dayes they had sight of the Madara, and Canary Islands, yet they never cast Anchor, nor made any stay for twenty five days after their setting forth; at which time they saw the Island of Guadalupe, one of the West Indie Islands, and the next morning they entred between Dominica and Guadalupe, and landed on [Page] the South side of Dominica, where they remained three Days to refresh their men, and to take in fresh water, whereof there was plenty.

The third Day in the afternoon they set sail for the Continent, or Terra firma; and the fifth day after they had fight of Sancta Martha, from which they steared their course towards Port Phesant (so named by Captain Drake in his former Voyage, by reason of the great store of those Fowls in that place) and within six days after they safely arrived in that bay. Here did Captain Drake give order to his brother what to do in his absence, and well manning his Boats, went to the shore, where, upon a great Oak he found a plate of lead nailed, having in it this Inscription.

Captain Drake, if you happen to come to this Port, make hast away. For the Spaniards you here met with the last year have betrayed this place, and taken away all that you left here, &c. Your loving friend John Garret of Plimouth. But notwithstanding this advertisment Captain Drake meant not to depart from this Port (which was so fit for his purpose) till he had set his Pinnaces together which he brought with him in his ships. And for his own, and his mens security, whilst the Carpenters were employed about that work, he made a kind of a Fort by the water side, by felling great Trees, and laying them one upon another.

The next day after their arrival, came in also into that Port an English Bark of the Isle of Wight of Sir Edward Horseys, whereof James Rawse was Captain, and John Overy Master, with thirty men; These brought in with them a Spanish Carvel of Sivil, being sent with Advise to Nombre de Dios, and also a Shallop, both which they had taken by the way. And Captain Rawse, understanding the design of Captain Drake, desired to [Page] joyn with them, and upon Articles agreed on, he was admitted.

Within seven days the Pinnaces were fitted, and furnished for service, and other businesses dispatched, so that setting sail in the morning toward Nombre de Dios, they held on their course till they came to the Isles of Pines upon the third day; at which place they found two Frigates of Nombre de Dios, lading Planks and timber from thence. The Negroes in those Frigats informed them of the state of the Town; and told them that some souldiers were daily looked for from the Governour of Panama to defend the Town of Nombre de dios against the Symerons, who were Blacks that formerly had fled from their Spanish masters by reason of their cruelty, and were by this time grown to a nation under two Kings, who had almost surprised it about six weeks before.

Captain Drake, having learned what he could of them, set these Negroes on shore, that they might go to their Countrey-men the Symerons, and to prevent any notice that they might give to Nombre de dios of his approach; & so hasted his going thither. For which end he disposed of all his companies, leaving the three ships and Carvel with Captain Rawse, and chose into his Pinnaces (making the Shallop one) fifty three of his own company, and twenty of Captain Rawse's: Providing fit arms for them: viz. six Targets, six Firepikes, twelve Pikes, twenty four Muskets and Calievers, sixteen Bows, six Partizans, two Drums, and two Trumpets.

Then leaving their company, they arrived at the Island of Catavaas, where landing early in the morning, Captain Drake there trained his men, and delivered them their several Arms, wch hitherto he had kept safe in good casks, encouraging them to the enterprise by [Page] setting before them the weakness of the Town, being unwalled, the unexpectedness of their coming and the great Richer, and honor that was to be gained if they effected it. And in the afternoon he set sail for Nombre de Dios, and before Sun-set,He comes to Nombre de Dios. gat as far as Rio Francisco: from whence, keeping close to the shore that they might not be discovered by the Watch-house, they came within two leagues of the Point of the Bay, where he caused them to strike a Hull, and to cast out their graplers, till it was dark; when night was coming, setting sail, and rowing hard and silently, they recovered the Point of the Harbour, purposing not to attempt the Town till Day-breake. But Captain Drake hearing that some of his men began to talk of the difficulty and danger of the enterprise, to put by these conceits, he tooke the opportunity of the rising Moon to perswade them that it was Day, so that they got to the Town an hour before the Day brake.

In the Harbour they found a Spanish Ship of sixty Tuns, newly come in, laden with Canary Wines and other Commodities, which spying so many Pinnaces, sent his Boat presently a shoar to give the Town warning; which Captain Drake perceiving, cut betwixt her and the Town, and forced her to go to the other side of the Bay: so that he landed his men without impeachment. Vpon the Platform they found six Pieces of Ordnance ready mounted, some halfe, some whole Culverines. These they presently dismounted, and the Town tooke the Alarm, which they were the readier to do, because they were oft disquieted by the Symerons, who caused the Great Bell to be rung out, and Drums run up and down the Town.

Captain Drake, according to the directions he had given before, left twelve men to keep the Pinnaces, that [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] he might assure a safe retreat, if need should be, and before he would enter the Town he thought fit to view the mount, on the east side, where, as he was informed, they had planted Ordnance to scower all about the Town; therefore leaving half his men at the foot of the mount, himself with the other half, speedily marched up to the top, where finding no Guns, they as speedily descended; and appointing his Brother, with John Oxenham, and sixteen of his men to go about behind the Kings Treasure-house, to enter the east-end of the market-place, himself with the rest, passed up the broad-street with sound of Drum, and Trumpet.

and takes it.The Fire-pikes in both the companies affrighted the enemy, and gave light to the English, whilst the Inhabitants stood amazed at the strange sight, and hearing Drums and Trumpets sounding in sundry places, judged the English to be far more than they were. Yet by reason of the time spent in marching up and down the Mount, the Souldi [...]rs and Inhabitants of the Town had put themselves in Arms neer to the Governors house, & not far from the gate of the town, wch was only one, leading towards Panama, meaning (as it seemed) either to shew their valour in the Governors sight, or, if need were, to have the better opportunity for their flight.

And to make shew of a greater number of shot than they had, they had hung lines with lighted matches overthwart the end of the Market-place, and at the approach of the English they gave them a Volley of shot, yet levelling so low that the Bullets oft grazed on the ground. The English stood not to answer them in the same kind; but having once discharged their Guns, and feathered with their Arrows, they came to the push of Pike, and their Fire-pikes being well armed did them notable service: [Page] And with the Butt ends of their Guns, and other short weapons (Captain Drakes Brother and his Company entring at the same time another way) they charged them so furiously, that the Spaniards threw down their weapons and ran away. And in the pursuit, and return of the English, many of them were wounded by the enemies weapons which lay very thick and cross one another.

At their return they made a stand near the midst of the Market-place, whence Captain Drake sent some of his men to stay the Ringing of the Bell: But the Church being strongly built and fast shut, they could not get in without firing it, which Captain Drake would not suffer, and having taken two or three Spaniards in their flight, he commanded them to conduct them to the Governours House, where they ordinarily unladed their Mules that brought the treasure from Panama. But though the silver was kept there, yet the gold, pearl, and jewels was from thence carried to the King treasure-house which stood not far off.

At the coming of the English to the Governors house,The vast treasure found there. they found the gate open, a candle lighted upon the top of the stairs, and a fair Gennet ready sadled for the Governor; by means of which light, they saw a huge heap of silver in that nether Room, being a pile of silver bars of about 70 foot in length, 10 foot in breadth, and 12 foot in heigth, each bar being near 40 pound in weight. Yet did Captain Drake straitly command his men not to meddle with any of it, but to stand to their Arms, because the town was full of people, and in the Kings treasure-house, nearer the water, there was more gold and jewels than all their 4 pinnaces could carry,All cover, all loose. which he intended they should presently break open.

No sooner were the English returned to their Guard [Page] but a report was brought them that their Pinnaces were in danger of being taken, and that if they staied till day they would be opprest with multitudes both of Souldiers and townsmen: wherefore Captain Drake sent his brother, and John Oxenham to the water side to know the truth, who indeed found their men much affrighted by reason that they saw great companies of the Spaniards running up and down the town (which was as big as Plimouth) with lighted matches, which also sometimes shot at them.

Presently after a violent shower of rain powred down so vehemently that before the English could get the shelter of a Penthouse, some of their Bow-strings were wet, and their match and powder spoiled, which before they could renew, some of them were muttering about the strength of the enemy, which Captain Drake overhearing, said, I have brought you to the very mouth of the treasure of the world, and if you go away without it, you can blame no body but your selves.

The storm (which lasted about half an hour) being ended, Captain Drake, desiring to put these fears out of his mens heads, and to allow the enemy no longer respite to gather themselves together, stept forward, commanding his brother and some others to break open the Kings treasure-house, and the rest to guard the market-place till the business was dispatched. But as he stept forward his strength and fight,Captain Drake Swoons. and speech failed him by reason of abundance of blood which he had lost out of a wound received in his leg at the first encounter, which indeed was so much, when they looked after it, that they thought it impossible for one man to loose. Insomuch as they which were before most forward, began now to prefer their Captains life before that vast Treasure: and therefore having recovered [Page] him with some hot water, and bound up his wound with a Scarf that stopt the bleeding, they intreated him to be content to go with them aboard, that his wound might be better searched and drest.

This he would by no means be perswaded to, knowing that it would be impossible, after such a respite to return to effect the work they came for, thinking it more honorable for himself there to die than to leave so high an enterprise unperformed. Yet some of them having already gotten some good booty, by force mingled with fair words, carried him away to his Pinnace, judging that by his Life they might recover wealth sufficient, but if they lost him,He is carried away they should hardly recover their own home.

Thus embarquing by break of day, having (besides the Captain) many men wounded, though none slain but one Trumpeter, whilst the Chyrurgeons were busie in dressing them, before they departed the Harbor, they took the said ship of wines to cheer up their men: but before they had got her out of the haven, the Spaniards had remounted one of their Culverins, and made a shot at them, which yet hindred them not from carrying away the ship to the Isle of Victuals, which lies without the Bay Westward about a League off the Town, where they staid two Days to cure their wounded and to refresh themselves in those pleasant Gardens, abounding with all sort of dainty Roots, and Fruits, besides great plenty of Poultrey, and other Fowls, no less strange than delicate.

Presently after their arrival there, came a proper, and well spoken Gentleman to Captain Drake, indeed to view in what state they were, but protesting that he came of his meer good will to see the Captain for that he had undertaken so incredible an enterprize with so [Page] few men: Adding, that at first they suspected them to be French, from whom they could expect no mercy; but when they perceived by their Arrows that they were English, their fears were the less, because they knew that though they took their treasure, yet they would not be cruel to their persons. He told him also that the Governor had consented to his coming; yea, had directly sent him, because there were some in Town that said, they knew the English Captain, who the two last years had been upon their Coast, and had always used their persons civily. He therefore desired to know whether it was the same Captain Drake or no? Whether the English Arrows were poisoned with which their men were wounded? How their wounds might be cured? And lastly, whether they wanted Victuals, or other necessaries, with which the Governor was ready to furnish them so far as he durst? Captain Drake (though he took him for a Spy) yet used him courteously, and answered to his demands, That he was the same Drake, that they meant. That it was never his manner to poison his Arrows. That their wounded might be cured by ordinary Chyrurgery: And that he could sufficiently supply all his wants in that Island. Adding, that he wanted nothing but some of that special commodity, which that country yielded, to satisfie himself and his company. He advised the Governor therefore to be vigilant, for that before he departed, he would (by Gods leave, and assistance) share with them in some of their Treasure.

To this the Gentleman replied, that if he might move the question without offence, what was the reason that being possessed of the town they should so soon leave it wherein there was above 360 tun of silver, and much more gold in value, in the Kings treasure-house; Capt. [Page] Drake told him the true cause of their retreat, & how unwillingly he was carried aboard. The Gentleman acknowledged that he had no less cause in departing than he had shewed valor in attempting. Thus after fair entertaiment, and some gifts bestowed upon him by Captain Drake, after dinner he was dismissed, & protesting that he was never so much honoured by any in his life.

After his departure, a Negro that had fled to them, being examined, informed them how they might have gold and silver enough, by means of the Symerons, to whom though himself was hateful because he had betraied them to the Spaniards, yet if Captain Drake would protect him, he would adventure his life to serve him therein. This gave cause of further consultation, and because the Island where they were was neither safe nor healthy, the next morning they set sail for the Isle of Pinos (or Port Plenty) where they had left their ships. By the way Captain Drake sent his Brother, and one Ellis Hixon to the westward to search the river Cagro, which he had discovered the year before, desiring to have further knowledge of it, because it tended Southward within six leagues of Panama, upon which river, at a town called Venta Cruz ▪ they used to imbark their treasures that by Mules was brought from Panama, and so to send it by water to Nombre de Dios. This cost them three days rowing to get as far as Venta Cruz, but they came back in a day and a night.

When Captain Drake came to his ships, Capt. Rawse suspecting that they could not now safely continue upon that coast being thus discovered, was willing to depart, and Capt. Drake was as willing to dismiss him; wherefore Aug. 7. taking his leave, he left them in the aforesaid Isle, where they had remained five or 6 days. After which, having put all things in readiness, Capt. Drake resolved [Page] with his two ships, and three Pinnaces to go to Carthagena, and six days after he came to Anchor with his ships between the Islands of Charestra, and S. Bernards, and himself led the three Pinnaces about the Island into the harbor of Carthagena, where they found a Frigate at Anchor, aboard which was only one old man, who told them that the rest of his company was gone a shore to fight about a Mistress, telling Capt. Drake also that a little before, there speedily passed by a Pinnace, calling to him and asking whether there had not lately been there some English, and Frenchmen? and being told that there had not, he hasted away; after which he saw divers small ships, bringing themselves under the Castle.

Capt. Drake, farther learned by him that within the next point, rode a great ship of Syvil, that being unloaden, was the next morning bound for S. Domingo: wherefore taking this old man with him, he rowed to that ship and with his Pinnaces presently boarded her, though with some difficulty by reason of her height. As soon as they had entred they threw down their gates, and Spardecks to prevent the Spaniards from hurting them with their close fights; who seeing the English possessed of their ship, stowed themselves all in hold, except 2 or 3 that were before the Beete; then seeing no further danger, they cut her Cable at half, & with their Pinnaces towed her out from the Island, right before the town, yet without danger of their great shot.

The town taking the Alarm, rung out their Bells, shot off 30 great guns, and drew their horse and foot, with their shot, if they could, to hinder their going out. The next morning Capt. Drakes ships took two frigates, who came from Nombre de Dios to Carthagena with letters of advise, to certifie them what Captain Drake had done [Page] there, and therefore to wish them to stand upon their Guard.

Capt. Drake now considering that he was discovered in two of the chiefest places of all that coast, yet resolved not to depart till he had found the Symerons, and made a good voyage: But this requiring length of time, he resolved to burn one of his ships, and to make the other his store-house, that so his Pinnaces might be thorowly manned. But knowing how loth his company would be to part with either of their ships, being both so good Sailors, and so well furnished, he sent for the Carpenter out of the Swan, and taking him into his Cabin, he charged him privately to go down into the well of the ship, and to bore three holes as neer to the Keel as he could, and then to set something before the holes, that the issuing in of the water might not be heard. The Carpenter being dismaid with this Command, desired to know the cause why he would sink so good a ship, new, and strong: Adding that if his brother, Master, and other Company should know it, they would surely kill him. Then did Captain Drake tell him his reasons for it, promising that it should not be known till all of them were glad of it: and so he did it accordingly.

The next morning Capt. Drake would in his Pinnace go a Fishing, and calling for his brother in the Swan, would have him go with him, who rising suddenly, said that he would follow him presently. Capt. Drake perceiving that the work was done, asked why their Bark was so deep? whereupon his brother sent one down to know whether there were any water in the ship? the steward going down, was up to the wast in water, and cryed out that the ship was full of water. Hereupon some ran to the Pump, and others to search out the [Page] Leak. But notwithstanding all their pains and diligence they could neither clear her of water, nor find the leak. Then Capt. Drake advised that she should be burnt that the enemy might never recover her, and to satisfie them (who were very unwilling) he made his brother Captain of the Admiral, and placed the Master of the Swan with him, and himself would go in his Pinnace: then did every one take out what they lacked, and liked, and Captain Drake had what he desired,He burns one of his Ships. and men enough for his Pinnaces.

The next morning they set sail for the sound of Darrien, wch in 5 days they recovered, and then retiring into a place out of all trade, they reposed themselves privately for 15 days, that the enemy might think them quite gone from the coast. During which time some built them houses: others exercised themselves to shoot at Buts: others trimmed the Pinnaces to make them the sitter for sailing, and rowing: others provided fresh victuals of Fish, Fowl, Hogs, Deer, Conies, &c. whereof there was great plenty. Then Captain Drake leaving his ship with his brother, took two of the Pinnaces to go to Rio Grand. By the way, seeing on the Land great store of Cattle, Captain Drake contenting them for their pains, the Indians furnished him with as much provision of them as he desired.

The same day about three a clock, they entred Rio Grand, rowing up the stream till dark night, but the current was so strong that they gat but two leagues all that time; that night they had a terrible storm with thunder and lightning, after which they were extreamly troubled with Muskitos (like our Gnats) that they could get little rest. The next morning early they passed up the river, meeting none till three in the afternoon, and then they spied a Canow with two Indians [Page] fishing: and about five a clock, they spied some houses of the Spaniards, to which when they came, the Inhabitants were fled, where they found store of Bacon, Cheese, Sweet-meats, Conserves, and Sugar; with these they loaded their Pinnaces, and so returned back again down the River; at the mouth whereof, they cleansed their Pinnaces, and steered Westward till they came to their ship, and company, and by the way they took two frigates well stored with live Hogs, Hens, and Maiz, which (dismissing the men) they kept for their own provision. Yea their store which then, and afterwards they took was such, that they relieved the Symerons, and two French ships that were in extreme want.

During their absence, Captain John Drake in his Pinnace went into the Main, and espying some Symerons, had dealt so effectually with them, that leaving two of his men with their Captain, he gave him two Symerons, agreeing to meet again the next day. These two being intelligent men, declared to Captain Drake, how glad they were of his coming, knowing him to be an enemy to the Spaniards, and that their Captain and company would stay for him at the mouth of Rio Diego. Captain Drake having consulted about the business, resolved to take his brother, and the two Symerons and with his two Pinnaces to go to the said river, giving order that the rest of his fleet should follow him the next morning, because there was a place both of great safety and plenty.

When they arrived there they found the Symerons according as they had promised, where after mutual kindnesses, they took in two more of the Symerons, appointing to meet them and others of their country-men at Rio Guana. In the mean time Captain Drakes ship was pittifully shaken with a great tempest; but having [Page] trimed her, they brought her safe into the Channel, and there moored her. The Symerons coming (as they had appointed) Captain Drake asked them how they could furnish him with some of the Spaniards gold, and silver, they answered, that they had taken store from the Spaniards not for love of it, but to despite them, which they had sunk in Rivers, which they could not now recover because the Rivers were high: and the Spaniards in these rainy months used not to carry their treasure by Land.

Captain Drake to entertain his company for these five months, commanded all his Ordnance and Provisions a shoar, making a fort for their safety, and by the help of the Symerons, raised two large houses for all his company. In the mean time, Captain Drake leaving his brother to look to those affairs, with three Pinnaces went againe for Carthagena, where when they arrived they let fall their Grappers between the Island of Gardens, and the main. The Governor sent to know why he stayd so long upon their coast? He answered, to traffique with them, having Tin, Pewter, Cloth, &c. which they needed. The Governor replyed, that the King had forbidden them to trade with any, except for powder and shot of which if he had store, he would be his Merchant? Captain Drake answered that he came to exchange his Commodities for Silver & Gold, and meant not to return without it. Here he took two Frigates, whereof he sunk the one, and burned the other, not being able to man them And after a while, being out of hope of any purchase there, much of their Victuals being spent, and spoiled, they put forth to Sea though the weather was very stormy. Many days they sailed and could get no provision, the Westernly winds not suffering them to return to their ship: At last when all [Page] their provisions were almost spent, and they hopeless, they espied a Frigate, which proved Spanish; Her they pursued, and so soon as the weather would suffer them, boarded and took, wherein they found store of provision, which they took, as sent them by God: After this they landed on the Main, and by setting the Spaniards lately taken at liberty, they procured more provisions from some Indians that were under a Spanish Governor.

Presently after many of Capt. Drakes men fell sick, yet it pleased God that none died but only a Quarter Master, he was also a very good Marriner, and so at last they returned to their ship, where they were entertained with the heavy news of the death of Captain John Drake, and another, both slain as they attempted the boarding of a Frigate, presently after the departing of the Pinnaces from them. Here did Captain Drake continue for a month, keeping close that they might not be discovered, during which time there fell a sickness amongst his men whereof Joseph Drake, another of his Brothers, died, and some others,

At last the Symerons brought him word that for certain the Spanish Fleet was come to Nombre de Dios:He marches towards Panama. yet did he send forth the Lyon to make further discovery, which soon tooke a Frigate laden with Maiz, Hens, and Pompions, which assured them of their arrival. Then did he after advice taken prepare all things for his journey by land to Panama, and having now buried twenty eight of his men, he left Ellis Hixon with his ship and other Company, giving charge that they should not believe any messenger that should come in his name, except they saw his hand writing. And so upon Shrove-Teusday, accompanied with 48 men, whereof 18 only were English, the rest Symerons, he [Page] began his journey, every one besides his Arms, carrying much victuals, and what was wanting by the way, the Symerons with their Arrows provided from time to time.

About the midst of his journey they came to a very high Mountain,Sees the south-sea. upon the top whereof was a goodly Tree which when he had ascended, he saw from thence the South Sea, whereupon he besought of God that of his goodness he would giue him life and leave once to sail in an English ship in those Seas, with which resolution he acquainted John Oxenham, who presently protested that unless he beat him from his company, he (by Gods grace) would attend him in that Voyage. At last they came into a Champion Country where, as they passed over some Hills, they saw Panama five or six times a day, and the last day they saw the ships riding in the Road. Coming within a League of Panama they went into a Grove wherein they might lie safely undiscovered neer the highway that leads from thence to Nombre de Dios.

Thence he sent a Symeron, apparelled like the Blacks of Panama to learn the certain night, and time of the night, when the Treasure was to come by. He quickly brought back word that the treasurer of Lima was that night to come by with 14 Mules, whereof 8 were laden with gold, one with jewels, and the rest with silver; upon this notice they presently marched till they came within two Leagues of Venta Cruz; and here Captain Drake disposed his men, half of one side of the way with himself, and half on the other side with John Oxenham. They had not lain there above an hour before they heard the Recoes coming. And though all were charged not to stir till a fit time, yet one Robert pike, having drunk Aqua vita too freely, hearing a Cavalier [Page] ride by, starts up to see who it was, whereby discovering himself, the Cavalier galloped away to inform the Recoes of some danger which he apprehended, and perswaded them to stop their Mules, and to send before them those which were laden only with victuals, which accordingly was done: and when these came, they seized on them, amongst which they found only two horse-load of silver, and were told,Misseth the treasure. that being discovered, before day they would have all the forces of City, and Country come upon them: whereupon Capt. Drake being thus disappointed of his hopes, resolved rather to march by the way of Venta Cruz, though it was dangerous, than to return by so long and tedious a way as he came, the Symerons promising to stand by him in all dangers. So having refreshed his men with victuals, whereof they had plenty, they took their journey towards Venta Cruz, and when they came neer, they were encountred by a Company of Souldiers, who having discharged a full Volley of shot upon them, wherein they hurt some, and wounded one mortally, the English returned them the like both with their shot and arrows, and so ran upon them with intent to come to handy blows: but the Spaniards fled most of them into a wood by, from whence they shot at them, wounding some, and killing a Symeron; then did Capt. Drake with his men enter the Town; where some got some good pillage, and so hastened away,Venta Cruz taken. the Spaniards not daring to pursue them: they passed on thorow many dangers and difficulties to their ship and company, where they were received with great joy, though many were much troubled for loss of the Gold.

Then, taking further counsel, he sent John Oxenham in the Bear to the Eastward to take some ships laden with Victuals, which at that time used to go to Nombre [Page]de Dios, and himself in the Minion went Westward to see if he could light upon any ships carrying treasure towards the fleet. The Minion about the Cabezas met with a Frigate wherein was some gold, and had a Genoway Pilate in her, who, being well intreated by Capt. Drake, informed him that there was a Frigate in Veragua (vvhence they came) ready to come forth in vvhich there vvas above a Million of gold, profering himself to conduct them thorovv the flats into the harbor vvhere she lay: But vvhen they came thither they found that they vvere discovered, and the vvind changing from East to West, they vvere forced to turn back, and shortly after they met vvith the Bear vvhich had taken a Frigate vvith some store of provisions in her: vvhich being a nevv ship, Capt. Drake made her a man of War, and vvith her and the Beare sailed tovvards Cativaas — Not far from vvhence they met vvith a French man of War vvhich vvas in great distress for vvant of vvater, and victuals, vvhom he supplied; after vvich he took 20 of the French men, 15 English, and some Symerons, and leaving both his ships in a safe Road he manned his Frigate and tvvo Pinnaces, and vvent tovvard Rio Francisco, vvhere for vvant of vvater he left his Frigate commanded by Robert Doble, requiring that they should not attempt any chase till his return.

In Rio Francisco he landed his men, charging them in the Pinnaces to be there the fourth day after vvithout fail, and so vvith his men he marched vvith great silence tovvards the high vvay vvhich leadeth betvveen Panama, He returns towards Panama. and Nombre de Dios: and coming vvithin a mile of it, they staid and refreshed themselves: and the next morning there came by three Recoes laden vvith neer 30 Tun of gold and silver: These they seized on though guarded vvith Souldiers, so that there vvas [Page] some shot exchanged, by which the French Capt. was wounded, and one Symeron slain:And takes much gold and silver. then did the Spaniards fly, and the other loaded themselves with gold, and buried about 15 tun of silver, and so retired the same way they came: but a French man being overloaden with gold and wine, lost himself in the woods, and being taken by the Spaniards, discovered to them where the silver was hid.

When Capt. Drake came back to the river of Francisco where (according to order) he expected to meet with his Pinnaces, instead of them he discovered seven Spanish Pinnaces wch had been searching all the coast for him: This made him suspect that they had taken and spoiled his Pinnaces, whereupon he resolved with 3 or 4 others to make a Raft of Trees upon which they would adventure to put to Sea to seek their ship: by the way they sate up to the middle in water, by reason of which,A dangerous attempt. and the parching heat of the Sun their skins were much fretted. But it pleased God that after six hours, they spied their two Pinnaces coming towards them to their no small joy. But the Pinnaces not seeing the Raft, ran under a covert behind the Point, whereupon the Captain and company gat ashore, and ran over land to them, who received them with great rejoycings; and so they rowed to Rio Francisco where he took in the rest of his company and all their treasure, and so hasted back to his Frigate, and then to his ship, where he divided the silver in even portions between the French and English.

A while after, having set all things in a readiness, they went out to Sea in the Frigate, together with the French ship, and Capt. Drake ordered 12 of his own men, and 16 of the Symerons, to go back and see what was become of the French Captain, and what of the [Page] hid treasure they could recover. These he set on shoar at Rio Francisco, where he met with one of the two French men that staid with their Captain, who told them that presently after their departure the Spaniards overtook them, and seized upon the Captain and the other, himself escaping by flight, and throwing away his camag, and a Box of Jewels that he might run the faster: He told them also that the Spaniards had searched so narrowly for the Treasure that was hidden that he belived all was gone. Yet Captain Drake would needs have the men go, who coming thither, found that all the earth for a mile compass had been turned up, yet lost they not all their labour, but returned safe bringing with them thirteen bars of silver, and some Quoits of gold, with which they embarked and returned with joy to their Frigate.

Their return for England.Now did they think of returning home having made their voyage, but they wanted a ship to carry their victuals in their return, wherefore going towards Carthagena they met with a Frigate, which they took, laden with Maiz, Hens, Hogs, & Hony: the men they set on shore, and took the Bark with them, and so returned to the Cabezas, where they fitted their Frigates, and stored them, burning the Pinnaces and giving the Iron-work to the Symerons; He also looked up some silk and linnen which he sent to their wives. Pedro seeing him take out of a trunk a rich Cymeter which the French Captain had given him, he so fell in love with it, that he would needs give four Quoits of gold for it, and another to one Francis Tucker, who was to move the business. Captain Drake yielded though something unwillingly: yet the gold he would not take to himself but cast it into the General Adventure, and so returned home-words.

[Page]By the way they touched at Cape S. Anthony, where in one night they took 250 Turtles,Arrive in safety. and many of their Eggs which did them good service, and so with a prosperous voyage, thorow Gods mercy, they came safe to Plimouth on a Sabbath in the forenoon, just at Sermon time, Aug. 9. 1573. and the news of his coming being carried to his friends in the Church did so prevail with them, that few were left with the Preacher, all hasting to see him, and Gods goodness in his safe return.

Of his Voyage about the World.

Captain Drake having in his former Voyage had a sight of the South Sea, he was restless in his desires to sail in an English bottom upon it: yet was he for some years hindred, partly thorow envy of some at home, and partly thorow employment abroad into Ireland under Walter Earl of Essex, to whom he did much Noble service both by Sea and Land. Yet against the year 1577, he procured a Commission from the Queen,His preparations and with the help of divers Friends, Adventurers, he fitted himself with five ships. The Pellican, Admiral: of 100 Tun burden: himself the Captain. The Elizabeth, Vice-Admiral, of 80 Tuns: Captain John Winter. The Marigold, of 30 Tun: John Thomas Captain. The Swan, of 50 Tun: John Chester Captain. The Christopher, a Pinnace of 15 Tun: Thomas Moon Captain.

These ships had in them 264 able men, and were well furnished with all necessary provisions: and had some Pinnaces ready framed, stowed abroad, ready to be set up when occasion served. He had also skilful Musicians, Rich Furniture, the Vessels for his Table, and some for his Kitchin of pure Silver, and divers other sorts of Curious Workmanship, to shew the Riches and Magnificence of His Country.

[Page]Being thus furnished, they set sail from Plymouth, Nov. 15. 1577. but the wind coming contrary, they were forced to put into Falmouth: and to repair dammages, they were forced to stay till Decemb. 13. The first place they touched at, was the Isle of Mogadore within the Dominion of the King of Fess. From whence they departed, Decemb. 31. to Cape Barbas, and after they had refreshed themselves there for six days and stored themselves with fish, they set sail for Cape Verde, and touched at the Isle of Maio, a very fruitful place, where they found store of Figs, Coco-nuts, Plantanes, great heards of Goats, and flocks of wild Hens. From hence they passed by the Isle of S. Jagô, and came to the Isle of Fogo, in wch is a steep hill of about 18 miles to the top, wherein is a fiery furnace, which four times a day sends forth flames & abundance of Pumice-stones, the rest of the Island is fruitful and inhabited by Portugals. Two Leagues off is another Island called Brava abounding with trees, ever green, fruits, and other Commodities: as figs, cocoes, plantans, oranges, lemons, citrons, &c But the sea is so deep about it that there is no Anchoring. At Cape Verde they took in fresh water, and Feb. the second, set forwards for the Straights to pass into the South-sea.

By the way they came to the coast of Brasile, and passed on south-ward to the river of Plate, where they all met, and not finding a convenient Harbor there, they passed on till May 18. 1578. where, in another Bay they came to an Anchor. Here Captain Drake unloaded the Swan, and brake her to pieces that he might bring his men into a neerer compass, and neer hereto were some Islands upon which they took as many Sea-calves, and several sorts of Fowl as they pleased: and so having taken in such provisions as they needed, June 3. they [Page] set sail from thence, and June 12. came into another Bay, where they discharged the Christopher and laid her up. June 19. they found here the ship which they had lost long before in a storm: and so they entred Port S. Jalian to refresh their wearied men, and to cherish them who in their absence had sustained much misery. Here Captain Drake and some others going a shore were assaulted by the Natives, called Pentagons from their huge stature: these slew two of his men, but one of them being slain, the rest fled, and Captain Drake returned to his ships.

Whilst they remained here,A conspiracy discovered. there was a conspiracy discovered, a gentleman in the company having designed to murther the General, and to overthrow the Voyage: This being proved against him before a Council of war, he at last confessed it, and being therefore condemned to die, he was put to his choice, whether he would be set ashore amongst the Natives, or sent into England to answer it before the Queen and Council, or whether he would be executed there: He chose the last, and having prepared himself for death, had his head cut off.

Here the General discharged the Mary, a Portugal Prize, because she was leaky, and so having wooded, watered and trimmed his ships, having now only three ships remaining, Aug. 17. they departed setting their course for the Straights, and changed the name of his own ship from the Pelicane to the Golden Hind. And in their passage thorow the Straights they came to a fair and fruitful Island, where some of them going a shore with the General they took possession of it in Her Majesties name, & called it Elizabeth Island.He comes to the straights. Here they found on other Islands, many Penguins, of which in one day they killed 3000, which they found to be good [Page] and wholsome food. This passage was very difficult in regard of many turnings, and various Winds.

Sept. 6. They entred into the South-sea, the Straight being about 150 Leagues in length, in some places broader, and in other narrower: Their entrance into this sea was Sept. 7. presently after which, they met with a terrible Tempest which continued long, insomuch as Sept. 30. the Marigold was separated from them whereof John Thomas was Captain,He loses two of his ships. which they could never after meet with. And Octob. 7. in a sore storm the lost their Vice-admiral, the Elizabeth, which being weary of these troubles, returned thorow the Straights, and went for England whither they came the year following.

His many dangers.The Admiral, now left alone, was driven to the fifty fifth degree of South Latitude, where amongst Islands, they refreshed themselves for two days, and by the means of some herbs they found there, they recovered their health. Presently after they encountred with another dreadful storm which made them despair of safety, or rather the former renewed, which lasted full 52 days: in which time the men were so tired out, and decayed in health, as made them run again amongst those Islands, where they met with three days breathing, and provided such things as they wanted.

Octob. 30. The storm (thorow Gods mercy) being turned into a calm, they shaped their course towards the Coast of Peru, which proved very Mountainous and barren, without water and wood except some places inhabited by the Spaniards, wherefore they ran off again to an Island called Mucho, which they found to be fruitful and well stored with Maiz, Sheep, and other Cattel. Here he intended to water, and take in Provision, but the treacherous Indians killed two of his men [Page] on shore, and with their Arrows wounded all the men that were with him in the Boat, and himself was very dangerously wounded under the eye. Hereupon the General set sail again for the Main to get water, and fresh victuals for his weak and wounded men, and they came to an Anchor in Philips Bay, whence he sent a Boat for discovery, which brought back an Indian whom they took as he was fishing: By his means they gat some small relief, but that would not serve turn, wherefore a Captain of the Indians, being pleased with their gifts, and courteous usage, conducted them to another place where they had a plentiful supply of what their necessities required. There also they met with a Spanish ship wherein they found some fine gold of Baldivia, and a great Cross of gold beset with Emeralds, and a God of the same metal nailed to it: of this burden they eased the ship.

Then being very desirous to meet with their lost ships, they sought out an harbor where they might trim their ship, and set up their shallop, to enable them to search every creek for them. From the first place they came to they were driven by the Spaniards with the death of one of their men: But Decemb. 20. they met with a place wherein they did their intended work. And after the Pinnace was fitted, himself with some others went to seek for their ships, till the wind forced them back again, and then with their ship they proceeded in their voyage.

As they sailed along,His booties of treasure. they came to a place called Tarapaca, where landing to seek fresh water, they found a Spaniard asleep, with 13 Bars of silver lying by him, weighing about 4000 Spanish Ducats: Of these they eased him, and returned to their Boat. Landing in another place they met a Spaniard driving eight Peruvian [Page] sheep that carried in Bags about 800 weight of fine silver, which they also took along with them. A little farther they traded with some Indians to whom they gave knives, beads, and such trifles, and received by exchange many good things that they stood in need of; and amongst others some of those Peruvian sheep, whose heighth and length was equal to a pretty Cow, and their strength exceeding their stature. They have necks like Camels; their wool is exceeding fine, their flesh good meat; and they supply the room of horses both for burden, and travel. In the Province of Cusco, the common ground, wheresoever it's taken up,in every hundred pound weight of earth, yields 25 s. of pure silver, after the rate of five shillings an ounce.

From thence Feb. 7. They came to the Port town of Arica, where, in two Barks, they found forty and odd bars of silver, each weighing 20 pounds, of which they eased them. And as they passed on they met with another Bark laden with linnen, some of which they took for their own use. Feb. 15. They came to Lima, in which Port were 30 Spanish ships, yet they entred and cast Anchor all night in the midst of them. Here they heard of a ship wherein were 1500 bars of silver, besides silks, linnen, and a chest full of Royals of Plate: As also of another ship loaden with gold, and silver for Panama: Hence therefore they hasted next morning endeavouring to overtake that gallant ship, called Cacafuego, which was gone from Lima 14 days before them.

March first, They fell with Cape Francisco, where about midday they descried a ship a head of them, which was that they looked for: but by the way, they had taken a ship, laden with wine: and another, laden with tacklings,The Cacafuego taken▪ wherein they found 80 l. weight of gold. This Cacafuego (or evil sailer) they took, and before [Page] they left her, a boy of her own, named her Cacaplata. In her they found store of fruits, conserves, sugars, meal, &c. besides a quantity of jewels and precious stones: 13 chests of Royals of Plate; 8 pound-weight of gold: 26 tuns of uncoined silver, 2 large silver and gilt bowls, valued in all to 360 thousand Pezoes, which was the cause of her slow sailing: For these commodities they gave the Master a little linnen, and such other things, and so dismissed him, to go on his Voyage with more speed.

March 16. Being now quite out of hope of meeting with their lost ships, they came to the Isle of Caines, and Anchored in a fresh river, where they spent some days in taking in wood, water, and other necessaries: and in their passage they met with another ship laden with China silk, China dishes, and a Falcon of gold with a great Emerald set in his breast. April 15. Anno 1578. They came into the harbor of Guatuleo, inhabited with Spaniards, with whom they had some trading, and received of them many things which they needed, especially bread: and so being sufficiently provided of necessaries, they left the coast of America, yet not forgeting to take with them a pot of about a bushel in bigness, full of Royals of Plate, and a chain of gold, and some jewels which they met with in the Town.

April 16. They set their course directly into the sea, which they continued to June third till they came into the forty second degree of North latitude, where they met with such a strange change from heat to cold that much impaired the health of many of them. This much discouraged many of them, and made them despair of finding any passage that way; yet would not the General be disheartened, but cheered them up by comfortable speeches of the Divine Providence, and of [Page] Gods care over his children out of the Scriptures: adding thereto his own cheerful example, stirring them up to endure some short extremity to have the speedier comfort, and a little trouble to have the greater glory, which made them resolve to see the uttermost of what good was to be done that way.

June 5. They were forced to run in with the shoar by reason of contrary winds; the Road was bad, and dangerous by reason of extreme gusts, and flawes that beat upon them: Hereupon not staying long there, in regard of the extremity of cold they were forced to turn Southward: and June 17. they came to an Anchor in a fit Harbour, where yet they met with much cold; then some of their men went a shore to set up tents, and to make a fortress wherein to secure their goods whilst they trimmed their ship: The people of the country came in multitudes to them, wondering at every thing they saw, and esteeming them to be Gods, though they did what they could to undeceive them: They gave them shirts, linnen cloths, &c. wherewith to cover their nakedness and to hide their shame, and they returned feathers, cawls of net-work: their Quivers for their Arrows made of Fawns-skins, &c. Presently after came there King whom they called Hioh, and set his Crown upon the Generals Head, enriched his neck with chains, and by signs resigned to him his right and title in that whole Land; wherefore in the Name, and to the use of Her Majesty, he took the Scepter, Crown, and Dignity of the said Country into his hand, wishing that it had lyen fit for Her Majesty to enjoy, and that the riches, and treasure wherewith the Inland part abounds, might be conveniently transported into England, and that the Gospel might be propagated to these Ignorant and harmless people.

[Page]The General and his Gentlemen marched farther up into the land, which they found very fruitful, and saw infinite numbers of large and fat Deer: multitudes of Conies of a strange kind. This Country Captain Drake named Nova Albion: Nova Albion. and nailed fast to a tree a Plate of brass whereon was engraven Queen Elizabeths name: the day, and year of their arrival, and of the resignation of that Kingdom by the King and People into her Majesties hands, &c.

July 23. They took a sorowful leave of the English, and ran to the tops of Mountains to keep a sight of them as long as they could. Near to this Country lye the Islands of S. James in one of which they stayed, July 24. where they found store of Seals, Birds and such other provision as served their turns. After which they bent their course to run directly with the Islands of the Moluecos: and Sept. 30. They came within the sight of certain Islands, from whence they brought to them in their Canowe, Cocos, Fish, Pottatos, and some Fruit, which for a while they exchanged for other things: But the General smelt their design to make a prey of him and his, which they discerning began to throw stones at the English: But a great Gun being discharged over them so affrighted them, that they fled and returned no more. Yet others resorted to them, offering to deal more fairly with them, but cunningly fell to stealing what they could get, which made the General to leave them, and called it the Island of Thieves.

Octob. 21. They came within the sight of other Islands,They come into the East-Indies. and Anchored in one of them called Mindanas: From thence they came to the Moluccas Islands, the chief whereof are called Terenate, Tidore, Matchan, and Batchan, all very fruitful, and yielding abundance [Page] of Cloves, whereof they had as many as they desired at a cheap rate. As they directed their course to Tidore, the Vice-Roy of the King of Terenate came boldly aboard them, intreating the General by all means to go to Terenate, assuring him that their King would be very glad of his coming, and ready to do for him what in reason he could require, whereas if he went to their enemies the Portugals in Tidore, he would have nothing to do with him. Upon these perswasions the General ran with Terenate, and presently sent a messenger to the King with a velvet Cloke, as a present, requiring nothing but Provisions in exchange for such things they wanted, and whereof he had store: the King sent back the Vice-Roy and some others of his Nobles to the General to signifie that seeing he came from so mighty a Princess, he would willingly entertain amity with her, and would reserve the Commodities and Traffique of his whole Island, to trade with her Subjects if they would embrace it. In token whereof he sent the General his Signet, promising that himself with his Nobles would come to his ship, and bring her into a safer Harbour.

Whilst they were delivering this errand the Generals Messenger was come to the Court, and by the way was met by some Nobles, who conducted him to the Kings presence, to whom he delivered his Message, and Present. The King received it very graciously, and presently prepared himself to go in great State to the General, the rather to do Honour to our Queen from whom they came. The General received him answerable to his Dignity: His Ordnance thundred, mixed with small shot, and his Trumpets and other Instruments sounded to the great delight of the King and his company. He sent him also into his Canow such [Page] presents as he thought would be most acceptable, and work in him a confirmation of the Friendship already begun.

The King as soon as he had brought their Ship to an Anchor, left them, promising to send them necessary Victuals, and provision: and accordingly they had by way of traffique Rice, Hens, Sugar-canes, Plantanes, Cocos, and Meal: and some Cloves, and more they might have had if they had pleased. Novemb. 9. They departed, seeking out a place where they might trim their ship, and provide other necessaries; and Novemb. 14. They came to an Island uninhabited, where they aboad 26 days. There they set up their tents, raised a fort for their goods, set up a Smiths forg, trimmed their ship, and dispatched their other businesses to their content, finding in the Island divers sorts of excellent provisions, so that in that space they grew lusty, strong, and healthful, and gained rare experience of Gods wonderful wisdom in many strange, and admirable Creatures that they saw there. It was full of wood, the trees large, & streight, without boughs save only at the top: Amongst which every night they saw great swarms of fiery-worms flying in the air, whose bodies gave such a light as if every twig had been a lighted Candle, and the whole place the starry Sphear. Here also were store of Reer-mice as big, or bigger than Hens: and multitudes of Cray-fish where of one would satisfie four hungry men at dinner: they live always on the Land in holes like Cony-Berries.

Being thus well furnished with all necessaries, Decem. 12. They put to Sea, and Decemb. 16. Had sight of the Celibes Islands, where, amongst those Islands they were entangled till, Jan. 9. at which time apprehending themselves past all danger, passing on with full Sails, in [Page] the beginning of the night, their ship was laid fast up upon a desperate shoal,Their great danger. where was no probability of saving any thing, nor of escaping with life: and the more they looked about the less they hoped of geting clear off it again. Hereupon they presently fell to prayer expecting nothing but present Death. Yet that they might not seem to tempt God by leaving any means unattempted that he afforded, presently after their Prayers were ended, the General (exhorting them to have the chiefest care of the better part, the soul, and adding many comfortable speeches of the life to come, which now alone they looked for) encouraged them all to bestir themselves shewing the way thereto by his own Example: And first of all the pump was well plyed, and the ship freed of water, whereby they found their Leakes to be nothing encreased, which, though it gave them no hopes of deliverance, yet it gave them some hope of respite, in as much as it assured them that the bulk was sound, which they acknowledged to be the immediate providence of God alone, for that no strength of wood, and Iron could possibly have born so hard and violent a shock as their ship met with, dashing her self under full sail against the Rocks, except the extraordinary hand of God's had preserved the same.

Their next assay was for good ground and Anchor-hold to Sea-ward of them (whereon to hale;) by which means, if by any, the General put them in comfort that there was yet some hope left to cleer themselves: He therefore in his own Person undertook the charge of sounding, which when he had done he found that even but a boats length from the ship, there was no bottom to be found by any length of Line whatsoever: So that the beginnings of hope which they were [Page] willing to have conceived before, were now quite dashed again. Yea, their misery seemed to be encreased, for that their expectation was now turned into awaiting for a lingring death, of the two, the far more fearful to be chosen. Yet one thing fell out happily, that the most of their men did not apprehend that danger, which if they had done, they would probably have been so much discouraged, that their sorrow would have disabled them from looking after a remedy. But the General, and those few others, that could judge of the event wisely, dissembled the same, and gave encouraging speeches to the rest.

For now it seemed a clear case, that whilst the ship lay so fast moored that she could not stir, either they were there to remain on the place with her, or else leaving her to commit themselves in a most poor, and helpless estate to seek some other place of refuge, the better of which choices carried with it the appearance of worse than a thousand Deaths. For as touching their ship this was the only comfort that she could give them, that lying there confined already upon the hard and pinching Rocks, they could not but continually expect her speedy ruine, as soon as the sea and winds should come to be the severe Executioners of that heavy judgment, by the appointment of the Eternal Judge already given upon her, who had bound her there, as with Adamantine chains to a most narrow prison, against their coming [Page] for that purpose: So that if they stay'd with her, they must perish with her: or if by any means yet undiscovered, any of them there should chance to be delivered, their escape must needs be a perpetual misery: It being far better to perish together, than with the loss of their friends to live in a strange Land: whether a solitary life (the better choice) amongst wilde Beasts (as Birds on the mountains without all comfort) or amongst the barbarous heathens in intollerable bondage both of body and mind.

But put the case that the day of the ships destruction should be deferred, longer than either reason could perswade or in any likelihood could seem possible (it being not in the power of any ship whatsoever to suffer what she had already endured) yet could their abode there profit them nothing, but encrease their wretchedness, and enlarge their sorrows. For as her Store and Victuals were not much (sufficient to sustain them only for some few days, without hope of having any new supplies, no not so much as a cup of cold water) so must it inevitably come to pass, that they should be driven to eat the flesh of their own Arms; and how intollerable a thing this would have proved may easily be judged.

And if they had departed from her whither should they have gone to seek relief? Nay, the impossibility of going seemed to be no less than [Page] those other before mentioned. Their Boat was not able at once to carry above twenty Persons, and they were fifty eight in all: The nearest Land was eighteen miles from them, and the wind from the shoar directly beat against them; Or if they had thought of setting some a shoar, and then fetching the rest, there being no place thereabout without Inhabitants, the first that had Landed must first have faln into the hand of the Enemy,and so the rest in order as they came: And suppose they should escape the Sword, yet would their lives be worse than Death, not only in respect of their woful Captivity, and bodily miseries; but most of all in respect of their Christian Liberty, being to be deprived of all publick means of serving the true God, and continually grieved with the horrible Impieties, and Devilish Idolatries of the Heathen.

Their misery being thus manifest, the consideration thereof must needs have caused trembling to flesh and blood, if Faith in Gods Promises had not mightily sustained them. The night they passed with earnest longings that the Day would appear: the time they spent in frequent Prayer, and other Godly Exercises, thereby comforting themselves and reviving their hearts: striving to bring themselves to an holy submission under the hand of God, and to refer themselves wholly to his good will, and pleasure.

The Day at length appearing, and it being [Page] then almost ful-sea, after they had given thanks to God for his forbearing them so long, and had with tears called upon him to bless their labors, they again renewed their travel to see if now they could possibly find any Anchor-hold which they had formerly sought in vain. But this second attempt proved as fruitless as the former, and left them nothing to trust to but Prayers, and Tears, seeing it appeared now impossible that the prudence, policy,or power of man could ever effect the delivery of their ship, except the Lord miraculously should effect the same.

Then was it motioned, and by general voice determined to commend and commit their case to God alone, leaving themselves wholly in his hand, to destroy or save them as it should seem best to his gracious wisdom: and that their Faith might be the better strengthned, and their comfortable apprehension of Gods mercy in Christ be more clearly felt, they had a Sermon Preach'd by their Minister, Master Fletcher, and the Sacrament of the Lords Supper administred to them.

After which sweet repast, and other holy exercises adjoyning to it, ended, left they should in any respect seem guilty of neglecting of any lawful means that might conduce to their safety, they resolved to lighten their Ship by casting forth her Goods into the Sea, which accordingly in a very short time they dispatched with much alacrity. So that even those things [Page] which before they judged most necessary, considering their condition, they now despised, neither sparing their Ammunition for defence, nor the Food for the sustentation of their lives, but every thing as it first came to hand went overboard, assuring themselves that if it pleased God to deliver them out of that desperate strait, he would both fight for them against their enemies, and not suffer them to perish for want of Bread. But when they had done all they could, it was not their endeavour but Gods immediate hand, and good Providence that wrought their deliverance. It was he alone that having brought them to the shaddow of Death,set them at liberty again, after they had remained in that desperate condition full 20 hours, for the magnifying of his Almighty power and mercy.

The manner of their delivery was thus; The place where their Ship fate so fast was a firm Rock: the Ship struck on the Larboard side: at low water there was not above six foot depth in all, on the Starboard-side, and yet within a very little distance there was no bottom to be found. The Brieze during all the time that they were thus stayed, blew stifly against their broad side, and so kept the ship upright. But it pleased God in the beginning of the Tide; while the water was yet almost at the lowest, to slack the stiffness of the wind, and then their ship that required thirteen foot water to make her float, and had not at this time on one side [Page] about seven at most, wanting her prop on the other side, which had already too long kept her up,A wonderful deliverance. fell a heeling towards the deep water, and by that means freed her Kneel, and made them all glad men.

This, of all their other dangers in the whole Voyage was the greatest, yet not the last. For of a long season they could not free themselves, from the care and fear of those shallows: nor could they possibly come to any convenient Anchoring amongst them: But were continually tossed amongst those many Islands and Shoals of the Celibes, till the eighth day of the following month.

Jan. 12. Being not able to bear any Sails by reason of a Tempest, and fearing their many dangers, they let fall an Anchor upon a shoal. And Jan. 14. being got a little farther South, they again cast Anchor at an Island, where they spent a day in taking in water, and wood. After which they met with foul weather, and dangerous shoals for many days together, which occasioned them to leave these coasts, and to bear for Timor, the most Southerly Cape of the Celibes: Yet could they not so easily clear themselves as they expected: So that Jan. 20. They were forced to run with a small Island not far from thence; and while they were with their Boat at a good distance searching for a convenient place wherein to Anchor, they were suddenly environed with no small extremities. For there arose a most violent, and intollerable [Page] flaw, and storm from the south-west against them, making them (who were on a Lee-shoar, amongst most dangerous Rocks, and Shelves) extreamly to fear, not only the loss of their Boat and Men; but of themselves, their Ship, and Goods: or the casting of those men whom God should spare amongst Infidels; which misery could not by any Power or Industry of theirs have been prevented, had not the present goodness of God (by staying the outragious extremities wherewith they were environed) wrought their present delivery: By whose unspeakable goodness, their Boat and men also, were unexpectedly brought to them in safety.

January, 26. With much adoe they gat clear from this place, yet the Winde turning strong against them, they could bear no sail to the end of that month. February the first, They saw a very high Land, and would faign have born to it to have got some succour, but they could find no safe Harbour. February the third, They saw a small Island, but being still unable to bear any sail, they were carried away by the storm, and were not able to fetch it. February the sixth, They came to another Island, where they cast Anchor, and furnished themselves with water and wood.

February the eighth, Departing thence they spied two Canows coming towards them, which talked with them, and conducted them to their Town called Barativa. The People were [Page] Gentiles, of handsome Bodies, comely Stature, Civil demeanour, very just in their dealings, and courteous to strangers: were glad of their coming, and relieved their wants with what the Country could afford. Their Island is rich, and fruitful, having Gold, Silver, Copper, Tin, Sulpher, &c. And they are very skilful in working these Mettals. Their Fruits are Nutmegs, Ginger, Long pepper, Limons, Cocos, with divers others, of each of which they had from them, whatsoever they desired for their need: Having here spent two days, they departed very well refreshed.

After this they passed within sight of many Islands, but they neither needed nor desired to visit them, only they took in some fresh water at one of them, where they found two Turtles. March the tenth, They came to an Anchor under a high Land where they took in water,They come to Java Major. and then sent their Boat to traffique with the Inhabitants: and the next day the General sent his man with a Present to the King of Cloth, both Linnen and Woollen, and some Silk, which he gladly accepted, and thankfully received, and returned Rice, Cocos, Hens, and other Victuals. This was the Isle of Java: And March, the thirteenth, The General himself with his Gentlemen, and some others went a shoar, and Presented the King with his Musick (who entertained him joyfully) and shewed him the manner of the use of their Arms, by training of his men before [Page] him: and so they were dismissed with a promise that more victuals should be sent them.

In this Island there is one chief King and under him many petty Governors whom they call Raias, who live in great friendship one with another. March, the fourteenth, They received more victuals from them, and the day after, three of these Raias came to see the General and his ship, and warlike Ammunition, wherewith they were very much pleased: and relating it to the King, he went to see them himself carrying some victuals with him. The Raias came daily to them, whom the General entertained Courteously: and one of them brought an Ox, for which the General requited him with some Silks. Here they trimmed and washed their Ship of which she had great need, being in this long Voyage overgrown with a kind of shelfish which much hindred her sailing, They traded with this People for Hens, Goats, Cocos, Plantanes, and other things whereof they had great plenty.

March, the six and twentieth, An. Dom. One thousand five hundred and eighty, They departed shaping their course for the Cape of Good Hope: And June the fifteenth, They passed by that: And July the two and twentieth, They came to Sierra Leona, where they took in freshwater, and met with some Oisters, and plenty of Lemons which much refreshed them. And September the six and twentieth, (Which was Munday in the account of those that had stayd [Page] at home, but by their computation was the Lords Day) they safely, with joyful mindes, and thankful hearts to God for his wonderful goodness to them,Their return home. arrived at Plimouth, having spent two years, ten months, and some odd Days in seeing the wonders of the Lord in the Deep, in discovering very many admirable things, in going thorow with so many strange adventures, in escaping out of so many dangers, and overcoming so many difficulties in encompassing the World.

Queen Elizabeth going aboard this Ship, was therein Feasted by Captain Drake, at which time She Knighted him. The Ship was laid up at Deptford where the Carcase of it lay very many years after.

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The Voyage of Sir Francis Drake into the West-Indies.

QUeen Elizabeth finding the restless malice of the King of Spain against Her,Another Voyage into the West-Indies. to the end that War might not first be brought home to Her own doors, set forth a Fleet to finde her enemies work abroad, under the command of Sir Francis Drake, who having prepared his Fleet and gotten them together to Plimouth to the number of five and twenty sails of ships, and Pinnaces: and having of Souldiers and Marriners Two thousand three hundred in the whole, imbarked himself and them September the twelfth, Anno Christi, One thousand five hundred eighty five, being accompanied with these worthies.

Master Christopher Carleil, Lieutenant General. Anthony Powel, Sergeant Major. Captain Matthew Morgan, and Captain John Sampson, Corporals of the Field. And these Officers after named had command over the rest of the Land Captains. Captain Anthony Plot. Captain Edward Winter; Captain John Goring; Captain Robert Pew; Captain George Barton; Captain John Merchant; Captain William Cecil; Captain [Page] Walter Bigs; Captain John Hannam; and Captain Richard Stanton.

The Commanders at Sea under him were, Martin Forbusher, Vice-Admiral in the Primrose; Francis Knowls in the Gallion Lecester, Reer-Admiral; Thomas Venner, Captain in the Elizabeth Bonadventure, under the General; Edward Winter, Captain in the Aid; Christopher Carliel, Leiutenant General, Captain in the Tyger; Henry White, Captain in the Sea-Dragon; Thomas Drake, Captain in the Thomas; Thomas Seely, Captain in the Minion; Baily, Captain in the Bark Talbot; Rob. Cross, Capt. in the Bark Bond; George Fortescue, Captain in the Bark Bonner; Edward Careless, Captain in the Hope; James Erizo, Captain in the White Lyon; Thomas Moon, Captain in the Francis; John Rivers, Captain in the Vantage; John Vaughan, Captain in the Drake; John Verney, Captain in the George; John Martin, Captain in the Benjamin; Edward Gilman, Captain in the Scout; Richard Hawkins, Captain in the Galliot called the Duck; Bitfield, Captain in the Swallow.

When they were gotten out, they took their course towards Spain. And when they came neer that Coast they spied divers Sails, whereupon the General sent some Pinnaces to see what they were; who upon the sight of them, abandoned most of their Ships (being French men laden with Salt.) Amongst them there was one so well liked, which had no man in her, as being brought to the General he made stay of her for [Page] their service, intending to pay for her, which he accordingly performed at his return, and called her the Drake, the rest were dismissed in safety.

The day following, standing in again with the shore they espied a tall ship of about two hundred and forty Tun, which was chased by the Leiutenant General in the Tyger, and when he had forced her to strike sail, upon examination finding her to be a Spanish ship of Saint Sebastian, laden with Poor John from Newfound Land, they juged her to be lawful prize; and therefore distributed her lading amongst the Fleet, which afterwards stood them in good stead.

A day or two after they put into the Isles of Bayon, where they had no sooner Anchored, but they manned forth all their Pinnaces with an intent to surpise the City, upon sight of whom the Governour and People were much amazed; there they landed, and quartered themselves to their best advantage: but in the night there arose such a storm, that they thought fit to return to their ships, which they did with some difficulty, many of their ships being driven from their Anchors. The tempest continued three days, which scattered the Fleet, and the Speedwell was driven into England, the rest came together again when the storm was ended.

Then the Lieutenant General was sent to see what they might do about Vigo, where he took many Boats, and Carvels, divers being laden with [Page] houshold stuffe: and amongst other Church ornaments, they found a great Crosse of Silver, of fair and embossed work, and double gilt, which was of good value. The Spaniards complained that here they lost goods worth above three thousand Duckats. A little from thence they landed, and by consent of the Governour of Galizia, quietly furnished themselves with fresh water, and all other necessaries paying for the same.

From thence they went to the Canaries purposing to have refreshed and stored themselves with necessaries in the Isle of Palma: but the Sea going high, and the landing place (whereof there was but one) being naught, they left it, and went to the Isle of Ferro, but finding that extreme poor they left it, and steered towards the coast of Barbary: And November the thirteenth they fell with Cape Blank, where they caught store of fish, and from thence went to the Isles of Cape Verde: And November the sixteenth, they discovered the Isle of Saint Jago, They come to St. Jago. where they came to an Anchor, and landed a thousand men under the leading of the Lieutenant General Carliel; the way proved marvellous stony and troublesome in their march, yet they rested not till they came to a fair plain two miles from the Town: There having rested themselves for a while, they advanced hard to the wall of the City,And take [...]. finding no enemy to resist them, all being fled, whereupon he sent two Captains with sixty men to quarter out the City for his Army, [Page] and to erect Saint George's Cross upon the enemies Fortress that it might be seen by our Navy, which was done accordingly; And it being November the seventeenth, the day of our Queens coming to the Crown, they discharged all the Ordnance, being about fifty Pieces which they found in the Town, ready mounted and charged, which also was answered by the Ordnance out of all our ships, which were now come near.

Here they continued fourteen days taking such spoils as the place afforded, as Wine, Oyl, Meal, Vinegar, Olives, &c. but found no treasure at all in it. This City is finely seated, having a River running by it, and a Valley full of Gardens and Orchards well replenished with Fruits, Hearbs, and Trees, as Lemons, Oranges, Sugar-canes, Coco's, Plantans, &c. November the four and twentieth, the General, and Lieutenant General with six hundred men marched to St. Domingo, twelve miles within Land, which they found empty also,Saint Domingo taken. the Inhabitants being fled into the mountains, from whence they returned to St. Jago: And November the six and twentieth, they embarked their Forces, and went to the Play, where they found two pieces of Ordnance hid in the ground, and so they burned the town, and departed.

Hence putting over to the West-Indies, within a few days began a great mortality amongst their men, so that within a small time there died two or three hundred of them of burning [Page] Feavers and some of the Plague. In eighteen days space they came within sight of Saint Dominica, inhabited by savage people that go all naked, and paint their bodies: These helped our men to fill & carry fresh water from the River upon their bare shoulders to their Boats, & brought them store of Tabacco, and Bread made of the Cassavy root, very white, and savory, for which they gave them some Glass Beads to their great content.

From thence they went to S. Christophers Island, where they cleansed and aired their ships, & refreshed their sick People: From hence they resolved to go to Hispaniola: and by the way they met with a small Frigat, bound for S. Domingo, the chiefest and ancientest City in that Island; and the men of her being examined, one assured them that the haven of it was a barred haven, the Shoar well fortified, so that there was no convenient landing within ten English miles of the City, whither this man undertook to conduct them.

They come to Hispaniola January the first, They landed ten miles from that brave City, and under the command of the Lieutenant General marched towards the City whither they came about one a clock in the afternoon; When they came neer, above a hundred and fifty Gentlemen well mounted presented themselves against them; but the small shot playing upon them, they departed, and the English proceeded towards the two gates of the City that lay towards the Sea; both [Page] which the Spaniards had manned, and planted their Ordnance without the gates, and some small shot in an ambush by the way side. The English being aboue twelve hundred men divided themselves: the Lieutenant General leading the one halfe to one gate, and Captain Powel the other halfe to the other gate, vowing that with God's assistance they would not rest till they met in the market place.

No sooner had the Spaniards discharged their Ordnance, doing some litle execution, but the Lieutenant General hasted or rather ran upon them to prevent their charging again,Saint Domingo taken. and notwithstanding their ambush, entred Pell Mell with them into the gate not staying till he came into the Market place, unto whom shortly after came Captain Powel with his Companies. This place they strengthened with Baricadoes, the City being too large to be guarded by so small, and weary an Army. And after midnight, they in the Castle, hearing some of the English busie about the Gate of it, quitted it, some being taken Prisoners, and others escaping by Boats.

The next day the English enlarged their Quarters, and fortified themselves, and held the Town for a months space. During this time the General sent a Negro Boy with a Flag of Truce to the Spaniards, who by the way was met by some Officers of the Galley which the English had taken, together with the City, who furiously thrust the poor Boy thorow the Body, who [Page] returning to the General, having declared how barbarously they had used him, fell down, and died in his presence. The General being much moved herewith, commanded the Provest Martial, to take two Friers, and to carry them to the same place with a sufficient guard, and there to hang them; and withal he sent one of the Prisoners to inform the Spaniards why he did it, and to tell them that till the party who had thus murthered his messenger were delivered to him, there should no day pass wherein he would not hang two Prisoners till all were consumed.

Hereupon the day following, the murtherer was brought, and an offer made to deliver him to the General, who yet thought it more Honourable to make them perform the Execution themselves in the sight of the English, which was done accordingly.

During their aboad here Commissioners oft passed between the Spaniards & them about the ransome of the City, but not agreeing, the English spent every morning till the heat of the day, in firing, and destroying the houses in the outward part of the City, two hundred Marriners being employed therein for divers days: Yet were the Houses built so magnificenlty, and strongly of stone, that they could not consume one third part of the Town all that time, whereupon the General was contented to accept of twenty five thousand Duckets,Domingo partly burnt, and partly ransomed. of 5 s. 6. a piece, to spare the rest.

[Page]Here our Soldiers met with good pillage, especially of rich Apparel; but treasure they found none: For the Spaniards by their Cruelties had so destroyed the Natives, which used to work in the Mines of Gold and Silver, that they were wholly given over, and in that Island they were forced to use Copper Mony. Yet they found store of Wine, Oyl, Vineger Wheat, Meal, Woollen and Linnen Cloth, some Silks, &c. which much relieved them: there was but little Plate found but good store of Porcellaws, or China Dishes: yet some Plate they found, and very costly houshold furniture.

From Saint Domingo they put over towards the Main,They come to Carthagena. and at last came within sight of Carthagena, who had notice of their coming twenty days before from Hispaniola, so that they were fully provided for them. The mouth of the Harbor lay about three miles Westward from the City, where they entred without opposition: and in the Evening some of them landed under the conduct of the Lieutenant General, who about midnight began their march towards the City, keeping close by the Sea-wash for their greater safety. When they came within two miles of the town, about one hundred of their Horse met them, but upon the first Volley of shot that was given them, they retreated.

Coming within half a mile of the town, the way grew narrow between the Sea, and an Arm [Page] of it, which was Fortified with a stone wall and ditch: the wall built with very good Flankers: there was only a little place left open which was made up with very good Baricadoes of Wine-pipes filled with Earth standing very close together. This place was furnished with six Demiculverins, and Sakers, which shot directly in Front upon them as they approached: They had brought also two great Gallies with their Prowes to the Shoar with eleven Pieces of Ordnance; which flanked their coming on: In those Gallies also were three or four hundred small shot placed: and on the Land to guard that narrow Pass three hundred shot, and Pikes.

These spared not their shot either great or small; but the English, taking the advantage of the dark, still keeping the Sea-wash Shoar escaped all pretty well, themselves forbearing to shoot till they were come to the very Wall side, then running upon the Barricadoes, down went the Pipes of Earth, and after a Volley of shot in their faces they came to it with Pikes and Swords, wherein they proved too hard for the Spaniards, and forced them to flee. Here the Lieutenant General with his own hands killed the chiefest Ensign Bearer of the Spaniards, who yet fought very stoutly. Then pursuing them, they entred Pell Mell with them into the Town and wan the Market-place,Carthagena taken. the Spaniards flying to the Mountains, whither before they had [Page] carried their Wives and Children.

At every streets end they had made Barricadoes and Trenches excellently well, and had placed many Indians in corners of advantage, with Arrows so impoisoned that if they did but break the skin the wounded party died: by these some of our men were slain: They had also stuck in the ground against the coming of the English abundance of sticks with sharp ends villainously impoisoned, most of which they yet escaped by keeping the Sea-wash-shoar.

Here they stayed six weeks, the aforenamed mortality continuing still amongst them, though not so violent as at first. This the Spaniards call a Galenture, which such as were touched with, if they escaped Death continued long very weak both in mind and body. This forced them to give over their intended enterprise for Nombre de Dios, and so overland to Panama, where they should have met with store of treasure: and here they resolved to return home-ward.

During their aboad in this place there passed divers courtesies between the Spaniards and them; and the Governour of Carthagena, and the Bishop of it, with divers Gentlemen came to visit the General: Yet because they could not agree about ransoming the City, they burned the out-parts of it, and at last they agreed to give the General one hundred and ten thousand Duckets for the ransome of the rest, this being [Page] a far richer place than S. Domingo: and afterwards they gave him a thousand crowns to spare an Abby that stood a quarter of a mile from the town, and because they professed that they were not able to ransom the Castle, it was blown up with Gun-powder. The Island hath in it many pleasant Fruits, and Orange-trees set in walks of a great length: the whole Island being cast into Gardens and Orchards.

They return homeward.After six weeks aboad, having taken in fresh-water, and other provisions, they put to Sea, March 31, where, after two or three days, a great ship which they had taken at S. Domingo, called by them the New-years-gift, sprung a Leak, being laden with Ordnance, Hides, and other Plunder, whereupon they returned with the whole fleet to Carthagena, where they stayed ten days more, unlading her, and bestowing her Men and Goods in other Ships, and so departed, directing their course to Cape S. Anthony, in the Easterly part of Cuba: and because they could not presently find any fresh water, they departed, thinking to recover the Mattances, Eastward of Havana: But for want of wind they were after fourteen days, brought back to Cape S. Anthony, where, upon a more diligent search, they found water enough.

After three days spent in watering they departed, May 13. and proceeding about the Cape of Florida, & keeping along the coast, they went on till May 28. at which time they espied a Beacon on Land, unto which they went with their [Page] Pinnaces well man'd, & marching up the Riverside, at last they saw a fort, newly built by the Spaniards: whereupon the Leiutenant General took four Companies, and marched towards it: and though he went as covertly as he could, yet the enemy took the Alarm, and thinking that the whole force of the English was coming against them, they discharged their Pieces, and ran away. Their flight was discovered to the English by a French man, who had been a Prisoner with them, whereupon the General himself with many others went to the place, and found it empty. On the Platform they found thirteen or fourteen pieces of Brass Ordnance, and a chest having in it about two thousand pound Sterling, lately sent from the King of Spain's treasurer to pay the Souldiers of that place.

From hence they went to their town about a mile off, standing upon the River of S. Augustine, and when they landed, the Spaniards made some few shot at them, and ran away. The Sergeant Major finding one of their horses ready sadled and bridled, gat up and followed the chase: but by one that lay behind a bush, he was shot thorow the head and slain: His death was much lamented, being a Souldier of great experience, and courage.

Here they resolved to go to Virginia to seek out the English sent thither the year before by Sir Walter Rawleigh under Master Ralph Lane, their Governour, whither they came, and at [Page] their request carried them back with them to England:Their safe arrival. where they safely arrived at Portsmouth, July 28. Anno Christi. 1586.

The total value which they got in this Voyage was estimated at sixty thousand pounds, whereof they that went the Voyage had twenty thousand pounds, and the Aventerers the other forty. In the Voyage they lost seven hundred and fifty men. Amongst whom were eight Captains: four Lieutenants; six Gentlemen, and others.

The Ordnance gotten of all sorts were two hundred and forty: whereof above two hundred were Brass, the rest Iron.

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Of Sir Francis Drakes service against the Spaniard in Eighty eight.

ANno Christi, His brave service in eighty eight. One thousand five hundred eighty eight, the King of Spain having gotten together a huge Navy, which they tearmed Invincible, came for England, and Queen Elizabeth of famous Memory, for her own preservation prepared another, which she committed to the charge of Charles Howard of Effingham, Lord Admiral, and to our Renouned Drake her Vice Admiral, which Navy she sent into the Western parts of England, the whole story whereof you may read in my Englands Remembrancer; and out of which I shall collect only so much as concerns my present purpose.

July the twentieth, about noon this terrible Fleet of the Spaniards was discried by the English before they looked for it; whereupon (the Fleet lying in the Road of Plimouth) with much difficulty they towed out their ships: and being forth, they saw the Spanish ships with lofty Towers, like Castles, seeming at first to make for Plimouth, but seeing [Page] the English ships got out of the Harbor, they steered by towards Calis, which the English willingly suffered them to do, that they might the more commodiously chase them in the Reer with a fore-right Wind.

July the one and twentieth, Our Lord Admiral sent before him a Pinnace, called the Defiance, to denounce War by discharging her Ordnance, and himself following in the Ark-Royal, set upon the Spanish Admiral (as he thought) though it proved to be the ship of Alonzo de Levas, where fire, smoke, and Lowd thundring Cannons began the Parley: and rending Bullets (freely interchanged) were the fiery messengers of each others minds.

Soon after came up Drake, Haukins, and Forbusher, incessantly playing with their Ordnance upon the hind most Squadron of the Enemies which was Commanded by Recalde, whose Ship was soon so battered as that it was made unserviceable, and thereupon was with much difficulty drawn into the main Fleet.

In this medly, a great Gallion, wherein was Don Pedro de Valdez, and some other Noblemen being sore battered by the English shot, to avoid the same, fell foul upon another ship, whereby her fore-mast was broken off, and she made unable to follow the rest of the Fleet. But the night coming on, our Lord Admiral, supposing that they had left nothing aboard in her, and [Page] fearing to loose sight of the Spaniards, passed by her, and followed the Lanthorn, which he supposed to be carried by Sir Francis Drake, as was agreed. But this brave Kinght was eagerly pursuing five great Hulks which he judged to be Spaniards; yet when he haled them they proved to be Easterlings, and friends, and so were dismissed.

July the two and twentieth, Sir Francis Drake espied the aforementioned lagging Gallion, whereupon he sent forth a Pinnace commanding them to yield, otherwise his Bullets, without any delay, should force them to it: Valdez, to seem valorous, answered, that they were four hundred and fifty strong: that himself was Don Pedro, and stood upon his Honour, and therefore propounded certain conditions: Drake replyed, that he had no leasure to Parley. If he would immediately yield, well and good: If not, he should soon find that Drake was no dastard. Pedro hearing that it was the fiery Drake (whose very name was dreadful to the Spaniards) that had him in close, presently yielded, and with forty of his Companions, came aboard Sir Francis his ship; where, first giving him the Conge, he Protested that he and all his, were resolved to have died fighting, had they not faln into such Noble hands, whose valour and felicity was so great, that Mars, and Neptune seemed to wait on him in all his enterprises, and whose Noble, and generous mind towards the vanquished, had often been experienced even of his greatest [Page] Foes. Sir Francis, to requite his Spanish Complements with English Courtesie, placed him at his own Table, and lodged him in his own Cabin: and the rest of that Company he sent Prisoners to Plimouth, where they remained for the space of eighteen months, till by payment of their ransoms they obtained their liberty.

But Sir Francis Drake's men paid themselves well by the Plunder of the ship, wherein they found fifty thousand Duckets of Gold, which they merrily shared amongst them. July the three and twentieth, was the greatest fight between these two Fleets: And July the four and twentieth, the English Fleet was divided into four Squadrons, whereof the Lord Admiral in the Ark-Royal, led the first: Sir Francis Drake, in the Revenge led the second: Captain Hawkins the third: And Captain Forbusher the fourth. What notable service these gallant men did perform against that Invincible Armado, may be seen in my Book before mentioned.

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The Voyage of Sir Francis Drake into Portugal.

ANno Christi, See more of this in the Life of the Earl of Essex. One thousand five hundred eighty nine, Don Antonio, who laid claim to the Kingdom of Portugal, came into England to crave aid of Queen Elizabeth against the King of Spain, who had seized upon that Kingdom for himself, and forced the other to fly. Queen Elizabeth at his Importunate suit, and to find the Spaniards work at home sent a Fleet with him under the Command of Sir John Norris for the Land-service, and Sir Francis Drake for the sea: In which Voyage they both performed much Noble service both by sea and land, and returned in safety unto Plimouth.

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The Last Voyage of Sir Francis Drake into the West-Indies.

His last Voyage into the West-Indies. ANno Christi, One thousand five hundred ninety five, He undertook another Voyage to the West-Indies, wherein himself, and Sir John Hawkins were Generals, Sir Thomas Baskervile Collonel General: Sir Nicholas Clifford Lieutenant General: Arnold Baskervile Sergeant Major: And Nicholas Baskervile, Barkley, Grimston, Rush, Boswel, Plat, Chichester, Stanton, and Fenton were Captains.

August the eight and twentieth, Anno Christi, One thousand five hundred ninety five, They embarked at Plimouth, and sailed towards the Grand Canados, meeting with nothing in the way worth mentioning: And September the six and twentieth, They arrived at the Port of Canados, otherwise called Saint John de Cruz, where, in Boats, and Pinnaces they attempted to Land: But the Enemy, who waited for their coming, had so intrenched themselves in the very place where they should have put ashore, so plied them both with their small [Page] and great shot, from the Castle Town, and this intrenchment, that with the loss of some of their men, they were forced again to their Ships.

From thence they departed to a place where they watered, in which place, some of their men, straying into the Country from their friends, were met with and slain by those Barbarous People, and torn with dogs they keep on purpose, to destroy men that come to water there. This Island yields store of Wine Wheat, and other Grain; Conies, Partridges &c. From thence, passing towards the West Indies, they saild by the Island called Martinino, inhabited by Barbarous People called Canibals: From thence to Dominica where they had store of Tobacco for Hatchets and Knives, &c. November the twelvth, they cast anchor against a great Fort, within three or four miles of Porte-Richo, from whence they were plyed with great shot. Here died that brave Sea Captain, Sir John Hawkins, to the great grief of all the rest.

The same day also Sir Nicholas Clifford, Captain Stratford, and Captain Brown were wounded with a great piece of Ordinance, as they sat at Supper with Sir Francis Drake whose stool also was struck from under him, as he was drinking a Cup of Beer; yet, by Gods Providence he, and all the rest escaped. And [Page] that night Sir Nicholas Clifford died of that wound: and Captain Brute Brown, a day or two after. The Spaniards had barred up the Harbor by sinking a great Ship therein, from which they had drawn long masts on both sides to the Forts, which defended the Passage: within which were there five Spanish Ships, filled with Muskitiers, and stored with Ordnance; yet Captain Baskerville, putting his men into boats, & Pinnaces, attempted to enter by force, & fir'd one or two of those Ships, but with a shower of small shot was beaten back, with the loss of many of his men.

From hence sailing to the Continent they burnt Rio de la Haak, the inhabitants wherof offered thirty four thousand Ducats to redeem the same, but over prising the Pearls they brought, it was refused; they also burnt down some other Villages thereabout. Here in a religious House they found some treasure, Pearl and Marchandize, which they carried away. In this Country was great store of Beeves, Goats, Sheep, Horses, Asses &c, and also Store of Fowl, as Pellicans, Red Sea Fowls, like unto Crane.

December the nineteenth, They came to Santa Martha, out of which all the inhabitants were fled: But the English following them into the Woods, found some treasure, and other things of some value; when they departed [Page] they set the Town on fire. December the five and twentieth,Nombre de Dios taken. They came to Nombre de Dios, and the same Day Captain Arnold Baskervile died. They landed about a mile from the Town, and when they came to it the enemy gave them a bravado of shot and then ran away. Having before conveighed away all their treasure and goods. Yet something they found in the woods, as Oyl, Wine, Vinegar, Meal, and Linnen-cloth.

On Munday after Sir Thomas Baskervile with six hundred men began their journey by Land towards Panama, hoping there to furnish themselves with the Spanish Treasure:They march toward Panama. But when they had laboured a day or two, and encountred with many difficulties, thorow narrow, dirty, and most cumbersomways, being assailed on both sides with many Volleys of shot out of the Woods, they came to a Fort in a very narrow passage where only one man could pass a breast, where the enemy slew their men as fast as they came, and hearing that there were two more such Forts betwixt that and Panama, Are forced to return. they were constrained with the loss of many of their best men, and much grief, to return to their ships, and set fire upon Nombre de Dios.

January the tenth they came to Scoday, and took a Spanish Frigate that was sent to give Intelligence of their being upon the Coast, but [Page] found nothing of worth in her. Then the General caused his sick men to be carried a shoar and to have the best comfort they were able to give them: Also there they built four Pinnaces, and took in fresh water. Here were great store of Wild-beasts in this Island but no Inhabitants.

January the eight and twentienth, Anno Christi, His death and burial One thousand five hundred ninety five, Died this famous, and renowned Captain Sir Francis Drake, of a Flux, and grief for his bad successes in this Voyage. His Death was exceedingly lamented by all the Company. His Corps being put into a Coffin of Lead was let down into the Sea, the Trumpets in a doleful manner Ecchoing out their lamentations for so great a loss, and all the Cannons in the Fleet were discharged according to the Customes of Sea-Funeral Obsequies.

The rest of the Fleet came safe to their desired haven in their Native Country of England. April One thousand five hundred and ninety six.

Sir Francis Drakes father when he fled into Kent (as you read in the beginning of this Life) was fain to shelter himself in the Hull of a ship, where many of his younger sons were born. He had twelve in all, & as it pleased God to give to most of them their first being upon the Water, [Page] so the greatest part of them died at Sea; only the youngest, though he was as far as any of the other, yet died at home, whose Posterity yet inherits that which by himself and this Noble Sir Francis, the Eldest Brother, was hardly, yet worthily gotten.

Soli Deo Triuni Gloria.

Among other Verses made in his Commendation, I have long since Read these,

[Page]

[Page]

GReat God of Prowess, Thunderbolt of War:

Bellona's darling: Mars of Chivalry:

Bloody Enyo's Champion, Foe-mens fear.

Fames stately Pharos, Mapp of Dignity:

Joves Pearl, Pearls pride, Prides foe, Foes enemy:

Spains shaking Fever, Regent of Wars Thunder:

Vndaunted Drake, a name importing Wonder.

Books Printed for, or Sold by Simon Miller, at the Star, at the Westend of S. Pauls.

[Page]

Quarto.

PHysical Experiments, being a plain description of the causes, signs and cures of most diseases incident to the body of man; with a discourse of Witchcraft: By William Drage Practitioner of Physick, at Hitchin in Hartfordshire.

Bishop White upon the Sabbath.

The Artificial Changeling.

The Life of Tamerlane the Great.

The Pragmatical Jesuit, a Play; by Richard Carpenter.

The Life and Death of the Valiant and Renouned Sir Francis Drake, with his Voyages and discoveries about the world and his valniat acts.

Large Octavo.

Master Shepherd on the Sabbath.

The Rights of the Crown of England as it is Established by Law; by E Bagshaw of the Inner Temple.

An Enchiridion of Fortification, or, a handful of knowledge, In Martial Affairs. Demonstrating both by Rule, and Figure, (as well Mathematically by exact Calculations, as Practically,) to fortifie any body, either Regular or Irregular. How to run Approaches to pierce through a Counterscarf, to make a Gallery over a Mote, to [Page] spring a Myne &c. With many other notable matters belonging to War, useful and necessary for all Officers, to enrich their knowledge and practice.

The Life and Adventures of Buscan, the witty Spaniard.

Epicurus's Morals.

Small Octavo.

Daphins and Cloe, a Romance.

Merry Drollery, Complete; or a Collection of Jovial Poems, Merry Songs, Witty Drolleries intermixed with pleasant Catches: Collected by W. N. L. B. R. S. J. G. Lovers of Wit.

Bubler of War.

Tractatus de Veneris, or a Treatise of poysoning their sundry sorts, names, natures, & virtues with their Symptoms, Signs, diagnostick & prognostick, and antidotes. Wherein are divers necessary questions discussed; The Truth by the most Learned confirmed; By many instances, examples, and Stories illustrated; And both Philosophically, and Medicinally handled; By William Rainsay.

The Vrinal of Physick, By Robt. Record, Doctor of Physick. Wherunto is added an Ingenuous Treatise concerning Physicians, Apothecaries, Chyrurgions, set forth by a Doctor of Queen Elizabeth's days; with a translation of Papius Ahalsossa, concerning Apothecarys [Page] Confecting their Medicines; worthy perusing and following.

Large Twelues.

The Moral Practice of the Jesuits: Demonstrated, by many remarkable Histories of their Actions in all parts of the World, Collected either from Books of the greatest Authority or most certain and unquestionable Records and Memorials, by the Doctors of the Sorbonne.

Artimedorus of Dreams.

Oxford Jests, refined, now in the Press.

The Third Part of the Bible and New Testament.

A Compleat Practice of Physick. Wheren is plainly described, the Nature, Causes, Differences, and Signs of all diseases in the Body of man With the choicest cures for the same, By John Smith, Dr. in Physick.

The Duty of every one that will be saved, being Rules, Precepts, Promises and Examples, directing all persons, of what degree soever, how to govern those Passions, and to live vertuously and soberly in the World.

The Spiritual Chorist, or Six Decads of Divine Meditations on several Subjects; with a short account of the Authors Life; By Wm. Spurstow, D. D. sometime Minister of the Gospel at Hackney near London.

[Page]

Small Twelues.

The understanding Christians Duty

A help to Prayer.

A new method of preserving and restoring Health, by the vertue of Coral and Steel.

David's Song.

FINIS.

Information about this book

Title statement

The life & death of the valiant and renowned Sir Francis Drake his voyages and discoveries in the West-Indies, and about the world, with his noble and heroick acts / by Samuel Clark ...

Clarke, Samuel, 1599-1682.

Edition statement

1671

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2005-12 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A33326

ID [STC]

Wing C4533

ID [STC]

ESTC R14030

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

12335937

ID [OCLC]

ocm 12335937

ID [VID]

59780

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Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A33326)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 59780)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 206:19)

Source

— The life & death of the valiant and renowned Sir Francis Drake his voyages and discoveries in the West-Indies, and about the world, with his noble and heroick acts / by Samuel Clark ..., Clarke, Samuel, 1599-1682..

Extent

[2], 71, [4] p. : port.

Printed for Samuel Miller ...,. London :: 1671.. (Advertisements: p. [1]-[4] at end.) (Reproduction of original in Harvard University Libraries.) (Imperfect: t.p. inlaid; portrait (engraved by R. Vaughan) lacking on film.)

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